HALLIE EPHRON: I recently had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Susanna Kearsley for her book (The Vanished Days) launch event at Houston's Murder By the Book. Which I could do because of covid and Zoom -- the silver lining. And which I am happy to report I can share with you through the power of YouTube.
Susanna is a New York Times bestselling author with a huge following - I know this because I usually sit beside her at the book signing at the annual Surrey International Writers Conference in Vancouver, and her line snakes out the door. And because I'm a huge fan of her writing.
Her books are juicy romances, and ever so much more they are meticulously researched historical fiction. The Scottish Highlands are her one of her sweet spots, and the new novel takes place in the Autumn of 1707.
It's a turning point in Scottish history, the story of the ill-fated Darien expedition. It was their attempt to become a colonial power but was sabotaged by the English king, leaving Scotland all but bankrupt. And in the foreground, there's the delicious story of a young widow who comes forward to collect her husband's due payment but her claim is questioned.
Like I said, terrific romance but fascinating historical backdrop.
I had a wonderful time interviewing Susanna - and I invite you to watch it now at this link on YouTube. Do those turning points in history fascinate you, too? That moment when the founding fathers had had enough and decided to proclaim independence? That moment when penicillin was discovered? And what might have been.
