I'm delighted to introduce Royce and Brithwin from debut novelist Debbie Lynne Costello's
Sword of Forgiveness. Debbie Lynne is also offering a copy to one of my readers, so be sure and read the interview and follow the giveaway instructions at the end.
Here's the background on the novel, which officially released in Feb 2015.
After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father’s estate. But she soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn’t enough, her new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.
Royce of Hawkwood returns home after setting down a rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin’s wise and kind nature begin to break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.
Royce, where do you go when you need to blow off steam?
“To the practice fields to hone my skills. My men hate to see me come in one of those moods because they know they don’t stand a chance of beating me.”
Brithwin, what about you? Where do you go?
“That depends.” She cut a quick glace Royce’s way. “If Royce doesn’t have a say in it I like to go to my favorite place down in the woods by the river. It’s so peaceful and I can just feel the magnificence of God. It’s humbling and always calms my soul. But if Royce has a say in it I can’t go alone so the chapel is where you’d find me.”
What makes you laugh?
Royce: “When Brithwin gets that stubborn look on her face and lifts that cute little chin of hers I can’t help but chuckle.”
Brithwin: “Lots of things make me laugh. Lucas and his antics are forever making me laugh and of course whenever Royce decides I need ‘the treatment’ and he tickles me unmercifully.”
What do you feel is your greatest achievement?Royce: “Marrying Brithwin.”
Brithwin: “Standing up to Royce before we married.”
Royce, What is Brithwin’s best trait?
“She has so many, but if I have to narrow it down to one, it would have to be her love for others. She has a heart like no other I’ve seen. She is always doing things for others and helping the needy. But her big heart goes further than people. She even has a tender spot for critters.”
Brithwin, What would you say Royce’s best trait is?
“His fierce sense to protect. He can roar like a lion when he’s protecting but it’s because he has this soft heart more like a house cat. He wants to protect but it is because he cares.”
Royce: “A common house cat? Did you have to compare me to a cat?”
What is your most treasured possession?
Royce: “Brithwin.”
Brithwin: “Royce, you can’t keep using me as your answer! That is almost like cheating.”
Royce: “It’s the truth so it’s not cheating. What’s your most treasured possession, dearling?”
Brithwin: “I won’t say you, Royce, because you are not a possession! So, I will say the knife that was my mother’s. I treasure it because it is all I own of hers.”
Royce: “Ach! I stand corrected, My Lady. You are not my possession, but you do possess my heart.”
What is a trait you dislike in people most?
Royce: “I’d have to say people who take advantage of or deliberately vex another.”
Brithwin: “I think I’ll agree with Royce on this one. I don’t like to see people mistreated.”
What do you regret most in life?
Royce: “That I wasn’t at Rosencraig to protect my family.”
Brithwin: “I can’t tell my greatest regret because I don’t want give a ‘spoiler’ but I do wish I’d been able to know my mother.”
What do you most value in your friends?
Royce: “That my friends would fight beside me at risk of death.”
Brithwin: “Honesty. I want to hear the truth from my friends even if it isn’t what I want to hear it.”
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would that be?
Royce: “I’d like to be the kind of lord my father was. He was a strong, but kind and fair man, and I would like to be like that.”
Brithwin: “You are like that Royce. You are your father’s son.”
Royce: “I’m glad you see me that way, my dear. What would you change about yourself? I can’t think of anything I’d change.”
Brithwin: “Oh, most definitely I’d be stronger so that when Royce gets in one of his tickling moods I could show him no mercy.”
Royce: “I shall remember that, My Lady.”
Thanks for being with us today Royce and Brithwin. We’ll look forward to seeing you in Sword of Forgiveness.
Debbie Lynne is offering a choice of paperback or Kindle version to a reader in the 48 continental states, and outside of that a Kindle version only. To be entered in the giveaway, leave a comment for Debbie Lynne asking her something about her writing or herself. Please enter me will not get you entered. Leave your email address in this format - joe{at}there[dot]com. Giveaway ends March 20th. Winner announced March 21st.
Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was about eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children's Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses
You can connect with Debbie Lynne at any of the links below:Website: www.debbielynnecostello.com
Blog: www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.comBlog: http://www.hhhistory.com/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marisadeshaies/medieval-times/
