Hello, readers! I am pleased to introduce you to another clean Historical Romance author – Tammy Kirby. Her latest release is set during the Victorian Era. Again, these are time periods I am eager to read more about. So, I am all too happy to have Tammy on the blog to introduce me and you all to her works!
Thanks for being on the blog today, Tammy. First, can you tell us a little about your novel.
In 19th century England, sexual slavery is rampant in London. An impoverished gentlewoman is mistaken for a doxy by an inebriated duke who believes he has purchased her for the night.
Miss Beth Darnley has always served God, but when her world is shattered, she wonders why. The battle to forgive is a long journey and she struggles with it every time she is in His Grace’s presence. Amidst her own private war of forgiveness and obedience to God, lives are changed and hope becomes a house of haven
Greyson Brennen, Duke of Briarcastle, is cynical were women are concerned. After ruining her, he offers Miss Elizabeth Darnley a position as his new mistress. He tells himself he is doing her a favor. Pity she won’t yield. It becomes a matter of pride to get her to submit. Funny how things have a way of coming back around.
Wow. Just wow. Care to share the more historically significant events behind your story?
Sex trafficking was a real problem in the Victorian era. Sadly, it is still a problem today. Not just in London but in many countries. Even in the USA I have promised to donate part of the proceeds from His Grace Forgiven to help rescue as many of these women and children as possible.
That’s amazing. What a great cause!
What was the inspiration for HIS GRACE FORGIVEN?
God dropped the seed for His Grace Forgiven in my heart with these words, ‘Can you forgive the unforgivable?’ I pondered the question for a while, then realized, yes, I already had. Maybe that’s why He gave the job to me.
I love that He has a purpose for each of us. He doesn’t waste a hurt. And He will bring good from tragedy.
Did you always want to be a writer? If not, what did you want to be when you were a child?
As a child, I always wanted to be a wife and mother. But I think because I learned to love reading at a young age it just grew into a desire to write my own stories
I, too, started off with a love of the written word. It grew into what it is today 🙂
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
In my early twenties, I wrote my first novel and hid it in a chest. I was so embarrassed when my husband found it. That was during my bodice ripper days. LOL. I am so glad I didn’t publish that one. When I was 29, I took a creative writing class while in college pursuing a degree in Registered Nursing. That’s where I realized I really did have a talent for writing. I also realized I had a lot to learn, hence the years it’s taken to get my first novel out there.
We are so alike, you and I . I refer to my earlier self as a “closet writer” because I kept all my work to myself. Until my husband discovered it. Though those early works, later polished, became “The Lady Bornekova” and “The General’s Wife”.
As much as we enjoy writing, we both know it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. There are things we don’t love so much. What part of the writing process do you dread?
Historical research and writing a synopsis. I want to be in the middle of the story! The other stuff, that’s just work.
I agree–it is work!
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer?
Search out God’s will and follow His leading. Don’t get caught up in believing you have to go by a certain outline. I took several nuggets I found from different writers and built my own. Use what works for you.
Love it! It is true that we glean from other writers. On that note, what are you currently reading?
A time-travel by Bess McBride Moonlight Wishes in Time
And your process…do you have a favorite time of day to write? What about a favorite place?
Early mornings, though that sometimes morphs into 8 or 10 hours at my computer. I like writing in my office, but love to sit on my porch overlooking the river near our camp and immerse myself in my character’s lives.
Can you tell us something about your His Grace Forgiven that is NOT in the blurb.
His Grace Forgiven is book one of the Haven House series inspired by God to show that no matter how deep in the cesspool of life one has fallen that there is hope in His all-consuming, undeserving, precious love and forgiveness.
Do you have any current projects you’re working on? Care to share?
I have a short story coming out the summer of 2018 called ‘Saving the McKinnon’. I also have book 2 and 3 of Haven House : Joy To The Earl and Vengeance Is Mine, Saith Milord, plotted out and hope to have them published this year.
Thank you again, Tammy, for being on the blog and sharing about your process! And I appreciate you giving my readers a look into your book. So, without further ado, I will get out of the way and let you have at it, readers!
His Grace Forgiven
An impoverished gentlewoman mistaken for a doxy. A jaded duke with an aversion to marriage.
Can two broken souls find forgiveness and love among the shattered remnants of their pasts?
19th century England: Sexual slavery is abundant in the seedier areas of London. One woman vies to change this. Amidst her own private war of forgiveness and obedience to God, lives are changed and hope becomes a house of haven.
Mistaken for a doxy—ruined by an inebriated duke—sold by her only family. Miss Beth Darnley desires to forget the horror one fateful night made of her life. She’s always served God, but when her world is shattered, she wonders why her loving Father would allow such dreadfulness to befall her. The battle to forgive is a long journey and she struggles with it every time she is in His Grace’s presence.
Greyson Brennen, Duke of Briarcastle, is used to having things his way. Painful experience has made him cynical were women are concerned. They have their place and he’s always been a generous benefactor. Miss Elizabeth Darnley will fit perfectly in the position of his new mistress. He is doing her a favor. Her own house with a bevy of servants—clothing and jewels a queen would envy. It will be a far cry from the destitution she is used to. Pity she won’t yield.
Enjoy an Excerpt
Mrs. Kerry took one look at her and Greyson and sent servants scurrying for hot water and bandages.
“Merciful Lord! Have you finally shot him? I told him he was being much too hard.” Mrs. Kerry tsked as she wrung her hands. “Your Grace, are you hurt?”
Before she answered the frantic housekeeper, Beth directed Timms to take the duke to his quarters and instructed Izzy to send Will for Dr. Peyton.
“I am fine, Mrs. Kerry. And to answer your question, no, I did not shoot him, though I can’t say the idea doesn’t hold some merit.
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More About the Author
Tammy Kirby holds an associate degree in Registered Nursing, a cosmetology license, and the title of author. When she’s not helping heal the sick, or dabbling in color, you can find her at her computer, giving life to the characters clamoring inside her head to be set free.
She developed a love for reading at a young age. Beauty and the Beast is her favorite fairytale, and I Love Lucy her favorite tv show from childhood. That being said, you’ll always find one of her characters having some of the same characteristics in Tammy’s works.
She uses her writing to show God’s love and forgiveness through characters from hundreds of years in the past, who face the same problems people face today. Taking broken heroes and heroines and showing them this truth is her mission.
Tammy lives with her husband, Roger in Northeast Louisiana, where she spends her free time doting on grandchildren, reading, crocheting, sewing and, of course, writing about how the Lord can take any sin, no matter how bad and turn it into a blessing to glorify Him. Her desire is for her writing to speak to her readers in a way that draws them closer to the One who loves them above all.
Connect with Tammy and her works
Website: tammykirbyauthor.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/tammykirby