SPARKLE OF GLASS—Character Interview

Today I'm welcoming Darvi Stanton and Rance Coulter to my blog, the main characters from SPARKLE OF GLASS, my new contemporary romance released December 4, 2024, from The Wild Rose Press.

Welcome Darvi and Rance. Thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to be here with us today.

Darvi:  It's our pleasure.

Rance:  Thanks for the invitation. What's on your mind? What would you like to know?

Well, let's start with how you first met? Do you want to take that question, Darvi?

Rance:  Uh Oh, (smiles and shakes his head) I have a feeling I'm not going to come out of this unscathed.

Why do you say that? Was your first meeting…uh, awkward?

Darvi:  Awkward? (laughs) That's putting it mildly. How about full on confrontational?

That sounds like an interesting story. What happened?

Darvi:  I was new to the coastal town of Sandy Cove having just moved to Oregon from Laguna Beach, California. I was lucky enough to have been hired to design and construct all the stained glass windows for the renovation of a Victorian style bed and breakfast inn. I was very excited about this new project and looking forward to getting started.

Wasn't there some problem with you being hired by the inn's owner?

Darvi: I was aware that the contractor on the project wanted someone else hired, someone he had previously worked with and whose work he trusted, but the inn's owner overruled the contractor and hired me directly. So, not only did I have a huge project to do, I now had the added task of needing to win over the contractor and convince him I knew what I was doing.

Rance:  And that's when I inadvertently stepped into the middle of things, not knowing who this stranger was…(reaches for her hand and gives it a squeeze) or that she would end up being the person I wanted to be with for the rest of my life.

What did you do?

Darvi: He verbally accosted me on the main street of town, accusing me of stealing his parking space. I had legally parked in front of the art supply store, which is where I was going, on a street with no parking restrictions. I thought he was not only extremely rude but also very arrogant. His aggressive attitude sparked my anger. Our first face-to-face encounter, before either of us even knew who the other was, resulted in conflict. It was later that day, when I met with the inn's owner and the contractor, that I discovered the identity of this rude obnoxious man. He was the contractor I needed to convince that I was the right person for this job. Definitely not the best start to a new project.

But you got your problems straightened out and everything went smoothly from there?

Darvi and Rance: (laugh simultaneously) Not even close.

Darvi: We managed to settle into a mostly compatible work relationship.

Rance: We accepted and appreciated each other's work on the inn project. But other than that…

Darvi: Our personal interactions were very much up and down. He continued to hide behind his aggressive arrogance…

Rance: And she buried herself behind a wall of anger. But in spite of that, there was an irresistible force pulling us together. Something saying we were meant to be together.

Darvi: Sometimes it was difficult to balance personal time and business. There used to be enough hours in the day for everything, but suddenly time had to be allocated. So much time for work, so much time for us.

Rance: But we managed to get the project finished on time and on budget. Everyone involved was very pleased with the results. The invitation only grand opening was a huge success.

Darvi: The future seemed all sunshine and love, until…(closes eyes as Rance pulls her into his arms)

Sounds as if you each had your own personal issues, emotional baggage from the past.

Rance: (slight frown as thoughtful look crosses his face) Yes. For my part, past issues that I'd been carrying around with me far too long, for too many years. Issues that almost tore us apart until I came to my senses and realized what I was about to lose.

Darvi: I was devastated. I had moved to Oregon to get away from an emotionally destructive situation from my past and suddenly found myself in a repeat pattern. I didn't think I'd be able to survive the turmoil and upheaval a second time.

Obviously everything worked out because here you are. But what kind of emotional baggage were each of you carrying around that could have that much of a negative impact on your individual lives? And how did you manage to work your way through it?

Rance: For the answer to that…

Darvi: You'll need to read the book.

(laughs) Apparently that's as much explanation as I'm going to get from the two of you. Thank you Darvi and Rance for visiting my blog today.

Blurb:

Putting a painful past behind her, Darvi Stanton has a new job in a small coastal town in Oregon. Designing the stained glass windows for a Victorian-style inn under renovation is right up her alley. She’s determined to impress the owner in spite of the obnoxious, know-it-all contractor with gorgeous eyes and a charming smile.

Rance Coulter had another artist in mind for the decorative windows of his new project, someone with more experience, someone less…attractive. When he’s overruled, he gives in grudgingly, but they clash over every decision. The only time she’s not arguing with him is when he’s kissing her.

Will mixing business with pleasure lead to ruin or a happily ever after.

G-Excerpt #5

Before she lost her nerve, Darvi whirled around to face him, offering a tentative smile. “Would you like some coffee or tea? It won’t take but a moment for me to fix it.”

The surprise in his eyes gave way to pleasure. “I’d like that very much. Coffee, if that’s okay.”

“Coffee it is. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

Darvi busied herself in the kitchen making coffee, gathering cups, and finding a serving tray to carry all of it. She tried not to dwell on the fact that she had let down her guard, allowed Rance into her personal domain for a nonbusiness purpose, had even been the one to suggest he stay for coffee. She knew if she stopped to consider her actions, she would ask Rance to leave, removing all temptation.

She paused for a moment, her brow furrowed in concentration. Panic stabbed through her as she looked toward the studio where he waited. Temptation—exactly what he represented, an overwhelming temptation to which she must not succumb.

She glanced down at her hands, surprised by the way they trembled. Her eyes misted as she fought back the tears. I can’t become involved with him. I could never tell him about what happened. He would never understand about…

G-Excerpt #6

She took a deep breath, held it for a second, then slowly exhaled. She finally started to speak, her words cloaked in defensiveness. “I had my life under control until I ran into you. I’m taking care of some simple errands and you turn it into a major confrontation over some stupid parking spot on a public street. You’ve been going out of your way to antagonize me at every opportunity. I know you wanted George to hire someone else to do the stained glass, but he hired me in spite of your objections. I have a signed contract. The least you can do is make an effort to be decent about it.”

Her words caught him off guard. “I don’t have any—”

“I’m not a helpless little thing who cries at the drop of a hat. I’ve always been able to take care of myself, handle any situation that came along. You’re pushing me too hard, asking too much…demanding too much, things that have nothing to do with you or with this job. Things that are none of your business.”

The tears welled in her eyes as her veneer began to crumble. “You apparently believe that I should just trust you because you say so even though you’ve done nothing to show me your sincerity or that you can actually be trusted. How do I know what your intentions are? Why should I believe that you will keep anything I say to you in confidence rather than using it to humiliate me? Stop pushing me so hard. It’s very difficult for me…very painful.”

The arrogant Rance persona started to speak, the spontaneous outburst coming out as a harsh sound. “Pushing you? I haven’t—” The rest of the sentence stuck in his throat. His totally inappropriate reaction to what she said meshed with his own unspoken fears. He pulled her into his embrace as a mass of apprehension swirled around inside him. What to think…what to do…he didn’t have any answers. He stroked her hair as he thought over what she had said. He had no idea he had been pushing her that hard. Or that she harbored a secret so frightening for her that even what he thought of as teasing banter had been too painful for her to handle.

And her comment about not trusting him, fearing he would turn her secret against her in such a callous manner… He didn’t like hearing it, knew he would never do such a thing, but quickly realized why she would think it.

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Sparkle-Glass-Shawna-Delacorte-ebook/dp/B0DHW7959Q

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sparkle-of-glass-shawna-delacorte/1146283517?ean=2940185712221 

and other online vendors

Excerpts and other information available on my website:

www.shawnadelacorte.com        https://shawnadelacorte.blogspot.com 

CHANGING THE PAST new release 2024-05-22

My new book release, Wednesday, May 22, 2024—CHANGING THE PAST, a contemporary romance by USA Today Bestselling author Shawna Delacorte, published by The Wild Rose Press in ebook and print.  Excerpts and other information available on my website   www.shawnadelacorte.com 

This is the story of Meg Wainwright and Blaine Reeves, a love story Meg believed would last a lifetime. Then Blaine shattered her heart into a million pieces when he betrayed her love and trust by suddenly walking out on her without any warning or explanation. Now he is desperate to win back the only woman he ever loved.

Blurb:

Successful freelance photojournalist Meg Wainwright is offered the assignment of her dreams—photographing and writing a new line of travel books for a publisher in the UK. But when she arrives, she learns she’ll be working for the man who walked out on her ten years ago without an explanation and left her heartbroken.

Blaine Reeves regrets leaving the only woman he ever loved. Luring her to London without revealing his involvement might not be his best plan. He can only hope it’s not too late to change the past.

Excerpt #2:

A sudden thought brightened Blaine's dismal mood. He sat up straight. The answer to his immediate problem with Meg? His sister. He would buy Crista a plane ticket and have her come for a visit. He checked his watch to determine the time in New York, then reached for the phone and dialed her  number.

“Crista, it’s Blaine. What would you say to dropping everything and coming to London for a month? I can use your help with something.”

“What’s the matter?”

“It’s Meg.”

“Meg?” Crista’s genuine shock raced along the phone connection.

“Yes. She’s here. I hired her to photograph and write a new travel book, and, uh, well…” The proper words to explain his plight refused to materialize, words he hoped wouldn’t make it sound as manipulative as the reality of the situation.

“Let me guess. You thought you’d get her to London—she probably didn’t even know it was your company—and the moment she saw you she would magically fall into your arms and forgive you for everything that happened. Things would be just the way they were ten years ago before you screwed it up big time. Am I close?”

A combination of irritation and embarrassment forced the words out of his mouth. “Dammit, Crista. It’s bad enough that you can usually read me like a book. At least let me tell it my own way.” A sigh of resignation escaped his throat. “You are, of course, right.”

“So, what’s your problem?”

“Well, first of all she hasn’t been in a forgiving mood. Second, there’s Dennis Mallory.”

“What’s Dennis have to do with this?”

“You know Dennis. He tries to get every woman who crosses his path into his bed. He has taken Meg out to dinner a couple of times, and they’re going out again tonight. He has his sights set on her.”

“And just what do you think I can do about that?”

“I want you to keep an eye on Meg. See that Dennis doesn’t take advantage of her. Right now, she’s in a very vulnerable state, and I, uh, might even have to accept a little bit of responsibility for that.” He cleared his throat. “Just a little while ago I asked her to cancel her date with Dennis for tonight.”

“And?”

“Let’s just say she didn’t take kindly to my suggestion.” Blaine took a steadying breath in an attempt to calm his rising panic. “That’s why I need you here, Crista. Help me make sure Dennis doesn’t seduce her, that she’ll be safe. Will you come? Right away? Like tonight?”

“This whole thing, tricking Meg into being there…” Crista’s tone conveyed her thoughts as clearly as her words. “This is, without a doubt, the dumbest thing you have ever done with the single exception of when you walked out on her originally.”

“Okay, it’s dumb. But will you do it? I’ll have a pre-paid ticket for you at the airline counter for whatever flight you want.”

Her voice teased. “That ticket will be first class, won’t it?”

 

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Changing-Past-Shawna-Delacorte-ebook/dp/B0CTHSZFST

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/changing-the-past-shawna-delacorte/1145014722?ean=9781509254798

also available at other online vendors

Check my blog next week. I'll have an interview with Meg Wainwright and Blaine Reeves.

THE BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR Release date May 30, 2022

A beautiful socialite…a jaded bachelor… Can Katherine make Scott see beyond the newspaper headlines to the woman she really is?

My latest novel, a contemporary romance titled THE BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR, is scheduled for release on Monday, May 30, 2022, from The Wild Rose Press in both ebook and print. www.thewildrosepress.com

 BLURB:  

When billionaire construction mogul Scott Blake is asked to participate in a charity bachelor auction, he wants no part in the games of the idle rich or social-climbing gold diggers that come with them. He’s traveled that road before. However, the beautiful socialite seeking his help won’t take no for an answer. Showing up at his office with a fiery determination and a heartfelt plea, she convinces him it's his duty to help with the plight of abused children, and he just might have her all wrong.

 Due to dark secrets from her childhood, Katherine Fairchild is dedicated to the charity she founded to help abused children. As she introduces Scott to her world, he meets a homeless teenage boy who is fiercely loyal to Katherine and a darling little three-year-old girl, the most recent child in need of her help. He seems to fit right in, but can she trust him with her past…or with her heart?

Can the socialite win over the jaded billionaire?

 G-Excerpt #1:  (opening)

“Mr. Blake, that Miss Fairchild is in the outer office. She’s phoned three times this morning, and now she’s here in person. I told her you couldn’t see her without an appointment, but she said she’d wait—no matter how long it took.”

 Scott Blake reluctantly tore his gaze away from the panoramic view of San Francisco Bay out his office window. He swiveled around in his leather chair until he faced his secretary, Amelia Lambert. The expression on the prim, older woman’s face showed her unhappiness with him…again.

 “She’s a very persistent woman, Mr. Blake. I truly believe she means to remain seated there until you’ve spoken with her. She has one of those electronic devices and seems to be reading a book. She’s obviously prepared to spend the day, if necessary.”

 A withering sigh of resignation escaped his lips as he picked up a letter from the corner of his desk. The letterhead belonged to the Coalition for the Prevention of Child Abuse, a worthwhile charity well respected for its efficient operation and good work. The letter was signed by Katherine Fairchild, the director of the fund-raising committee as well as chairman of the board.

 “Very well, Amelia.” He loosened his tie, then his nimble fingers unfastened the top button of his shirt. He had never been able to get comfortable with the restrictive dress code of the boardroom and that morning had been the annual Blake Construction board of director’s meeting. It had been five years since his father’s untimely death from a massive coronary with the reins of the company passing to him. And, at the age of thirty-four, Scott still disliked suits and ties.

He had worked summers on his father’s construction crews while attending the University of California at Berkeley where he graduated with a degree in environmental sciences and had planned a career in that field. As a child, he had wanted to be a forest ranger. Upon graduation, his father had talked him into remaining in the family business, allowing him to ramrod crews working outdoors in the fresh air rather than being confined to an office even though he carried the title of vice president.

“Why couldn’t she just ask for a donation?” He had followed his father’s long tradition of supporting various charitable organizations. “I’d be happy to write her a check. But this...” He waved the letter in the air, then swiveled his chair around until the breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay capped by the hills of Marin County once again came across his line of sight. “Let’s get it over with. Send the officious Miss Fairchild in, but if she’s still here after ten minutes, buzz me. And Amelia—” He turned his head toward her, flashed a mischievous grin, and winked. “Let her cool her heels out there for another fifteen minutes before you send her in.”

In spite of his own wealthy status, he had never thought of himself—of his family—as part of that socially elite group. Women like Katherine Fairchild irritated him. He had personal experience with them—pampered, phony, shallow, self-centered, and vain. And now this. He stared at the letter referring to a bachelor auction to raise money for the charity. She actually wanted him to stand up on stage wearing a tuxedo and posing in front of an audience and the media. Then the members of the pampered rich bid money to buy an evening with him as if bidding on confiscated items at a police auction or making a purchase at an estate sale. It seemed more akin to a cruel game played by the frivolous socially elite than a legitimate charity fund-raiser. He did not like it, not one bit.

THE BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR by Shawna Delacorte, contemporary romance novel from The Wild Rose Press   www.thewildrosepress.com 

Currently available for pre-order at:

https://www.amazon.com/Billionaire-Bachelor-Shawna-Delacorte-ebook/dp/B09THTD6DG

and other online vendors

More excerpts and other information available on my website:  www.shawnadelacorte.com