Welcome to Character Cafe, Grace Percy. I’ve been hoping you’d stop by for a while now. [Turns red and and facepalms] Oh my goodness, so sorry. I meant to call you Lady Astley. I’m afraid I’ve come to think of you as a friend, having spent so many hours in your novels.

You’ve no need to be embarrassed. I’m an American, you know. All too often I forget I’m now a member of the aristocracy. 

I guess it has only been months since you were married. Though your time with Lord Astley has been so filled with adventure it seems much longer. 

Yes, and remember that I never desired to lead anything but a simple life. I always thought I’d be content with a country bumpkin, several children, and books. With this unruly mane and my lack of social graces, I never thought I’d have to navigate high society.

I noticed that a few readers have commented that they didn’t understand why such a big deal was made of you being a ginger. 

My hair is downright scandalous to some people. [Laughs]

Anne Shirley thought of her red hair as the bane of her existence as well. But I know for a fact that this is not a fictional thing. I remember my Grammy saying that in the 1950s being a redhead was still so looked down on that she prayed that she wouldn’t have a child with red hair during each of her pregnancies. Grammy laughed and said how times have changed and how beautiful she thought her great grandchild with red hair was — our Eva. 

What a lovely girl. I can see from your photographs that she has compassion and a sense of wonder. 

Oh, Eva reminds me so much of you, now that I’m thinking of it. She is a literature major and loves adventures. Her faith is a beautiful thing. That last photo is of her in Paris. Her outward and inward beauty is seen by all, and she is well-loved. Despite being a ginger — ha ha.

My dear Lord Astley seems to find my red curls so beautiful that I’ve come to accept them quite well. It took Frederick’s love and our many adventures for me to realize that God’s design is perfect, even down to our quirks in personalities. The pieces I felt were missing in me were just making room for my husband to complete me. [Sighs in a dreamy way] We make perfect sleuthing partners.

The Mistletoe Countess

It’s apparent that you find your husband quite swoony. As do your readers, including me. Would you mind telling our other guests how you met Lord Astley?

I was supposed to be taking a bath and getting ready for an elegant dinner where my sister Lillias would meet her betrothed for the first time. Instead, I immersed myself in the delights of Jane Eyre. When I hurried to investigate a noise, I crashed into Lord Astley on the winding library steps of the Whitlock mansion’s library. Was it an omen that I almost lost my life at our very first meeting? [Pauses as though contemplating that thought] Even though I knew Frederick was meant for Lillias, I couldn’t help appreciating his strong arms that kept me from falling over the railing, while I was breathing in his delightful scent of leather and amber. I remember thinking how much Lillias would adore his chocolate eyes and toffee-colored skin. [laughs] When I introduced myself as Miss Ferguson, there was a moment when Frederick thought I was his intended — and he couldn’t hide his horror! 

As a reader, I could tell that the two of you connected from the beginning. Despite his shock when he thought you were his bride-to-be. You made a man who rarely felt joy smile unexpectedly. He found you endearing from the beginning.

Yes, but I’m afraid he saw me as more of a child than a prospective wife. My sister fit his plan for a dignified, stately wife. To be honest, I never realized that her perfection was such a facade. Lillias almost did a terrible thing. I cannot reveal all the details, for that’s her story to tell in The Mistletoe Countess, but I had no choice but to marry Frederick. Otherwise, our family would have been ruined. Socially and financially.

I know we are supposed to be talking about your third adventure, The Juliet Code, but I think readers need to know a little more of your backstory before we dive into your “honeymoon” in Venice. Can you tell us a little of what it was like when you arrived at the Astley estate as a new bride?

I can tell you that I arrived at my new home a bedraggled disaster, much to my husband’s embarrassment and my mother-in-law’s hateful disdain.

Oh my goodness! When I read those scenes, I was so angry for your sake. Even your husband seemed more concerned with propriety than your survival. Your swift thinking saved two, possibly three lives when your automobile went over that bridge, but all he could focus on was that you had removed clothing so that you wouldn’t drown. 

Yes, for a couple of weeks I felt very alone. Character Cafe guests can read all about our miscommunications and the intervention it took, Divine and through dear Aunt Lavinia, for Frederick and I to come together — in friendship and in… a romantic way. Fortunately, by the time we realized our lives were in danger, we were learning to work together to unravel the secrets of Havensbrooke.

But that mother-in-law of yours… The proverbial monster-in-law! Here’s a little taste of the zingers you got from the dowager. 

Yes, Frederick’s mother’s words were quite hurtful. However, God used the insults of my mother-in-law to tenderize me… To help me understand my husband’s insecurities. To teach me of our need for love. Unconditional love. My Lord Astley seemed to fall in love with me even more when I learned his secrets and still saw him as a hero in the making. After we solved the mysteries in The Mistletoe Countess, we had the opportunity to travel to Egypt. We had an even more dramatic adventure than we had in England. 

The Cairo Curse

What a thriller! I’ve always been fascinated by the pyramids and Egyptian history. I enjoyed seeing it through your eyes in 1914. Camels! Hidden treasure! An orphan in distress! A possibly treacherous beauty! Murder! I have to say it was better than an Agatha Christie. And by the end Elliot, Freddie’s friend/bodyguard/valet had begun a romance and you gained ANOTHER child. (Read A Mistletoe Countess to find out about the first darling Grace claimed as her own child.)

The Juliet Code

[Giggles] Frederick was so relieved to get me to Venice intact and unharmed. He should have known trouble would find us. Just as we were starting on our first gondola ride, which promised to be so romantic, my bag was stolen. Frederick ran off after the culprit and before I knew what was happening, a very handsome rascal jumped into the gondola. And when I tried to strike at him with the oar, I knocked the gondolier into the canal!

So much for you having a sweet, quiet honeymoon where you and your love could just focus on each other for a change. That was just the beginning. You ran back into Jack Miracle, the detective you and your husband so admire. Not a coincidence, I’m sure. 

I am more convinced there is no such thing as a coincidence as each adventure unfolds since my marriage. Jack took the case because he knew we were to be in Venice. He invited us to partake in an investigation into art thefts. The investigation turned into a hunt for PIRATE TREASURE! An Italian villa on a gorgeous island. Lost children. Masterpieces with fascinating history…

And so much more. I enjoyed every minute of the twists and turns in your mystery suspense tale. There was just the right amount of possible villains, danger, kissing, and biblical wisdom. Your stories are my newest favorite mysteries, right up there with Crystal Caudill’s Guilded Age series, Erica Vetch’s Thorndike & Swann, and Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight Mysteries.

Well, I need to get back into the kitchen. What drink and breakfast item can I get you before you get back to your adventures, and your kissing, with Freddie?

What delightful culinary treasures do you have on your menu that connect with The Juliet Code?

Well, Venice is not known for it’s tea. Instead, Venice has capitalized on being the first city in Europe to introduce coffee. I enjoyed browsing this guide to the different types of Italian coffee: https://theromanguy.com/italy-travel-blog/italy-travel-blog/italy/italian-coffee-drinks/

However, at Character Cafe we are staunch tea drinkers. Never fear, there is a type of tea for each and every palette. Cocoa Mocha from Tiesta Tea is a favorite here at the cafe. They market it as The tiramisu triple threat: black tea, coffee beans, and chocolate. Yum! Here is the sales link: https://www.amazon.com/Tiesta-Tea-Tiramisu-Servings-Energizer/dp/B01M724PUZ (There is a lot of caffeine in this tea, so it’s perfect for early morning sleuthing after a night of lots of “kissing.”)

I think you will also enjoy Character Cafe’s version or PAN DEL DOGE DI ZAIRA: https://www.hunterandfolk.com/journal/cinnamon-salt-emiko-davies (We substitute the almonds with chopped walnuts and use chocolate chips rather than the fruity ingredients because here at Character Cafe because that’s how we roll — ha ha.)

Thank you for being so welcoming me and for being a kindred spirit. I wish we had more time to talk about our favorite novels. I would love to see your kitchen and learn more about the restaurant industry. I fear we have no books that pertain to eateries in the Havensbrooke library. Ladies still do not do much dining out in England in 1913. 

Well, you are welcome to come back and visit after your next adventure. I sure do hope there is another on the way! Readers, here is more about Grace and her adventures in Venice:

Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley Finally Reach Their Honeymoon Destination Only to Encounter a New Mystery in Need of Solving

Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon and explore the beauties of the historic city of Venice. To their surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, (Renaissance paintings feature Shakespeare’s tragic heroine) rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries. As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late.

The Juliet Code is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse.

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/293d6/the-juliet-code-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

The Sacred Line, December 28

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 28

Bigreadersite, December 28

Texas Book-aholic, December 29

Devoted To Hope, December 29

Mary Hake, December 29

She Lives To Read, December 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 30

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, December 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 31

Blogging with Carol, December 31

For Him and My Family, December 31

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 1

Back Porch Reads, January 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 2

Connie’s History Classroom, January 2

Book Looks by Lisa, January 3

Aryn the Libraryan, January 3

Girls in White Dresses, January 3

Daysong Reflections, January 4

Holly’s Book Corner, January 4

Splashes of Joy, January 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 5 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, January 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 5

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, January 6

Blossoms and Blessings, January 6

Pause for Tales, January 6

Tell Tale Book reviews, January 7

Cover Lover Book Review, January 7

Live. Love. Read., January 7

Labor Not in Vain, January 8

Mornings at Character Cafe, January 8

Worthy2Read, January 8

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9

The Lit Lady, January 9

Lily’s Corner, January 10

By The Book, January 10

To Everything There Is A Season, January 10

To find out about a character who shares similar traits with Pepper Basham’s Grace, though I’m afraid to say she isn’t as wise or well-read, check out Nellie, www.walshmountainpublishing.com