Interview with Author Eleanor Webster

My guest today is author Eleanor Webster. Hello! Welcome to Writing in the Modern Age! It’s such a pleasure to have you here. 

 

Hello!  Thank you so much for inviting me on your blog today!

 
Of course!    
 
Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book? When did it come out? Where can we get it?

I am so excited to share information about my 4^th book, A Debutante in Disguise, published through Harlequin Historicals (June, 2019). The protagonist is Letty, a young woman so determined to become a doctor that she pretends to be a man. The hero, Tony, was in the Battle of Waterloo and suffers from both physical and emotional scars.

 

Wow! Congratulations on your new release!

Is there anything which prompted this book? Something that inspired you?

I learned about a real person, Dr. James Barry, while researching Canada’s pioneering female doctors. Dr. James Barry lived as a man but was discovered to be female or intersex after death. This made me realize again, the lengths required for a female to pursue a career during this time period and how much my generation owes to the many generations who made the choices we enjoy possible.

 

I always find it interesting to see where the muse takes us as writers...

Let me ask a different question.

When did you know you wanted to write? Or has it always been a pastime of yours?

It started with Barbies and then morphed into an epic in grade 5. I have always enjoyed writing. Finding the right words is a game or puzzle and I feel elated when a piece of dialogue or description works. I am a shy person, and writing gives me a way to connect with others and to share my ideas and the stories and characters which populate my mind.

Publication took a long time but I now have four romance novels through Harlequin Historicals; No Conventional Miss, Married for His Convenience, Her Convenient Husband’s Return, and A Debutante in Disguise. I also write children’s books under a different name.

 
Nice!

Do you have any favorite authors yourself, Eleanor?

I will be forever in the debt of Lucy Maud Montgomery, who inspired me and created characters who felt more real than many of the people populating my world. Jane Austen fired my love of the Regency period, while Georgette Heyer demonstrated the wonderful understated wit I so admire.

 
Great!

So, do you write in a specific place? Time of day?  

I write in odd moments and places. When I first started to write with serious intent, I was a working mother with two young children. I wrote whenever I had a spare second. My children are now heading to university but I am still a full-time school psychologist so most of my writing is completed during early mornings or evenings. I run daily and often get plot ideas while doing so.

 
Are there any words you'd like to impart to fellow writers? Any advice?  

Never give up. Just do it.

 
Such helpful tips!

Thank you so much for stopping by to visit us here today at Writing in the Modern Age. It was wonderful having you!  :)

Readers, here is the blurb for A Debutante in Disguise.  

A society lady …with a secret!

Determined to help people, Letty Barton has a double life — she’s a trained doctor! No one must know “Dr. Hatfield” is actually a woman. Called to an emergency, she comes face-to-face with her patient’s brother, Lord Anthony Ashcroft… They’d once shared a spark-filled flirtation — now he’s a brooding, scarred war hero. But how long will it be before he recognizes her beneath her disguise and the sparks begin to fly once more? 

 

Purchase Links:

 

Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/mgGr9R

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335635204_a-debutante-in-disguise.html

Mills & Boon: https://www.millsandboon.co.uk/p57814/a-debutante-in-disguise.htm

Here is an excerpt from the book.

Before she could complete this sentence, a second wave of interest coursed through the group of onlookers. A tall man approached, striding from the house, his gait uneven. From her kneeling position, the newcomer’s height was extenuated, his broad shoulders all but blocking the sun so that his size appeared superhuman, like Zeus or Neptune.

 “Elsie? What happened?” His voice was harsh. “Are you in pain?”

“No, I just went dizzy with the heat. Really, I am quite fine now.” The young woman again tried to rise. Two splotches of color appeared on her otherwise pale cheeks. Her skin looked damp with perspiration. Letty saw miniature beads of moisture along her upper lip and forehead. Moreover, her face had a fullness or puffiness which Letty did not like.

“I disagree,” she said, releasing her wrist. “Your hands and face are bloated. I cannot accurately measure your pulse in present circumstances, but it seems too fast, which could indicate a more serious condition. ”

“Young lady—” The man addressed Letty sharply as he knelt also beside the prone woman. “Who are you? And why are you attempting to scare my sister witless?”

 Letty glanced at him. His face was still shadowed from the sun, but there was something arresting about him and she found herself momentarily bereft of breath.

“I do not intend to alarm her,”she said, her mouth peculiarly dry. “Merely to ensure that she seeks medical treatment.”

“She is already under medical care.”

“It doesn’t seem to have been entirely effective. I would advise further consultation.”

“Thank you for that. Obviously, I will ensure her physician is called immediately. ”

“Please, Tony,” the young woman said. “Can we move from here? Everyone is looking. ”

“Let them. And don’t flatter yourself. They are likely more interested in me than you.”

It was true, Letty realized. The group of onlookers had grown and stared openly with an avidity at the gentleman which seemed oddly devoid of good manners—particularly among a group who could forgive murder more readily than a lapse of etiquette.

Letty nodded. “Indeed, I would strongly advise moving out of the heat.”

“It is still quite cool indoors,” Flo said, now also bending. “I can help.”

“Rest assured, I can support my sister,” the gentleman said, putting out one hand to help the young woman.

This single-handed gesture seemed oddly awkward, Letty thought, as she stood, also supporting the young woman.

“Perhaps—however, you appeared injured when you walked here. You are only offering one hand and, depending on the nature of your injury, the strain might do further harm.”

“You need not concern yourself. I am quite capable of managing my own physical condition,” he said tersely.

“Now, rise slowly and you will be less likely to feel vertiginous,” Letty said, ignoring the irascible gentleman as they helped his sister rise.

Together, they moved towards the familiar stone bulk of her family’s home, crossing the lawn, an odd, unwieldy threesome, while Flo walked ahead. They left the crowd behind and the quiet deepened as the chatter of voices fell away and Letty could better hear the young woman’s labored breathing.

With her arm about the woman’s waist, Letty could feel the bulge of pregnancy—about five or six months along—although these new fashions made her belly less noticeable. Occasionally, she peeked at the gentleman, but he kept his face averted and largely in profile, silhouetted against the bright summer sky.

Although tall and broad, he had thinness also, likely due to whatever hardship he had endured. There was a familiarity about him. She saw it in his profile and the timbre of his voice. She could not place him, but she had likely met him during her eighteen months in London and her peculiar double life, that odd mix of days and nights within London’s brightest ballroom and the morgue.

“The front Salon will be hot,” Letty said, as they stepped out of the warmth into the familiar front hall. “We should go into the library. It will be cooler. ”

“Yes, of course,” Flo agreed. “And is there anything you need? Smelling salts? Brandy? Well, there is brandy in the library already. But if there is anything else?”

“Solitude and quiet would be nice,” the man said.

“Yes, yes, of course,’ Flo replied, her hands making the fluttering motions she always made when nervous. “I will let Letty—Miss Barton—take you to the library.”

“You didn’t need to be rude,” Letty said to the rather formidable gentleman, as soon as Flo had left.

 “It proves effective in clearing a room.”

“So does the discussion of pustules—that doesn’t mean one has to do it.”

 

So...what are people saying about this book?
 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This was a magnificent tale of acceptance and understanding while healing in the process.
I loved how Ms. Eleanor Webster unfolded the intrigue, bringing them closer with quips and witty banters to better tear them apart until they might accept who is the other and what can be or can not be embraced in the name of Love.
A first read by Ms. Webster but certainly not the last.” - Elodie Nicoli, Amazon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Eleanor Webster must have done thorough research for her very compelling historical novel, as medical information related to this time period seems accurate and fascinating. Many facts about illnesses were still unknown in this era, and I really liked how Letty was depicted as someone who only wanted the best for those under her care, regardless of what was considered to be correct. How she stood up to those who opposed her views was admirable, as her patients came first. Having to hide behind a fake name took a toll on her at times, and her emotional responses were certainly genuine.

Any time Letty and Tony interact, the scenes are truly heartfelt with sincere reactions. She may have secrets, but so does he when it comes to what he experienced at Waterloo and the aftermath. There are numerous conflicts when it comes to this couple’s relationship, as they may feel an attraction, but neither thinks being together is a wise choice. While I have enjoyed all of Eleanor Webster’s books, I found A DEBUTANTE IN DISGUISE to be especially memorable with true-to-life circumstances." - A. Richard, Amazon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A well written, enjoyable read with good characterization. I liked both Letty & Tony, I loved how Tony's injuries both physical & mental were highlighted. I always have difficulty with women masquerading as men & found it hard to believe that Letty had spent years without being recognized. I found I was drawn into the story & once I’d finished it, I just had to search for information about childbed fever. I enjoyed Tony & Letty’s journey to a HEA.” - Janet, Goodreads

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

"This book emphasizes what it must have been like for a very intelligent woman growing up in this period. It isn’t long before Tony and Letty realize they are attracted. However, Letty doesn’t intend to marry as this would hinder her work as a doctor, and how will Tony react if or when he discovers her deception. This story slowly pulled me in until I was anxious to see how it all resolved. A very satisfying read. " - Cheryl, Goodreads

Intriguing...add the novel to your Goodreads bookshelf, readers! 

The book sounds like a wonderful read! We'll be sure to check out this historical romance!

Get it now! 

 

 

Author Bio

Eleanor Webster loves high-heels and sun, which is ironic as she lives in northern Canada, the land of snowhills and unflattering footwear. Various crafting experiences, including a nasty glue-gun episode, have proven that her creative soul is best expressed through the written word.

Eleanor is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology and holds an undergraduate degree in history and creative writing. She loves to use her writing to explore her fascination with the past.

 

Author Links:

Website/Blog:  https://eleanorwebsterauthor.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eleanor-Webster/1457032624594046/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ewebsterauthor
Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Eleanor-Webster/e/B00Y1N026E/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/eleanorwebsterauthor 

Publisher:  https://www.harlequin.com/shop/authors/13076_eleanor-webster.html 

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eleanor-webster  
  

Eleanor's Books: