Meet Hope Westcott from The Blue Enchantress

I thought we'd take an indepth look at the two main characters in The Blue Enchantress. First, Hope Westcott, the heroine. You may remember her as the flirtatious sister in The Red Siren.

Brief Description: Hope Westcott is a rare beauty. Trouble is, she knows it. At 22 years of age, petite, shapely, with long golden hair and crystal blue eyes, she is not ignorant of the attention she receives from every man who crosses her path. But before you become jealous, let me explain that Hope believes her looks are her only worthy attribute. Inside, she is empty, insecure, and despite her name, desperately hopeless that she will ever be worthy of true love. She carries around with her the weight of a shameful past and the scorn of proper society, yet she continues down the same road, seeking value, meaning, and love by throwing herself into the arms of men who only use and abuse her. Until, of course, she meets Nathaniel Mason—the only man she’s ever know to be able to resist her charms. Despite these failings, Hope is a kind, loving lady who has a heart for the downtrodden and in particular for orphans and any child who is neglected and unloved.

Strengths: Trusting, Kind, Sensitive, Smart, Good listener, Loves kids
Weaknesses: Insecure, Impulsive, Spoiled, Dreamer, People pleaser, Craves attention

Quirks: Hope tugs at her hair when she’s nervous or uncomfortable. This stems from her past when a man she trusted used her hair to entrap her.

Inspiration: Dare I admit it, but Hope’s inspiration came from my own past and from my observation of many young girls in today’s world. What does every girl (or boy for that matter) dream of, but to be truly loved and truly valued, but when that girl comes from a family where she did not receive love and approval and when that girl has been abused by those she trusted, she often ends up giving herself away cheaply to any man who’ll have her, just to fill that need in her heart. It is my hope to show through Hope’s story that only God can provide the love and value we are all seeking. And not only that, He is the only one who can cleanse us from our pasts, and give us the courage and hope to move forward.

Personally, I see so many young ladies today using their bodies to attract male attention. All you have to do is go to the mall and watch the young girls go by. Observe what they are wearing and how they behave. Or better yet, turn on the TV and watch nearly any show geared toward young people and you'll see where they get the idea that they are only as valuable as what they look like. Who are the people our generation praises? The gorgeous Hollywood stars! Pick up any teen or women's magazine and it is filled with articles about how to look better and how to catch a man. The problem with focusing only on our outsides and only valuing people who look a certain way is that MOST people will never fit that image. The 2nd problem with this is that the kind of "love" and attention you receive from people who only "love" you for your appearance, is shallow, meaningless, and temporary.

As Hope finds out in this book, that kind of love will leave you empty, guilty, and miserable.

What do you think of Hope? If you read The Red Siren, did you find her unlikeable? Do you think she's someone you could befiriend? Do you know anyone like her?

Leave a comment and your name will be entered in a drawing for a free copy of The Blue Enchantress as well as the drawing for the gift basket I mentioned in my post on July 3rd. (pictured below)