7 Quick Takes Friday – A Subtle Grace Edition

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday!

Today’s edition? Everything you ever wanted to know about my upcoming novel, A Subtle Grace.

1. Final Cover Finished

James worked hard on finishing the cover. One of the things he changed was the floor (he turned the modern looking carpet into an old-fashioned hardwood floor). Well done!

2. Synopsis

1896 (Philadelphia)

In this sequel to In Name Only (FQP, 2009), A Subtle Grace continues the story of the wealthy and unconventional O’Donovan Family as they approach the dawn of a new century.

When Kathleen (oldest daughter) meets the handsome and charming son of the local police chief, she is convinced that he is the sweetheart for whom she has been waiting. Unforeseen events soon reveal the answer. William (oldest son) believes that God may be calling him to a religious vocation. When he discovers the circumstances of his humble beginnings, his belief turns to doubt and eventually he embarks on a pilgrimage to Rome. Dr. Luke Peterson is the kind, caring – and somewhat nontraditional – new physician in town. His enduring love of a local woman leads him to startling revelations: about the girl, about his practice and, most importantly, about himself.

3. Excerpt!!!

Check out yesterday’s post to read a long excerpt from the beginning of the novel.

4. Villain

One of the big differences between this book and In Name Only is a villain. In Name Only didn’t really have a villain (although some might argue that David and Liam’s father was a villain). A Subtle Grace most definitely has an antagonist.

5. Less Death

Okay, so I do listen to readers. One of the biggest complaints about In Name Only is that there were too many deaths. However, in my defense, I was going for realism and death was an every-day part of life in the 19th century. A Subtle Grace does contain deaths, but not nearly as many as In Name Only and I think readers will be pleased.

6. Mature Themes

Like In Name Only, this novel deals with mature themes. Target audience is age 16 and above. A Subtle Grace deals with the following situations: attempted rape, obsession, stalking, fornication, prostitution. First and foremost, though, it is a love story.

7. Book Three

There will be a third (and final) book in this series and the outline is currently being developed. I hope it doesn’t take another five years, though.

Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach