On a muggy August day in 2002 Alex Lind disappears. On an equally stifling August day in 1658, Matthew Graham finds her on a Scottish moor. Life will never be the same for Alex – or for Matthew.
Alexandra Lind is thrown three centuries backwards in time to land at the feet of escaped convict Matthew Graham.
Matthew doesn’t know what to make of this strange woman who has seemingly fallen from the skies—what is she, a witch?
Alex is convinced the tall, gaunt man is some sort of hermit, an oddball, but she quickly realises the odd one out is she, not he.
Catapulted from a life of modern comfort, Alex grapples with her new existence, further complicated by the dawning realization that someone from her time has followed her here—and not exactly to extend a helping hand.
Potential compensation for this brutal shift in fate comes in the shape of Matthew, a man she should never have met, not when she was born three centuries after him. But Matthew comes with baggage of his own and on occasion his past threatens them both. At times Alex finds it all excessively exciting, longing for the structured life she used to have.
How will she ever get back? And more importantly, does she really want to?
Writing Interview questions.
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
Well, it all began with hubby—or rather the fact that he is descended from a boy who fled Scotland in the early 17th century. This lead to me reading up on Scottish history and suddenly I had this rather dour young man in my head, a Covenanter through and through. This young man, Matthew, needed some cheering up, which is why I gifted him with my time traveler Alex Lind, a young woman who has little patience with dogmatism but has plenty of time for Matthew. Especially as he keeps on saving her from one difficult situation after the other. . .
Did you find researching this era particularly difficult? What was the hardest thing to find out, and did you come across anything particularly surprising?
Not really. There is a lot written about the 17th century, and I found some fascinating books about the Scottish Covenanters and their participation in the War of Three Kingdoms and the English Civil War. What I found a bit more difficult was getting to grips with the day-to-day: what did they eat, did they use soap, how did they wash their clothes? This latter led to experiments in lye making (messy. And the end product was VERY corrosive) and to washing sheets by first boiling them in lye then rinsing them in ice cold lake water. Not an experience I necessarily want to repeat.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
Well, Alex isn’t the only time traveler in the story. There’s Diego who is sucked through more or less at the same time as Alex—and he’s not exactly a nice guy. And then there’s the enigmatic Hector, who has an age-old feud with Alex’s mysterious mother, Mercedes.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
Alex is resilient, loyal and brave. She somehow manages to adapt to this new life, she would do anything to keep her Matthew safe and when so required, she’ll fight fo him—even against overwhelming odds. Matthew is determined, devout and devoted. For Matthew, his faith is extremely important and he has made up his mind to somehow rebuild his life after the havoc caused by his brother’s betrayal. And as to devotion—well, once he’s met Alex, he’ll walk to the end of the earth for her.
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
Getting the actual time travel to be “realistic”. A contradiction in terms, right?
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
No.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on two books, one set in 13th century England and Wales, the other in early 18th century Pennsylvania. The latter actually has an indirect link to Alex and Matthew.
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
To persevere. And to write, write, write.
Personal Interview questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I like walking and reading. Or baking.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
The Secretary General of the UN. Alternatively, a professional time traveler. Clearly, I failed 😊
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
Tonight we’re having gravid lax (cured salmon) with creamed potatoes and asparagus. And I am very happy eating that.
What is the best part of your day?
My morning walk. I love waking up my body that way. And breakfast tastes sooo good after my walk.
Either or!
Tea or coffee: Tea!
Hot or cold: Cold
Movie or book: Book
Morning person or Night owl: Neither. I am a boring afternoon person.
City or country: I like both. But if I have to choose I’d say city.
Social Media or book: Book!
Paperback or ebook: ebook. Save some trees, I say. . .
Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England.
Anna has also published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients.
Her Castilian Heart is the third in her “Castilian” series, a stand-alone sequel to her September 2020 release, His Castilian Hawk. Set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales, His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty, integrity—and love. In the second instalment, The Castilian Pomegranate, we travel with the protagonists to the complex political world of medieval Spain. This latest release finds our protagonists back in England—not necessarily any safer than the wilds of Spain!
Anna has also authored The Whirlpools of Time in which she returns to the world of time travel. Join Duncan and the somewhat reluctant time-traveller Erin on their adventures through the Scottish Highlands just as the first Jacobite rebellion is about to explode!
All of Anna’s books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in 2015. She is also the proud recipient of various Reader’s Favorite medals as well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards.
Find out more about Anna, her books and enjoy her eclectic historical blog on her website, www.annabelfrage.com
Thanks so much for hosting Anna Belfrage today. A great interview! xx
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