Talkshow
Thursday: Meet Rochelle Addams
I love the research aspect of writing a novel. Not
surprising. I’m a huge history geek. The more factoids I can find the better.
My next favorite part of writing is developing my characters. In fact, I
typically create an entire biography for all primary and secondary characters;
from birthdates and physical attributes to hobbies and fears. Love’s Allegiance was no different, but
this time, I found the perfect photograph that encapsulates my vision of
Rochelle Addams, my female protagonist.
Now, you get to meet her, too.
LM:
You
are from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Can you tell us a bit about what it was
like to grow up there, and how was that different from life at Shady Hills?
Rochelle:
It
is a lovely small town, with just under 6,000 people living there. Did you know
the town was named for the mechanics who made and repaired Conestoga Wagons in
the 1800s? Railroad tracks go through the town, so there is a constant stream of
trains which makes it a bit noisy, but it’s fun to see all the lines going
through on their way to delivering everything from fruit and coal to newspapers
and ice. There are lots of troop trains that pass through as well. The boys
usually yell out the windows and waves. Some of the girls go down to the
station and blow kisses and wave back. We also have a small amusement park
called Willow Mill, and they added a new carousel, a whip, and a couple of new
kiddie rides.
LM:
With
just about all the guys your age off at war, what was the social scene like?
Rochelle:
In
one sense, it was very dull because there were very few boys my age or even a little
older around; no one to date on a steady basis. However, because of the Naval Supply
Depot coming in 1942, there were lots of sailors coming and going. Some of our
friends volunteered as junior hostesses with the USO, but that wasn’t for me.
It was hard knowing they were going overseas to fight and maybe lose their
lives.
LM:
Everyone
“did their bit” for the war effort. How did you serve before going to Shady
Hills, and what was your favorite activity?
Rochelle:
I
was part of the local pen-pal club. A bunch of us would get together once a
week and answer all the letters we received from local boys who’d gone into the
service. I enjoyed that the most because I liked sharing news of what was
happening in town or at church. I also rolled bandages for the Red Cross, and
of course, collected scrap like everyone else.
LM:
Do
you consider yourself brave or foolish leaving everything you knew to pursue a
potential marriage of convenience?
Rochelle:
A
little of both, I suppose! I made the decision quickly and agreed to move immediately
so I couldn’t change my mind. Here I was one day complaining to Claire that
there was no one to marry, and only a few days later I’m in an expensive car
being chauffeured to meet a prospective husband. But I didn’t feel I had anything
to lose by exploring the possibility.
LM:
What
were your first impressions of Irwin?
Rochelle:
That
he was uncertain and unhappy. He is a handsome man, someone any girl would
think was attractive, but he was frowning when I stepped out of the car, and
his expression didn’t change must for most of my first day.
LM:
What
was it like working at Shady Hills?
Rochelle:
Initially,
it was very difficult. Many of our coworkers didn’t like Irwin because of his
conscientious objector status, and I was guilty and unlikable by association.
But Lester was a nice man, and he befriended both of us. Eventually, most
people accepted us. The work was very rewarding, working with people less
fortunate than ourselves. The patients were dear, and I grew to love quite a
few of them.
LM:
Where can readers find your book?
_______________________________
COMING
SOON!
 |
| Cover Reveal Coming |
Love’s
Allegiance:
With
most U.S. boys fighting for Uncle Sam in far off countries, Rochelle Addams has
given up hope for a wedding in her future. Then she receives an intriguing
offer from a distant relative to consider a marriage of convenience.
Conscientious objector Irwin Terrell is looking
forward to his assignment at Shady Hills Mental hospital to minister to the
less fortunate in lieu of bearing arms. At the arrival of the potential bride
his father has selected for him, Irwin’s well-ordered life is turned upside
down. And after being left at the altar two years ago, he has no interest in
risking romance again.
Despite his best efforts to remain aloof to Rochelle,
Irwin is drawn to the enigmatic and beautiful young woman, but will time run
out before his wounded heart can find room for her?
Inspired by the biblical love story of Rebekkah and
Isaac, Love’s Allegiance explores the
struggles and sacrifices of those whose beliefs were at odds with a world at
war.
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