Do you ever feel you could not possibly understand the lives of people who lived long before you were born? Do thoughts like this discourage you from reading historical fiction?
Maybe today’s interview will help change this for you. Jenny Millard is the main character in Denise M. Colby’s new book A Slight Change of Plans. Jenny reminds us that adjusting to new and unexpected situations is the same now as it has always been- very unsettling. Let’s hear her take on this upsetting time in a woman’s life.
Jenny C: Welcome, Jenny. I am so glad you stopped by to talk to us today. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Jenny M.: I’m not sure what I can say about myself. I’m not usually asked questions but given instructions. I grew up in Kentucky in the outskirts of a small town and I’m the oldest of seven children. I left home after I saw an ad for a teaching position in the West, hoping to support myself and build a life on my own. The town I was sent to couldn’t support me after a while and I was sent to another. But the same thing happened. I felt like a failure. But with Livvy’s help, I’m learning that maybe this was God’s plan for me all along, so that I could end up here in Washton.
Jenny C.: That must have been disappointing, and even a little scary after moving so far from home. What has been the best thing that has happened to you lately?
Jenny M. I lost my job and had only one place to go– Washton, California. And what a wonderful place it is. Everyone is so kind. I’ve met so many new people and they all have been welcoming.
Jenny C.: How wonderful to recognize that a big change like that could turn into something good! What are you most looking forward to now?
Jenny M.: Becoming the teacher in the one-room schoolhouse in Washton.
Jenny C: I see. Same goal, different place. What about people? Is there anyone new in your life? What intrigues you most about this person?
Jenny M: Well, I did meet the new blacksmith the first day I arrived. *blush*. His name is Clarence (he goes by Ren) Lyman. He’s quite handsome, even with the burn scars on his face and hand. But I shouldn’t be intrigued by him. I wouldn’t be able to teach if I was.
Jenny C. I am gathering that teaching is very important to you. What about other things? Tell us a bit about your favorites.
Jenny M: I’ve only been in Washton a little while, and so much has changed for me. For the better. I wouldn’t have been able to answer these before I arrived.
Time of Day: evening time, talking with Livvy, and learning to write in my journal.
Activity: Picnic at the Taylor ranch. Singing in church.
Place to Visit: I have visited two places – the Taylor ranch and the church. I have enjoyed both very much.
Hero: I shouldn’t answer this, but the way Ren pays attention to me is more than anyone ever has. Does that count as a hero?
Jenny C: I think I agree, Washton sounds like a good place of you. Do you have any final words for our readers?
Jenny M.: I hope my story brings you some hope and encouragement.
Jenny C: See what I mean? After talking to this young school teacher, I think I would have enjoyed getting to know her. The best way to do that ? Read her story A Slight Change of Plans.
Let’s learn a little more about the book and its author. As always, I hope you have added a new book to your “To Be Read” stack. With temperatures amping up across the country, I can’t think of anything that sounds better.
We’ll talk again soon.
A Slight Change of Plans
She believes she doesn’t matter.
Jenny Millard’s hopes for security and stability as a schoolmarm out west are dashed when her schoolhouse closes and no positions are available nearby. With only enough money for a one-way train fare, Jenny heads to her friend’s home uncertain of her next step.
His scars have made him an unlovable outcast
Newcomer Ren Lyman prefers to keep to himself, hiding in the back of the blacksmith shop to avoid the stares at the scars left by a childhood accident. When he comes across a lost stranger, he’s surprised when she doesn’t recoil at his appearance, and even more so at his eagerness to assist her.
As Jenny settles into the welcoming, but small, town of Washton, she can’t help but come across Ren, especially since his daily constitutional takes him along the same path. It doesn’t take long for them to form a connection that breaks down the walls erected by years of hurt. But when strange occurrences unsettle the townspeople, it seems their chance at happiness might be at risk.
Will Jenny and Ren discover that they’re enough—for God, and each other?
Passionate about all types of stories—whether they are from songs, theatre, movies, or novels—Denise M. Colby loves history and constantly finds herself contemplating how it was to live in the 1800’s. Combining her love of learning about history, and reading, Denise writes Historical Romance Sweetened with Faith, Hope, & Love. A Slight Change of Plans is the second novel in her Best-laid Plans series. A mother to three boys and daughter-in-love, Denise loves to read, watch movies with her family, sing 80’s and musical songs, tap dance, and spend date nights with her husband at ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’.
To find out more about Denise and her books: Visit her website here:
Thank you for having me on your blog today, and for sharing about Jenny and A Slight Change of Plans.