Peggy released three (3!) holiday-themed books this season - color me impressed by her energy and talent! I read (and loved!) DEARLY BELOVED on a plane ride to a wedding this past month (it seemed fitting) and am excited to share Peggy's thoughts about her theme and her main characters.
Way easier said than done.
But…
When the concept for Dearly Beloved bloomed in my head, I wanted to tie the lives of the Colleen and Slade together with a common theme. Since they are such opposites in nearly every way – economically, socially, even the way they were raised – they needed some kind of story arc that would serve as a basis toward their HEA.
Forgiveness jumped into my mind because at the time I was struggling with my own decision to forgive someone who had hurt me tremendously. What would it cost me, I pondered, to forgive the person fully and just walk away from the hurt? First of all, could I even do that? And if I did, what would the aftermath look like?
That got me to thinking about my hero and heroine and the people that had hurt them.
Colleen caught her fiancé in bed with one of her co-workers. When she then dumped him, her life changed dramatically from what she was envisioning it was going to be. Would she be able to forgive him for not only cheating, but for destroying the dreams she so desperately wanted to come true? And what about her parents? They’d deserted the family when Colleen’s younger sister died of breast cancer, leaving behind the three girls to grieve together without their parents guiding and helping them through it. Could Colleen find it in her heart to forgive them for abandoning the family?
Slade’s life was set on a certain course that changed overnight when he had to take control of the family business because his father was ruining it with his numerous ill advised marriages and the subsequent expensive divorces. Would Slade be able to find it in his heart to forgive his father for his transgressions and for cheating him out of the life he wanted to live?
So much needed forgiving in this story, I worried it was too much for a reader to connect to on an entertainment level. But then I remembered something, something crucial, that my faith has taught me: Forgiveness is never for the person who is being forgiven and totally for the one who is doing the forgiving. The forgiveness benefits the forgiver waaaaaay more than the person who has sinned.
That little tenant made it easier for me to write the story. What didn’t hurt also, is that I could slip in as much humor and humorous pathos as I could fit in to temper the heaviness of the subject matter. I could find a way for both Colleen and Slade to move on with their lives – and with each other – without the hurts of their pasts and lives intruding on their HEA.
Considering the theme of forgiveness as a running plot point in the book helped me deal with my own ability to forgive the person who had so hurt me and done so much damage to my life. I think it made me better person, in the end, to forgive for forgiveness sake.
And I totally think it made me a better writer.
About the Book:
Colleen O’Dowd manages a thriving bridal business with her sisters in Heaven, New Hampshire. After fleeing Manhattan and her cheating ex-fiancé, Colleen still believes in happily ever afters. But with a demanding business to run, her sisters to look after, and their 93-year-old grandmother to keep out of trouble, she's worried she’ll never find Mr. Right.Grab your copy on AMAZON
Playboy Slade Harrington doesn’t believe in marriage. His father’s six weddings have taught him life is better as an unencumbered single guy. But Slade loves his little sister. He'll do anything for her, including footing the bill for her dream wedding. He doesn’t plan on losing his heart to a smart-mouthed, gorgeous wedding planner, though.
When her ex-fiancé comes back into the picture, Colleen must choose between Mr. Right and Mr. Right Now.
Happy Boxing Day, darling girl and happy anniversary to me. 31 years today married to my guy. Thanks so much for letting me prattle on about forgiveness, a theme I think all of us - at one time or another - have struggled with. I hope you enjoyed your holidays and here's hoping 2019 can be productive, joyful, and most of all -peaceful! Be well and thanks again for letting me visit with you today.
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary Peggy. Forgiveness is a tough lesson for us to learn, and so very important in marriage. How else to survive through three decades and more? Thank you for tackling such a difficult subject in your books.
ReplyDeleteJulie - bless you for dropping by and for your kind words!!!! Happy Holidays and Happy reading!
DeleteOh, Peggy, Happy Anniversary! The holiday season is certainly a special one for you! Dearly Beloved sounds terrific. I have it waiting for me on my Kindle--I need to just sit down and read for 'fun.' As for your topic-- Forgiveness is sometimes tough but necessary, isn't it? And it's often mixed up with the 'forgetting' part!
ReplyDeleteOh Barbara - you made be tear up!!! Bless you. I have to admit I am getting better at the forgiving part. The forgetting? Not so much, hahaha!!! Happy New Year and thanks for your kind words. I hope you enjoy DB when you get to it. I know the feeling. My TBR list is...ridiculous
DeleteFor me forgiveness is one of the most mature and complicated of concepts. As we age we realize everyone is human and everyone makes mistakes —sometimes big, hurtful ones. I hate to admit I struggle being able to forgive especially words spoken in anger by an adult. When that happens, I make myself recall all the good traits and good deeds of that person.
ReplyDeleteGlad you could use your insight to make a better story.
Congratulations on all of your releases. You are one prolific and talented lady. And happy anniversary!
Charlotte - sniff sniff! Thanks for your kind words. I struggle with forgiveness every day. The struggle is real, believe me. BUt getting to the point where you can,is a real test of maturity for sure. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. Happy New Year!!
DeleteFirst, happy anniversary! Second, I struggle with forgiveness myself, and you're right, it benefits the forgiver more than the forgiven. Glad you were able to do that.
ReplyDeleteJennifer- THANK YOU!!!! I can't believe it's 31 years - when I'm only 35 now! hee hee ( Plus two decades and change!!) Letting things go - ala frozen(!) is the hardest part of forgiveness for me. Hopefully, by the time I'm married 70 years ( gasp) I'll learn it fully. Be well and Happy new Year!
DeleteIt's still Boxing Day on the West Coast, so I can wish you a proper Happy Anniversary! What a great topic to write about, and to weave through your story.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for 2019, and I'm sure it'll be another prolific writing year for you!
Cat
Cat- thank you. For the first time in my writing career I'm seeing how much themes make a difference in the actual telling of a tale!! Be well and Happy New year.
DeleteLove the theme of your book! Looks like you have another winner there!
ReplyDeleteIlona - thank you for your kinds worsd. From your mouth to God's ears!
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