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Good morning! I am so happy to be able to share this interview with the lovely Katja!
Katja's stories are some of my favorites so it is really exciting to share about her upcoming release in the Springtime in Surrey anthology from Wild Press Wonder.
I look forward to interviewing each of the authors this month before the anthology releases! Check back tomorrow for the next interview. (I may have had a slight schedule change so it will be live tomorrow instead of yesterday.)
About the Book
Springtime in Surrey is a Christian anthology featuring eight lovely stories. With a mix of historical and contemporary, romance and women’s fiction, a dash of mystery here and there, real-life themes presented in a loving way, and a vintage feel, this story is sure to charm lovers of Christian women’s fiction.
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
Elinor Chapman, an orphaned laundry woman, must fight to survive after WWI breaks out. She prays her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did 14 years ago. She is forced to take on nursing, but her passion for helping other orphans distracts her from this job, leaving her little time for rest. Will she run herself into the ground … or will she learn to rest in Jesus?
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
During every teatime at her cottage hideaway, Moira struggles to discover hope amongst her lost ballerina dreams. Unsettled by elusive goals of his own, sheep farmer Adrian observes his uncle’s neighbor crying into her tea and wonders why… and what he can do to cheer her up. While facing their regrets, can Moira and Adrian trust that God has a good plan despite crushed dreams and far-off hopes?
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
With her husband off to war and two evacuee children staying in her home, Joan feels duty-bound to contribute to the war effort via her participation in the Women’s Land Army. She is thrilled to learn that her husband has leave. But when the London Blitz ruins her plans to see him, Joan must decide what is most important in her life: her contribution to the war effort or her calling as a mother?
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Forced from her childhood home after her father was killed in action, Meredith Tate is forced to seek employment at the Deepdene Hotel until she discovers the next step. Which most certainly does not include the brooding Captain Trevor Seaton, a guest who always manages to catch her at her worst. Despite his gentle magnetism, Meredith is determined not to fall for a military man—but God may have other plans.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
Caitrìona is determined to rescue her family from poverty by making a brilliant match. She is on the verge of success when her brother is arrested for a sensational crime. Banished to the country, she meets Ewart, a fearful recluse with a younger sister in need of aid. Ewart and Caitrìona grow together through shared goals—but as mysteries are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed?
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
Jessamy Aubertine is too much for her university classmates, too little for her overstressed mum, and nothing in between. Then a mysterious letter signed by Jane Austen brings her back to her family’s fading tea shop and a pair of unlikely comrades. Will they find the letter writer—and perhaps discover themselves along the way? Or will their friendship fade with The Muses?
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
Hardworking Margaret Enfield is thrilled with her engagement to her lifelong best friend Lester. When his brother’s sudden illness forces Lester’s prolonged and indefinite absence, every tomorrow feels bleak to Margaret as lonely drudgery overtakes the once-rosy springtime. As she throws herself into her tasks, can she learn to trust her tomorrows with Jesus—one day at a time?
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
Rosalind finds herself engaged to Matthias after her former fiancé, his brother, perishes in battle. Determined to forge a connection, she embarks on a risky mission. When Matthias retreats into his own turmoil on a hunting trip, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and follows him to the forest, vowing to fight for their love. Will Matthias summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive them apart forever?
Copyright © 2023 Wild Blue Wonder Press
About the Author
Katja H. Labonté is a Christian, an extreme bibliophile who devours over 365 books in a year, and an exuberant writer with a talent for starting short stories that explode into book series. She is a bilingual French-Canadian and has about a dozen topics she’s excessively passionate about (hint: that’s why she writes). Katja writes both contemporary and historical fiction, as well as non-magical historical and contemporary kingdom fiction, and covers themes of worth, love, peace, and Christian growth. She spends her days enjoying little things, growing in faith, learning life, and loving people. You can follow her life journey, find free books, browse her services, and more on her website and blog.
Interview
What was your favorite part of working on this anthology?
I think my favourite part was seeing the cover. ;)
No, but really, IT IS GORGEOUS AND I LOVE IT SOOOO MUCHHHH.
*coughs*
Anyways. Actually, my favourite part has probably been working with a group of ladies I love who are ALL awesome, and having a team that is so encouraging, forgiving, helpful, and professional! It was a much more involved and hands-on process than most anthologies I’ve been in, but I appreciated the guidance with all the many facets of publishing. For someone like me who is wading into those waters for the first time, it was so useful!
Why did you pick the era you did for “The Tussie-Mussie”?
Well, I broke down on a post on Kellyn Roth’s blog about how this story came about, so you can read that for the long version… whenever it releases! The short version is that I had the story idea a long time ago, and it was already a Sherlock Holmes story, aka 1880s-1890s. When I decided to borrow Bethany Willcock’s Sherlock fanfiction (with her blessing!) and set my story with the man she set up as Sherlock’s successor, Vincent Woodthorn, that put me in 1903, when Holmes officially retired. I actually wasn’t too knowledgeable about 1903, so I had to do a lot of research and I discovered it is not my favourite era. Ironically. ;P
For readers who enjoy your story what is another book they should read?
You should DEFINITELY read Bethany C. Willcock’s “Everything,” found in the Everything anthology by the King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp, published by Erika Mathews (it’s a great collection, you should read it all… just sayin’). It’s basically a prologue of sorts to Vincent Woodthorn, who becomes quite important in “The Tussie-Mussie.” You should also read the Sherlock Holmes canon, because I have a lotttt of Easter eggs from there. Other books with similar feels would be the Chronicles of Alice & Ivy by Kellyn Roth, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and Jane Austen’s novels!
Where did the idea come from for your story?
Again, you can refer to the blog post on Kellyn Roth’s blog for the long version. But basically, I had a random idea a long time ago to write a story about two lovers having to carry on a secret courtship in Victorian England. The story came far from that—all that remained of that idea is the tussie-mussie itself!—but along the way it picked up a mystery, a layer of Victorian society, a themes of insecurity and surrender, and a romance!
Who is your biggest fictional inspiration?
I’d have a hard time picking just one book that inspires me, because so many books have. ;P I’d have to go general and say when I read Indie Books, it always leaves me pumped up to write somehow! Other than that, I honestly can’t pick just one book. ;)
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Katja, and that you make sure to mark Springtime in Surrey on Goodreads here!
Thank you for sharing this, Abi! Love the interview!