Is this not a beautiful wintery cover? With so many of us facing cold weather, there’s got to be a lot of us hunkering down with hot cocoa and a good book, surely this one fits the bill if you’re looking for your next read!
Welcome Elizabeth to the Index!
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In a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty. Inga Klein’s carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America’s ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga. As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict’s determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga’s only hope of escape from the impending war. |
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Inga Klein’s carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America’s ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga. As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict’s determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga’s only hope of escape from the impending war. |
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Questions about Elizabeth’s Story
What inspired this story?
I got the idea for this novel after reading a memoir written by the U.S. ambassador to Germany during World War I. Ambassador Gerard loved to socialize and party with high society, so his memoir was packed with gossipy insight into Berlin’s court during the twilight years before the war. His rampant socializing made him unpopular with some of the strait-laced American diplomats who worked for him at the embassy, and I knew this was the set up for a terrific novel.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The opposites-attract romance between Benedict and Inga was a joy to write. Their chemistry leapt off the page for me as Inga, a fun, bubbly character who the secretary to the ambassador, continually aggravates Benedict’s stern, by-the-books demeanor. This is a marriage of convenience story, so these two will be forced to work very closely together.
Is there anything in this book that is inspired by/modeled after something in your own life or someone you know in real life?
The heroine, Inga, is a woman who immigrated to America from Germany when she was only a child. In my own family, my grandparents were also German immigrants who arrived in the early 20th century, and yet, they all joined up to serve during World War I. I have often wondered about any torn loyalties they must have felt, and I gave Inga some of these same conflicted emotions. My favorite passages in the novel are when she goes to visit her hometown and the long-lost cousins she hadn’t seen since childhood, and their reunion is joyous. I researched the tiny village in the Black Forest where my own family came from, and this is where I set these scenes. I felt like I was getting to know my long-dead ancestors and the kind of village they left behind. I loved researching that part of the novel, and felt like I got to know my family origins a little better.
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Questions about Elizabeth’s Reading
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What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline? Roseanna M. White and Jody Hedlund both write novels in a similar era and vibe as mine. |
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What Christian Historical Novel taught you something about the craft of writing because it was so well done? Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers taught me two invaluable lessons about storytelling. First, it showed me that it’s okay to have flawed characters and how essential it is to craft a meaningful character arc. Watching Angel grow, stumble, fall, and rise again is the most satisfying part of the story. Second, it redefined my understanding of the romance hero, particularly the beta hero. In Christian fiction, romance heroes are often beta types—kind, emotionally intelligent, but sometimes perceived as dull due to their lack of dramatic flaws or overt charisma. Francine Rivers proved that beta heroes can be truly magnificent. Michael Hosea is strong, supportive, and every inch a hero. His internal battle as he struggles to accept and love Angel, despite his own doubts and pain, is nothing short of inspiring.
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Elizabeth is giving away either a paperback (USA Only). Enter the Rafflecopter below!
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