Today I’m tickled to have Wild Rose Press author and sistah, Jeannie Hall, with me. Jeannie writes for the Crimson Line of WRP and that means you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat when you read her work! She’s introducing you to the heroine from her new book VIOLATION OF FAITH, Lynea. Come and join me as we get to know this complex character a little better. And stick around because Jeannie’s giving us a treat!
CHARACTER INTERVIEW: LYNEA (Pronounced Lynn-A-ah) HEROINE OF VIOLATION OF FAITH
- What do you consider your greatest achievement?
- Getting my little sister Cori away from the cult we were raised in.
- What is your idea of perfect happiness?
- Not having to look over my shoulder all the time. I wish Cori and I could be completely safe.
- What is your current state of mind?
- Vigilant. I must always be on the lookout for the reverend.
- What is your favorite occupation?
- Reading. Reading allows me to escape to worlds where the reverend doesn’t exist.
- What is your most treasured possession?
- Cori’s embroidered wall art saying “Home is where the heart is.” She made it herself.
- What or who is the greatest love of your life?
- Non-romantic: Cori, of course. She’s my whole reason for living. Romantic: Well… this professor I work with, Brennan, makes me feel all tingly. I’m still not sure if I like that or not.
- What is your favorite journey?
- Anywhere I feel safe, but I’d really like to sail across the ocean some day.
- What is your most marked characteristic?
- I have a heart-shaped face, but I don’t pay much attention to how I look really. Brennan says he loves the color of my eyes which is somewhere between toffee and caramel.
- When and where were you the happiest?
- So far, I’ve been happiest where I live now in Bethelsville, Virginia because it’s so far away from the reverend’s compound in Oklahoma. I know he could still find us, but we’ve made a home here next to our wonderful neighbors the Winbournes. And Brennan lives here. (She blushes).
- What is it that you most dislike?
- Feeling trapped.
- What is your greatest fear?
- The reverend finding us, especially Cori. Keeping my sister safe is more important than anything.
- What is your greatest extravagance?
- The lilac soap, shampoo, and perfume Cori gets me. I love the smell and use them every day.
- Which living person do you most despise?
- The reverend. He made me his bride at twelve against my will.
- What is your greatest regret?
- That I didn’t escape the compound with Cori sooner. I was eighteen and Cori sixteen when we finally fled.
- Which talent would you most like to have?
- The ability to be invisible when hiding is necessary.
- Where would you like to live?
- Anywhere as long as the reverend can’t reach us.
- What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
- Losing Cori or anyone else I love. Nothing could be worse.
- What is the quality you most like in a man?
- Strength, dependability, and humor
- What is the quality you most like in a woman?
- Trustworthiness, a maternal attitude, kindness
- On what occasions do you lie?
- I don’t like lying, but sometimes secrets must be kept. Too much honesty can be dangerous.
- Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
- I sometimes spout Bible verses out loud without meaning to. It’s because of the reverend forcing us to memorize it.
- If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
- I would be stronger and more resourceful so I could better protect my sister.
Peggy here: Wow! Don’t you want to learn more about her now?! I know I do. Here’s a little gift from Jeannie just for us.
Blurb:
Lynea Kreig has spent the past three years being invisible. After running with her little sister halfway across the country–away from her abusive cult leader husband–she seeks nothing but safety and anonymity.
When she’s offered a job which would keep her close to her sister, Lynea can’t refuse.
But the job puts her in close quarters with Professor Brennan Gage, a man bent on exposing cult leaders to the public. If he discovers her secret, he could destroy the life she’s worked so hard to build.
Over time, she finds herself drawn to Brennan’s klutzy kindness. He tells her he loves her, but happiness for Lynea could never be so simple–especially once her husband appears at the front door…
Excerpt:
“Yes, sir. I have an appointment.”
“Don’t refer to me as sir. Please, call me Brennan.” Sir. Yep, must be a military brat. He waited a few beats, but she volunteered nothing, not even her name. “And you are?”
“Lynea Kreig.” She pronounced her first name as Lynn-nay-ah.
“Well, Lynea, why don’t I escort you to his office?”
Brennan stood but paid more attention to this strange Renaissance woman than where to place his feet. As a result, he bumped hard into the corner of his desk. His coffee cup sprang out of his grip, dislodging the lid. Boiling liquid splattered down his front. “Dammit. Shit.”
The plastic mug ping-ponged across the room, and embarrassed, Brennan leapt after it. He didn’t notice Lynea diving toward him until it was too late to halt their collision. The impact of their skulls stunned him, and he found himself in a heap on his parquet floor. He cursed his natural clumsiness. Lynea sat three feet away caressing her forehead.
“Hope I didn’t give you a concussion,” he joked, pushing himself into an upright position.
Lynea dropped her hand and watched him, unspeaking. Did he hit her harder than he thought? Her features had a different cast now. They’d become more transparent. Less rigid. Her extraordinary eyes sparkled despite their bemusement. The idea of getting to know her better ensnared him in its alluring grip. The barest hint of a smile played around her mouth, making him think reckless thoughts. What would she do if he kissed her right now? Belt him or lean in and enjoy it?
Author Bio:
Jeannie loves to torture her characters by placing them in seemingly impossible to get out of situations. She lives in the south with her husband and two exceptionally spoiled cats.
You can Find Jeannie here:
Peggy Jaeger, Author 
Nice interview and great story! Many happy sales to you, Jeannie!
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Three of my favorite authors in one place…Ha
Peggy, I love your blog.
Jeannie, I can’t wait to read your book. Great interview and excerpt. Best of luck to you.
And the third is KatieO… I totally agree with her. Nice to see 3 awesome authors here today! 🙂
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Casi – you are sosososososo good for a girl’s ego!!! Thanks for stopping by and I’m sure Jeannie appreciates it, too. Be well.
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I finished reading this book the other day and loved it. Well written, scary, HEA. I couldn’t put the book down.
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Reblogged this on Jeannie Hall Suspense and commented:
Peggy Jaeger interviews my haunted heroine Lynea…
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