Today, we welcome award-winning, best-selling author Amanda Cabot to our blog. We’re going to be talking a about her latest release Against The Wind.
First, tell a bit about the book.
When a female doctor-in-training saves a handsome stranger’s life, little does she know that he’ll bring both love and danger into her life.
Against the Wind is the second book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. What is the connecting element for all of the books in the series?
There are two connecting elements: the relationships among the three Vaughn sisters, who are members of a blended family, and the mystery behind the man who built Finley House, their decidedly out-of-place home.
Sweetwater Crossing is set in the Texas hill country. Why did you choose this location and time period for your series?
Not only have I loved the Hill Country from the first time I visited it, but judging from the fan mail I’ve received, it also appeals to readers. There’s so much history, not to mention natural beauty. As for the timeframe, I enjoy writing about the late 19th century because it’s far enough in the past to feel historical, but late enough that people had conveniences like trains and telegraphs.
What do you hope readers will gain from reading Against the Wind?
Of course I hope they’ll enjoy the romance between Louisa and Josh, but I also hope the story of forging a new path when faced with obstacles will resonate with them.
Against the Wind combines historical details with just the right touch of romance. But there is also an element of intrigue. Can you provide a hint of the danger that threatens your main protagonist, Louisa Vaughn?
I don’t want to give away too much of the story, so let’s just say that after Louisa makes some decisions that don’t please everyone in town, more than one person is determined to show her the error of her ways.
Louisa Vaughn had no plans to stay in Sweetwater Crossing. What event led to her extended stay?
When she finds a man lying by the side of the road suffering from dehydration and a badly broken leg, she cannot abandon him. Instead she takes him to Sweetwater Crossing and agrees to stay until she can remove the cast.
Your male protagonist, Josh Porter, is also a temporary visitor to Sweetwater Crossing. Can you provide some information on his backstory?
Josh’s grandfather has challenged his two grandsons to find a way to expand their family business (what he refers to as America’s answer to Fortnum & Mason), declaring that whoever develops the best proposal will gain control of the company. Unfortunately, Josh’s plans are stolen along with his horse, leaving him with nothing. Nothing, that is, until he sees new possibilities in Sweetwater Crossing.
What do you love about writing historical novels?
It’s so much fun traveling back to what most people consider to be simpler times and creating characters and situations that are decidedly not simple.
How can readers connect with you?
I love hearing from readers and invite them to visit my website, www.amandacabot.com. I call it my one-stop-shopping site, because it includes information about my books, links to my social media accounts, the signup link for my monthly newsletter, contact information, and resources for writers.
Where can readers purchase a copy of Against the Wind?
It’s available at all the usual online sites and should also be available in brick and mortar bookstores.
Thank you so much for joining us today and congratulations on your new release.
Reader’s here’s a quick look at Against The Wind which releases today::::
Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She’s just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can’t abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she’ll serve as the town’s doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she’s better than nothing.
Josh Porter’s plans to win his grandfather’s challenge and fulfill his father’s final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory–ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.
If only the town were more accepting of Louisa’s talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it’s too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?
