Announcing the winners:
Congratulations Maureen and Kate! Contact me at jessie at jessiecrockett.com with a mailing address and I will send you each an advanced reading copy of Whispers Beyond the Veil!
Jessie: In book jail on the coast of Maine.
I am pressing up hard against the deadline for Book 2 in my new Change of Fortune Mysteries series. The first book in the series, Whispers Beyond the Veil launches on September 6. I have one child to get off to a first year at college on Friday and another who starts high school the following Wednesday.
What this means is that the dishes are piling, the laundry is heaping and dinners are all about scrounging. It also means I am wishing I could time travel and get some things accomplished months ago. Since that isn’t possible, but I like the time travel notion, I thought I’d interview the protagonist of my soon to be released book, as well as my work-in-progress, Ruby Proulx, about herself and life in Old Orchard in 1898. Here goes:
Jessica: I understand you are a newcomer to Old Orchard. What is your impression of the town?
Ruby: I have only just arrived but I am completely smitten. The town pulses with enthusiasm for the new pleasure pier that is almost complete. Everywhere you look there are grand hotels, confectioners, photography studios and ballrooms. The trains and trolleys run constantly and there is never any shortage of amenities and amusements. On top of everything else there is the constant, awe-inspiring majesty of the ocean.
Jessica: Rumor has it that you are living and working at your aunt’s hotel. Care to put in a plug for the Hotel Belden?
Ruby: The Belden may not be the largest hotel on the beach but it is the most unique. My Aunt Honoria had the insprired idea to add a faculty of metaphysical practitioners to the hotel staff and to offer readings and lessons to our guests. Where else can you hold a seance, learn to dowse or have your natal chart cast all within a pebble’s toss of the sea? If you want to visit you should telegraph or write immediately. We are already booked for most of the season.
Jessica: I’ve heard that there is a pickpocketing problem in Old Orchard. Should potential visitiors be concerned for the security of their valuables?
Ruby: While sneak theives have been as enthusiastic about a seaside visit as anyone else, we are fortunate to have a dedicated and skilled police force in town. Well, perhaps it would be more correct to say we are lucky to have Officer Warren Yancey looking to our best interests. He doesn’t let personal gain influence his service to the community no matter how much easier it would be for him to turn a blind eye to corruption and murder.
Jessica:Murder! Care to elaborate?
Ruby: If you want to know more about that sort of thing I suggest you read Whispers Beyond the Veil.
Readers, where would you go if you could time travel? Leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win one of two advanced reading copies of Whispers Beyond the Veil.
Kait Carson
Charlene D’Avanzo 
I think (of course) the Regency period in England would be interesting but I’d also love to visit Italy during the Renaissance. Too many options to choose just one!
Hello Jessica, I would enjoy so much living in South Philadelphia where my MomMom, Mom and Aunts grew up. They always talked of their outside kitchen where they baked and cooked. Mom was so proud telling me that she and her sisters would clean and shine the marble step near the front door of their row home. MomMom told us all the kids on Carlisle Street were her kids. Simple but great times. Looking forward to reading whispers Beyond the Veil. Thanks, Maureen.
I would love to go back and tell my younger self to not worry so much, that things will sort themselves out, that it’s o.k. to leap out of your comfort zone more than once…look how that one turned out!
I’d love to go back to the World War II era in either the U.S. or England. Even though horrible things were happening, it seems like people were so connected by one purpose – winning the war. The sense of community was strong and everyone helped everyone else. Our world is so divided now that this time would be a great experience.
I love to read about times further back, but the lack of sanitary facilities keeps those eras off my “visit” list! I’d love to win a copy of this book.
Fun interview, Jessie! I would like to travel about a hundred years into the future, to see the “real” results of climate change and human determination and grace. (Also how my grandsons would shape their part.) Good luck with all your timelines! And I’d love to read an advance copy of Whispers Beyond the Veil! — Beth
Keep cool — it will all get done. Or the important parts will. (Somehow!)
Lovely interview, Jessie, and I will need to get a copy of Book 2 in this series! I was very fortunate to win an advance copy of Whispers Beyond the Veil, and everyone will adore it, too. There are so many elements that appeal to me.
Maureen, South Philadelphia, huh? My father grew up in that part of Philly! It is still an amazing place with a true sense of community and a love for celebrations of all kinds. I grew up in Center City, Philadelphia near Independence Hall, and that is still drenched in history, and where I live now, Marlton aka Evesham, it is also very historical and reflects the town of the same name in England. I would LOVE to find my way to Maine, though.
Gram, your post reflects gems of wisdom!
Only 1 trip ! I think I would start in the 1920s.
New England of the mid 19th century calls to me. There was hope, promise and much industry among its peoples. The waves of immigration were abundant and many a tongue spoken within its main ports. It had already established a rich and proud history yet was not tied down by it. The cod and lobster were abundant and made for delectable feasts. Care to join me?
My two goals would be to see the period from the Declaration of Independence to the ratification of the Constitution, and also to go see Shakespeare work with his authors at the Globe. Of course, to get the most out of either trip, I’d have to undergo a gender transformation as well as time travel.
Maine has always been on my bucket list but at 81 I think it no longer will happen unless I Time Travel. What period is the problem but maybe I could spent a day with each of my loved Maine authors characters to get the full history of Maine.
Ruth–that would be so fun and interesting. I’ll join you so we can discuss!
I would love to read this!
New England during the time of the Witch Hunts. That always fascinated me!