Meet author Tabitha Bouldin
Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, you’ll find her curled up with a book.
Tell us about your newest book.
Waiting on the Tides is a contemporary Christian romance set at the beach. It brings Abby and Christian together, two characters that readers will recognize from throughout the series. Christian is a single father who will do anything to make certain that is daughter never feels abandoned after his wife left them. Abby wants nothing more than to prove that she’s more than the naïve college kid everyone assumes when they first meet her. When she takes a job at the school where Christian’s daughter attends, sparks fly between this pair of opposites.
What genre do you focus on?
I go back and forth between contemporary Christian romance and Christian fantasy. I love the styles that each genre provides and the stories that I’m able to tell. Underneath any type of genre I write, you’ll find romance at the core. I love reading and writing a novel that puts characters together in situations where they learn to push past what they think they know and want and see the plan that God has in store for them.
Why do you write?
I write because I can’t stop. Even if I wanted to, the words keep coming. If I don’t write them down in some form, either in a notebook or by typing on the computer, then I’ll stay awake all hours of the night imagining the story in my head. Characters refuse to be quiet until they get their moment in the spotlight. I was not the person who always knew they wanted to write. It came to me about six years ago and I’ve been chasing down stories ever since.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m almost always writing a book. That means I sit down every morning around 8 am and work until noon. Most days, I’m still at the keyboard, typing away, until 3 pm. I’m easily distracted and will procrastinate at a moment’s notice, so those extra hours can be necessary to ensure I get the work done on time. After I finish my word count for the day, it’s time to check on the kids schooling and then family time.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part for me is letting a story go. There are times when the story isn’t ready, or it’s not the right time to tell that story. I want to push through and force the words to come to me. But I’ve learned that it’s always better to wait. The story stays in my head but not focusing on it allows thoughts and ideas to percolate until I reach the point that I know what needs to happen.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part is seeing the story come alive. And holding the paperback in my hands. There’s nothing better than flipping through the pages and having that sense of peace that is God telling me I’ve done my part. I followed His calling and put pen to paper and now it’s time to start all over again. I love the thrill of discovery that comes from each story, and I get to experience that again and again.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I’ve been a farmgirl all my life. I’ve owned horses, cows, pigs, cats, dogs, and chickens. Often all at the same time. You’ll see that come out in my stories from time to time. In fact, I recently adopted a blind quarter horse who was used as a therapy horse for autistic children. He’s now living the high life in the pasture, occasionally being ridden by me or one of my kids or a niece or nephew. I’ve never been able to look at an animal and think they have nothing left, that I shouldn’t do my absolute best to make what remains of their life peaceful as a thank you for all the love they have given.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading. Hands down. I would read all the time if I could. I love words. All the words. I’m a voracious reader who believes there’s no such thing as too many books…just ask my bookshelves after I tried to find a place to put my latest book order.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have several books out now. My very first series is a Christian speculative fiction based on a woman who can see the future and tries to change it to save a man’s life. Then there’s the Independence Island series which is wrapping up soon with this last book, Waiting on the Tides. I also have a steampunk Alice in Wonderland retelling titled Madness in Wonderland.
What are you working on now?
Right this moment, I’m working on another Christian fairy tale retelling that is outside my Madness in Wonderland series while also plotting another contemporary Christian romance for the Suamalie Island series. There are so many words out there ready to be explored!
Website: https://tabithabouldin.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09R3LGZGG
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/tabithabouldinauthor
https://www.instagram.com/tabithabouldin
https://www.twitter.com/tabithabouldin
https://www.tiktok.com/@steampunk_tales_tabitha
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tabitha-bouldin
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17732105.Tabitha_Bouldin
https://www.amazon.com/author/tabithabouldin
https://mailchi.mp/336c3621e5e7/tabithabouldinauthor
Photography in 1904
It’s always fun to research new things, and I had fun learning about cameras and photography in 1904. The Century Camera was a favorite of professionals, and the Brownie was an all-around every man’s camera that was sold well into the 1960s. I actually played with one that I found in my attic growing up. Here’s an excerpt from Rachel’s Reunion about photography during this time:
He took her hand and led her to his camera. “And now, I’d like to introduce you to my most prized possession. The Century Camera.” The unmistakable pride in his voice as he placed a hand on the wooden tripod that held the contraption aloft caught her attention. “It’s a high caliber camera. Used by only the best photographers.”
Rachel inspected the polished mahogany box covered in black leather. She ran a fingertip across the warm brass hardware that sparkled in the sunshine. “It’s beautiful.”
“I have a Brownie and a folding pocket Kodak for everyday pictures, but for portraits and masterpieces such as I’m taking today, she’s the key. Just months ago, this new camera led the technology breakthroughs introduced at the St. Louis World’s Fair. I’m thrilled to have it.”
Rachel shivered. “Not to impute your skill, sir, but I doubt you’ll create a masterpiece by taking a picture of me.”
Chester gazed at her with such admiration she went weak at the knees. “Oh, but my dear Rachel, in all my travels, I’ve never seen a face like this.” He cupped her chin tenderly, scanning her face. “Not in the gilded halls of New York, nor the finest hotels of Chicago. Not even at the World’s Fair, which I attended. Your face exceeds them all.”
Rachel’s breath caught in her throat under his flattery. “You mock me, sir.”
He threw his hands up in surrender. “On my mother’s grave, I do not.” He withdrew his hand and slapped his thigh. “But let’s end this banter and get to work. Martha will attend to your ministrations while I finish here.” He waved his hand toward the maid and turned his back to her, thus ending their conversation. “Martha. Chop chop.”
The buxom, middle-aged woman patted the chair. “Come, let’s prepare you for the camera. You have such lovely hair, miss.”
Rachel halted. “Prepare me?”
The matronly woman held out her arms as if to embrace a child. “Just a tad. To enhance you. Not make you a courtesan. Fear not, my dear.”
Reluctantly, Rachel sat and let the woman work on her hair. “You did a fine job on your Gibson. A few adjustments, and it will be perfect. Then we’ll do your makeup.”
Rachel’s hands flew up to her warming cheeks. “No makeup. It would be too… embarrassing.”
Martha put her hands on Rachel’s shoulders and patted them. “The camera needs a little shading else you’ll look like a corpse. Don’t worry. We’ll wipe it all off before anyone sees.”
Rachel swallowed her angst and allowed Martha to add a few dabs of rouge to her cheeks and lips before handing her the mirror.
The woman’s dark eyes twinkled. “There now. You’re simply stunning.”
About Rachel’s Reunion
Summer 1904
Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.
Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?
Meet author Alicia Whittle
The West has always been a fascinating subject for Alicia Whittle’s writing, especially romance. Later in life, she was able to settle in Colorado, which helped inspire her. Cowboys have influenced her since childhood when the TV was full of stories about them. She has enjoyed reading romance since a very young age. Travels with her Air Force husband and later with RVing have also inspired her stories.
Tell us about your newest book.
Madeline Westwood has been widowed for three years. While vacationing in Colorado with her twenty-six-year-old daughter, she literally stumbles into a handsome rancher whose uncanny resemblance to her deceased husband causes her to question her attraction to him. Are her new feelings actually for Clint or echoes of her lost love, and how will she resolve them?
Horseman Clint Remington is intrigued by the woman staying at the ranch where he is stabling his horses. He’s sworn off relationships, but Madeline and the secret she may be harboring prove irresistible. Is two weeks enough time to heal past wounds and find new love in the face of unrelenting truth?
What inspired you to write Dead Ringer Cowboy?
I was watching my husband and wondered if I passed away (sorry if that sounds maudlin) would another woman be attracted to him because he looks like her deceased husband?
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A vacationing widow finds her world turned upside down when she encounters her late husband’s double.
What genre do you focus on?
I enjoy romantic westerns stories about cowboys and independent women. I grew up watching TV shows on Saturday mornings with cowboys like Sky King, Cisco Kid, Roy Rogers, and the Lone Ranger. I’ve always been a romantic. I think it’s just in my nature.
Why do you write?
I never thought much about writing although I used it in a different form most of my life in letters to family and friends and spent many years as an administrative assistant (business writing). Not until I took some classes in college later in life did I realize there might be potential to write books when I retired. After praying about it, the Holy Spirit’s nudge kept telling me to write. I want to share encouraging hope mostly to women that there are good men out there.
Who is your main character and how did you choose the name?
The main character for my book was Madeline Westwood. I’m not sure how I stumbled on the name, but it seemed like a woman of that age would be named Madeline. Westwood was a switch of Eastwood, since my stories are out west.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing a book?
I’m not as disciplined as I would like to be, but it seems that my window to write is in the afternoon. I can write for two or more hours straight, with occasional breaks.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing. When you self-publish a book, you become not only an author, but a publisher and have to know the ins and outs of marketing if you want your book out there for others to read. It takes a chunk of time away from your writing schedule.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
For me, it’s a form of escaping from stress. I love to get into the characters, setting, and the story line itself. This world has so many negatives going on, that it’s nice to take your mind to a place of hope and happiness.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I have owned dachshunds most of my life.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
After about eight years, I think I’ve learned that writing a book is not what I learned in high school English or college courses. It’s a journey of growth. It takes time and support from other authors to write a good book. I believe I’ve come a long way in understanding what makes up a decent manuscript.
What is your favorite pastime?
Two actually: spending time with family whenever possible and reading a good clean western romance.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
At this point, I don’t have other books published, however, Dead Ringer Cowboy is the beginning of a series.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Natalie’s Cowboy.
Website: https://aliciawhittle.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Dead+Ringer+Cowboy&crid=6NW5RK28BNU1
Social media links: Instagram: alicia.r.whittle.author, FB: Alicia Whittle, author
Meet author Paula Peckham
A fifth-generation Texan, Paula Peckham graduated from UTA. She worked at Burleson High School for 19 years as a math teacher. She divides her time between Burleson, Texas, and Rio Bravo, Mexico. She and husband John have four children and nine grandchildren. Her debut novel, Protected, was a semi-finalist in the 2020 ACFW Genesis contest. Paula has an online presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and www.paulapeckham.com
Tell us about your newest book.
A Father’s Gift is book two in my San Antonio series. Originally written for a Christmas anthology, my publisher picked it up and added into the series. The story follows the lives of my characters from book one, Protected, two years later. I originally intended for it to loosely follow the story of the birth of Jesus in a barn, complete with angel Gabriel, but, as stories tend to do, it took on a life of its own and ended up going a completely different direction.
What inspired you to write A Father’s Gift?
I used the characters from book one since I already knew them and the setting. Thanks to an extremely clever plot twist idea, I got from one of my critique partners, the story morphed into something much more complex than my original sweet Christmas story idea.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Abby and Manny Blair anticipate the birth of their first child. Orphaned at age eighteen, Abby prays daily for a safe delivery and a future with her child. Manny yearns for guidance from his own father, who died when Manny was only five years old. His grandmother, Yaideli, raised him, doing her best to stand in the gap. It’s nearing Christmas and the babe’s birth. His adventure of discovery finds something completely unexpected. Abby and Manny receive a precious gift—learning about the love and sacrifice only a father can give.
What genre do you focus on and why?
Historical romance. It’s always been one of my favorites to read. I enjoy the happily-ever-after endings of romance, and I like learning new things when reading historicals.
Why do you write?
I write because I have stories in my head, and God gave me the talent, such as it is, to write them down and share them. I want other people to realize being a Christian doesn’t mean being perfect. I hope my stories show people living their lives, struggling with problems and doubt, but who learn they can depend on God no matter what.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
In book two, the main character shifted more to Manny. Usually, I end up focusing a little more on the female character, but Manny took the stage in A Father’s Gift. Manny is Hispanic, and I borrowed the name from one of my friends in Rio Bravo, Mexico.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Schedule? That would imply structure and planning. My goal is to write 1,000 words a day at the minimum. But marketing, research, the business end of things – all that takes time, and some days I don’t make my goal. I feel very unorganized some days, and I know this is an area where I could improve.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
I saw a meme once that said, “Deciding to become an author means you agree to have homework every day for the rest of your life.” It’s so true. There is always something else to learn, whether it is about the craft of writing, or learning how to format in Word, or create social media posts in Canva, run an ad in Amazon, or increase your email list … this list goes on and on.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I am doing something I love. I have the freedom to set my schedule (or not… see the previous answer). And what I’m doing will hopefully affect a reader’s life somewhere, for the glory of God.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I took a class about how to launch your books, and the first thing I had to do was realize who I am, at my core, as an author. They instructed me to send ten emails to people who were very close and ten more to acquaintances. I asked them to list three words that came to mind when they thought of me. (This was uncomfortable for me to do, by the way.) The word that came back the most often was social justice. It surprised me but shouldn’t have. That is indeed something very important to me at my very core. So, you will always find at least a tiny thread of social justice woven into my stories.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’ve gained confidence. I think all writers struggle with imposter syndrome when they first start out. What gives us the right to call ourselves authors? Somewhere along the way, that faded and disappeared. I know so much more about the craft of storytelling now. I feel like I can write a good book.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading!! Always.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Protected is book one in this series. I also have contributions to the Christmas anthologies, Christmas Love Through the Ages and Texas Heirloom Ornament.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on book three in my series as we speak. Look for Accepted to come out sometime next spring.
Website: www.PaulaPeckham.com
Link to book: https://tinyurl.com/PeckhamFathersGift
Social media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulaPeckhamAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaulaPeckham
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulajopeckham/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paulapeckham
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B09FP2JPR6
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21803544.Paula_Peckham
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ppeckham/books/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/4140515461
Meet author Linda W. Rooks
Linda W. Rooks is the award-winning author of Fighting for Your Marriage while Separated, Broken Heart on Hold, and The Bunny Side of Easter. Over a hundred of Linda’s writings have appeared in publications across the U.S., including multiple Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Focus on the Family, HomeLife, and Today’s Christian Woman. She has appeared in numerous TV, radio, and podcast interviews across the North American continent. Find Linda at lindarooks.com.
Tell us about your newest book.
Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light is an exciting suspense thriller set in the future with a number of twists and turns, including a time travel sequence, an international crisis with weapons of mass destruction, a little bit of romance, and more. But in the midst of the story line, an underlying theme is woven through the pages of the book, based on Romans 8:28, wherein the pieces of dark come together with the pieces of light to create a beautiful picture of hope. It’s a book, I believe, that will resonate with our times. The book has been endorsed by three former U.S. congressmen, some military leaders, and others.
What inspired you to write Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light?
I think it was one of those questions that sometimes come into your mind. “What if . . . ?” Usually, it’s just a fleeting thought for most of us. But as a writer, if you dwell on it long enough, all kinds of crazy thoughts come to you as you imagine what if this could really happen. How would it happen? Who would it happen to? And as the craziness evolves in your mind and you play with it awhile, as a writer, you might see it turn into an actual story. This is what happened to me with Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light. It began as a kind of challenge to my imagination. I wanted to see if I could actually make it work. So, I began writing and researching. I didn’t even take it seriously for awhile . . . until other people told me it was really good.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
In 2052, when a cache of weapons of mass destruction is discovered in Tajikistan, diplomat Janssen LaMarche is looked to as the one man who can avert a world crisis. Things go awry, however, when he’s faced with a personal battle of his own, requiring him to travel back in time where an unknown fate awaits him and family secrets on two continents come to light. As a world crisis moves the plot through thrilling and suspenseful twists and surprises, at the heart of the story vibrates the personal saga of a man on a mission and the women who fear for his life.
What genre do you focus on?
I call Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light a suspense thriller with heart. I didn’t actually set out to write a thriller, but that’s what it turned into. There’s also an important time travel sequence in the story so there’s some science fiction with worm holes and nanotechnology, etc. too. The characters and their relationships are very strong, and there’s some romance as well. I’ve always had a hard time fitting my writing into a box. I love the pace of a thriller and the adrenalin rush, but I also like to give the reader a chance to breathe now and then so I enjoy inserting some relationship scenes, descriptive passages, and a little romance or humor to lighten things up before jumping back into the action. One thing I love about a good suspense thriller is leaving subtle clues along the way and tying things up in the end so the reader has an “aha” moment and feels fully satisfied that everything fits together.
Why do you write?
What drives me to write is my love for writing. When God created me, He gave me a love for words and how they fit together. Even as a child, I huddled under a card table with my neighbor in her playhouse to make up newspapers for the neighborhood kids, (mainly featuring exposes about my older brother, of course.) There’s something comforting about writing. It’s where I find out who I am and what I think about things. Even as a young person, when life was challenging, I often found solace with a pen and paper in my hand, scratching out my thoughts and feelings until things made sense. And the more I poured myself into my words, the more the words took flight above my circumstances to a place of peace and joy. Gradually I fell in love with words and what a person could create with them. Now as I write professionally, working on a book or on my blog, I often see my thoughts evolve during the writing as I feel God opening my eyes to more of His truth. What usually drives me to write a particular book, article, or blog post, however, is the theme. When I have something I want to say, I look for the best medium to express it.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My main character is Janssen Aryan LaMarche, an American diplomat, who has been chosen to negotiate with the leaders of Tajikistan to save the world from a world crisis. Genealogy is important in the development of this story so although Janssen has a magnetic personality and is a smooth negotiator on his own, his family ties to Tajikistan are an important part of the reason for his being chosen for this important mission. His mother was from Tajikistan and his uncle is Prime Minister of the country, so Janssen’s middle name of “Aryan” ties him to that heritage. His father, who has a French heritage, met his mother while he himself was serving as diplomat in Tajikistan. Thus, Janssen has the last name of LaMarche.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m not particularly disciplined in terms of a schedule. But lists keep me on target. I’m the most creative in the morning. Even before getting out of bed, when my mind is clear of daily disruptions, I sometimes begin composing what I will write. When the words come alive, I jump up, run to my computer and begin writing. But I love lists. I like to make a list of what I want to accomplish for that day and maybe a couple of days ahead and then cross things off as I accomplish them.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
As an author, I think the hardest part of writing is the editing process with the publisher. We bring our “baby” to the table and have to relinquish it to the editor’s discretion about what to keep, what to take out, and what to change. It can be painful, but realizing publishers have their own priorities and goals is something for us to remember when we work in the publishing world. They’re the experts in knowing what works and what sells.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
For me, the best part is the actual writing. I love words, and I love putting them together. I see writing as an art, similar to sculpting or composing. Instead of starting with a lump of clay, we as writers start with a blank sheet of paper and move words around, watching them take shape until they begin to sing a rhythm to our ears. Word by word, we mold phrases and sentences and paragraphs together until our imaginations spin them into an inspirational message, or a story leaping and dancing across the page. The joy of seeing something beautiful come out of this is very special.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I’m best known for my two books for those in marital crisis. My first book, Broken Heart on Hold, Surviving Separation, helps a person get stronger both emotionally and spiritually when they are traveling the lonesome and heartbreaking journey of a broken marriage, and my award-winning book, Fighting for Your Marriage while Separated, provides practical answers for those seeking to restore their marriage with an unwilling spouse. My children’s picture book, The Bunny Side of Easter, is an exciting adventure about how the heroism of a little rabbit made him the Easter bunny and the rabbit on the moon, using bits of allegory to point children to the true hero we celebrate at Easter.
What are you working on now?
As I continue with the promotion of Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light, I also plan to concentrate more on my Heart Talk blog, which has the tagline, “Finding Hope in Unexpected Places.” We live in a time that is difficult for people in so many ways. So in all of my writings, one of the things I continually want to offer to my readers is a large dose of hope because, truly, when we put our trust in the hands of God, we can find hope in unexpected places.
Website: http://lindarooks.com
Link to book: Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light on Amazon
Social media links: Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Parler
Number Nine is out!
It’s hard to believe that in just five years I have written, and published, nine historical fiction titles. In the beginning, I had only planned to write The Fabric of Hope, but then Susan’s story in Christmas Charity just had to be told. Next came Katelyn’s Choice, because I had to tell the George Pullman and President Grant story of how the Thousand Islands Gilded Age got started, right? After that, Katelyn’s friend, Sara, had a surprise, and Sara’s Surprise came to be.
Well, after a trip to Singer Castle, Devyn’s Dilemma just ached to be told, and her friend, Reagan also had a story, so Reagan’s Reward emerged. What fun I’ve had dreaming up these stories, and it isn’t over yet.
When I learned about the renovation and the amazing art history of Comfort Island, well, Colleen’s Confession jumped out of my head and onto the page. And I’ve always wanted to write about Calumet Island, so Peyton’s Promise was a fun and interesting story to write.
Today is the birthday of my nineth book baby, Rachel’s Reunion! It continues the story of Rachel Kelly and Mitch that I started to tell in Peyton’s Promise where Rachel is Peyton’s friend and roommate, and Mitch is Patrick’s friend and roommate. The two connected while serving the Emery’s in Calumet Castle on Calumet Island. Rachel served there for two years, but Mitch left after just one summer.
Unfortunately, Mitch bumbled their relationship by taking a job on a saltie (a ship that crosses the ocean)—to make enough money to be worthy of Rachel’s love—and he failed to tell her why. In doing so, he hurt her terribly. Rachel felt abandoned and forsaken.
After two summers on Calumet, Rachel was offered a wonderful position at the New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island in the St. Lawrence River. It’s one of the grandest hotel resorts in the area. New York City tycoon Charles G. Emery built it, and now she gets to stay and work in the hotel’s Annex where the most elite guests enjoy elegant suites and amazing activities.
Rachel is just sure she’ll never see the man who broke her heart. But surprise! He takes a position as captain of the hotel’s touring yacht, and the rest is history. Or is it? A handsome, famous photographer gets in the way, and so does her stubborn unforgiveness. You’ll have to read my newest, Rachel’s Reunion, to find out…the rest of the story.
And I’ll tell you a little secret…I have seven more planned!
About Rachel’s Reunion
Summer 1904
Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.
Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?