This week I’m hosting Janet Dean with Courting the Doctor’s Daughter and Audrey Hebbert with Green Light Red Light. If you want to enter the drawing for the book, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (July 26th) evening.
Interview with the heroine, Mary Graves from Courting the Doctor’s Daughter:
1. Mary, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I want to be a doctor, not all that usual for a woman in 1998. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time, probably because I practically grew up in my father’s medical practice. I’ve been accepted at the Central College of Physicians and Surgeons. It’ll be a demanding four years with a forty-hour week and hours of study, but I’ll have summers off. As my father says, nothing worth while comes easy.
2. What do you do for fun?
I love to spend time with my sons, Michael, Philip and Ben. We enjoy picnics, fishing and playing ball. Between working in my father’s practice, teaching Sunday school at church and taking care of my home and children, I have little leisure time. Once I start medical school, I’ll get assistance with household chores and eliminate outside activities to protect time with my family.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
For a long while I put off facing my past. I needed to deal with it and then help my sons do the same. Handling the hurt is not a once and done event, but our hearts are mending.
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
I’m most afraid of opening my heart again to a man, even to someone as handsome, caring and honorable as Luke Jacobs. My marriage was not a happy one. Not that I blame my deceased husband Sam. He had a horrific childhood and I realize now that he did the best he could. Still, I’m left with trust issues. But making decisions based on fear doesn’t glorify God. Luke would make a wonderful father…
5. What do you want out of life?
I want to give my sons a loving, secure home with God at the center. I want to contribute to mankind, to carry on my father’s legacy by becoming a doctor. I believe I can do both. Just between us, underneath I yearn to love and be loved in a happy marriage.
6. What is the most important thing to you?
The most important thing to me is my relationship with God. I love and want to obey him in every facet of my life. I’m also learning the importance of trusting Him as well. Not easy for someone like me.
7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?
When I was young, I read lots of fiction. Now I read non-fiction—the Bible, medical journals and medical books. Adelaide, my dearest friend and sister-in-law, has a long list of favorites she wants me to read when I have the time.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d change my tendency to overdo, to fill my life with too much activity. God is showing me I’ve used doing good deeds as a way to hide from issues I need to face. I’m learning to say no.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
We don’t have a pet, but my sons are asking for a dog. I think I’ll give in. A housebroken gentle stray is begging for handouts at the Whitehall Café. She’s an adorable shaggy mutt badly in need of a bath and a good home with a fenced backyard like ours. I’ll enjoy having another female around the house. ☺
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I’d go back to the time when Jesus walked the earth in Jerusalem. I’d sit at His feet, soaking up His words and basking in His love. Doesn’t that sound heavenly? The wonderful thing—I don’t have to go further than my quiet spot in the living room.
Thanks for having me today, Margaret. Janet has wonderful things to say about your books. Mary
Ah, Mary, good to see you again!!!
Hey, girlfriend, I know life's been tough but seriously, that Luke Jacobs is one total hottie. Are ya' kiddin' me?
Woman.
Take a chance. Step out.
The words Hubba Hubba come to mind.
🙂
Good to see you Mare, and I love, love, love the whimsical cover you have for your story. I'd picnic with that young doctor anytime.
And definitely get the kids a dog. We'll have some new Goldens by Christmas. Call me.
Oh, wait, you're pre-phones.
Snail mail me. Er… Umm… Pony Express. Whatever.
Do you SEE why I will never write a historical novel???? No where near smart enough.
😉
Ruthy
Working hard to win this one. A true Dr. vs a 'quack.' That just has to be a good storyline! With some romance, too. Remember something like it on Little House on the Prairie.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
Janet and Margaret — fun interview!! Like Ruthy, I miss "Mary" and "Luke"! They are characters who stay with you a long, long time, Janet, so excellent job.
Don't enter me in the contest because I am already lucky enough to own (and have read … or maybe I should say "devoured)) my own copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter. Wonderful book!!
Hugs,
Julie
I hope those kids get the dog. 🙂
sounds like a good book.
dlbrandmeyer@gmail.com
I am so looking forward to this book! Courting Miss Adelaide was such a good book, so I'm sure ths one will be too!
ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com
I love these character interviews, Margaret! Janet, thanks for sharing these insights into your CDD character. Mary is quite the determined woman (not unlike her lovely creator!).
BTW, I already own the book and enjoyed reading it very, very much.
What a fantastic idea…interviewing the heroine. A good exercise for writers and soemthing I should do more of. Thanks for sharing.
I have always loved historical books as well as a hint of medical romance.Please please please enter me for the book thanks
God bless
Kellie
Ruth, consider this an open invitation to Noblesville. The six of us will enjoy a picnic along the river, a stroll through town… I'm not leaving you alone with Luke. 🙂
The boys will love one of your puppies…a perfect Christmas gift. Wire me when they arrive.
Mary
Thanks, Linda W., for your interest in my life. Luke looked like trouble, but he's anything but. 🙂
Mary
Hello, Julie. Janet told me you enjoyed my story. Can't thank you enough for your kind words!
Mary
Diana, a golden retriever is "in the works." 🙂 With a fenced backyard and three lively boys, the puppy will have a good home.
Mary
Hi Ley, I'm smiling that you want to return to Noblesville and catch up with me, Adelaide, the quilters, all the friends you made on your first visit. We miss you!
Mary
Good to see you, Myra. We ladies have to be strong to make our dreams come true. Janet told me you've realized yours. So happy for you!
Mary
Hi Teresa! Margaret is a lovely host and savvy blogger. I'm grateful for the visit. Thanks for stopping by!
Mary
Hello Kellie, I'm mighty happy that Janet loves historicals too, or I wouldn't be here. 🙂 Like you, I love everything medical… especially Luke. 🙂
Mary
Great interview! The book looks great! Please enter me for the drawing!
Blessings
Michelle
m.vasquez[at]grandecom[dot]net
You are an amazing woman, Mary! It takes a lot to raise 3 boys on your own and peruse a study of medicine.
hollymag(at)gmail.com
Great interview! I'd love to be entered to win this. I know my mom would love to read it, as she totally loved Dean's first book. Please enter me. 🙂
jessica_nelson7590 AT yahoo Dot com