Good morning, readers! I have a special guest here at Character Cafe, Sylvie Miles from Carolyn Miller’s novel, The Love Penalty. Tell us a little about yourself, Sylvie.
So, lots of people like to judge me, just because I have tattoos and like to wear black, and like spider earrings and stuff like that. I mean, come on. That doesn’t make me a Goth. But whatever. I guess I’m used to it now, but I can get pretty snarky sometimes, especially when it’s so-called Christians who are all judgy and not loving like they’re supposed to be. But whatever. That says more about them than it does me, right?
Oh my goodness! I know how it is to be both judged and to be judgy. I had to work through my own issues with seeing appearance as more important than what’s in the heart — even with my own kids. I remember when my oldest daughter got her first tattoo. I didn’t understand why she would “mar” her body. I remember thinking, “Where did I go wrong!” Now it seems so silly that I thought that way. I’m sorry that you felt more judgement than love from Christians. It’s so backwards from Jesus’ teaching. What is your biggest challenge as a character?
I guess my biggest challenge is to feel like I’m okay. See, I know I’m not. I’m a mess, partly because of my family life, but yeah, I know I’ve made plenty of dumb choices too. It’d be so good to finally feel like I had a sense of stability and acceptance, to not have to keep chasing that all the time. I wish I could like me, but sometimes I feel like I’m too big of a screw up for anyone to like, let alone love. Not that I’d ever admit that to anyone, so let’s keep that between ourselves, okay?
What is your greatest desire?
I just want someone to love me. My parents didn’t. All the guys I’ve been with haven’t. Not really. So now I’ve met this great guy, Ryan (who plays hockey for Edmonton) and I’m not going to do anything to screw it up!
Do you have a theme verse?
John 3.16 is pretty significant. “God so loved the world that he gave His only son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life.” I guess that ‘whoever’ means anyone, which means me too. So that verse means God loves me, which is amazing. But I’ll take it!
Amen! I hope that you will realize God’s love fully, and that you will find Ryan’s love to be true as well. What is a tea flavor that represents you, your region, or a theme in your novel?
I drink English breakfast tea, because it makes me feel way fancier than I am. It’s pretty strongly flavored too, with none of that herbal stuff that disguises the flavor, so I like it because it tastes real. Just like I try to be.
That’s easy enough. We love Harney & Sons, here at the cafe. This is our favorite English breakfast tea: https://www.harney.com/products/royal-english-breakfast What is a breakfast pastry or dish that represents you, your region, or a theme in the novel?
Does a sweet walnut cookie count as a breakfast pastry? Because it should. Ryan’s mom makes them, and they’re delicious. I guess they remind me of how some people can look tough on the outside but have soft sweetness in the middle.
Yum! It sure does count. And we found a delicious recipe from Broken Oven Baking Co. https://brokenovenbaking.com/soft-almond-sugar-cookies/
We are so glad you stopped by, Sylvie! I cannot wait to read your story when it launches on January 25th! https://www.amazon.com/Love-Penalty-Northwest-Ice-Book-ebook/dp/B0C95TJSFN/
Sometimes there’s a hefty price to pay when two opposites attract…
With her fondness for tattoos and spider jewelry Sylvie Miles is used to being pre-judged and misunderstood. She has friends and connections but she still feels alone, and works several jobs while daydreaming about finding a guy who sees further than skin deep and won’t shy away from her battered heart. So when a hot pro hockey player with a smile as vast as his skills takes a shine to her what’s a poor girl to do but fall in love?
Ryan Guillemette sure wasn’t looking for romance in a bookstore in his hometown but quickly becomes intrigued by the sassy Goth-like assistant with a snarky way with words. When an accidental kiss proves dangerously addictive she soon becomes embedded in his heart. But even as the romance heats up he’s torn as she’s not following God. Can these two opposites make a match or should he call a permanent time out?
These two are about to learn that those who play with fire get burned, and there’s a hefty price to pay for forbidden attraction. The Love Penalty i the second book in the Northwest Ice Christian hockey romance series, and can be read as a standalone, and is perfect for fans of Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh, and Susan May Warren.
Leave a Reply