This is my favorite cover of this series, they were saving their best for last. Maybe Jennifer is too! 🙂 Thanks to Jennifer for coming to share about her story.
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England , London , 1880s , 1800s Foreign, 1837-1901 (Victorian England) , Aristocrats/Social Elite, Artists , Orphan/Loner , Delamere-Jennifer |
Cara Bernay has never fit in. At loose ends in 1881 London after a near tragedy costs her a job, she befriends a carefree artist. With his help, she begins planning a new life and developing her own artistic talent. But soon Cara finds herself at odds with the artist’s brother–a handsome but arrogant earl forcing his brother back to a “respectable” life. Henry Burke, the Earl of Morestowe, feels the weight of growing financial burdens. His younger brother is the one person who can save their family, and Henry needs him back home. Despite misgivings about Cara’s mysterious background, Henry sees she’s a positive influence on his brother and on Henry’s young ward, and he strikes a deal with her to return with them to their estate. But the family has their own secrets, and when Cara, drawn ever closer to Henry, stumbles onto the truth, she must choose between following her heart and pursuing a bold plan that could bring disaster. |
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Other Books in this Series:
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Questions about Jennifer’s Story
What inspired your story? Â
The framework for The Artful Match grew out of the series itself: three sisters who were raised in George Muller’s famous orphanage in Bristol each come to London at different times and find new lives. The more unique aspects of Cara’s story grew out of my interest in Victorian art. I thought it would be fascinating to visit the Bohemian world of the artists, who freely take Cara in when she has nowhere else to go. I also knew early on that Cara’s story would be especially fun to write, because her personality is so different from my own. Not only is she a talented artist, but she is free-spirited, impulsive, and wears her heart on her sleeve. She never quite fits in anywhere and is desperate to step out from the shadow of her more grounded and successful sisters. Surprisingly, she finds her answer in the place she least expects. A big theme in this book is the joy of discovering the real purpose for the talents God gave you.
What character in your book turned out to be your favorite?
I love them all, of course—even the crusty dowager countess, who has her reasons for seeing the world as she does. However, the character who really warms my heart is 7-year-old Amelia, Henry’s ward. There is some question about her parentage, and although she is well treated, she has no real emotional bonds with anyone. Her caretakers are not equipped to give her the kind of love a child craves. Amelia’s frustrations make her stubborn and unruly, but she is also clever and resourceful. Her bravado is a cover for her insecurity about where she belongs in the world. Cara’s heart immediately goes out to the girl, for she understands what it is like to grow up without parents. Although Amelia begins the story as an emotional outcast, she will ultimately be the catalyst that brings the family together.
Did you include a real historical character or incident in your story?
Yes! Early in the book, Cara pays a visit to the Grosvenor Gallery, an art gallery that was famous for being very forward-thinking and unique. Cara meets Lady Blanche Lindsay, who co-owned the gallery with her husband, Sir Coutts Lindsay. They both loved art and were painters themselves. In addition, Lady Lindsay played the violin, wrote music, and even had a song copyrighted. Later in life she wrote novels, too. A woman of many talents! Unfortunately, her marriage to Sir Coutts was not a happy one, and eventually they separated. But while they were together, the gallery had a huge impact on the art world and is still remembered today for its many innovations.
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Questions about Jennifer’s Reading
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What Christian Historical Novel in your To Be Read pile is begging you to make time to plop down with it right now? The Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin. At the moment, I seem to be fascinated with books set during World War I. So many interesting books about this time period are being written. |
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What Christian Historical Novel are you most excited to read that hasn’t yet come out? The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White. Code breakers and spies –sounds intriguing! |
Jennifer is giving away a paperback book (International Entrants welcomed!). Enter the Rafflecopter below!
**If you don’t want to enter Rafflecopter, tell me in a comment below: “I’m not entering the rafflecopter, but please throw me in the hat” so I can manually put you in there for a chance.**