A Hero in the Making ~ Charmed and Captivated as Told by Their Creator (Interviewed by Rel!)

What a privilege to be an invited guest to Casey’s fabulous blog! Case is such a sweetheart (not to mention a kindred spirit when it comes to supporting authors and readers…but I digress!). When she asked whether I would like to do a guest feature for her, I jumped at the chance. We tossed around ideas and I was thinking about some of the leading men who have charmed, frustrated, and delighted me recently. As we pondered which literary heroes I would highlight, we decided there were too many and one post has turned into an ongoing series... if you enjoy what we do here!

We fall in love with a well written hero upon the page—it seems almost inevitable...but before anyone wonders, I’m a happily married woman and Casey is not about to say she’ll settle for nothing less than Mr Darcy, cravat and all! We’ve simply planned a fun series, mixed with a bit of seriousness, as we delve into their spiritual example and what makes these manly heroes captivating to us and their heroines.

So, the first hero I want you to meet is an 18^th Century, hammer and anvil wielding, Bible quoting, mountain of a man.

SILAS BALLANTYNE

from the imaginings of historical author extraordinaire

LAURA FRANTZ

appearing in

LOVE’S RECKONING

Borrowed from Laura's "Love's Reckoning"
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Why Silas? As I read Love’s Reckoning, Silas proved to be a man of integrity and quiet courage. Although little of his past is explained, it is clear he is a man who has experienced hardship and suffering and yet is the better for it. As strong and fierce as he is at the forge, Silas also reveals a gentle hand with delicate metal designs and his tenderness with young Eden, as she suffers at the hands of her family. His gentle beckoning of Eden towards him and his faith makes for a wonderful and fulfilling read…..sigh!

Now you’ve heard my thoughts, here are some from the creator of Silas herself!

So, Laura let’s start at the beginning, how did you choose Silas' name?  

I wanted a strong, manly name with Biblical overtones that fit his character. I’m always aware of  popular heroic names in historicals and this one hadn’t been overdone. And it seemed to fit well with Ballantyne, IMHO.

I loved this choice, Laura ~ the meaning “of the forest” suits Silas, too. He is steady as an oak, you know?!

Describe Silas in 3 adjectives

Intelligent. Intuitive. Enduring.

What are Silas' standout physical characteristics? 

Borrowed from Laura's "Love's Reckoning"
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Silas is quite tall – strapping is the better word. He has an amazing vitality/virility about him that draws attention (at least in this author’s head!). And his jade eyes and whiskey-colored hair don’t hurt!

I don’t think it’s only in your head, Laura ;-D

What scars (if any) does Silas carry from his childhood? 

Silas has always struggled mightily with his temper, something that landed him in grave trouble early on. When living in the Scottish Highlands on the Duke of Atholl's estate, he threatened to kill the duke's son. As was common in this time period, Jamie Murray, the duke's heir, had seduced Silas's sister and she later died in childbirth. When Silas turned volatile, his family was evicted from the estate as part of the Highland clearances, even though Silas's father held the coveted position of fiddler and composer to the duke. Silas had to live with the fact that he was responsible for his family's sad fate, something that led to his conversion and his driving ambition to establish the Ballantyne legacy, first as a renowned blacksmith and then as one of the leading industrialists in Pennsylvania. 

What is Eden's first impression of Silas? 

Eden as captured by (c) Brandon Hill
Borrowed from Laura's "Love's Reckoning"
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She finds him, and his unusual accent, a bit off-putting. She’s heard that Scots are somewhat volatile and believes it! But she also finds him verra braw, as the Scots say, or very handsome. Part of her confusion has to do with his attempts to distance himself from her at first which makes him appear a bit cold and uncaring. She’s also a bit frightened by his ambitions.

How does that first impression change over time? 

When he begins to leave love notes for her in the form of Scripture, in all sorts of places, her impression shifts from uncertain to admiring, even yearning. He has that little something she lacks but wants. Slowly she comes to recognize his spiritual strength, something she’s never encountered before in her narrow world.

Scriptural love notes would do it, every time! Any guys reading this?!?!

What's on Silas' bookshelf and in his Netflix queue? (So, I know it’ll be a stretch on the latter - LOL!)

Chuckling at the Netflix! Can you imagine an 18th-century blacksmith trying to grapple with that sort of queue?! Though he is used to queued lines and queued hair! Silas’s bookshelf is crammed with the classics and anything Biblical, especially George Whitfield’s Journals and Matthew Henry’s Commentary. He’s a bit of a romantic at heart so you’ll also find Robert Burns poetry and even the popular novels of the day, Pamela or Clarissa.

Borrowed from Laura's "Love's Reckoning"
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What are Silas' spiritual strengths? 

At the very beginning of the novel, he thinks, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be His name.” He has an unswerving faith in the Lord and life that includes both the good and the bad, and doesn’t alter no matter what circumstances befall him.

What motivates (or one motivation) Silas in his personal life? 

Hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” at life’s end. Also, his love for Eden.

Thanks Laura ~ loved these extra insights into Silas. You do have a way with leading men, my friend!

So, let’s talk Silas ~ if you have read his story, what did you think about him? As you either read the book or this interview, what qualities appealed to you in this hero? If he stood in your church foyer would you introduce yourself or stand back and observe?

My bio: Passionate about my family, faith, reading, and blogging, I find myself squeezing in time to read where I can, thanks to my Kindle, but will never forsake the feel of a real book in my hands. I blog at Relz Reviewz, am the Romance and Historical correspondent for FamilyFiction.com’s digital magazine, and review for TitleTrakk and most Christian publishing houses.