Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I’m the lady’s maid to Lady Aleece Taylor, the only daughter to the Duke of Carlisle. We attended a house party and I went as her companion. Little did I know this one event would change my life forever, in a good way.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
Lord William Gerrard. Many think of him as a rakehell but when he’s with me he behaves like a perfect gentleman. After we first meet he rarely leaves my side, except at night. The first time I saw him he was studying me through a window at the Whitchurch estate. Interestingly, when I glanced up toward him he hid behind a curtain. There seemed to be an almost immediate attraction between us even though he was aware of my true employment which I didn’t know at the time.
What’s your greatest fear?
At first it was being discovered that I was of low birth by members of the ton which could ruin Lady Aleece. Later, I feared people would try to kidnap me and force me into a marriage with a horrible man.
What’s your motto in life?
I really don’t have a motto.
How do the other characters in your book view you?
Much to my astonishment everyone, even the Duchess of Carlisle, saw me as who I really was. Unfortunately I can’t tell you that, so you’ll have to read the book to find out. Trust me, you’ll be as surprised as I was when I found out.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Neither. Gossip hurts people. I’d rather spend my time helping people.
What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I’m not afraid of anything, even the attempts to (sorry but if I continue I’ll spoil the book)
What was your happiest moment?
There are several in the book, beating Lady Aleece and Mr. Thomas in a fishing contest and when I’m with my Lord Gerrard.
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Lying except when it protects someone, like me.
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Blue. It’s the color of the sky and with my blonde hair suits me perfectly
*~*~*~*
While acting as chaperone to Lady Aleece at a house party, little does lady’s maid Debbi realize how her life will change.
Not prepared to fall in love nor see a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to her, Debbi’s world begins to turn upside down.
After several attempts on her life, and a run-in with yet another look-alike, she uncovers her true heritage, as the unknown daughter of a countess. Having been raised and trained as a lady’s maid, but educated alongside her employer, Debbi begins to wonder in which world she truly belongs.
Only when her new love’s life is threatened does Debbie claim her rightful place and do what’s necessary to save him.
Excerpt:
After breaking her fast Debbi slipped into an old, well-worn grey gown she always wore when fishing. With her custom-made flies in their protective container she and Lady Aleece, who was dressed similarly, descended the stairs to the main floor, there to be met by Lord Gerrard and Mr. Thomas.
As she stepped onto the marble flooring Debbi couldn’t help but notice how her partner, Lord Gerrard not to mention Mr. Thomas were dressed.
Instead of the immaculately turned out gentleman of breeding she notice he was in more versatile attire. He’d chosen a dark brown bandana tied loosely around his neck. His shirt, of a fawn color, was open at the collar showing a hint of tan matching the hue of his face. With the morning already warming he’d eschewed a jacket in favor of a multi-pocketed vest. She could only guess they were for the necessary accessories required when fishing. Covering his legs a pair of heavy, dark brown britches and well-worn boots on his feet.
“Why, Lord Gerrard, if I didn’t know better you look like you’re ready for a day of fishing.”
“Why thank you and I must say your gown is interesting, to say the least,” he responded.
“Before my father took to his sick bed he had been nearly fanatical about fishing and I seem to have caught the same enthusiasm.”
“Then let us be off,” he said with a smile, offering his arm.
Once on the terrace they collected their fly rods and creels from the footman and joined Aleece and Mr. Thomas on the lawn awaiting the earl to announce the start of the contest.
Glancing around at the other guests, in search of one in particular, Debbi wondered how the others save for Susan and Jeff would survive the rigors of this activity. When she spied the man, Debbi moved in such a way that Lord Gerrard was between her and Thompson. This way she could scrutinize him without appearing obvious. After a minute of studying him she turned to Aleece.
“Yes, you’re correct. If I didn’t know better we could almost be brother and sister. Not that I’d want to be related to him in any way.”
When queried by not only Lord Gerrard but also Mr. Thomas she promised to explain at the first opportunity when they were in private.
Author Page:
Secret Cravings Publishing-http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=175
Thanks so much for allowing Miss Debbi Overstreet to be interviewed on your blog.