LORD OF HER HEART - Sherrinda Ketchersid - One Free Book

Welcome, Sherrinda. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I’ve never been asked this question! I would have to say I wrote my heroine, Jocelyn, as the kind of woman I aspire to be: courageous, kind, and determined. I’ve always been too shy or too scared to try new things or take a stand for what I know to be right. I’m growing braver as I age, but I have a lot of room for improvement.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I love to celebrate holidays in fun ways. One year when my kids were small I added red food coloring to cream gravy for Valentine’s Day. My husband could hardly eat his chicken fried steak, thinking the gravy looked like strawberry icing. Oops. But it did make a memory we still laugh about today.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I first discovered I was a writer in high school. I’d been a voracious reader all my life, but one summer my aunt gave me a bag full of Harlequin romances and I was hooked. I promptly began my own teen romance novel. Unfortunately, I never finished that story and must have thrown it away at some point. Writing remained a dream of mine while I raised my children and when I turned forty, I got serious in my pursuit of publication. It’s been a fun ride ever since.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I tend toward books that have romance in them. Whether it is historical, contemporary, suspense, or YA, if it has a happily-ever-after, I’m a satisfied reader.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

It’s a struggle to remain sane in this crazy busy life. I took a huge leap of faith a little over a year ago and quit a stressful day job. It was the best thing I did for my physical and mental well-being. Even though I now have control over my schedule, I find myself getting anxious over self-imposed deadlines, responsibilities at church, and the craziness of a new puppy. I’ve found that the best prescription for peace is to spend time with the Lord. If I don’t start my day in the Word and prayer, I lose my focus and peace. Bible journaling has become one of my favorite ways to worship and release anxiety.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

First, I researched names true to the medieval period. Then, I tried to find names that represented my characters. Jocelyn is a feminine name, which contrasts her masquerade as a boy. Malcolm is a strong name for a strong hero. He is a knight and knows his strength and abilities. Of course, their names must sound good together. Sometimes you have to sample different names until it just sounds right.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of raising my children. I had three boys and one girl. They are all adults now and four of the most amazing people you will ever meet. Considerate and loyal, they are unique, talented, and creative people who have much to offer the world.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I’d probably be a turtle, rather calm and slow in response. But I would rather be a monkey and make people laugh. I am married to a very funny man and he makes life so enjoyable. I’d like to do that for other people—be funny and a bright spot in someone’s day.

What is your favorite food?

Hands down, my favorite food is a cheeseburger. I love them. A close second is pizza. I would eat them every day if I could.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Procrastination was—and is—a huge issue for me. I couldn’t figure out why I kept putting off what I love to do, and then I read that procrastination is really a form of fear. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of not being able to finish. Fear of I’m an imposter. Fear is paralyzing. I’m learning to pray before I sit down to write and then just begin to type. Once I start, I’m okay. It’s a strange thing, but it seems to work for me.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here is the back cover copy: Lady Jocelyn Ashburne suspects something is amiss at her family’s castle because her father ceases to write to her. When she overhears a plot to force her into vows—either to the church or a husband—she disguises herself and flees the convent in desperation to discover the truth.

Malcolm Castillon of Berkham is determined to win the next tournament and be granted a manor of his own. After years of proving his worth on the jousting field, he yearns for a life of peace. Rescuing a scrawny lad who turns out to be a beautiful woman is not what he bargained for.
Still, he cannot deny that she stirs his heart like no other, in spite of her conniving ways.

Chaos, deception, and treachery threaten their goals, but both are determined to succeed. Learning to trust each other might be the only way either of them survives.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“I tire of this endless cleaning.” Jocelyn Ashburne sat on the cold stone floor of the cellarium and put a hand to her aching back. Her gray woolen habit made her itch. She wanted to pull off the veil to release her damp curls from its confines. “Methinks the Reverend Mother Agatha is attempting to tire my body and mind into forgetting my desire to return home. My petition for release has been again ignored, and I know not what to do.”

           

“Perhaps you should write to your father once more.” Sister Mary, her dearest friend at the convent, scrubbed the floor, swiping at her forehead before looking up at Jocelyn. “It could be he has had much to deal with at Ramslea and has been too busy to answer.”

Jocelyn dipped her rag into the bucket of rosemary-scented water and wrung it out. “I’ve been here four years. I know I’ve only heard from him a few times, but ’tisn’t like him to be so silent, even with the distraction of his new wife. My father has been silent for an entire year, and I am worried.” Perhaps she should scour his missives for clues to solve the mystery of his silence.

“Do you sincerely think Helen might sway his ability to make decisions?”

Jocelyn huffed and scrubbed the floor with renewed vigor. “Aye, she cares not for me and only fawned over me in the presence of Father. He was blind to everything but her beauty and charm.”

“He was lonely after losing your mother. I’m sure Helen fills the void in his heart. God will provide for you. Never fear.”

Would that Jocelyn had Mary’s faith in God’s ability to manage her return home. So far, He had been silent to her pleas. Perhaps His lack of communication was His answer. Perhaps she was to have faith amid the silence of her earthly father, as well as her heavenly one.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: www.sherrinda.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherrindaKetchersidAuthor/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sherrinda

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherrinda

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sherrinda/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19022507.Sherrinda_Ketchersid

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sherrinda-ketchersid

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sherrinda-Ketchersid/e/B07Q5Y8QHF/

BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q4R9L8Z/

Thank you, Sherrinda, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it, and I know my blog readers are, too.

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