I’ve made plenty of hot drinks for my guest today, and a big pile of toasted tea cakes, in an attempt to provide her with some warmth. It’s a dull, grey, rainy January day here in Yorkshire, and although the weather is unseasonably mild for us, for Linda Andrews the chill is a shock to the system.
Linda’s kindly dropped by today to talk about her historical romance, The Christmas Ship, which is set in the First World War. She’s also very generously offering to give away an e-copy to one lucky commenter.
Thanks so much for coming, Linda. I hope you’re not feeling the cold too much!
Where do you live, Linda? I live in Phoenix, Arizona, and I grew up here so I’m used to the heat.
I love the photo of your cactus. That’s amazing! I’d never get anything like that to grow here, even in a greenhouse.
Where is your favourite place in the world? The deserts are my favorite places. They’re so amazing. I love the cactus, the animals and the open views.
I’d love to visit the desert sometime. Such a dramatic landscape, and the wildlife sounds fantastic.
Being a writer is a great job. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? Working retail during Christmas. Agh, people are so stressed and the hours are so long the most folks are in an irritable mood and I had little time to spend with my family.
It’s funny, but a lot of authors I’ve interviewed have also mentioned Christmas jobs. How sad that people are so irritable – and how ironic. It’s supposed to be the season of goodwill!
What book do you wish you’d written? I wish I could have written Sherlock Holmes (any of the stories). I just find him fascinating as a character.
I’m loving the Benedict Cumberbatch interpretation on television.
What’s your favourite song? I have so many of them it is hard to pick one, but it would probably be Need a Little Christmas by Johnny Mathis or Cupid by Sam Cooke
Great choices. Johnny Mathis’ When a Child is Born is one of my favourite songs ever!
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them? I wouldn’t want to travel into the past, I’ve seen the Butterfly Effect and don’t want to end up with evil reptilian overlords, but I would love to go into the future and meet the person who develops Faster than Light Travel, because that would be so cool. Sorry, my inner geek is showing.
What’s your happiest childhood memory? My happiest childhood memory is that first smell of cold weather, usually around Halloween. It means an end to the 100 F/38C temperatures and the beginning of home baked goodies, family gatherings, and new movies.
I love the autumn, too. “Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness.”
If you had to marry a fictional character, from film, television, or books, who would it be? John Cusack’s character, Jake, from Must Love Dogs. He is a lot like my husband and is a bit of a nut. It’s amazing how horribly screwed up he is, but that’s my kind of crazy.
I haven’t seen that film but it sounds great, and just my cup of tea :)
What’s the most important lesson life has taught you? To accept people as they are not as I want them to be. I have a sister and a brother-in-law who have mental health issues and there are times I must relearn the lesson.
That’s a great lesson to leave us with, Linda. We sympathise so easily with people with physical health problems, but people suffering mental health problems all too often don’t get the help or understanding they need. Thanks for reminding us to be more understanding.
And finally, please tell us about your latest book, where we can find it, and where we can find your blog/website
American businessman Jacob Kerrigan works behind enemy lines to help feed seven million starving Belgians and bring Christmas to the children. The Commission for Relief in Belgium asks only one thing of its delegates: remain neutral in a war-torn country.
Roselle Perrine works in soup kitchens and her family farm by day, and spies for the Belgian resistance at night. She uses her position in society to convince Jacob to stay in her chateau, hoping the relief delegate’s presence will cover her nocturnal activities.
But the Kaiser’s Army is watching.
When Roselle’s spying is discovered, will Jacob remain neutral or fight for love?
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Thanks so much for coming, Linda. I love the premise of your book, the character of the heroine, and the conflict between the protagonists. I can’t guess how it will be resolved. Good luck with release!
If you’ve enjoyed Linda’s interview, or have any questions or comments at all, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget, Linda is giving away an ecopy of her book to one lucky commenter, so please do drop in. It could be you!
Helena Fairfax 
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