detail from original cover art of “A Fair-Weather Friend” August 2020
About the Story
For those of you who read “Creatures of Habit”, A Fair-Weather Friend is a pleasing summer sequel which settles the romantic fate of Eugenia’s friend, Marian Lyle. One of the eligible men that the ladies saw at the Militia Dance has stayed on in Cherrybrook and is now the focus of Marian’s attention.
Reading subtexts and motives have never been a strong suit for Marian, so finding true love is not without some missteps!
Marian is a talented seamstress and assistant to her vicar father. Today, we might guess that she’s on the neurodivergent spectrum. I sympathize with Marian. She has the tendency to be compliant to a fault, and she’s so unlike her friend Eugenia, that there is a very real chance that love on her own terms may be out of her reach.
My mom gave me the nugget of the idea for this book, and so I have happily dedicated it to her. When I was thinking of new book ideas, she mentioned always having liked the movie classic, While You Were Sleeping and before long, a pair of brothers popped into my head and began to argue. I can do something with you, I said. “Pray continue whilst I take notes!”
Some photos are ahead, but here’s a bit of plot:
Can the wrong brother be the right man?
When Marian Lyle, the local vicar’s daughter, believes she’s just about to receive her first and only offer of marriage from charming Cherrybrook newcomer Jonas Talbot, when he leaves town suddenly and without explanation.
Soon, his curmudgeonly older brother John arrives. After an uncomfortable introduction, John persuades Marian to stay with his mother and younger siblings while together they seek to discover Jonas’s whereabouts.
Despite John’s initial coldness, it doesn’t take long for Marian to fall in love with the Talbot family.
If Jonas returns and secrets are told, will Marian be willing to risk it all to win the right husband?
About the Cover Art
I painted the original cover art myself, and in the newest edition as shown above, you can still see it in the background behind Marian.
I chose a favorite scene from my story and spent a weekend happily painting while listening to English cottage gardening videos and (YouTubers) Kirsten & Joerg, a darling couple of Germans living in England. Once in a while, I dashed into the kitchen for my decaf Earl Grey and honey and then back to peaceful work time until I was finished.
Day One - sketch and get inspired by Gordon Beningfield
The old, original book cover with full art
Here is my vision of Mr. Talbot. I think he’s a bit of Phillip Glenister and Richard Armitage:-). On the right is a painting that caught my eye after I’d written A Fair-Weather Friend. The house and setting is very much how I imagine the Talbot family home.
British actor, Phillip Glenister
British actor, Richard Armitage
A detail of a Helen Allingham painting that looks like how I imagine the Talbot House
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“The End”
