Guest Blog: Tara Chevrestt

This week, we’re welcoming author Tara Chevrestt whose title MAIDEN BEHIND THE MASK occurs in the 19th century, with the strong heroine Catalina as a crusader for justice.  Tara is here to talk about the novel and offer a copy of the book to a lucky winner. Here's the blurb:

When Catalina Rodriguez is attacked by a would-be rapist and rescued by the dashing Ricardo Garcia, she not only becomes more aware of the handsome man, but also vows that she’ll never be a damsel in distress again. Using the timeless method of blackmail, she convinces her uncle to teach her to fight and becomes a masked crusader in the night, saving other damsels from robbers and rough handling.

However, scandalous rumors and dwindling funds force Ricardo and Catalina to marry. Not immune to each other’s charms, their marriage starts fiery, but when one of Catalina’s nightly escapades results in dire consequences, she is forced to spurn her husband’s amorous advances…or reveal a secret that could turn him away from her forever.

Ricardo’s not a man to be cuckolded or left in the dark. Is his wife having an affair with El Capitan, the masked savior? If so…they will both pay.

**Q&A with Tara Chevrestt**

Why historical?

I love historicals. I’ve always said I was born in the wrong time. When I was a kid in school, I was actually excited when we had to write a report or essay on a person in the past. If we were given a topic like “civil war” I was all over the book featuring women spies. I did reports on Joan of Arc and Helen Keller. As an adult, I devour historical fiction books and watch TCM. I am not into modern day stories so much. So I love writing historical

Are the characters inspired by anyone?

The character of Catalina is, obviously, inspired by Zorro, only instead of being a man, it’s a woman. But her name was taken from my great-grandmother, Catalina. My uncle is named Julio and though he’s not a sword-fighting ladies’ man, I thought of him as I wrote his scenes. I imagine he would have been quite debonair had he lived in those days. My father is Catalina’s papa: strong, in control, cool during turmoil.

What does your “Zorro” have in common with the Zorros of popular culture?

The original actually came from a book published in 1919. Throughout the years, Zorro was featured in numerous movies, always a dashing nobleman defending the people from an evil and corrupt government. Catalina is a noblewoman, but instead of defending the people from the government, she’s merely doing the government’s job and protecting the fair maidens from ruthless rapists and robbers.

Your focus is strong women. How much of yourself is in Catalina?

I hesitate to compare myself with a sword-fighting fearless woman. I’m not without fear and I would probably fall on my own sword. I mean, I fall down my own stairs! LOL. But I believe every woman has her own inner strengths. It’s not just physical, strength. I’ve faced many demons, stood up for myself and others, and spoke up when wronged. That’s my strength.

What year does this story take place?

Los Angeles did not achieve independence from Spanish rule until 1820, so I estimated the story to take place before then, 1819ish. As they were all fretting over the king’s high taxes.

Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.

Tara also writes as Sonia Hightower. Sonia writes the racy stuff and argues that she was here first. She just wasn't allowed to be unleashed until the last year.

While Tara and Sonia continue to fight over the laptop and debate who writes the next book, you can find buy links, blurbs, and other fun bits on their website or their Facebook page.

Excerpt Thursday: MAIDEN BEHIND THE MASK by Tara Chevrestt

This week, we’re welcoming author Tara Chevrestt whose title MAIDEN BEHIND THE MASK occurs in the 19th century, with the strong heroine Catalina as a crusader for justice. Join us Sunday, when Tara will be here to talk about the novel and offer a copy of the book to a lucky winner. Here's the blurb:

When Catalina Rodriguez is attacked by a would-be rapist and rescued by the dashing Ricardo Garcia, she not only becomes more aware of the handsome man, but also vows that she’ll never be a damsel in distress again. Using the timeless method of blackmail, she convinces her uncle to teach her to fight and becomes a masked crusader in the night, saving other damsels from robbers and rough handling.

However, scandalous rumors and dwindling funds force Ricardo and Catalina to marry. Not immune to each other’s charms, their marriage starts fiery, but when one of Catalina’s nightly escapades results in dire consequences, she is forced to spurn her husband’s amorous advances…or reveal a secret that could turn him away from her forever.

Ricardo’s not a man to be cuckolded or left in the dark. Is his wife having an affair with El Capitan, the masked savior? If so…they will both pay.

**An Excerpt from MAIDEN BEHIND THE MASK**

She tore her gaze away from the mare and said firmly. “Cinco pesos. And only because this yegua has fire, not because of your terms. Selena, pay him.”

Selena’s hand shook, but the pesos were transferred to the dirty palm. The man laughed with glee, the crowd dispersed, and Catalina was left with a dirty, starving horse.

“We shall get you fed and cleaned up.” She patted the mare’s neck. A cloud of dirt rose in the air, and Catalina struggled not to cough. “I shall call you La Reina, because once in my establo, I shall treat you like a queen. Your body may be beaten, but your spirit is not broken.”

“Catalina?” Her maid’s voice was tentative as it interrupted her quiet chattering. “Whatever possessed you—”

“Fetch me a mozo,” Catalina interrupted her. “Take the remaining pesos and fetch me a groom. La Reina is going to her castle.” She wasn’t offering more explanation than that. She didn’t owe anyone an explanation. She’d done what was right.

As her maid turned to comply, heading toward the livery, a loud pffffht rent the air. Catalina stared at her new acquisition in surprise.

Selena froze and swung around to admonish her charge. “Señorita! Your behavior has been questionable enough this day. Mind yourself.” She shook her head and her finger both before turning back to the task at hand.

Catalina heard her muttering as she sashayed away. She was too surprised and too tired to defend herself, but the breeze picked up, and a waft of foul air assaulted her. Catalina immediately tugged a delicate, lace handkerchief from her sleeve and placed it over her nose as she glared at the horse.

La Reina snorted and pawed the ground. Catalina could swear the mare was laughing at her. She merely shook her head. “Dios mío, and you let me take the blame for that?”

Pffffhht. Pfffht.

La Reina whinnied and bared her teeth as though she were smiling.

Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.

Tara also writes as Sonia Hightower. Sonia writes the racy stuff and argues that she was here first. She just wasn't allowed to be unleashed until the last year.

While Tara and Sonia continue to fight over the laptop and debate who writes the next book, you can find buy links, blurbs, and other fun bits on their website or their Facebook page.

Guest Blog: Tara Chevrestt

This week, we're welcoming historical fiction author Tara Chevrestt. Her novel  RIDE FOR RIGHTS chronicles the journey of two sisters during the women's suffrage movement and has its basis in historical events.  Tara is here to talk about the novel and give away a copy. Leave your comment for a chance to win. Here's the blurb:

In the summer of 1916, women do not have the right to vote, let alone be motorcycle dispatch riders. Two sisters, Angeline and Adelaide Hanson are determined to prove to the world that not only are women capable of riding motorbikes, but they can ride motorbikes across the United States. Alone.

From a dance hall in Chicago to a jail cell in Dodge City, love and trouble both follow Angeline and Adelaide on the dirt roads across the United States. The sisters shout their triumph from Pike’s Peak only to end up lost in the Salt Lake desert. 

Will they make it to their goal of Los Angeles or will too many mishaps prevent them from reaching their destination and thus, hinder their desire to prove that women can do it?

 **Q&A with Tara Chevrestt**

Where did you first come across Augusta and Adeline Van Buren, the real-life sisters that inspired Ride for Rights?

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. They have a little area dedicated to women in the history of motorcycling. At the time I went there, a mere posterboard of pictures and a timeline type thing was up about them. As my husband and I left the museum, I was blabbering away about how I wanted to see if I could find a novel about the women. There wasn't one so I wrote one.

How similar is the novel to what happened to the real sisters?

I took some liberties as I couldn't find detailed information about the real ride. I do know that the real sisters were arrested for wearing pants, giving birth to that Dodge City bit. They got lost in the Salt Lake City Desert. They summited Pike's Peak, but it probably didn't coincide with the Hill Climb.

The dancing, the earthquake, the Nevada desert, the romance with a reporter, their abduction. That's all figments of my imagination.

You have actually visited Glen Eyrie, the castle in Colorado Springs. Tell us about it. 

It's a 67-room English Tudor style castle built by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs. His wife was from England and so he built this for her, to mimic an English castle. It contains 24 fireplaces, all them brought over from England. My best friend and I went there for a tour and tea. It's really very lovely. I got to see the real Elsie's room. (Elsie is a brief character in my book, a lady equestrian with spunk.)

How did you decide where the sisters were going to travel to next? 

I had a map of the Unites States out...and as I couldn't find exact details of the trip, I just literally traced a line from New York to Lose Angeles and let my finger randomly choose places of interest that were along the way. I then researched that place to see if there was anything particular significant about that town during that time. If not, I made something up OR moved to a different town.

What message do you wish to convey with Ride for Rights?

Women can be and do anything they set their minds to. If two women could ride motorbikes across the Unites States in a time when they weren't even allowed to wear pants, why should we deny ourselves anything now? Take advantage of the fact you have rights. If you don't want to be a housewife, don't be one. If you want to fly planes, go fly planes. Dream it and do it. Don't let society or anyone else tell you that you can't.

Thank you, Tara, and best of luck with Ride for Rights!

Excerpt Thursday: Ride for Rights by Tara Chevrestt

This week on Excerpt Thursday, we're welcoming historical fiction author Tara Chevrestt. Her novel  RIDE FOR RIGHTS chronicles the journey of two sisters during the women's suffrage movement and has its basis in historical events.  Join us Sunday, when Tara will be here to talk about the novel and give away a copy. Here's the blurb:

In the summer of 1916, women do not have the right to vote, let alone be motorcycle dispatch riders. Two sisters, Angeline and Adelaide Hanson are determined to prove to the world that not only are women capable of riding motorbikes, but they can ride motorbikes across the United States. Alone.

From a dance hall in Chicago to a jail cell in Dodge City, love and trouble both follow Angeline and Adelaide on the dirt roads across the United States. The sisters shout their triumph from Pike’s Peak only to end up lost in the Salt Lake desert. 


Will they make it to their goal of Los Angeles or will too many mishaps prevent them from reaching their destination and thus, hinder their desire to prove that women can do it?

**An Excerpt of Ride for Rights**

There was a twinkle in Francisco’s eyes as he looked the women up and down, taking in their dirty riding attire and the motorbikes behind them.

“We are just moving some of our caballos and mules to a more desirable location,” he said smoothly. “You must be the famous sisters riding to Los Angeles and getting into muchas problemas!” He laughed boisterously and, turning to the conversing men waiting on their horses and mules behind him, said something in Spanish to them all. The men began laughing and slapping their thighs with their large hats.

Angeline didn’t like this and stepped forward. “What are you saying?” she demanded.

Francisco gestured for his men to be quiet. “I read your American papers. You are quite famous. You brought trouble upon a man with many wives.” He shook his head and raised his hands in the air as though in supplication. “More than one espousa. Por que?  Hombre loco!”

The men behind him roared their approval once again. Finished with his antics, Francisco turned a serious face to the women in front of him. “Crazy man, I say. One woman is enough.” He held up a single digit. “Any more woman than that, and I would be drowning in my José Cuervo!”

The men behind him began yelling amongst themselves, and Angeline had no idea what they were saying but decided it sounded rather bawdy and thus related to women and a man named José, and it seemed harmless enough. The men looked dirty and disheveled, and she noted they carried weapons, but the man called Francisco was smiling and did not seem to intend them harm, so she permitted herself to relax.

Adelaide was quite charmed by this foreign man in front of her. She liked his smooth movements and the way he spoke with a twinkle in his eye. She also liked the idea of being famous. She asked the man to tell her more about what he had heard.

“You are representing women, yes?” Francisco asked them. “You aretropas and rebels!”

“Well, I don’t know what a tropa is, but I suppose you could say that.” Adelaide blushed again. Angeline was watching from the corner of her eye.

“Tell me more.” Francisco placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “Maybe we can help you.” He gestured to his men to dismount, and they all rushed to obey, pulling saddlebags off their horses or mules. “We have food and water and José Cuervo.”

Angeline was looking around for this mysterious José they all seemed to worship so, but no man in particular seemed to respond. She shrugged and reluctantly followed Francisco and her sister as they walked. The men obviously under Francisco’s command were all resting on their colorful bedrolls and chatting, occasionally looking in their direction in curiosity.

She caught up to her sister and new companion and grabbed her sister’s free arm, forcing her to stop her chattering and turn around. “We really should be going. We must reach the next town before dark,” she said in a warning tone.

Adelaide’s eyes were bright with excitement, and her cheeks were flushed. “Francisco says we will not make the next town before dark. He says we may join him and his men when they set up camp.”

“Absolutely not!” Angeline hissed, glancing discreetly at Francisco who was now directing orders at his men. “What has gotten into you?  We are two women alone surrounded by strange, foreign men! Do you have any idea what could happen?”

“Mujures, I assure you no harm shall come to you. Here…” Francisco came up to them and pressed a Colt dragoon into Angeline’s hands, “for your safety.”

The dragoon was heavy, and she struggled not to show surprise or dismay. She had never shot a weapon. She attempted to exhibit a confidence she did not feel as she looked Francisco in the eye. “Why?” she asked defiantly. “Why do you want us to stay with your camp?”

“My men and I would love the company. We have been traveling for days with nothing but ourselves, our horses, our smelly mules, and José for company. We will not harm you, but I will not stop you from leaving if wish you wish to do so.”  He gallantly bowed once again.

A camp was being set up near a formation of rocks, and the men were unpacking cooking utensils as Angeline looked at the setting sun. She sighed. They had wasted too much time. She did not want to get lost again.

She looked at the dragoon in her hand, and its weight reassured her. She looked at a hopeful Adelaide and nodded her consent at Francisco. They would camp one night, but if any of the men bothered her or her sister, she was putting this dragoon to use even if it meant shooting her own arm off.