What’s her name?
Contessa Morena Monterossa of Portovenere
Why did you pick that name?
The name Morena is an authentic Italian medieval name. I wanted my heroine to have a title, one level of nobility lower than the ducal status of the hero and villain. This made her more vulnerable to both powerful men.
Give us a brief description of how she looks.
Morena is of average build, innocent looking and vulnerable, youthful, but mature. A true beauty with an upturned nose and rose colored cheeks. Originally, she had chestnut hair, but when the cover for the book was chosen, I decided to amend the hair color so she looks like the woman on the cover.
Is there anything unusual about her appearance?
There is nothing unusual about her appearance except for the fact that she wears a beautiful, ancient bloodstone pendant given to her by her mother. She never takes it off.
Who does she love? Why?
Morena does not love any man, however, with time Duke Amoro of Genoa begins to win her heart even though he is a life-long enemy of her family. But she is betrothed to Duke Ernesto of Savona and feels duty bound to marry him.
Does this person love her?
Duke Amoro does not love her at first. His only interest is because he is bound by an oath to marry her. But within a very short time, he grows to love her, long before his love is reciprocated.
Tell us about her family.
Morena is the only daughter of Count Umberto Monterossa and his wife Vittoria who died giving birth to Morena. The Count never remarried. He rescued a young orphan boy named Massimo who he raised like a son and with whom Morena has a very strong bond with.
Where is she from?
Morena was born in Bloodstone Castle in Portovenere.
Does her hometown affect her behaviour, thoughts, and attitude?
Morena feels the duty of her title and loves her home and the people who live and work in the vicinity of Bloodstone Castle.
What does she want out of life?
Morena wants to ensure she takes good care of the many serfs and vassals who serve her family. She wants to be loved. Morena is prepared to do her duty and will sacrifice her own personal love and happiness to do so.
What’s her biggest secret?
Morena knows about the existence of the ancient Roman treasure rumoured to be buried beneath Bloodstone Castle and the bloodstone pendant she wears is proof, however, she does not know its location and is suspicious of her suitors because of it.
Did you write more than one story about her?
No, and at this time I have no plans for a sequel. However, I did leave that door open because I think the minor character of Massimo makes an intriguing hero and perhaps there will be a novel about him with Morena as a minor character in the future.
How would she describe you?
Morena would describe me as a dedicated, obsessed author with a love to create and a passion for stories about Italy and medieval times.
Is there anything else about your heroine that we need to know?
Morena is not afraid to stand up and fight. She understands the duty that comes with her title and is ready to fulfill those requirements regardless of her own wishes or happiness
Please provide your website link.
What is the link to buy your book?
You can purchase my book at my websites:
http://bloodstonecastle.blogspot.com
http://bestofitaly.blogspot.com
http://mirellapatzer.blogspot.com
Or you can purchase it from Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodstone-Castle-Mirella-Patzer/dp/0978486528/
It was wonderful to meet her. Thank you for bringing her to meet us.
