Interviews From The Writers’ Desk: Lady Geneva (A Dream Not Imagined Blog Tour)

Whew, that title! Today I’m participating in the blog tour for A Dream Not Imagined by Shantelle Marie Hannu. I had the pleasure of interviewing the stepmother in this Cinderella retelling. Without any more delay, I’ll hand it over to Bri and Lady Geneva Archley Irvings Abbington.

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I’m typing away furiously at my laptop when the door to my office bursts open. Benedict steps in, his face red. I’ve never seen him angry, and this really worries me. “Benedict? Is everything all right?”

He mutter something under his breath and then lifts his voice. “A lady is here to see you. An interview.”

Oh. I bite my lip to suppress a smile. I had forgotten to tell Benedict about this interview, and I’m guessing he and Lady Geneva haven’t quite hit it off. “You can send her in. Thank you.”

Lady Geneva walks in, head held regally. She’s fairly tall, with a cold air. No smile, but at least her auburn hair brightens her appearance a little. Not enough, though. I still get a bit of a shiver when she walks in, but I paste on a bright smile. “Hello, please sit down.”

She sits and adjusts the fabric of her skirt. I clear my throat. “I’m glad you could make it. To start us off, could you tell us a little about yourself and the part you play in the story?”

“My name is Lady Geneva Archley Irvings Abbington. I’m the mother of two fine young women (one of which will snag the prince, I’m certain), and I also have a stepdaughter, who came with my second husband,” she said. “I’m the stepmother of the story. Some people might call me mean, but I prefer to describe myself as regal, firm, and intelligent.”

She’s pretty confident. I type out her answer. “How would you honestly describe your personality?” I ask.

Lady Geneva clears her throat. “Well, perhaps a bit cunning. I know what it takes to get what I desire, and I won’t stop at things as trivial as other’s feelings and hopes. I try not to show my emotions—such an act never gets one anywhere.”

I nod. “Tell me about your family.”

“My first husband, Franklin Irvings, passed away shortly after our youngest daughter was born. I then married Thomas Abbington, a man who’d recently rose to nobility and could provide well for my family. However, my daughters, Dezmarie and Adelaide, had such a difficult time getting used of his daughter, Ellie. And Ellie’s birth mother was a peasant. So the only thing to do was to give Ellie a servant’s role. We’re quite comfortable this way. My daughters now have extra help in getting ready for balls and such. Which is essential when one is waiting each day for news of a royal ball.” I struggle to keep up with her answer. My fingers don’t type that fast.

I catch up. “Okay, what is your main goal?”

She pauses. “I have many goals. But my main would be to see Dezmarie and Adelaide married to wealthy men.”

I guess that makes sense. “Okay, last one. What annoys you more than anything else?”

Lady Geneva frowns. “When someone, Ellie for example, undermines my authority. I also cannot abide nervousness or awkwardness in people; it gets on my nerves.”

I nod. “Thank you so much,” I say. “I’m glad you were able to do this.”

“My pleasure,” she says curtly, standing up and smoothing her skirt. With a swish, she turns and walks out of the room haughtily. I smile to myself and settle down to organize the notes.

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About the Book

A MAID, a PRINCE, and a DUKE. A GARDENER, a STEPMOTHER, and a secret…

     Ellie Abbington, a beautiful yet unassuming young woman, quietly longs for her life to change. Too privileged to associate with the servants—too underprivileged to associate with her own family; she dreams a dream of a prince and a happily ever after.

But it could be that her own stepsisters, conniving Dezmarie and easily-influenced Adelaide, are dreaming the same dream…of the same prince.

In the end, are dreams even all they’re made out to be? Especially with deep and long-hidden secrets about to be unearthed?

A Dream Not Imagined is a non-magical fairytale novella based loosely on the classic tale of Cinderella.

Purchase as a Kindle book on Amazon Now!

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About the Author

     Shantelle Mary Hannu was born in the mountainous west, spending her golden childhood years there. Since then, she has relocated time and again with her parents and seven siblings, making cherished memories in both the South and Central United States.

A Christian homeschool graduate, Shantelle has a passion for writing and all things books. From a young age she’s been penning tales with a hope of sharing with the world adventurous and soul-stirring stories that bring glory to God.

A Dream Not Imagined, a fairytale novella, is her first published book. She’s currently preparing a full-length fantasy novel for publication as well, and working on its sequel.

Shantelle blogs at A Writer’s Heart about her stories, favorite books and movies (with reviews), healthy wheat-free recipes, and hosts fellow authors, among other things. One of her joys is connecting with fellow writers and readers! You can also find her on:

Facebook: Shantelle Mary Hannu, Author

Twitter: @shantellemary

Goodreads

Google+: Shantelle H.

Pinterest: Shantelle H.

Giveaway!

Enter the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win a Kindle copy of A Dream Not Imagined and a $5 Amazon giftcard! One winner will be chosen May 31st, and I will send the Kindle book and gift card to their email.

 A Rafflecopter giveaway

See the blog tour schedule at A Writer’s Heart.