Character Spotlight ~ Regina Jennings' Rosa & Weston

Regina Jennings debut novel is a 19th Century take on the story of Ruth and Boaz.  Sixty Acres and a Bride is available now from Bethany House.

Synopsis

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only four months to pay. 

Though facing eviction, Rosa can't keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can't help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?

Enjoy meeting Rosa & Weston!

Brief physical description

Rosa is all about color and movement. It’s hard to get a good description of her physical features because she doesn’t sit still, but the men certainly notice the diminutive señora.

As a young man Weston had the whole TDH package going (tall, dark and handsome) and while events have wiped away his confidence, maturity certainly hasn’t harmed his appearance.

Actor/famous person

Rosa - Jaci Velasquez

Weston - Jim Caviezel

Strengths and weaknesses

Rosa’s strength is her determination. She is willing to work hard for no recognition, but she won’t be victimized, either. Her weakness is that she’s always keeping score. She can’t accept help.

Weston values responsibility. That’s good when it comes to looking out for his family, but it’s a weakness when he holds himself accountable for choices that others have made.

Quirk (if any)

Having grown up near silver mines Rosa is fearful of being trapped. She gets nervous thinking about small places like the root cellar, closets or a hulking, masculine four-poster bed.

Weston’s sister enjoys tormenting him over his prudish behaviour. He’ll even shut down one of her poetry readings if he thinks the discussion is inappropriate.

Your inspiration for the character

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Rosa – Every year my husband and I spend a week in Mexico working with a seminary and church planters. The enthusiasm is contagious. You don’t just get a handshake. You are bear-hugged and cheek-kissed. Laughs are louder, tears are freer, and singing is at full volume. I couldn’t help but think how cold our welcomes must feel to our Mexican friends. Then I took it a step further. What if a passionate, sincere Mexican woman found herself in 19th century America when manners were even more subdued?

Weston came about as the perfect foil for Rosa. He sees everything in black and white. According to Weston there’s only one way to do things, and Rosa challenges his thinking. He has to re-evaluate which customs of theirs are really a matter of right and wrong and which are only preference.

Background to the story

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law Louise return to their Texas family ranch to find that they only have three months to pay the back taxes.

Louise’s nephew Weston has also returned home from the cattle trail looking for a fresh start after his own personal tragedy. He is ready to lead the family, but he is unprepared for Rosa. When her situation becomes desperate Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go save her future.

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