The third book in the trilogy The Courtship of Lizzie Andrews is in final manuscript form. Now the real work begins—publishing the book. The research was intensive and the project took 15 years to complete.
Nearly four years ago, my husband, as avid reader, was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s. With the completion of the manuscript for book three, he implemented his plan to read the entire trilogy at once, before he forgot. After reading book one, he said, “I knew you could write, but this is really good!” His report on book two came at 2 am the next day, “I couldn’t put it down.” Yesterday, he told his buddy, “Book three is the best.”
Picture this: his friend is a Vietnam Vet, he is battling cancer and my husband is telling him to read a Victorian romance trilogy featuring two teenagers living in the Boston area in the 1850s.
Yet, he may be right. Book three has a twist.
While book two might be predictable—what do you expect from a romance novel titled Will You Marry Me?, book three, Will You Wait for Me?, holds out hope for a happily-ever-after ending.
The outcome of book two was not predicted by the protagonist—Lizzie Andrews did not see it coming. Living with a brother in the throes of melancholy had colored her perception. Even blinded by love, her youthful inexperience had not prepared her for a marriage proposal. Yet, even book two has unpredictable elements. In the midst of the young lovers’ plan for a rendezvous, US Secretary of State Daniel Webster falls from his horse and dies. His tragic death inconvenienced the young lovers but was a nuisance of historic proportion. This brilliant statesman had passed up two opportunities to hold the country’s highest office and was thought to have been the only person who could prevent a war between the states.
As I was writing, I knew and hoped book three would contain the adventure and daring that a guy would like, if you'll excuse my stereotyping here—even a Vietnam Vet. The final story involves ships at sea facing the unpredictable elements Mother Nature throws in the path of any vessel pushing to leave port before winter arrives. That may be the most intriguing part of the trilogy for the story of book three was first told by the New York Herald. It really had to be retold in a book and, for me, the story had to be personal—and romantic.
I am grateful for every twist and turn history provided, from Webster’s death to the inevitable war that freed the slaves. Had any element been different, we certainly would not be telling the story. I am humbled by the stories history provides and honored to tell this one. I hope you enjoy it.
Nearly four years ago, my husband, as avid reader, was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s. With the completion of the manuscript for book three, he implemented his plan to read the entire trilogy at once, before he forgot. After reading book one, he said, “I knew you could write, but this is really good!” His report on book two came at 2 am the next day, “I couldn’t put it down.” Yesterday, he told his buddy, “Book three is the best.”
Picture this: his friend is a Vietnam Vet, he is battling cancer and my husband is telling him to read a Victorian romance trilogy featuring two teenagers living in the Boston area in the 1850s.
Yet, he may be right. Book three has a twist.
While book two might be predictable—what do you expect from a romance novel titled Will You Marry Me?, book three, Will You Wait for Me?, holds out hope for a happily-ever-after ending.
The outcome of book two was not predicted by the protagonist—Lizzie Andrews did not see it coming. Living with a brother in the throes of melancholy had colored her perception. Even blinded by love, her youthful inexperience had not prepared her for a marriage proposal. Yet, even book two has unpredictable elements. In the midst of the young lovers’ plan for a rendezvous, US Secretary of State Daniel Webster falls from his horse and dies. His tragic death inconvenienced the young lovers but was a nuisance of historic proportion. This brilliant statesman had passed up two opportunities to hold the country’s highest office and was thought to have been the only person who could prevent a war between the states.
As I was writing, I knew and hoped book three would contain the adventure and daring that a guy would like, if you'll excuse my stereotyping here—even a Vietnam Vet. The final story involves ships at sea facing the unpredictable elements Mother Nature throws in the path of any vessel pushing to leave port before winter arrives. That may be the most intriguing part of the trilogy for the story of book three was first told by the New York Herald. It really had to be retold in a book and, for me, the story had to be personal—and romantic.
I am grateful for every twist and turn history provided, from Webster’s death to the inevitable war that freed the slaves. Had any element been different, we certainly would not be telling the story. I am humbled by the stories history provides and honored to tell this one. I hope you enjoy it.
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