Interview with Inspirational Author Linda Shenton Matchett

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she keeps busy as an associate editor of Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984.

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie.

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, blogger, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime.

Welcome to my blog, Linda. There are three short stories in this collection of Historical Romances called The Hope of Christmas. Whose idea was it to put together a collection of Christmas stories?

The idea came from Sandy Barela of CelebrateLit Publishing. She has put together several collections over the last couple of years, and for this year’s Christmas collection, she approached the three of us to do a trio of historical novellas. It was an honor to be asked (every writer’s dream!) I had just finished reading about the estates and country homes in England that were requisitioned for use during WWII, so it seemed like a fun topic to explore.

Jodie Wolfe wrote Picking a Bride for Paul. This is a description of the story.

When Teddy Love’s neighbor and best friend breaks his leg, she pitches in to do whatever she can to help him on his farm. But when he enlists her aid in finding a wife, she comes to realize she has feelings for him.

Paul Baker follows his mother’s wishes by looking for a bride from the East who is refined and genteel, two qualities Teddy isn’t. When his potential bride arrives, he finds himself comparing her to Teddy. How can he go back and change things before he makes the biggest mistake of his life?

Terri Wangard wrote Typhoon Prompting. Here is a description of this story.

A destroyer escort is among the smallest of warships, but the USS Tabberer has the heart of a giant. A typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific during World War II, days before Christmas. The men of the Tabberer stand tall as they rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. 

For Seaman Jerry Collier, the typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive.

A Doctor in the House was written by Linda Matchett. Please tell us about this story, Linda.

Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?

Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?

These stories sound intriguing. You love to write Inspirational Romance. What intrigues you most about this genre?

I love the challenge. I also write mysteries which is easier for me because the plot revolves around solving the crime. With inspirational romance, the relationship must develop naturally and not be contrived, and the faith element mustn’t come off preachy. Succeeding at that is sometimes easier said than done, especially in a novella, which is so much shorter than a novel.

List the websites for each author so my readers can check out past books that all of you have written?

Group blog: www.stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com

Terri: http://www.terriwangard.com

Jodie: http://www.jodiewolfe.com

Linda: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com

Thank you for this fun interview. I hope my readers will check out this Christmas book.