Christina McGuire - Exploring Different Types of Regency Characters

Posted on 3rd of May, 2021 by Naomi Bolton

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Christina McKnight writes emotional and intricate Regency Romance with strong women and maverick heroes. Her books combine romance and mystery, exploring themes of redemption and forgiveness. When not writing she enjoys coffee, wine, traveling the world, and watching television. As our Author of the Day, Christina tells us all about her first book, The Thief Steals Her Earl.

Please give us a short introduction to what The Thief Steals Her Earl is about.

The Earl of Cartwright is determined to find out who stole from his family. When he finds out the thief is the woman he’s fallen in love with, he must choose between duty and love.

What inspired you to write about someone who breaks into the wrong house?

I've always been fascinated with all types of Regency characters, not only the nobility. I wanted to explore the lives of different people who lived during the time period. Judith and her family live and love by a different set of rules and support themselves by alternative means. They were not raised with the nobility, nor did they have money; however, that did not stop them from being pulled into the upper crust of London society.

Why historical romance? What drew you to the genre?

I love history--British, Italian, French. There is a complexity to the Regency period that fascinates me. While most of my books focus on English nobility, I have a few French, American, and Barbadian heroines.

What is your personal favorite scene from the book and why?

Oh, this one is easy! I based the entire Craven House Series around one scene from The Thief Steals Her Earl. It is when Jude was caught and held by the magistrate--and her older sister (the matriarch of the family) comes to collect her. It was such a fun scene to write and shows an early picture of the family dynamics within their household.

This is book one of a series. Can it be read as a standalone?

How do the other books in the series tie in with this one? The Thief Steals Her Earl is book one of a four-book series, Craven House. While it can be read as a standalone, readers will have to read on to find out if each sister achieves their happily ever afters.

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When starting on a new book, what is the first thing you do?

Character development--I want to know who my heroine and hero are, their backstories, their family ties, and from that point their personal stories begin to evolve. Many of my stories are heavily based on the my characters' families and upbringings.