Anne here, interviewing Mary Jo about her new book, ONCE A SOLDIER, the first in a new series, “Rogues Redeemed” which is a spin-off of her wonderful Lost Lords Series.
First a few accolades for the book: Library Journal gave it a starred review, and said, “Exquisitely developed characters, a stunning setting, and the perfect amount of history and engineering detail make this an excellent start to what promises to be another of Putney’s insightful, riveting series.”
Romantic Times gave it a Top Pick and said, “Filled with action, danger and passion, her latest engages the readers’ emotions with a deeply touching and marvelously crafted love story. A keeper.”
Anne: Mary Jo, congratulations on the release of ONCE A SOLDIER. I loved the beginning, where the hero and several other men are locked in a wine cellar, preparing themselves to face a firing squad at dawn. Each man reflects briefly on his life and ponders the unlikely possibility of redemption — which gives us the theme for the new series, “Rogues Redeemed.”
Our hero, Will Masterson, is the one who works out their escape, and it’s a clever engineer's solution, rather than the more usual biff, bam, wallop! kind of escape. Tell us about Will.
MJP: Will has always been a favorite of mine —a big, powerful guy who is laid back and kind. He ended up at the Westerfield Academy for "boys of good birth and bad behavior" because when he was a small boy, his even smaller illegitimate half brother, Damian Mackenzie, was deposited at the family estate after the death of his actress mother. Will was motherless and lonely, and he immediately bonded with this new brother and refused to let Mac be sent away.
So Will and Mac were sent to Westerfield Academy by their exasperated father, and they became each other's best friend and salvation. (Mac's story is told in Nowhere Near Respectable.)
Will was a responsible young man who became Lord Masterson early and married young, but after the death of his wife, he said to hell with his responsibilities and joined the army, half hoping to die honorably in combat. Besides being an infantry officer, he was also sometimes seconded to the Royal Engineers, who were always short of engineering officers. Will is good at both building and blowing things up. *G*
But he didn't get killed by the French, so when the wars ended with Napoleon's abdication in the spring of 1814, Will is ready to sell out and go home and resume his responsibilities as a peer of the realm. And then, as so often happens in romance, his plans all go sideways. *G*
Anne: I have to say, I really liked Will. The heroine of this story is an unusual woman, brave in some ways, vulnerable in others. I hope it isn’t a spoiler to say that when I first saw the reference to ‘a tall nun’ I went, “aha!” And though she isn’t a nun, Athena is very complex and appealing.
MJP: Will needed a special woman, and that turned out to be Athena, who equally needed a special man. She was the illegitimate child of a flamboyant, high-born courtesan who went from one high profile lover to another, sweeping her only daughter along in her wake. Quiet, intelligent Athena learned a lot of unusual things along the way and she and her mother were devoted to each other, but after her mother's death when Athena was in her early teens, she's sent to her father, a British aristocrat who despises her very existence. Not surprisingly, Athena has felt like an outcast her entire life. She can't imagine ever becoming part of the society she was born to, but which had no place for her.
Anne: Most of the story takes place after Napoleon's abdication and exile to Elba (Waterloo is still a year in the future), in the aftermath of war, and it’s as much about rebuilding a country —generating hope—as about the romance between Will and Athena. There are universal themes here, about the cost of war to families, about redemption and about second chances. I got quite choked up in some places.
MJP: Happy to have choked you up, Anne! Indeed, rebuilding in the aftermath of war is one of the principal themes. My small fictional kingdom of San Gabriel has always been a happy place, situated in the mountains between Spain and Portugal and welcoming refugees from both countries. The country's isolation had kept it safe, until a French army marched through while fleeing Allied victories in Northern Portugal. Infrastructure was destroyed, the king and crown prince were captured and probably killed, and it's left to the very young princess and her friend and chief aide, Athena Markham, to keep the country going and rebuild. Then along comes a handsome British engineer…. *G*
Anne: Even though the small kingdom of San Gabriel is fictional, it seems very real. As we discussed in a blog a few weeks back, a lot of the smaller countries and principalities of Europe were swallowed up in the Napoleonic wars and the treaties that followed. What was the inspiration for San Gabriel? (NOTE: the photo above of the lovely bridge over the Douro River is shown courtesy of Tony Page of Travel Sign Posts. All the others are MJP's own photos. Click on them for a larger image.)
MJP: Several years ago, we took a riverboat cruise along the Douro River in Northern Portugal. The Douro river runs pretty much due east from the port of Porto into Spain, and its valley is one of the great wine producing regions of Europe, particularly known for port wine. It was also an area that was fought over repeatedly by the French and the Anglo-Portuguese army. The country and the history fascinated me and I've wanted to set a book in that area ever since. My San Gabriel is part of the Douro watershed, and that plays a significant part in Once a Soldier.
Anne: And your photos of it are gorgeous. As well as the main romance, and several minor romances, there’s fighting, engineering detail, winemaking, and wine selling. Clearly there was a lot of research involved in this book. What most intrigued you?
MJP: It was all fascinating! I'm not actually very fond of port wine, but the history and development of the port industry is really interesting, and some of that is reflected in my story. I also have files on army engineers and building bridges and the operation of gristmills and Portuguese and Spanish naming conventions and other fun topics. *G* There actually was a very small country called Couto Misto in the mountains between Spain and Portugal, and I used a bit of its legendary history for my San Gabriel.
Anne: Can you give us a taste of ONCE A SOLDIER, please?
MJP: Will and Athena are becoming acquainted. He is very interested in her, and while she is attracted to him, she knows that's a bad idea, and is trying to maintain distance between them.
His gaze held hers, his gray eyes turning serious. "Though I yearn for my home, some things are more important. Becoming better acquainted with you is one such thing."
She stared at him. "You're a most unusual man, Major Masterson."
"I've been told that before," he said sadly. "It's never a compliment."
She had to smile. "Now I know you're teasing."
"Possibly," he agreed, his expression sober but his eyes amused. "If I'm forgiven for the kiss, will you call me Will again? I prefer to be on first name terms with you."
"Very well, Will." She preferred that as well. "For whatever time you're here, we can be friends. After you leave…" She shrugged. "In my experience, men are not such good letter writers as women, and it's a long way from San Gabriel to Oxfordshire."
"I'm a rather decent letter writer, actually." His gaze intensified. "Friends. And who knows? Perhaps we can become more than friends."
She felt as if the breath had been knocked out of her. He could not possibly mean what he seemed to be implying. Returning to irony, she said, "What are the relationship possibilities?" She held up her left hand and ticked off one finger. "Friendship is the broadest category and can range from mild acquaintance to deep, enduring loyalty. I think we are already mild friends?"
"If we weren't more than mild friends already, we wouldn't be having this extremely interesting discussion," he agreed.
She ticked off another finger. "We could become enemies."
"I will not allow that," he said firmly. "I have had enough of enemies."
"One does not always have a choice." She tapped her middle finger. "The opposite of love or hate, which is indifference."
"It is much too late for indifference," Will said seriously. "I believe I mentioned my immediate interest in kissing you."
"Do you always want to kiss women who aim rifles at you?" she asked curiously.
"No, you're the only one," he said. "Though if the truth be known, women seldom greet me with weaponry."
"I'm glad to hear that." She studied her hand. "Two fingers left for listing relationships, and those remaining are deeply implausible."
"But these are the most interesting possibilities!" he exclaimed.
"Interesting doesn't mean good." She ticked her ring finger. "We could have an affair. That will not happen for any number of reasons, most of which you can imagine."
"Which leaves another possibility," he said, his voice soft.
Read another excerpt here — the first meeting between Will and Athena.
Anne: Sigh. It's a lovely book, Mary Jo. Here's the link to Mary Jo's website.
MJP: Thanks so much for the interview, Anne! I'm looking forward to returning the favor next week, when we'll discuss your wonderful The Spring Bride!
Leave a comment or answer this question to be in the draw for a copy of ONCE A SOLDIER. In which Lost Lords books did Will Masterson make a significant appearance?
*Anne here. We have a winner — Karlene B, Mary Jo will be contacting you.
Thanks everyone for joining in.
I think Will made his appearance in Loving a Lost Lord, though I'm not really sure, and can't check as I'm away from my "Keeper Shelf." My copy of "Once A Soldier" is due to arrive tomorrow, and I can't wait to read it! Congratulations on its release, and best of luck with the new series! :)
Posted by: Cynthia Owens | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 05:50 AM
Thank goodness you didn't ask this question over the weekend when I wasn't home! According to my keeper copy of Loving a Lost Lord, Will shows up on the 1st page, 5th paragraph... Grin.
I too am very anxiously waiting to get my copy as I loved the teaser I read in the last book. Congrats on a successful beginning to a new series.
Posted by: Vicki L. | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 07:02 AM
He appeared in Loving a Lost Lord. Mary Jo Putney's books are unforgettable, and I would be delighted to win this one.
Posted by: Karlene Barger | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 07:40 AM
Nowhere Near Respectable when he and his coat of many pockets and Lady Kiri set off to rescue Damien. I love the Lost Lords series. One of the best series around. Unusual characters and situations yet I feel that all could have happened. The small fictional country is a possibility . I thought of Andorra when I read the description..
Posted by: Nancy | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 09:09 AM
My dad was a land surveyor and from time to time assisted visiting civil engineers, so this sounds like I will enjoy the historical detail.
Somewhere on my Kindle is a book I read for an adult learning class on the Napoleonic Wars. In it, the young officer is annoyed because he has to help this engineer coordinate building not one but two temporary bridges both in a matter of days. Most of the book is about our young officer exploring with his dog, who he brought with him to go hunting.
Posted by: Shannon | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 09:42 AM
I would say that Will's most significant appearance to date is in Nowhere Near Respectable when he goes with Kiri to rescue Mac. I look forward to reading more about him tomorrow.
Posted by: SARAH | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 09:52 AM
I have had the good fortune to have read this book and "I Loved It. Will and Athena are perfect for one another. And that little country would be a wonderful place to visit.
Posted by: Annette Naish | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 12:13 PM
NEVER LESS THAN A LADY is my favorite of the Lost Lords series. I don't remember Will Masterson being in that book, but maybe I need to get it down and re-read it (smile.)
Posted by: Mary T | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 12:28 PM
Yes, there were a huge number of microstates around Europe then. Now there are only a few: Andorra, Monaco, Lichtenstein, possibly Luxembourg might qualify. Like islands, they're intriguing.
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 02:13 PM
Oookay. *G* The Royal Engineers were very interesting to research--vital to Wellington's efforts on the Peninsula.
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 02:15 PM
Sarah, he only appears briefly, but he and Kiri are very much themselves--and happy.
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 02:15 PM
By all means, it's time to reread it! *G*
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 02:16 PM
I somehow missed earlier notice of Once A Soldier and the new series. How wonderful!!! I have read and continue to reread Mary Jo's books. Some of my favorites are ONE PERFECT ROSE, THE BARGAIN, ANGEL ROGUE, NOT ALWAYS A SAINT, and on and on. Thank you for your wonderful books; I'm going to order Once A Soldier right now for my Nook.
Rebecca, a very longtime reader
Posted by: Rebecca | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 04:30 PM
SUCH a wonderful interview, Anne and Mary Jo! I love all your heroes, but Will sounds particularly—maybe because I've been reading on Regency science lately, and the engineering (and explosives) are very intriguing. And Athena sounds like a perfect match.
Love the setting as well. I was in Portugal a while back, and the that area around Sintra and Oporto is so austerely beautiful—wild and romantic, so a perfect place for a romance!
I have been working hard finishing up a project so have been reading less than usual. Having been lucky enough to get advance copies of both Once A Soldier AND Anne's The Summer Bride, I intend to reward myself with a reading binge this weekend. Oh, joy!
Posted by: Andrea Penrose | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 05:45 PM
I'm pretty sure he played a significant role in Loving A Lost Lord. I've been waiting for years for Will to get his own story! 😉 I've been enjoying the Lost Lords series on Audible for the past few years. Thankfully Once a Soldier will be in audio too.
Posted by: LilMissMolly | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 06:13 PM
He was most significant in Loving A Lost Lord. I liked that series very much and look forward to this book.
Posted by: Anne H | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 06:16 PM
Loving a Lost Lord is his first appearance - maybe? It seems like I've been waiting for the release of Once a Soldier forever! So happy it's finally up for preorder! :-)
Posted by: Glenda | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 08:55 PM
Rebecca, I'm glad to have surprised you with a new story! I hope you like Will and Athena as much some of your other favorites.
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 09:06 PM
I've been waiting for Will for years, too, LilMissMolly! But since he was a soldier on active duty, I had to wait for the time line to catch up with him. Finally, it has.
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 09:08 PM
Glenda, it's just past midnight here, so it's officially the release day!
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Monday, June 27, 2016 at 09:09 PM
WOW what a great interview I loved and I must read this book sadly I have not read The Lost Lord series I need to get these as well I really need more hours in the day and a house keeper :)
Congrats on the release Mary Jo
Have Fun
Helen
Posted by: helen sibbritt | Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 02:07 AM
Thanks for dropping by, Helen. Yes, so little time, so many good books...
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 04:47 AM
Thanks, Cara/Andrea! You've done so many cool things with scientifically inclined characters that I understand why Will the engineer appeals. He's a nice, down to earth guy who Does Stuff. *G*
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 07:22 AM
More hours in the day and a housekeeper. Yep, I'm with you, Helen! It would be nice.
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 07:24 AM
He appeared in LOVNG A LOST LORD. I have enjoyed reading all of the Lost Lord books.
Enjoyed reading the interview
Posted by: Joy Isley | Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 08:29 AM
he appeared in "Loving a Lost Lord" I am a new reader of Mary Jo Putney but the review makes me wish I had started earlier----LynW
Posted by: Lynette Williams | Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 05:29 PM
Lynette, you have a lovely reading journey in front of you. I love discovering a new-to-me author with a substantial backlist.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 07:03 PM
This book sounds great! Will was in "Loving a Lost Lord".
Posted by: Heather Rizzuti | Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 05:09 AM
Lots of good answers here! Will Masterson had significant roles in both LOVING A LOST LORD and NOWHERE NEAR RESPECTABLE, which was his brother Mac's story. There were occasionally references to him in other stories, but he was always off in the Peninsula fighting for king and country. Now, finally, he can come home and find his HEA on the way.
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 11:50 AM
Great interview! Can't wait to find a copy!! :-D I've been waiting eagerly since I first heard about it !
Posted by: Karen | Saturday, July 02, 2016 at 02:13 PM
I'm looking forward to reading Once a Soldier. Thanks for the interview and the snippet.
Posted by: Kareni | Saturday, July 09, 2016 at 12:46 PM