We’re delighted to be joined on our blog by Lauri Robinson who talks about the inspiration behind her new historical duet which takes place in the 1930s and 1950s.

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Every century is full of amazing eras of feast and famine, peace and war, love and change, and every era is rich with people who changed our world forever through their ingenuity and courage. I love being able to create stories set in some of the not so usual historical eras, and I love the core of romance novels—love and family.

The inspiration for writing a story set in the 1930’s first arose when my granddaughter told me she was reading a book about a young girl during the ‘dirty thirties’. I borrowed the book once she’d finished reading it, and later, the two of us discussed the story. Set in Oklahoma, it was a fascinating read through the eyes of a thirteen-year-old about the trials and tribulations of living through the dirt storms and poverty during that time.

The Great Depression struck near the end of the 1920’s and consumed the world with it’s economic downturn. Families and entire communities, that had soared during the economic growths of the 1920’s, hit rock bottom with the stock market crash and droughts that struck farming communities all across the United States. Yet, there were those who had the will and determination to be successful even when it seemed impossible.

In Marriage or Ruin for the Heiress, Randal Osterlund has a goal of obtaining an airplane business that will allow his family to sustain any economical storm they might encounter, but he needs a wife to make the deal. The stock market crash had crushed Jolie Cramer’s family’s finances, but not her dream of becoming a clothing designer, and that plays a major role in why she agrees to marry Randal, as well as why she can’t fall in love with him. The two don’t see eye to eye on many things, but ultimately, when it comes to love, they both end up with 20/20 vision.

I was overjoyed when my editor agreed to a saga that would allow the Osterlund family’s story continue on for the next generation which would mean a story set in the 1950’s! What and amazing time, and in The Heiress and the Baby Boom, the next generation of Osterlunds quickly give her parents a run for their money in the changing world.

During the 1950’s, the economic growth was back on the rise, and so were babies. There was a real boom in number of births. There was also rock and roll music and muscle cars, all ingredients for a fun story for Randi Osterlund, who has visions of taking over her father’s business, however, it means she has to face her high school adversary, Jason Heim. With his hot rod car, leather jacket, and motorcycle, Jason was the James Dean of Chicago. His penniless past had caused some bad blood between his family and Randi’s. Because of that and his bad-boy reputation, Jason had steered clear of Randi for years. When she shows up on his doorstep, needing his help for a business deal, he has to refuse. But Randi doesn’t give up easy, and the consequences of one night together changes their lives forever by adding to the baby boom. Their wedding is a compromise, and their life together is a struggle until they realize love conquers all.

The book I’d borrowed from my granddaughter, inspired Marriage or Ruin for the Heiress, and in a lot of ways, was also behind turning it into a saga with The Heiress and the Baby Boom.  We are fortunate to live close to all three of our grown and married sons and spend a lot of time enjoying our grandchildren. Being able to write Randal and Jolie’s story and then Randi’s story, allowed me to be with Randal and Jolie when they experienced the joy of becoming grandparents for the first time—the epitome love at first sight.

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Read Marriage or Ruin for the Heiress by Lauri Robinson now!

By Lauren Gardiner