I met Carrie Fancett Pagels from the place where many good things come…the internet! We both attended an online party celebrating books, and I happened to win one of her giveaways. After reading her Christmas novellas, I knew I’d found a well-written author.
So I’m thrilled to participating in a blog tour of her newest romance collection: Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands! Better yet, she’s agreed to answer a few of MY questions!
Genre: Christian, HistoricalPublisher: Barbour
Publication date: June 1, 2017
Number of pages: 448
Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
When a British dime novel enthusiast finds himself flat broke in Kansas, he discovers what western life and true love are all about. Barden Granville IV grew up at Cheatham Hall, Kent, England, devouring cowboy stories and dreaming of the day he, with no prospects of inheriting estate nor title, could escape to the American frontier. Educated and ordained an Anglican priest, his trip to America is his “last hurrah” before accepting a vicarage in a small town far from his aristocratic family’s estate. When a series of misadventures leaves him without money and stranded, he must take up employment immediately.
Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is an ECPA bestselling and award-winning author. With a dozen Christian historical romances published, this former “Yooper” writes Christian historical romances about overcoming. She grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where many of her stories are set. Possessed with an overactive imagination, that wasn’t “cured” by twenty-five years as a psychologist, she loves bringing characters to life. Carrie and her family reside in Virginia’s Historic Triangle, which is perfect for her fascination with history. Carrie enjoys reading, traveling, baking, and beading-but not all at the same time!Her short story, The Quilting Contest, was Historical Fiction Winner of Family Fiction’s “The Story” national contest. Her novella, The Substitute Bride was a 2016 Maggie Award published finalist for Romance Novellas. Grand Exposé was a 2014 Maggie Award honorable mention for a novel set on Mackinac Island (now entitled My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring, Barbour, July 2017). All three of her Christy Lumber Camp books were long list finalists for Family Fiction’s Book of the Year and The Fruitcake Challenge was a Selah Award finalist. Her novel, Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (White Rose/Pelican, June, 2016) received a Starred Review by RT Book Reviews.
Cordially Barbara: What do you love about this story?
Carrie Fancett Pagels: I love that Barden is getting his dreams coming true even though it is not exactly like he thought – it is the way God intended it to come out. I really love that! I enjoyed creating him. He’s a funny and little bit quirky kind of guy.
CB: Did something happen in your own life that inspired this story?
Carrie Fancett Pagels: Yes, Barden is inspired by my own grandfather, who was the son of British immigrants. He became a cowboy in the Dakotas after his first wife died. I’ve often wondered what led him to want to become a cowboy. I wondered if his own father had read those old dime novels from that time period (1860s).
CB: Which character do you relate to most?
Carrie Fancett Pagels: Caroline, because I have had custody of a younger sister and also of my nephew, when I was really young and I know how hard that is to assume that kind of responsibility at such a young age – it is super hard.
CB: On a rainy day, what would your protagonist be doing?
Carrie Fancett Pagels: Barden would be studying Bible commentary and also making repairs. I think poor Caroline should be taking a nap! Or reading a Jane Austen book!
CB: I love to compare books to food. What food would you compare your story to?
Carrie Fancett Pagels: Mashed potatoes and gravy – comfort food!
Cordially Barbara: Mmmmmmm, that’s my favorite…well, one of my many favorites!
Grand Prize Giveaway Prizes: Kindle Fire + Postcards of Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order, bookmarks from upcoming release My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring, print copy of Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands, cowboy-themed earrings, and an ebook copy of Holt Medallion finalist “The Steeplechase.”Leave a comment for an EXTRA chance to win!
Individual Blog Giveaway: If 10+ unique commenters post on this blog, Carrie will select one commenter to receive a print copy of Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands!!!!!
If you could mail-order a husband/wife, what qualities would you specifically request (please keep your answers clean)?
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May 31–Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Mel’s Shelves | Blossoms and Blessings
June 1–Singing Librarian Books | Heidi Reads… | Cordially Barbara
June 2–Cafinated Reads | Smiling Book Reviews | A Baker’s Perspective
June 3–aTransParentMom | Paulette’s Papers