*One thing you’re going to notice this year is fewer posts. I’ve decided to only do one interview and the reading challenge post per month. I might have some months where more pop up, but in order to provide myself more time for writing and other pursuits, I’m reducing the amount that goes up. Thanks for understanding, and I hope you still enjoy the interviews and reading challenge!*

Now onto THIS month’s character interview.

I had the privilege of being introduced to Heather Taber’s writing through her debut novel, Their Burden to Bear. It was such a wonderful read that I am eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on her newest book, In Books & Battlefields. Today, I am blessed to interview the heroine, Isabella Ruth Pearson. In addition to that treat, Heather is graciously giving away one e-book copy of In Books & Battlefields. Regardless of if you win a copy, Heather has a free short story for anyone who signs up for her newsletter. You can find all the details for that and the giveaway at the end of the post. Before then, we have an interview!

Before we dive into our interview, let me introduce you to the story that Isabella takes part in.

Now it’s time to jump into our interview with Isabella!

CC: CHARACTER, would you please introduce yourself to my readers? How would you describe yourself?

Isabella: Thank you so much for taking a break from your busy day to read this. My name is Isabella Pearson. I’m a volunteer librarian serving the brave men at Camp Sheridan who will soon be sent overseas. Originally from Philadelphia, Denver has been my home for the past few years, and I miss my family there terribly. But, I love when I can put my love of literature to good use. As the main female character in this story, I’ve had to navigate a new way of life in a new part of the country, surrounded by a sea of men (which is, ironically, the last thing I’d ever want.) My personality is a bit paradoxical–I’m equal parts outgoing and reserved, brave and scared, headstrong and… okay, well, I’m always headstrong.

CC: LOL. I’m beginning to wonder if all we women are headstrong. LOL So tell us a little more. If you don’t want to be around a sea of men, 

What DO you want? What’s standing in your way?

Isabella: What I want is to avoid marriage and to use my love of books and my skills as a librarian to serve our nation. Unfortunately, all these lovesick men keep getting in my way.

CC: I imagine you are quite the attention getter for these men who have left every female they know behind and are facing a deadly war overseas.  I bet it is impossible NOT to be flirted with.

If you had time to read a book, what would you pick up and why?

Isabella: I love Anne of Green Gables, but Anne of the Island is my favorite in the series. I’m a romantic at heart, even if I don’t want a marriage of my own. Hmm.. that’s not entirely accurate. I should say I’m a romantic at heart, even if marriage is off the table for me. I’ve also recently read a manuscript by a young soldier who writes under the name F. Scott Fitzgerald. His work is fascinating!

CC: Oh, I’ve not read that series, but I can vaguely remember sitting in my grandma’s living room and watching all the Anne of Green Gables movies with her. And to read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s work must have been amazing. I would love to see how his stories started versus how they ended.

What was your childhood like? 

Isabella: I have been blessed more than I deserve with loving parents and an adoring big brother who is also my best friend in the world. I’ve been afforded every luxury, from a carefully cultivated education to the finest dresses in Philadelphia, but my mother’s humility and compassion have taught me that these things do not matter nearly as much as a winsome personality, the ability to be a blessing to others, hard work, and making others feel valued. I aspire to be more like her every day.

CC: She sounds like an amazing woman.

Who or what scares you the most?

Isabella: Men scare me, which makes it ironic that I fought so hard to work among them at Camp Sheridan. God certainly has a sense of humor! I had a…difficult…encounter with a man in my past that has taught me that other than my father and brother, men cannot be trusted, no matter their upbringing.

CC: It sounds as if you have good cause to be wary of men. It’s always wise to evaluate a person and their character before giving them your trust, but at some point you do have to take that leap of faith that they are worth trusting.

How do you feel about this journey you are on?

Isabella: Some days, I still cannot believe I was brave enough to get on that train and devote myself to working here at Camp Sheridan, Alabama. I’m worried that I will hurt one of the men who have made their intentions toward me known. I cannot be who they want me to be. I cannot give them what they want most of all, and I worry that I will hurt them in the process of being their friend. But I do enjoy my work here. I especially love teaching the soldiers to read and helping many of them send letters home.

CC: It’s hard to be that balance of friend with guys without indicating you want more or encouraging them. I’m glad you love your job and what you’re doing to support the war effort. 

If you had to choose a difference career path, what would you choose?

Isabella: I’d love to be an author. It sounds silly, but I’ve read so many books, I think it would be fun to try my hand at writing a love story of my own. Maybe then I could live out the life I dream of but will never have.

CC: Should I warn you to not do it? LOL Writing is so much fun, it’s just all the other parts of being an author that maybe aren’t AS fun. Of course, in your day, authors weren’t expected to market, so that was definitely the golden era to write, at least in that respect.

Unfortunately, it’s time to wrap up, so here’s our last question, and it’s always a fun one. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Isabella: I’ve done a great deal of international travel, and I have to say that, given the opportunity, I’d return to Paris in a heartbeat. In fact, I wanted to serve at the American Library in Paris, but Mother nearly fainted at the thought. I speak French fluently and feel like Paris is my home away from home. I would love to return there someday soon.

CC: Knowing what I do of history, maybe not TOO soon . . .

That’s it for now. If you liked getting to know Isabella, I highly recommend you go check out Heather Taber’s In Books & Battlefields. 

Heather Tabers writes Historical Romance, Children’s Fiction, and encouragement for weary souls. Although she can’t always recall the dates of famous battles or list the world’s great leaders, Heather treasures history for something far more meaningful—the way stories from the past stir our hearts today. She’s a hope-filled romantic who believes in second chances and redemptive love. Her own love story proves that life can be messy and beautiful at the same time, which is why she enjoys writing stories that show the goodness of God’s grace.

Heather resides in sunny Central Florida with her husband and hero, Robert, whom many of her MMCs are inspired by. She’s also a veteran homeschooling mama of five (mostly) grown kiddos whom she loves with her whole heart, a dog mom, clay jewelry designer, virtual author assistant, digital product designer, and a pursuer of whatever new idea strikes her fancy.

You can connect with her at:  Website  |  Newsletter  |  Instagram

In the Shadow of Sacrifice

With World War II brimming in the background, Louise leaves everything she’s ever known in Colorado to support her family by working in her brother’s diner in St. Louis. Harboring secret pain from her past, Louise meets Dude and her “I don’t need a man” mentality begins to shift. Together they uncover danger, heartbreak, and sacrificial love.

Get your free copy of In the Shadows from Heather here.

Giveaway Details

Here’s your chance to win an e-book of In Books & Battlefields. Comment on the blog and enter use the Google form below for your chance to win! Entries close at 11:59 p.m. EST on 1/20. Open to legal U.S. residents. See Giveaway Policies for more details.