I’m excited to introduce you to Debbie Lynne Costello today because I certainly don’t think there are enough Medieval Christian books out there! (I love castles and knights 🙂 Make sure you enter the giveaway at the end of the interview!
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After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father’s estate. But she soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn’t enough, her new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.
Royce of Hawkwood returns home after setting down a rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin’s wise and kind nature begin to break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.
Questions about Debbie Lynne’s Story
If you could be one of your characters, who would you choose to be and why?
I’d choose to by Royce. (Just for your information, I have no desire to be a man! But I love his spiritual arc). Royce struggles with being forgiven. He doesn’t feel worthy. All he sees is his past failings and how they have hurt people. I love how he wants to be a good person but he does it for the wrong reasons. And then God opens Royce’s eyes and heart and he not only sees real forgiveness but accepts it.
Were there any historical facts that you discovered in your research that made you change something in your story?
Yes, while researching I learned more about John Wycliffe and his Lollards. The history behind Wycliffe and his dedicated followers was fascinating and not something I’d heard much about. As I researched more about the Lollards, I discovered that they believed that every man and woman should hear the word of God and sought to get God’s word to the people. That gave me the basis for Pater.
What research book or website used to write this book was your favorite to peruse?
Joseph and Frances Gies have several wonderful books when researching medieval topics. I used several of their books, Life in a Medieval Castle, Life in a Medieval Village, and Daily Life in Medieval Times. I used Marriage and the Family in the Medieval Ages by Gies to write the wedding scene along with the words that were used for the ceremony.
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Question about Debbie Lynne’s Reading
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What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline?
Melanie Dickerson sets her stories in Medieval times, although most of hers are not set in England, she, like me, likes to have intrigue and danger included in her stories like The Princess Spy and her upcoming release The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest. |
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Which book got you hooked on reading Christian Historicals?
Wow, you are going to make me go back a few years here. I read a lot as a teenager, but then marriage and young children took so much of my time that reading other than my bible went to the wayside. I was taking my daughter and her best friend to see my parents who lived 12 hours away and my daughter and her friend took turns reading to me to keep me awake. They read to me The Sword of Truth by Gilbert Morris. I fell in love with the characters and the castles and everything historical. I was hooked. |
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If your job was to sell one author’s historical fiction (besides your own) which author’s wares would you want to peddle?
MaryLu Tyndall. There is never a dull moment in MaryLu’s books not to mention I love her heroes! They are all so flawed and yet so wonderful. I enjoyed her stories with danger around every corner so much that it really influenced that aspect of my writing. The Redemption, The Reliance, The Restitution, and The Ransom all are great page turners. And I can’t wait for her next installment in Legacy of the King’s Pirates Series! |
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Debbie Lynne has been nice enough to offer one ebook copy of Sword of Forgiveness. I’ll give away a copy of any book mentioned in the interview in ebook form. Enter the Rafflecopter below!
Also Visit Debbie Lynne’s Blog The Sword and the Spirit to enter the big contest she’s throwing for her release!