I am one very excited book blogger today, because I’m sharing an interview I did with the wonderful Carrington brothers from Sarah Monzon’s Carrington Family series, AND Jack (Jacquelyn) Rogers, the woman who now has Michael Carrington’s heart. ❤️ Don’t forget to check out my review of All of You while you’re here. In the meantime, here’s a little bit about the book:
~ About the Book ~
Jacquelyn Rogers can rebuild anything…except the shambles of her past. A restorer of vintage planes, she’s worked hard to earn the reputation of being one of the guys. The last thing she needs is a former Navy pilot fighting his own inner demons stepping in to defend her from dangers she thought she’d outrun long ago. Some battles must be fought alone.
After a freak accident severs Lieutenant Michael “Finch” Carrington’s dreams, as well as two limbs, he’s left with nothing but a fragile faith and a duty-bound promise to watch out for his friend’s baby sister. A promise she insists is as unnecessary as it is unappreciated. But when she turns the tables and begins to weld together the broken parts of his life, it may be his heart that is in need of protection.
England, 1942
With the world at war yet again, Alice Galloway rejects her father’s traditional expectations and offers her piloting expertise to the Air Transport Auxiliary. She may be a woman in a man’s world, but when she overhears key intelligence, she must find the strength to transcend boundaries and her own fears. Or countless people may die.
Sometimes the past reaches forward to bring hope to the future.
~ Interview ~
KATIE: Adam, Trent, Michael, and Jack, welcome to my blog! Thanks for coming in to chat today. Before we begin, congratulations on your recent marriage, Trent. I trust marriage is treating you well?
TRENT: *flashes a crooked grin* Marriage is fantastic and I highly recommend it to everyone. Best adventure I’ve had my entire life. Although, I did get rather lucky with the treasure of a woman I found. In fact—
ADAM: *gives warning look* Keep it PG, bro.
TRENT: *grin turns mock-innocent* Of course. I’m wounded you’d think I’d do anything but.
MICHAEL: *snorts*
KATIE: Well, I think that answers that question! Michael, may I say it’s wonderful to see you looking so . . . at peace. It was a long, and at times painful journey to get to this place, wasn’t it?
MICHAEL: *face flushes and he rubs at his thigh* Uh. Yes. You could say that.
JACK: *takes his hand*
KATIE: *smiles sympathetically* I know talking about yourself isn’t your favourite pastime, Michael. I’ll try and keep this short, but you are the man of the moment. 🙂 For the benefit of those who don’t know your story, you’ve undergone a double amputation—your right arm and right leg. Most people immediately think of the physical challenges this presents, but there are emotional challenges that come with it too, aren’t there?
MICHAEL: *squirms* Uh-huh.
TRENT: *leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees* What my oh-so-very-eloquent brother is trying to say is that, yes, there is a lot he had to sift through before he stopped acting like a dolt.
KATIE: *suppressing laughter with a wry smile* Spoken like a true older brother, Trent. Perhaps, one could even say, the voice of experience?
TRENT: I have no idea what you are talking about. I am the epitome of perfection.
KATIE: *smiles indulgently* But, of course! *turns back to Michael* Which did you struggle with the most, do you think? The physical or the emotional challenges? Or were they equally difficult?
*All three brothers answer in unison* Emotional!
KATIE: *laughs* I think that’s a definitive answer!
MICHAEL: *a small smile lifts his lips* The physical stuff I could handle. Grin and bear it, push through the pain, focus on a goal and obtain it. The emotional? *shrugs* Not as easy. Every time I thought I’d made headway I’d realize, nope, still stuck right here. Like treading water.
KATIE: *nodding* I can definitely see how that would be true, especially for someone who’s trained to push through physical challenges. Do you think you’ll ever completely overcome those emotional challenges?
MICHAEL: *another shrug* Life is full of challenges, isn’t it? If not these, then new ones will come. As my mother says, just have to take it one step at a time.
KATIE: That’s so true, isn’t it? Adam and Trent, watching someone deal with the challenges of a double amputation must be difficult for loved ones and family as well, although obviously in a different way. What were some of the challenges for your family as you supported Michael through this time?
ADAM: *crosses his arms* Having to deal with his stupidity?
TRENT: *coughs* That’s a little harsh, isn’t it?
JACK: *at the same time, sitting up straight* Hey!
ADAM: First, you *pins Trent with a look* were in wedding bliss, so you missed most of everything from inside your romantic bubble. And you… *looks to Jack* really?
JACK: * sits back* Well…
MICHAEL: *holds up a hand* In my defence, I don’t think my stupidity has anything to do with this question.
ADAM: *grins* True. That’s a challenge we’ve been dealing with our entire lives.
MICHAEL: *rolls his eyes*
JACK: *gives Adam ‘the look’*
TRENT: Far be it from me to be the peacekeeper *grins* but to answer your question, I think we all were concerned Michael would turn out to be like me. Angry with God and bitter.
MICHAEL: Believe me, brother, your footsteps are not ones I wish to follow.
JACK: *chimes in* Amen.
TRENT: Ouch.
KATIE: *clears throat* Perhaps it’s my turn to be the peacekeeper *smiles at Trent* and say praise God that neither of you are in that place now.
*All heads nod*
KATIE: *turns to Jack* You didn’t meet Michael until after his double amputation, and it was something of a dramatic introduction. What was your first impression of Michael?
JACK: *looks at Michael and squeezes his hand* My first thought was that he was my very own Captain America, if a bit banged up.
KATIE: Even so, you were a bit conflicted about accepting Michael’s friendship at first, but obviously he grew on you. 🙂 What was it that drew you to him once you began to get to know him?
JACK: Oh, so many things. His persistence and faithfulness. His kindness and determination. And *Jack casts Michael a look out of the corner of her eye with a sly smile* how rogue-ish he looks in a pirate costume.
TRENT: *whistles a catcall*
KATIE: *laughs* Take note fellas! That’s how to win a girl’s heart! *turns to Michael* What about you, Michael? What was it about Jack that sparked the desire to be more than just friends?
MICHAEL: Jackie’s name is beautiful, isn’t it? Jackie. I could say it all day. Jackie, Jackie, Jackie.
JACK: *in a warning tone* Michael…
MICHAEL: *Michael leans toward her* You mentioned the pirate get-up. You should be thankful I’m not calling you Jacquelyn, babe.
KATIE: *looks between the two with a smile* Um… so I’m guessing there’s still at least one point of dissension in your relationship, then?
MICHAEL: Dissension? Naw. This one is just a mite stubborn…much to my benefit. If it hadn’t been for that stubbornness, I’m not sure where we’d be right now.
KATIE: Jack, you’re a restorer of vintage planes. How does a girl become interested in and find her place in that kind of occupation?
JACK: It all started with my dad, really. He and I restored a vintage BMW Roadster during my high school years as a way to bond. I realized how much I loved working with engines and body work. Add that to my love of flying and it was a no-brainer.
KATIE: And look where it’s taken you! I don’t want to spoil anything for readers who haven’t read your story yet, but the way things fell into place for you at the end, Michael and Jack, was simply amazing. How have things been going? Are you both feeling settled where you are?
MICHAEL: *looks at Jack and squeezes her hand* We’re right where God wants us to be.
KATIE: One last question for you, Adam. Two younger brothers: one married, and it’s probably not too much of a stretch to say the other one is heading in that direction. Are you feeling a little left out?
ADAM: *laughs* Left out? No. I have a thriving legal career, a cushiony bank account, and no problem finding dates on Saturday nights. I’d say my life is right near perfect right now just like it is.
KATIE: Ooh, I’d say you’ve just issued the challenge, right there. Mark my words, I’m looking forward to interviewing you when your turn comes!
ADAM: *Gives Katie a wink* An opportunity to be in your beautiful presence? No hardship at all.
JACK: *rolls her eyes*
KATIE: *blushing in spite of herself* Thanks so much for joining me today. What do you say? Same time, same place when we watch Adam have to eat his words? 😉
*They all grin*
Here’s a question for you, readers. What kind of woman do you think it would take to shake up Adam’s ‘near perfect’ life?
Oh fun! Reading this book right now. Seeing there’s a lot of good stuff coming up. Can’t wait to get to the pirate part :)!
It’s a great scene–for so many reasons! Enjoy!
This was so fun, Katie!
It was! Thanks for letting me interview them. 🙂
Brilliant interview! And heavens, those Carrington brothers had me blushing, too! LOL! Are we absolutely certain they are fictional??? Well done, Sarah and Katie!
Thank you! It was so much fun chatting with them. And that Adam… I’m still blushing! 😊