LEGACY OF LIES INTERVIEW

Today we're welcoming Nicole Mattson, the heroine of Legacy of Lies by Jill Elizabeth Nelson, September 2010.

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

I lost my policeman husband in the line of duty only six months ago and needed a safe haven to heal. Since my parents are also gone, my grandmother’s place seemed like a sure thing. How could I have guessed that I would find the bones of an infant buried in her back yard or be embroiled in the reopening of a fifty year old kidnapping and homicide case?

I could never suspect my grandmother or deceased grandfather of such a horrible crime—or any crime! And yet mounting evidence pointed the accusing finger at my family—stirring doubts in my heart, drawing anger from the town’s people, and reaping vengeance from Ellington’s founding family. The circumstances were simply overwhelming and so hopeless-looking. How could we unravel the truth about a tragedy so ancient the legend has become knit into the fabric of a community?

2. So, during the book you met Rich Hendricks. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

Rick is the police chief in Ellington, and he was first on the scene after I called in my grizzly find. I pegged him right away as the kind of cop my husband was—conscientious about his job, and decent and honest in the way he treats people. Some cops take advantage of their authority, throw their weight around, and expect favors. Like a certain deputy I could name.

Unfortunately for the little zing in my heart at our first meeting, there was no way I could allow myself any feelings for another cop. Losing one husband to a risky occupation was quite enough, thank you very much. Besides, he was investigating my grandparents as possible kidnappers and baby-killers. Not a promising scenario for romance.

True love does tend to overcome the odds though. That poor dead infant from the past nearly kept us apart, but it was what Rich said about a living baby in the future that ultimately stole my heart, willy-nilly. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Well, one of them.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?

I have a degree in business administration and a healthy level of self-confident. I’m also self-sufficient and a tad stubborn. Runs in the family. Observe my grandmother, and you’ll understand what I mean. ;-) I’m determined to help my grandmother’s sewing shop become profitable again, but that will mean some fundamental changes in how it’s run. Way easier said than done. Note the stubbornness mentioned above. Change is a dirty word to that dear woman.

4. What scares you?

Losing the last of my family, as well as my family’s good name, to scandal and prison.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I might like to be a little less cautious and skeptical.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

I’ve been a lifelong believer, but my faith was on rocky ground after so much death in the family. It’s scary to feel like you’re on the precipice of being alone in the world. My trust factor was pretty low—in God and in my fellow man, and I was a little at loose ends as far as my purpose in life.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

I embraced life again. Many of my nearest and dearest may live on beyond the veil, but our separation is only for a season. As long as I’m still here on this earth, I need to believe I have a good purpose in God’s plan, then go ahead and live it with gusto.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
It’s tempting for believers to become cynical about bad people getting away with bad things. But the Bible promises us that, even if it looks like they’re getting off Scott-free, no one escapes justice forever—not unless they put their sins under the blood of Jesus Christ.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

I’m apple crisp ala mode: down-home, a little sweet, a little tart, and multi-layered.

Sounds like an exciting read! Thank you Jill for sharing Nicole with us today.