Spotlight/Interview: For the Love of Sarah by Hazel Statham

How many times can a heart be broken? How many times can love be denied? Sarah and Alexander were destined for each other but after just four short weeks of marriage, their lives were torn asunder.

Alexander, Earl of Thorne thought he had found his ideal mate but, when Sarah absconded shortly after their marriage, his world came crashing down. Now, five years later, he discovers her in a remote Yorkshire village.

Sarah had thought she was safe, but when, severely injured in a freak accident, her husband is thrust once more into her life, she fears her dark secrets and the fact she has a son, will become known.

Despite her own desperate longings, she continually repudiates Alexander’s efforts of reconciliation. However, fate conspires against her, and when her home is made uninhabitable by floods, she and her young son are forced to accept his aid and return to her former home.

Discovery threatens and, despite her breaking heart, she plans to leave Alexander’s life. What is this secret that makes it so imperative that she should abscond from him yet again? Can two broken hearts cleave and emerge victorious or will life's cruel forces tear them apart forever?

Interview:

1.     Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I left school in 1961 at the age of fifteen and during my working life worked as a personnel officer and then latterly an accounts officer.  When I had to give up working due to ill health in 1994, I acted as treasurer for a voluntary organisation that raised money for animal charities.  However, when the organisation closed, I returned to my love of writing and now have seven published novels.

2.     Tell us a little about the book you are here to promote?

It’s the story of two souls who are meant for each other, but, just four weeks into their marriage, are driven asunder by secrets and lies.  Now, five years later, they are once more thrown together by a freak accident.  However, hearts turn traitorous and refuse to be quelled despite the treachery that threatens to separate them.  Will the perpetrator emerge victorious or are Alexander and Sarah destined to find the happiness they so richly deserve.

3.     What was your main inspiration for this story?

I started off with the details of Alexander’s accident which I validated with a doctor to make sure it was plausible.  Over a period of weeks I fleshed the story out and developed my main characters.  Zander came from my grandson, Daniel.  However, the exact details of Sarah’s secret were more difficult to define but became clear through research.

4.     If your book was made into a movie, which stars would you want to play your Hero and Heroine?

Richard Armitage would make a superb Alexander but, to be perfectly honest I find it difficult to cast Sarah and would welcome my readers’ suggestions.

5.     Describe your Hero/Heroine in five words?

Alexander can be described in these five words - heroic, honourable, erudite, loyal, generous.

6.     If you could go back and give your-struggling-author-self one piece of advice now that you are published what would it be?

Believe in yourself!

7.     Do you have any interesting writing quirks?

I have been known, if the muse strikes, to rise at midnight and continue writing into the small hours.

8.     How do you stay motivated when the Muse is being temperamental?

There’s no pressure if the muse goes into hiding.  I have the luxury of being able to write as and when it’s more in evidence.  If inspiration deserts me, I just find something else to do until it returns.

9.     What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not writing?

Read or spend time with the family and the various animals we own. I also love going on vacation.

10. Fast Five:

a.      Tea or Coffee?                      Neither, I prefer cold drinks

b.     Kindle or Nook?                   Kindle

c.      Beer or Wine or Spirits?       Don’t drink

d.     All-time favourite book?      Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

e.      All-time favourite Movie?   1982 BBC TV version of Jane Eyre

Hazel will be awarding winner's choice of either a Cream Coin Freshwater Pearl necklace or a digital copy of DOMINIC or HIS SHADOWED HEART (international giveaway) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, please leave a comment with your email.