Monday, November 14, 2016

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Linda Shenton Matchett


Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger of all things historical, and author of Love’s Harvest and Love Found in Sherwood Forest. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the lightbulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). A varied career has included stints as a crisis counselor, human resources professional, bed and breakfast owner, youth center director, and dining services manager. In her off hours, she can be found volunteering as a docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. She is active in her church where she serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader.

Welcome to my blog, Linda. Please tell us about your novel, Love Found in Sherwood Forest.

Thanks for having me. Here’s the back of book blurb about my latest publication:

Award-winning Broadway actress Leighanne Webster has it all until an on-stage panic attack brings her career crashing to the ground. Returning to England to help produce the annual Robin Hood Festival play could be the diversion she needs. But with ex-fiance, Jamison Blake, as the play’s director focusing on her new job won’t be easy. Breaking his engagement with Leighanne so she could pursue her dream of being a Broadway star was the hardest thing Jamison Blake ever did. When she returns to Nottingham, his heart insists he made a mistake. Can he convince her to give their relationship another try or will he have to let her go again--this time for good?

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I wanted to try my hand at writing a romance, and one of the Christian publishers was asking for novella submissions for a series that centered around word trios and locations they provided. When I saw the prompt set in Nottingham, England I was hooked. I have been fascinated by the Robin Hood legend since I was a child and saw Errol Flynn’s 1938 film. Rather than rehash the legend, I decided to make the story a contemporary and embed the legend within the plot.

What a fascinating story! What kind of research did you do?

I researched the Robin Hood legend and the people associated with the legend as well as Sherwood Forest. That’s when I discovered Major Oak, a tree that is thought to be 1,000 years old and to have housed Robin and his men.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I love Jamison because he’s a lot like my husband whose love language is doing things for people. As much as Jamison loved Leighanne, he put her wants above his own and steps back so she can go to New York to pursue a career. Also, when he was a young man, he and his sister lost their parents in an accident, and he becomes her provider. He has regrets, but rather than making him bitter, they draw him closer to God.

Where can my readers find you online?

http://www.facebook.com/authorlindamatchett
https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorlindamatchett
http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett

Thank you so much for this interview. I really appreciate it. I hope my readers will check out your book.

20 comments:

Amy C said...

Thank you for this interview! Linda's book sounds fascinating.
Campbellamyd At gmail dot com

Diane Dean White said...

Wow, that's exciting to live close to historical places and be able
to visit them and enjoy these adventures growing up. Your interview
was interesting and the book sounds great!

Linda Shenton Matchett said...

Thanks for stopping by, and I'm glad my book sounds interesting. Blessings!

jean602 said...

Sounds like an interesting book.Can't wait to readbit.

jean602 said...

email. jean60212@gmail.com

Melanie Backus said...

Great interview! Interesting book! Thank you!

mauback55 at gmail dot com

Shirley said...

Thanks to the two of you for the interview and giveaway. I always love finding a new author recommended by a trusted source. This sounds like a wonderful read.
Shirley
Straitfromthehive@gmail.com

Jackie Tessnair said...

Sounds very interesting,I am looking forward to reading this book.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

Edye Nicole said...

This sounds great! I'd give this to my grandma as a gift.

mia2009(at)comcast(dot)net

Krystal A said...

Thanks for the chance! email: krystalamaral92(at)gmail(dot)com

bison61 said...

great idea to turn the Robin hood legend into a contemporary story - enjoyed the interview

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Darlene said...

I love the tie-in to Robin Hood! thanks for the chance to win

darlenesbooknook AT gmail DOT com

Linda Moffitt said...

Looks like a good book. Thanks for the chance to win. My email is iamabho (at) gmail (.) com

Unknown said...

The books looks like a good read. Thanks for the giveaway. Magickangel102@gmail.com

Jana Leah B said...

I like that the story is set at the Robin Hood Festival. Thanks for the chance.
turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

BunnyClem said...

Thanks for the giveaway! :)
Bunnyclem@gmail.com

BookLady said...

What an interesting book! Thanks for the great giveaway.
bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com

Tarissa said...

I've been wanting to find some new books that are inspired by Robin Hood. Looks like a good story!

Tarissa said...

By the way, if you would be interested in participating in a holiday book read-along, please visit my blog for 'A Literary Christmas' gathering. We're swapping book suggestions all season long, and I'm hosting a Christmas giveaway too.
http://InTheBookcase.blogspot.com

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

Congratulations to Tarissa! You are the lucky winner of this book. I know you'll enjoy it.