Elizabeth Ludwig is no stranger to writing books but Love Finds You in Calico, California is her first full length novel and a bit of a departure from her previous cozy mysteries. The cover intrigues me, I want to meet the woman who is wearing the red boots – LOL!
Enjoy this insight into Abigail & Nathan:~
Brief physical description
With soft brown curls and matching brown eyes, Abigail is not your typical heroine. Her understated beauty and modest demeanor belie the strong woman she is inside—one fully capable of taking care of herself…
Now, if only she could prove that to Nathan.
Grief and hard work have chiseled the softness from Nathan’s body, but not from his tender heart. Every now and then, he lets his guard down and allows Abigail to glimpse the gentle man behind the hazel eyes and sandy brown hair.
Each of them finds the other attractive. The only problem is, neither of them is ready to fall in love…
Actor/famous person
I picture Abigail as a natural beauty—not a standout, but memorable, nonetheless. She’s someone you might see on your street, right next door.
Rel: I picked Jennifer Morrison from House for Abigail.
Nathan, on the other hand, will make any woman turn her head for a second look. He’s handsome but brooding…kinda like Gerard Butler.
Strengths and weaknesses
Abigail always thought her strength was her faith in God. It’s only after she loses her father that she realizes how frail her faith really is. Still, it’s her strength of character that keeps her going…and keeps her searching for the truth.
Nathan’s strength lies in his ability to love deeply. After losing his first wife, however, that strength becomes his Achilles heel and hinders his ability to love again.
Quirk (if any)
Spunky Abigail cannot tell a lie—at least…not without being eaten up with guilt.
And Nathan? Well, he’s a man’s man, thank-you. He doesn’t believe in being quirky.
Your inspiration for the character
The inspiration for Abigail sprang from my sweet daughter (who also bears that name). Abby, as we like to call her, is a natural beauty with a deep inner strength that makes her a born leader. She can be fierce when it comes to her convictions or defending her friends, but she also has a soft side and a very tender heart.
As for Nathan…well…I guess that’s just the mother coming out in me. What parent doesn’t want their daughter to find that one person who will love, cherish, and protect their little girl? And if he’s rugged and good-looking…well…Merry Christmas, sweetheart.
Background to the story
Love Finds You in Calico, California is a historical romance about a young girl who finds herself alone in a silver mining town after her father is killed. Driven to discover the truth about the facts surrounding his death, she begins searching for clues and winds up nearly losing her life (what can I say—I just can’t help putting a little mystery into my stories).
This is my first full-length historical novel, and I’m so excited about its release. Calico is a ghost town now, but at the time my story is set, it was a booming place full of rich history. I really hope I captured that.
Elizabeth ~ thanks for sharing about your characters. I love that Abigail is based on your daughter 🙂
On Thursday, the spotlight shines on Emma Shuster & John Patterson from Susan Page Davis’ The Crimson Cipher.
Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Elizabeth’s website
July 12, 2010 at 2:24 pm
I just learned that I will be getting a copy of this and I'm so excited…especially since Nathan is a brooding hero (HELLO! the greatest heroes are always brooding, ie. Mr. Darcy) and looks like Gerard Butler!
Great spotlight as always Rel!
XOXO~ Renee
July 12, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Thanks, Renee – love it when you drop by 🙂
I raise your Mr Darcy with John Thornton! What say you to that?!
July 12, 2010 at 6:07 pm
This book sounds wonderful–thanks for doing the spotlight, Rel! I love the descriptions of the characters, and I LOVE the setting!
And I raise your John Thornton with Henry Tilney! (I couldn't resist…I just loved the PBS version of Northanger Abbey!)
And yay for Gerard Butler! 😉
~Amber
July 12, 2010 at 7:02 pm
I can't wait to read this book! Even more so now. Thanks for the character spotlight. I really enjoyed it.
mmmm…Gerard Butler….
July 13, 2010 at 3:25 am
Thanks, ladies! Maybe I should have asked Summerside to put Gerard on the cover, eh?? 😉
Renee…happy reading, gal.
July 13, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Lovely to read your encouraging comments, girls 🙂
Great to know these posts are fun for you.
Yes, Elizabeth, a submission to Summerside on adding Gerard is appropriate – LOL!