Blog Archives
Deep but Inarticulated Desires
In Where the Heart Lives, a woman follows her heart and strikes out on her own looking for a fresh new beginning in both her personal and professional life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Some people come to a crossroads in life. One path leads forward in a predictable way, following expectations coming from family, or education, or a set of lists and goals. But the other path leads in an unexpected direction, one that may draw upon deep but inarticulated desires. This is what happened to me at one point, and I’ve seen it happen to others. This storyline is uncomfortable, challenging, but also full of surprises and fulfillment. I felt compelled to write it!
Did any of the characters’ development occur organically through the story?
Yes! I have learned that if an author works on deep aspects of character development, then that character begins to “write” his or her own story. Sometimes my characters surprise me! I love that. I have to listen closely to understand what they would or would not do. Miranda, for example, in this book Miranda had to re-map her career (one of the reasons there’s a map on the front cover)—something she would not have had to do if she’d stayed in her original home and stuck with her original goals.
What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story, especially Miranda?
Miranda had to overcome being a “good girl.” That may sound contrary, but because she was reared with impeccable manners, a set of almost severe expectations, and has a personality that wants to please others, she was in her own way. In order to move forward with her life, she had to listen to her own heart, then summon the courage to act on choices that brought her into direct conflict with those who had been her support system.
Can you give readers a glimpse into the next installment in the Milford-Haven series?
In the next novel, book three of the series, Why Hearts Keep Secrets, there are new challenges. For example, she discovers that two people close to her have been keeping secrets that are potentially damaging. At the same time, all these difficult choices Miranda has made really begin to pay off. Not to give a spoiler, but let’s just say her romantic life takes off in an unexpected and exciting way!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
The privileged daughter of wealthy parents, she’s struck a blow for freedom by listening to her heart, a choice her sister, parents and artist’s rep neither approve nor understand. Now that she’s heard what her heart whispered, she finds herself where her heart led.
But as she settles in this new place on the physical map, how can she keep her spot on the professional map? How can she re-map the course of her emotional life? Will the heart prove a better navigator than the head?
Where the Heart Lives: A Milford-Haven Novel
Mara Purl’s Where the Heart Lives, the second installment in the Milford-Haven Series, offers a delightful continuation of the narrative established in the series’ first book. This novel primarily centers around the protagonist, Miranda Jones, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, both personally and as an artist.
Where the Heart Lives allows readers to delve deeper into the lives of the series’ characters, fostering a sense of intimacy and connection, particularly with Miranda. Purl’s narrative artfully navigates an ensemble of characters, enriching the story with diverse subplots like Delmar Johnson’s investigation into Christine Christian’s disappearance. These engaging narratives complement Miranda’s journey and bring a dynamic contrast to the central focus of her character development.
Purl skillfully captures the essence of her characters’ internal thoughts and observations and enriches the narrative throughout by integrating these engaging elements into the storytelling. I found Delmar Johnson’s perspective as a cop adds a layer of intrigue, and I feel that weaving his observations directly into the narrative could offer an even more immersive experience for the reader. (The author does give Johnson’s perspective in the related novella, What the Soul Suspects.) The novel’s strength lies in its well-crafted narrative and the compelling subplot involving Deputy Johnson’s investigation.
Where the Heart Lives is a charming and well-composed story, inviting readers to engage more deeply with its cast of relatable characters. The book succeeds in bringing together various elements of its characters’ lives and offers readers a welcome addition to what promises to be a compelling series.
Pages: 307 | ASIN : B08DF9HDCY
LITERARY TITAN 