MCM: Interview with Clarisse Matthews

Main Character Monday interview with Clarisse Matthews

Welcome to today’s Main Character Monday interview with Clarisse Matthews. Clarisse is from Betty Woods’ newest release, A Troubling Suggestion. Bettys’ book is published by Scrivenings Press and releases on May 20th. Stick around after my interview with Clarrise Matthews for more information on author Betty Woods and A Troubling Suggestion.

Clarisse, to start our interview will you please share a little bit about yourself

 I’m nineteen years old and live with my brother, his wife and my widowed mother on our family plantation that my brother runs. I lost my fiancé in a riding accident over a year ago. I’m not sure I’ll ever find another man like him.

You’re so young to be facing these kinds of circumstances and thoughts. Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising?

I’m an abolitionist. My late fiancé went to college at the North and returned home convinced slavery is wrong. I came to agree with him. A few months ago, I secretly helped my best friend elope with an abolitionist she fell in love with. I don’t voice my opinions to anyone. I wish I had the courage to do so. But I don’t know where I’d live or what I’d do if my views become known.

I can see where admitting your true feelings might be a risk for you. I feel like I may know the answer to this next question. But I’ll go ahead and ask anyway. If you could solve one world problem, which one would you solve?

I would end slavery.

The New Testament tells of Mary and Martha. Two sisters who react to a visit from Jesus in very different ways. Mary chooses to spend time with Him, while Martha chooses to take care of the physical needs. Are you more Mary or Martha?

I’m more like Mary. I don’t know how I’d endure the heartache of seeing my fiancé die without having Jesus to turn to.

I do imagine that kind of loss would be near impossible without Him. ”Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 – Do you think living out this verse would make a difference in your life? How?

Yes. I’m making friends with a new neighbor who has also been through a lot of heartache. She’s a little younger than me. She’s now orphaned due to some tragic circumstances and living with her aunt and uncle.

Is there a verse of scripture that holds great meaning in your life?

Psalm 37:4, 5. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

I sincerely believe God can and will give me my heart’s desire if I delight in Him and commit my ways to Him. But patiently waiting for God to answer my prayers is proving difficult.

I think most of us can relate to that. If you could leave readers with one message, what would it be?

Turn to God no matter what happens in your life. He hasn’t stopped loving you even if you’re hurting or have been hurt. We all have hard times. God is the only one who will always see us through those difficult times.

Now, I know we’ve been fairly serious in our questions up to this point, but I’d like to ask a few just for fun. Nothing deep. If you could buy one thing, without worrying about the cost, what would you buy?

The best horse in the country.

What one hobby would you keep if you had to give up all other hobbies?

Horseback riding. I like to take a quiet trail and think without anyone else around.

Apples or Pears? Apples. I’ve never tasted a pear.

Indoors or Outside? Outside where I can think in peace.

Reading or Writing? Reading, especially poetry.

One final question. This one is about Betty Woods, your story’s creator. Using only three words will you please describe Betty Woods?

A hopeful encourager.

That is such a nice thing to say. I’m sure Betty would appreciate it. Thank you Clarisse for joining me today for this Main Character Monday interview. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, but for now, we’re going to find out a little more about your author. Readers, just because this interview with Clarisse Matthews is over, doesn’t mean we’re through. Stick around for more on Betty Woods and A Troubling Suggestion.

More About Betty Woods

Betty Woods writes heartwarming romance with a Southern accent. She’s an incurable history buff who was once mistaken for the tour guide at an historical site while answering her grandchildren’s questions. When not living in her make-believe nineteenth century world, she enjoys time with her family, especially vacations with children, grandchildren and sometimes great grands. Going on RV trips with her husband and Chihuahua to research information for books is another one of her favorite activities.

You can connect with Betty on her website bettywoodsbooks.com  Connect with her on Facebook at bettywoodsbooks or on  X(Twitter) @bettywoodswrite

Betty’s Amazon author page is amazon.com/author/booksbybettywoods

More About A Troubling Suggestion

Clarisse Matthews still grieves the tragic loss of her fiancé and doubts she’ll ever love anyone again. Particularly if she has to divulge the secret abolitionist ideas she keeps hidden deep inside that only her beloved knew.

After the lady Luke Williams loved spurned him and married another man, he will never risk giving his heart to another woman. Especially not to Clarisse who had to have known about her best friend’s ruse and helped the woman to conceal it from Luke. He doesn’t need a lady by his side to manage his family’s plantation or forge a path to become an attorney.

But when Luke’s cousin is deceived by a rogue, who only Luke and Clarisse know the whole truth about, they form a reluctant alliance to protect his cousin. Their feigned attraction grows into genuine love. But will the differences between them become a wall too tall to climb or can they find a way to go around?

Pre-order A Troubling Suggestion

I hope you enjoyed this Main Character Monday Interview with Clarisse Matthews. I invite you to leave any questions you may have for Clarisse or Betty Woods in the comments.