THE DILEMMA OF CHARLOTTE FARROW - Olivia Newport - One Free Book

Olivia Newport is returning with a second book in a very interesting series. 

Welcome, Olivia. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow is the third book to release in seven months. I feel blessed! When I decided to pursue publishing novels, I did not imagine having two series going at the same time, and six books releasing in an 18-month window. This may never happen again. I have two new historical series in development, and hope to bring them to readers soon.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve been married 33 years and have two young adult children. They both live at home for various reasons, so I’m trying to savor this season because I know it is likely to end soon.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I’ve always read widely and enjoy all sorts of fiction. I still do that, but I also am more intentional about reading the work of other authors of historical fiction from Christian publishers or books by authors I’ve met through social media.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on Taken for English, which will be the third story in the Valley of Choice series. And I expect soon I will be in an editorial phase on The Invention of Sarah Cummings, the third in the Avenue of Dreams series.

What outside interests do you have?

I am interested in the connection between faith and health and the marvelous ways our bodies and spirits work together. I find myself reading and exploring this topic through conversation with friends.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I often stumble onto a setting and then the setting chooses the story. That’s what happened with the Avenue of Dreams series when I discovered the history of Prairie Avenue in Chicago. The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow is the second in that series, but the whole series shares a setting. All three books are the stories of people who live in a house inspired by the Glessner House and Museum.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

Ever the researcher, I think it would be fascinating to spend an evening with an ordinary person who participated in changing the future. For instance, what if I could hear firsthand from someone who crossed the Rocky Mountains in a wagon? I think about the bravery of such people every time I go on a road trip on modern highways.

Yes, the wagon trains have long fascinated me. That’s why I used it as a catalyst in my McKenna’s Daughters series. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

Every paragraph you write represents you. It carries your voice. It says something about you as a writer. Always, always be careful with words.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

A couple of weeks ago I stepped off a curb and broke an ankle. I’ve had lots of time to ponder my helplessness, and the wonder of God coming to all of us in our helplessness.

I pray you’ll heal quickly. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

1. Don’t take shortcuts; they rarely pay off.

2. Criticize your own work before someone else does.

3. And always have something else up your sleeve that you would love to write.

All very good advice. Tell us about the featured book.

While the rest of Chicago focuses on the enormous spectacle of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Charlotte Farrow’s attentions are entirely on one small boy—her boy—whom she has kept a secret from her wealthy employers for nearly a year.

When the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him to the opulent Banning home, Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the child’s fate. Can she face the truth of her past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will life’s struggles determine her path?

Please give us the first page of the book.

“Kiss Henry for me.”

Momentarily startled by hearing the words aloud, Charlotte Farrow glanced around seeking assurance the moment was private.

“Don’t worry.” Lucy’s green eyes glowed above her amber broadcloth traveling suit. “No one is listening to us.”

At the back of the large carriage along the curb in front of the Banning mansion, the cab driver strapped the last trunk in place. Will Edwards slapped it in approval. In the other direction, Mr. Penard, the household butler, disappeared through the front door.

Lucy waited so long for happiness. Charlotte couldn’t be more pleased for her. She reached for the hand of Lucy Banning Edwards and gripped fingers of friendship. “I’m going to miss you so much. Two months married and already off on an adventure.”

Lucy laughed. “I never wanted a big fussy wedding, but Will promised my parents a proper honeymoon if they would let us get married quickly in June. But I couldn’t very well leave the women’s exhibit at the world’s fair in the lurch, could I?”

Charlotte nodded. “You promised your services through July.”

“This was our first opportunity. Two whole months alone with Will—I can’t wait.”

“It’s not the honeymoon that bothers me, Miss Lucy.” Shyness washed over the maid and seeped through her blue-gray eyes. “But then three months in New Jersey—that’s so far away!”

“Will could hardly refuse the assignment. His firm was gracious to offer it and allow him to be near his mother through the holidays.”

“Of course it’s perfect for Will. Still, I can’t imagine being here without you.” With one hand Charlotte fiddled with a strand of hair the color of damp hay. It had worked its way loose from the knot at the back of her neck, as it did most days.

“You’ll be fine,” Lucy assured her. “We’ll be moving around France at impulse, but after I get back from Europe, it will be simple enough to exchange letters. I’ll let you know the address in New Jersey as soon as Will arranges accommodations.”

“I’ve never had a proper letter.”

Lucy leaned her head in close. “Charlotte, I know you have your reasons for keeping quiet about your life before you arrived on Prairie Avenue. I can only imagine what great sacrifice you’ve made for Henry. But this is your home now. I’ll be back, and I expect to find you right here.”

Charlotte nodded.

“On Thursday my family will return from the lake house,” Lucy continued, “and the routine will go back to normal. Leo will bring people home to dinner, and Richard will be back in school in a few weeks. I suspect Oliver and Pamela may make an announcement soon. You’ll hardly notice I’m gone.”

“I know I’ll be busy.”

Lucy straightened her simple beige hat with one brown feather. “And when the family gets back, Archie Shepard will be back as well. If you ask me, he’ll be glad to see you.”

Charlotte shook her head at the thought of the young coachman. “No, Miss Lucy, there’s nothing between us.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.olivianewport.com

@OliviaNewport (Twitter)

Goodreads

www.facebook.com/OliviaNewport

Thank you, Olivia, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow, The: A Novel (Avenue of Dreams) - paperback
Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow, The (Avenue of Dreams Book #2): A Novel - Kindle


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