Hi All! I’m here today with a Character Interview from The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, a series by our own lovely author Kellyn Roth.

I’m going to do things a little backwards today because I know that people who are following this Blog tour are going to be a bit weary of the repetition. So I am going to introduce you guys to the author first, and then I’m going to post my reviews of the books, and then (after all that hoopla) we’ll get down to the interview.

The Author

This is our lovely lady in questions, Kellyn Roth of Pearlbelle Park. *coughs* (Actually it’s Alice and Ivy that live in Pearlbell Park, but Kellyn created them so… ?)

Here is the author intro that she has on her Goodreads (I admit I modified it quite a bit) (to mix things up) (and laugh) (I hope that’s ok with you Kellyn):

“Kellyn Roth has been writing stories since she was seven. (That’s 3 years younger than when I started!) Nowadays, she pens Christian & Historical Fiction, including lots of adorable children and mischievous animals (Yes!)– as well as a generous dose of BBC-style drama. (hmm)

Miss Roth lives in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge (Not Pearlbelle Park) with her parents, two little brothers, crazy border collies, annoying but lovable cat, and assorted cows and chickens (cats can be that way *eyeroll*). She is a homeschooled high schooler (*high five* me too!) who spends her non-writing, non-reading time blogging (me), riding horses (I wish!), attempting clarinet and saxophone (I wouldn’t even try), and pretending she has other hobbies besides writing.“

Ahh.. I feel like I know her so well. Don’t mention the fact that I read her super fun and entertaining and totally awesome blog, follow her on Goodreads, got free review copies of her books, beta read this one (woohoo!), and emailed with her. (Ha! You thought I was going to post her email… nope.)

If you’re not friends with her on Goodreads yet, or you don’t follow her blog, you totally should! She’s one of my new favorite bloggers and her posts are never boring. (unlike your’s truly *coughs*)

The Books

The Dressmakers Secret

After a revealing conversation curious eight-year-old Alice Chattoway realizes that one ought to have a father. Having determined that his absence is making her mother unhappy, Alice resolves to find him and create a family for herself.

However, Alice’s mother, Miss Chattoway, is reluctant to answer any questions posed about a man she seemed to much rather forget. While Alice investigates, Miss Chattoway tries to balance her own spiritual turmoil with the demands that come with being a mother and provider to her daughters.

Will Alice ever unravel her mother’s secrets? Can Miss Chattoway let go of the past to reach for the future?

Find Out More!

My Review:

Ivy Introspective

Trapped in a world where she doesn’t belong, twelve-year-old Ivy struggles to keep her head above water as her simplicity is brought to light by her new position as a young lady growing up at Pearlbelle Park.

After much thought, Ivy’s parents decide to send her to McCale House, a boarding school in Scotland for girls and boys like her. However, scared and worried away from her beloved mother, sister, and nurse, Ivy can’t seem to focus.

Will Ivy ever learn what Dr. McCale is trying to teach her? Or will she remained lost in her own mind forever?

Find Out More!

My review:

This second book to the series was pretty interesting. I liked seeing things from Ivy’s simple side, the side that all of us need more of. Another excellent novel by Miss Roth. Although it was not my favorite in the series, it’s not to be skipped, offering such goodness… and some of Kirk’s personality.

Trararammm!
At Her Fingertips

Alice Knight is looking forward to her debut as it means she will be able to carry out her plan. She will have her first Season in London, she will meet her husband, and she will marry him. However, Alice struggles to make her feelings reconcile with her goals.

Alice is sure that, if she can only cling to her plans, she will manage without help from anyone — including God. A childhood friend returning unexpectedly, a charming gentleman who is not all he should be, and an American author with strange ideas about life all make her question the plan.

With the life she longs for at her fingertips, can Alice grasp it?

Find Out More!

My Review:

Can we first take a second to admire THIS STUNNING COVER?!

Rest your eyes on this prettiness. Don’t you just need a copy? I know I do. 😀

I seriously just stare at it…

Ok, onto the review. Oh boy. This is getting long and we haven’t even started the interview yet. Moving along.

What to say, what to say?
It was really really good. Kellyn is growing and learning in her writing, and you can see it.
I guess what I can say. I need to read the rest of the series, and I can’t wait to get a paper copy.

Please, read this book.
And the ending… OOOOh.

The Interview

B.R.B: Hey Alice. How are you? It’s super cool that we can talk for a bit. What’s your favorite part of being a book character?

Alice: Hello B.R.B.! It’s a pleasure to meet you. My favorite part of being a book character … hmm. Well, honestly, I don’t like it that much. I think sometimes the author adds unnecessary complications to my life just for her silly plots! I don’t need that. I need some peace and quiet! And I need her to stop interrupting my plans.

B.R.B: Haha, I can imagine. I find it difficult to leave my life in my author’s hands too sometimes. XD But hey! It makes for a good story!
On that note, if you could remove one difficulty from your past life, which one would it be? 

Alice: Well, without a doubt I’d keep my parents together! It was tough for them to be separated for so many years of my life – especially since it was due to misunderstandings and my grandfather, a very cruel man. I just wish I could have had a normal family – a normal life – growing up.

B.R.B: I totally get where you’re coming from. I was raised by my aunt and uncle since I was 3 months old. It’s hard, but I know that I learned a few very good lessons from the experience. 
What gave you the idea to name your daughter “Gretchen”?

Alice: When I was eight, my mother sent me a beautiful porcelain doll. I was at boarding school, and I missed my mother and the rest of our little family very much. The doll was a bit of a comfort to me, I suppose. I don’t know where I’d heard the name “Gretchen,” but I always thought it was the most perfect girl’s name. I think it might have been a combination of ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and hearing Mr. Parker, a family friend, speak of his travels on the Continent. However I heard it, I instantly knew that ‘Gretchen’ was the perfect name for this doll! Since then, I’ve always thought of my first daughter as being named Gretchen.

B.R.B: That’s a cool story. I wish I had a porcelain doll… but then again… I don’t play with dolls and I probably wouldn’t be able to keep it from shattering very quickly. 
Ah, yes. Mr. Parker. What do you think of him? Is he going to stay in you circle as you get married and move on in life, or is he left in the past?

Alice: Mr. Parker lives only a few miles from my family’s estate, Pearlbelle Park, so I imagine I can’t avoid him. He visits fairly often as does his brood, and of course he is here for holidays and other such events. He’s not exactly left in the past, but I doubt he’ll be a big part of my life after I am married.

B.R.B: And your sister Ivy, does she plan to stay home forever or is she willing to consider a suitor who can take care of her, despite her difficulties?

Alice: Honestly, I don’t know. I’m not too confidant that Ivy could do such a thing, but I would definitely support her in it. I want her to be happy! When we’ve discussed my plans, I’ve tried to get Ivy to look to the future a little – but she talks about what book she’s going to read next or what piano piece she wants to master. Perhaps she’s afraid to look forward. I can understand that … it must be frightening to not have a direct plan for your life. I’m glad I have mine!

B.R.B: It would be an interesting story if the author chose to have that in store for her. 
What about your future? Do you want many kids or just a few?
And another question. Your last line at the end of “At Her Fingertips” was very… passionate. XD. Have you kissed your fiancé? 

Alice: I think at least six – more if possible! Definitely a lot, at any rate. Honestly, I can’t understand why anyone would want a small family …