Interview with L. G. Rollins, Author of The Hope of Christmas Past

What can you tell us about your new release, The Hope of Christmas Past?

The Hope of Christmas Past is the first in a new Christmas, sweet Regency romance series. This series deals with the themes and lessons learned by each of the three spirits who visited Scrooge that fateful Christmas Eve night. This first book, which is a standalone complete with its own Happily Ever After, addresses the ideas the Ghost of Christmas Past presented. Ideas of past hurts, wanting things which may not always be good for us, and of course hope.

In this story, Belle Young has waited three years for Lord Wilkins to return from his travels abroad—and a full seven years since he first promised to marry her and carry her away from her aunt’s oppressive home. What better time of year for their reunion than Christmas? Belle is certain Lord Wilkins means to make good on his word—that is, until she’s introduced to the vibrant young woman who followed him home from America, at his invitation. Shocked and confused, Belle is determined to remind Lord Wilkins of his promise to her. After all, she needs this marriage. It’s either that or spend the rest of her life as a nobody, an unwanted ward of her aunt, alone and wholly unloved.

Mr. James Radcliff has never minded his lack of title or high standing among society. He is quite content with is status as gentleman and cousin to the exuberant Lord Wilkins. But then he learns that his cousin is not actually the son of the late earl; if the information ever got out, James would find himself earl and his cousin would be thrust from society. It may not be what most men would do, but James is determined to find the only proof of his cousin’s illegitimacy—and destroy it.

With so much at stake for both Belle and James this Christmas, love will only get in the way.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My dad. When I was a little girl, we found an old box of things from his childhood. Among the knickknacks was a story he’d written when he was about ten. The pages had been stapled together and he’d even drawn a few pictures. Something about that book captivated me. I knew the minute I first held it, that I wanted to someday hold a story I’d created.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

That’s a hard one. There have been many amazing book’s I’ve read, but they’re all great for very different reasons. If you’re wanting a list of books that have swept me up and really drawn me in, I’d have to include: Healing Hearts by Sarah M. Eden, The Secret of the India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen, and True of Heart by Martha Keyes. If you’re wanting something that changed the way I view writing and storytelling, I’d have to include: Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore, An American in Duke’s Clothing by Mindy Burbidge Strunk, and Rescuing Lord Inglewood by Sally Britton.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Jane Austen. I’d love to hear her thoughts on using story to comment on society.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Coming up with stories. I love the brainstorming, the imagining, the “what if?” thoughts. I love to take those ideas and mix them up, push them different directions and see what comes of it.

What is a typical day like for you?

Well, since COVID hit, I don’t really have typical days anymore. My weeks consist of helping my kids with their school (they do much, but not all, of it at home now), writing during the mornings they’re gone and hanging out with my readers on social media in the evenings.

What scene from The Hope of Christmas Past was your favorite to write?

Hands down, the scene after Belle’s and James’s **spoiler alert** unwanted kiss. Neither are wanting to fall for the other, but it just kind of happens. Then, when they finally do kiss, neither are particularly happy about it. The next morning, they’re forced to converse with one another in the presence of others. It was lots of yummy awkward tension.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I try to be the same kind of person I hope my kids will grow up to be—hard working, kind to all, and close to my Savior. I figure if I keep focused on those things, I (hopefully) won’t mess up too bad.

L. G. Rollins is the author of the new book The Hope of Christmas Past

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