Five Golden Rings Spotlight + Character Interview + Giveaway!

♥ Character Interview ♥

by Rena Gregory

Twenty Questions with Phin and Ginny from “War of the Magi”

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill yes or no questions. We’re catching up with our hero and heroine to see how the world has treated them since we saw them last. I’d love to ask Phin if he wears boxers or briefs, but given that he’s from the early 20^th century, I find that his answer would hardly be sexy. To live out the romance with Phin and Ginny, read the rest of “War of the Magi” in Avon Impulse’s new Christmas anthology, Five Golden Rings

1. 1.     We’ll start easy. What is your favorite color?

G: Blue.

P: I’m partial to green.

1. 2.     What was the first thing you noticed about each other?

G:  For the record, I noticed him before he noticed me. It was his smile; it’s infectious. He smiles at you, and before long you realize you’re smiling back.

P: Her hair. Ginny has the most beautiful hair I have ever seen.

1. 3.     Describe your partner in one word

P: It’s hard to choose just one. Caring is the main one, I’d say. She’s always attentive to the needs of the people around her.

G: Honorable. He’s many things, but the one I always hit on is that he’s a good man. He conducts himself with honor.

1. 4.     What happened after we saw you last?

G: We were married in town. Pastor Morrow conducted the service and it was all very lovely. Mrs. Clancy cried so loud we could barely hear the preacher. It was the perfect day, in fact. Phin’s family was present, which was absolutely terrifying. I still find it difficult to look his mother in the eyes.

P: She, on the other hand, adores you.

1. 5.     What are your new wishes?

G: We hope to start a family soon.

1. 6.     What is something that you tend to argue about?

G: He leaves his clothes everywhere! Notes, too. I doubt he could find the hamper if I published the instructions along with a map in the newspaper.

P: Well, now you’re just exaggerating.

1. 7.     What is something nobody knows about you, not even your spouse?

P: I spent four weeks working at a cattle ranch in the Great Plains, just to see if I could. I was supposed to be away at college, but I wanted to know what was out there after reading an article my brother wrote in one of our newspapers. The hardest work I’ve ever done.

G: One other person knows about it. I write letters to my mother every year on her birthday. My sister does the same.

1. 8.     What are your resolutions for New Year’s Eve?

P: Well, I suppose it will be to mind where I leave my clothes, although I doubt it’s as bad as all that.

G (skewers Phin with a glance before answering): To remember the magic in the small moments, not just the grand ones.

1. 9.     Ginny, we know you like to read when you’re not busy at your father’s shop. What have you read recently?

G: I’m alternating between two books. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in light of the season, and The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

10.What is something extraordinary you would like to do besides what you both have already done?

P: It would be pretty hard to top what we accomplished during the Christmas season. Can you think of anything, Ginny?

G: I suppose we have time to figure that out. Although…I would love to find somebody special for my father.

P: Here we go again.

11.What is your spouse’s annoying habit that drives you crazy?

P: What are you trying to do here? Let’s get to the next question before I end up sleeping at the newspaper office.

12.What’s your favorite thing to eat from the Jameson bakery?

P: Easy. Mrs. Jameson’s hot cross buns. I can’t get enough of them.

G: Apple strudel. Mr. Jameson’s mother was German and taught him how to make it. Don’t tell him I said so, but Millie makes them better now.

13.What’s one word of advice you would give someone who attempts to scheme, as you did? 

G: Don’t recruit children to be your accomplice!

P: Don’t trifle with madwomen.

G: It didn’t end so badly for you, if you’ll recall.

P: (smiles) So, it didn’t.

14.What is one thing you’ve learned from your relationship?

P: To be honest above all things, regardless of the fear that such honesty might produce. I almost lost out on the most important thing in my life because I was afraid to share my feelings.

G: I would say I’ve learned never to give up. I used to have dreams but think I couldn’t accomplish them for one reason or another, and I would live in those dreams instead of pursuing them. I’ve chosen to be present in the moment, and to enjoy my reality, which truth be told, was a dream once upon a time.

15. Who is more stubborn?

P: Her.

G: Him.

16.Do you believe your coupling was a miracle? 

G: Yes.

P: Hmmm.

G: He still won’t admit it, but he believes it.

17.What’s a secret talent you possess? 

P: I can touch my tongue to my nose. Don’t ask me how I know that, I simply can.

G: I can tell a person’s age simply by looking at them. Except for Mrs. Jameson – she and I have come to an agreement that should anyone ask, she will remain thirty, no matter how many years pass by. She has agreed to do the same for me once I reach her age.

P: I’m not ashamed to say I’m rather frightened by any arrangements you have with that woman.

G: Excellent, then I shall have something new with which to blackmail you. Only if necessary, of course.

18.Why is your spouse the perfect mate for you?

P: She is the only person who could ever make my life the rich, warm experience it is. She isn’t afraid to challenge me, or to hold my hand in the moments when I need someone else’s strength. Fortunately, we have not had any trying times, but I’m confident that when that moment comes, Ginny will be my resting spot and my partner. She is quite literally the best person for me.

G (wiping a tear from her eye): Now you’ve gone and made me cry. Phin brought life back into my existence. I wasn’t even aware how unhappy I was until he came along and fought me on it. I learned things about myself that I didn’t know before, and he pushed me into accepting more because I wanted more. Being with him is like accepting the better parts of myself, and being better for others as well.

19.What’s your favorite part of Christmas?

P: The Wise Men lottery drawing

G: Going to the Christmas pageant with family

20.What is the best Christmas present you ever received?

P: I’m sitting next to her.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

More Rena

I was thrilled to have a story chosen for the Avon Impulse Christmas anthology Five Golden Rings. I’m typing away at different stories all the time, and hopefully I’ll have another one published soon. I come from a rowdy family of three younger brothers and supportive parents. I’ve been an educator for more than ten years, and hope to continue in some capacity while still being able to find time to write.

She has a very entertaining bio, click HERE to see the rest

Check our her web home here http://renagregory.com/