A Tender Hope – The Story Behind the Story
by Amanda Cabot
Blame it on my readers.
Ever since Paper Roses was published, readers have asked me what happened to Thea, the heroine of that book’s little sister. At the time, I had no answers, since I was busy working on other stories, but I didn’t forget how easily Thea had caught readers’ imagination and how intrigued they were by her. It took ten years, but at long last, I’ve been able to answer their questions and tell Thea’s story.
Thea’s grown up now, and while I’d like to say her life has been as happy as her sister’s, that’s not the case. She’s had more than her share of tragedy, which is why she’s eager to leave Ladreville and build a new life as Cimarron Creek’s midwife.
If you’re wondering why I made her a midwife, it’s because I knew that this story would have an abandoned infant in it, and I wanted Thea to be the logical person to care for the baby, even if it was the last thing on Earth she wanted to do. Plus, if you’ve read A Borrowed Dream – and of course I hope you have – you know that the town, and in particular Lydia, needs a midwife.
And so Thea Michener comes to Cimarron Creek, hoping to escape her past only to discover that it’s harder to outrun the past than she ever dreamed possible.
Ever since Paper Roses was published, readers have asked me what happened to Thea, the heroine of that book’s little sister. At the time, I had no answers, since I was busy working on other stories, but I didn’t forget how easily Thea had caught readers’ imagination and how intrigued they were by her. It took ten years, but at long last, I’ve been able to answer their questions and tell Thea’s story.
Thea’s grown up now, and while I’d like to say her life has been as happy as her sister’s, that’s not the case. She’s had more than her share of tragedy, which is why she’s eager to leave Ladreville and build a new life as Cimarron Creek’s midwife.
If you’re wondering why I made her a midwife, it’s because I knew that this story would have an abandoned infant in it, and I wanted Thea to be the logical person to care for the baby, even if it was the last thing on Earth she wanted to do. Plus, if you’ve read A Borrowed Dream – and of course I hope you have – you know that the town, and in particular Lydia, needs a midwife.
And so Thea Michener comes to Cimarron Creek, hoping to escape her past only to discover that it’s harder to outrun the past than she ever dreamed possible.
Then there’s Jackson Guthrie. While he himself might question his motives for becoming a Texas Ranger, there’s no doubt that he’s a good one and one who’s determined to bring the Gang of Four to justice. As you might have guessed, he’s the man who finds the abandoned baby and insists that Thea care for the infant. What makes the whole situation more complex is that – for very good reasons – Jackson suspects Thea of being part of the Gang. And, as if that weren’t enough, the sight of the abandoned baby touches chords deep within him, reminding him of the single most painful event of his life.
What made me decide that my hero would be a Ranger? Besides the fact that Rangers are inherently heroic, I firmly believe in the line from an old Peter, Paul, and Mary song, “Justice will somehow prevail.” As an author, I enjoy creating plots where the good guys win, where justice does prevail, and – since I write romances – where the hero and heroine surmount seemingly insurmountable obstacles to reach their happily-ever-after.
It’s not an easy road for Thea and Jackson, but if I’ve done my job well, when you turn the last page of A Tender Hope, you’ll have a smile on your face and the knowledge that this seemingly mismatched couple has found their happy ending.
Back Cover Copy
As far as Thea Michener is concerned, it’s time for a change. With her husband murdered and her much-anticipated baby stillborn, there is nothing left for her in Ladreville. Having accepted a position as Cimarron Creek’s midwife, she has no intention of remarrying. So when a handsome Texas Ranger appears on her doorstep with an abandoned baby, Thea isn’t sure her heart can take it.
Ranger Jackson Guthrie isn’t concerned only with the baby’s welfare. He’s been looking for Thea, convinced that her late husband was part of the gang that killed his brother. But it soon becomes clear that the situation is far more complicated than he anticipated—and he’ll need Thea’s help if he’s ever to find the justice he seeks.
About Amanda:
Amanda Cabot’s dream of selling a book before her thirtieth birthday came true, and she’s now the author of more than thirty-five novels as well as eight novellas, four non-fiction books, and what she describes as enough technical articles to cure insomnia in a medium-sized city. Her inspirational romances have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and have been nominated for the ACFW Carol, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers Best awards. A popular workshop presenter, Amanda takes pleasure in helping other writers achieve their dreams of publication.
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About the Giveaway:
Amanda is offering to giveaway one free print copy of A Tender Hope to US residents. Entering is easy ... Just leave a comment in the section below with your name and contact information to be included in the drawing. Amanda is requesting a minimum of 7 comments before drawing a winner. So, to increase your chances of winning, get your reader-friends to come on over and leave a comment, too.
Giveaway ends one week from today, Wednesday, March 13, at MIDNIGHT, CDT.
Looking forward to interacting with you.
