Who is Leah George? by Ashley March
There’s a commonly accepted theory among both readers and writers that every book (and specifically in romance novels, possibly every heroine) has a piece of the author in them. If we understand this theory to be true, then it would appear that the heroine of my upcoming book, Romancing the Countess, is somewhat similar to me.
We’ll soon answer the question of who Leah George is, but to better understand her character, let me briefly tell you about the book Leah is in.
In Romancing the Countess, Leah George and Sebastian Madinger, the Earl of Wriothesly, are acquaintances at the beginning. Actually, they are a little more than acquaintances, simply for the fact that Leah’s husband is Sebastian’s best friend. However, when both Leah’s husband and Sebastian’s wife die in a carriage accident at the beginning of the book, Sebastian discovers that they were having an affair and determines to keep it a secret from the rest of the world. The only other person who knows of the affair is Leah, and she informs him that she’s known for a year.
They both loved their spouses, but whereas Sebastian feels the immediate sense of grief and betrayal because he just discovered the truth, Leah has had an entire year to process her anger. And while she does grieve a little, she also feels a great sense of relief at being able to move on, especially when she’d thought she would have to live the rest of her life hiding the secret of her husband’s affair. The love story begins between Leah and Sebastian when Sebastian tries to keep the affair a secret even after their deaths, and Leah’s actions to make herself happy for once risk this plan.
Going back to the question, then: Who is Leah George? She’s a woman who, after finding out about her husband’s affair, decided to 
keep secret about it. She didn’t confront him, and she didn’t ask him to stop because she could tell that he loved Sebastian’s wife and doubted he would have stopped regardless. Instead, she made a bargain with him, one that while he lived tore her soul apart.
Now I’ve never been in any of Leah’s circumstances, but I have faced situations where others would find it easy to be hopeless. And if pieces of the author portray themselves in the heroine, then I suppose I am like Leah in that I would prefer to suffer alone than let the entire world know of my shame and embarrassment. There are some women who go on rants to everyone about those who wronged them so they can show that they won’t be the victim—I’m not one of those women. I want people to think I’m strong, even when I’m at my weakest. I don’t want them to know everything about me and my private life. This is who Leah is, too, and this part of her personality drove her motivation and her actions while her husband was alive.
However, after her husband died, Leah began her transformation. Suddenly she realized that she was not only free of the bargain she had made with her husband, but she could also be free of complying with Society’s expectations that she be a proper, obedient wife. No longer did she care what others thought of her—finally, for herself, she wanted to seek her own happiness. Even if that happiness came with consequences.
I am also similar to Leah in this regard. Although I can keep to myself about things that are bothering me, I will try to find a way to be happy. I’m an optimist; there’s something in me that refuses to accept that a current situation will make me miserable for the foreseeable future. No matter the difficulty or that other people might just accept something as their fate, I will try to change my circumstances so I can be happy again. I respect myself too much.
But underlying both of these similarities, there’s something more in Leah with which I can identify the most.
Above all, the answer to the question of who is Leah George is this: she is a woman of strength. It takes strength to know the husband who you loved decided to betray you with another, and more strength to continue on, showing a brave face to the world as if nothing’s wrong. It takes strength after he dies to do what’s best for you instead of leaning on others and their opinions of what is right and what is wrong. As women we could all learn from Leah about this—about making our happiness a priority. And finally, it takes strength to choose to love again, after you’ve been hurt and your heart has been broken and you don’t know if you even want to trust another person again.
Who is Leah George? She is vulnerable, yes. She is hurt, yes. But like every romance heroine that I as a writer want to write and I as a reader want to read, she is strong. And if you get the chance to read Romancing the Countess when it comes out on September 6th, I hope that, as I did, you will find yourself cheering her on to find a new happiness, too.
I’d love to hear with what characteristic of heroines you most identify yourself, too! Is it strength? Cunning? Bravery? Something else? What, to you, is the most important trait a heroine should have?
One random commenter will be chosen to win a copy of my newest book, ROMANCING THE COUNTESS, and will get a chance to send a copy of my debut, SEDUCING THE DUCHESS, to a friend (open internationally)! Also, find out how to win the ROMANCING THE COUNTESS Book Tour Grand Prize of 50+ romance novels by visiting www.ashleymarch.com!
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:02 am
I like a heroine who has overcome something in her life. Could be something like an unrequited love, being jilted, unhappy childhood..just something she has had to work thru. Heroines with perfect lives are so boring.
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:22 am
Hi Ashley,
Congratulations on the soon-to-be released ‘Romancing the Countess’. It sounds like a fantastic story and I can’t wait to get a copy!
I like the strong heroine (including the one who hasn’t discovered her strength yet) who defeats the obstacles in her path. I like the heroine who doesn’t fit the ‘normal’ mold of the ladies of her time..maybe she’s too plump or too bookish or not as pretty as the herd. When they win the prize, well it’s a very satisfying read, IMO.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:21 am
Congrats on the upcoming release! Can’t wait to read it.
I like the strong heroine who has overcome something in her past and “lived to tell about it” she can’t be too perfect….
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:32 am
I love a smart herione with a good sense of humor. I find , for myself, finding the joke in things, can really help me get through things.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:33 am
“Romancing the Countess” is on my TBR list so can’t wait until it comes out on the 6th! I love a heroine who is strong yet vulnerable, opinionated yet open-minded, perceptive yet unaware of her attractiveness to the opposite sex and defiant yet respectful. In other words, a woman who can remain true to herself.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:36 am
I like the women who takes her life and makes something of it.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:43 am
I like a heroine who is a little spunky, strong, smart, self assured, and willing to ask for help.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:43 am
Humor, definitely–being able to identify the absurd in any situation. But I think it might be compassion which is the trait I love most in my heroines. The heroine who knows you’re not perfect, but loves you anyway, just as you are–it’s the type of person I want to be like and someone I try to be though I’m not always successful.
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:05 am
Hi Ashley!:) wow! Who knew we have so much in comun? ..I don’t like to tell anyone when I’m down or suffering! I like to smile through it and endure! I am an optimistic and always tell myself that everything will be okay in the future!:) ..I like to have the people I love around me just to know they’re there but I don’t air my problems to them!
I like a heroine who keeps true to herself no matter what happens to her!:)
thank you for keeping your giveaway internationally!:)
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:12 am
Hi Sheila! Thanks for visiting with me. =) I agree–I would even go so far as to say that ANY character is boring if they’re perfect. One of my favorite things about writing is writing flawed characters, and I love reading about them just as much. Makes them so much more real in my mind. Also gives me hope for myself.
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:14 am
Hi Karen! Thanks–and it’s nice to see you around the blogosphere again.
Lol. Just reading your comment made me want to go and write that kind of heroine. Now I can answer when someone asks me where I get my ideas, I can say from readers. =) If you do get a chance to read RtC, I hope you enjoy it!
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:16 am
Hi Deborah! Thanks for dropping by! =) I hope you guys do realize I’m writing down all your answers to inspire me with future books.
But seriously, I’m glad you like this kind of heroine! Both the heroine in ROMANCING THE COUNTESS and in SEDUCING THE DUCHESS both fit this bill, although in different ways. Good luck on winning the book!
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:18 am
Hi Rebekah! You are a woman after my own heart.
I was telling someone the other day that my idea of a perfect hero is someone with a great sense of humor, and I think that’s equally as important for a heroine–especially if she is going through hard times. I don’t want to see her become depressed or whiny–I want to see her strength as she uses her wit to get through the situation. Great comment!
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:20 am
Hi Laura: Oh, I’m so glad it’s in your TBR! Please do let me know what you think after you read it. =) And your heroine sounds absolutely conflicted…and sounds just like every woman I know. =) I love heroines who have some depth to them, and that sounds like the kind of woman you described.
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:21 am
Hi Cate! Thanks for visiting with me today. =) I agree–active heroines are so much better than passive heroines who just wait until something happens to them. I’m certainly not that kind of person…guess why that resonates with me so much. =)
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:23 am
Hi Hellion. =) I think this is such a great response, and one I don’t see all the time. One of the things I love about Courtney Milan’s heroes is how they are willing to look beyond themselves and have compassion for the heroine who may make mistakes instead of getting angry at them like a lot of romance heroes do. But I think you’re right–it’s equally important to have heroines who are compassionate as well.
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:26 am
Hi Danielle! *waves wildly* I love how you listed all of these adjectives that make a heroine seem strong and independent, and then the last makes her vulnerable in addition. I agree with this. I love my strong and independent heroines, but if they aren’t somewhat vulnerable, it seems like they don’t need a hero. In real life we all need help sometimes, and I like heroines who are able to admit that.
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:28 am
Hi Monika! So nice to see you here! =) A lot of the women in my life are like that, too. Sometimes I think it’s good to be that way, and sometimes I think it would be better if we could all try to reach out to each other more. But if you’re anything like me, you’re stubborn, too.
Thanks for your comment, and I will definitely always keep my giveaways international. =)
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:41 am
I relate to strength, I guess. Not all of my heroines are strong initially, but they find their inner strength. I’m interested in the name of your heroine. How did you pick Leah? It’s not a typical romance heroine name.
August 22nd, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Hi Ashley!
An early congrats on ROMANCING THE COUNTESS!!! I can’t wait to read about Leah and Sebastian.
I’d say I relate to a heroine’s snark (is that a characteristic?). In all seriousness, I’d have to say her independence and inner strength. And those are the two important traits I look for in the heroine when I read a book. I also enjoy reading flawed characters. If she’s perfect, there’s something wrong with her. Although in the end, she is perfect (in the hero’s eyes of course).
August 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 pm
That is a hard question Ashley, there are so many characteristics I like to see in people. Something different might be a talent, particularly a hidden talent, something that speaks to her heart and she does solely for herself. Something that, eventually, a hero might discover and find endearing and just as beautiful.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! (yes I’m screaming!)
I can’t WAIT to read it! I reread Philip recently. *sigh*
August 22nd, 2011 at 1:33 pm
I think one of the most important qualities a heroine can have is inner strength. I like it when heroine discovers just how strong she is when she is forced to discover it.
August 22nd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Hi, again!:) LOL ..you’re the best!:) I am a little stubborn, yes!:$ but is just, sometimes I don’t want to bother other people qith my problems ’cause they probably have some of they’re own, u know?!8-)
I ordered Seducing the Duchess last night and can’t for it to get here! I would’ve done it before but I had spent all my money in books and my dear sister told me last night I could order a book, on her, for birthday (sunday)!:) YAY!:D ..don’t you think she’s adorable? LOL.. So I picked ur book cause it was the next one on the wish list!:) ..and I would love to read this one next! I do love that cover more and more each time I see it!;)
have fun with this book tour!:)
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:00 pm
My favorite heroines are women that are strong and it takes a very special hero to love them and accept the heroine for who she is!
books4me67 at ymail.com
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:27 pm
I like my heroines to be intelligent & strong. I love it when they are bookish and aren’t cowed by the strong alpha male (yeah i do so like an alpha hero). With a sense of humor too. Probably every trait that I wish I had more of….!
Congrats on the new book! Can’t wait to read it. Winning it would be super
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:11 pm
Can’t wait to read your book! I love my heroines to be strong, witty, sharp~tongued, yet vulnerable when it comes to the hero.
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:46 pm
I identify with the heroines that are the intellectual types. I love to read about the plain, maybe chubby (but in a good way!) kind of girl who finally decides to go after what she wants!
August 22nd, 2011 at 7:50 pm
I think strength is the most important…
August 22nd, 2011 at 8:09 pm
Hi Ashley,
I enjoyed Seducing the Duchess and am looking forward to reading Romancing the Countess. Leah sounds like a great heroine. I like my heroines to be independent and strong-dignified elegance. Women who initially think they don’t need anyone, especially a man, but through their journey learn that leaning on someone and allowing yourself to be loved doesn’t make you weak.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Hi Shana! I can definitely see that in your heroines, too. Maybe that’s why I love your books so much. =) Lol, to be honest, Leah was the first name that came to mind when I thought of the term “long-suffering.” Because that’s another word to describe who she is. I think it fits her perfectly, though, as it’s also a quiet yet beautiful name in my mind.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Great answer on both counts, Kati! And thanks for the congrats. =) If you love snark, then you’ll love a heroine named Jo I hope to write in a future book.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:12 pm
=D Thanks, Jenn! I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of ROMANCING. (And I’m so glad you enjoyed SEDUCING!) Your answer to the question makes me think of Harry Rutledge from Lisa Kleypas’ book, MARRIED BY MORNING (which I loved). He had a hidden talent for working on little mechanical pieces. I’ll have to think of something good for a future heroine.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Hi Ora! Thanks for dropping by! =) I agree–as women, I sometimes think we don’t realize how strong we are…or rather, how strong we can be. It’s okay if a heroine doesn’t realize it at first (which I think is where Leah is at the beginning of ROMANCING), but it’s important to see her character development through the story on this. Because really, I have to think that it would be hard to have an HEA no matter how wonderful the hero is if a woman doesn’t know her own value and strength.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Hi again Monika! =D I completely understand what you mean. The other thing is that sometimes we tend to think we’re overreacting about something, and then when we voice it out loud it won’t look like that big of a deal and we’ll be embarrassed. Yup. Been there recently. =)
I’m so happy you ordered SEDUCING! And a happy, happy early birthday! What a wonderful thing for your sister to do! =)
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Hi WendyD! You know, I love this answer because I love prickly women. Not women who are outright witches, but women with a tough outer shell that only the right hero can crack. Great response! =)
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Bookish heroines are also a weakness for me, Linda. =) As I think they are for most romance readers…how could they not be? After all, we can instantly see ourselves in them. =) I’m seriously writing these ideas down for future heroines!
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Hi Tina! =) First of all, I love your user name! This sounds like a great heroine to me, also…we want our hero to have to work to get the heroine, right?
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Hi Amber! This definitely makes me think of the heroine in Sarah MacLean’s historical debut, NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE. What a FANTASTIC heroine she was! =)
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:23 pm
Hi Robin! Thanks for visiting with me! I think we’re also drawn to strength in our heroines because we want to be able to identify with them and be strong like they are…and get the hero, of course.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Hi Maria! I’m so glad you enjoyed SEDUCING! Thanks for reading it! =) I think you hit on an excellent point. I don’t want a heroine who thinks she doesn’t need a hero…or if she does think that, I’d like to see her proven wrong. The best relationship is one where each partner recognizes the need for the other. If a character doesn’t recognize the other person’s value as being someone to depend on, then I really can’t believe in a HEA for that couple.
August 22nd, 2011 at 10:55 pm
I can identify with a heroine who has wits and a sense of humour, perhaps some stubborness as well and is placed in situations that allows her to use them. Sometimes I see heroines with great traits but the yare wasted because the heroines never encounters any interesting situations. I want her to work for her happy ending and face fears and resolve conflicts. I want to see her grow as a person along her journey.
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Hi Ashley,
Congrats in advance for the release of ‘Romancing the Countess’. I am more of the suffer in silence sort of a person. I like to keep my private life, private as much as possible.
August 23rd, 2011 at 5:12 am
Hi Ashley,
I am looking forward to ‘Romancing the Countess’ to be released. For me a woman that has faced significant personal battles and overcomes them to be a better person. It takes strength and admitting when you are wrong.
August 23rd, 2011 at 6:04 pm
Hi Ashley, loved this post! I have always been shy and a bit timid. I love reading about heroines that are like me but but turn loose and learn to speak out and fight!
Thanks for sharing with us today!
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:55 pm
Hi Na, that’s a great point about heroines actually needing to encounter situations that will let them shine. This is why it’s important that every setting/type of scene not be the same from one romance novel to the next. They shouldn’t be, after all, because every romance heroine isn’t the same. Thanks again for visiting with me! =)
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:57 pm
Hi Sonali! (What a beautiful name!) Thanks for the congrats! =) I wonder if the “suffer in silence” sort of person is also an introvert, because that would greatly describe me and a lot of other romance readers/writers I know. Maybe it’s why we read romance–it’s how we get out of our heads instead of internalizing everything. =)
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:58 pm
Hi Susan! Thanks so much for your comment, and I hope you enjoy ROMANCING THE COUNTESS! =) Admitting when they’re wrong…Yes, this might be why I’m not a romance heroine.
Okay, I do admit that I’m wrong eventually…it might just take me a little while. (Have I mentioned that I’m stubborn?) =)
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:00 pm
*waves* Hi Johanna! Yes, definitely. It’s the appeal of the wallflower makeover, right? To see a woman go from being shy to someone who can capture an entire room feels empowering. Let’s just say I might live a little vicariously through my heroines.
August 24th, 2011 at 7:50 am
I love heroines who have a great sense of humor or wit. I find that laughing helps with stress, so I try to find something humorous in difficult situations. I also like heroines who are strong and stand up for themselves. Break the rules. Live dangerously . . . Must be the “other” me. =)
August 24th, 2011 at 9:43 am
I like a heroine that can think for themselves and doesn’t let anyone push her around. She should be smart and she she let everyone know she is! This sounds like a story I would really enjoy!
August 24th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Congratulations on your new book! I like feisty, strong heroines with a plenty of spunk, a sense of humor and the ability to overcome the bumps in the road of life.
August 24th, 2011 at 10:35 am
What a wonderful idea of paying it forward. I enjoy passing on books that I’ve enjoyed and I know I am going to enjoy yours. I would say I identify with loyalty and truth. But I really enjoy heroines that have attributes I don’t have too!
August 24th, 2011 at 11:10 am
Leah sounds like a great character and this looks like a book I’d love to read. I think a strong heroine is one that I love to read about. She’s not a push over, she can stand up and make her point. But, she also knows when to back down and when to let that alpha male make his own mistakes…hehe!!!
Valerie
in Germany
August 24th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Hi Ashley! (Cool we share a first name!!) Congrats on the new release!! I know it doesnt come out till september, but congrats anyway lol. Romancing The Countess sounds like a great read. For me, I like a heroine that is strong but also knows when to accept help from her family and other loved ones. To me that is the most important thing.
Ashley A
rvds_angel21@yahoo.com
August 24th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
This is a very interesting post. I guess I could identify with heroines who fight for what they want and never give in.
August 24th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
Your story sounds so good! I relate to heroines who are strong on the outside and not so tough on the inside. Oh, and a bit stubborn, too. At times, but not all the time. lol
August 24th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
I think above all else, a heroine needs to be a survivor. Whether the trial she will be mild or severe, she must be able to face them bravely and do what needs to be done. Be it as simple as putting down town gossip or surviving evil forces out to destroy her and all she loves. She needs the strength to get up and try just one more time, even when things look like they will never get better.
I really like the sound of this couple and their story. I look forward to reading it.
Thank you for the interesting post and the giveaway.
librarypat AT comcast DOT net
August 25th, 2011 at 2:55 am
I love a Heroine who doesn’t use the word “can’t”. Someone with intelligence and a great sense of humor. And not afraid to admit when she’s wrong. I’m looking forward to reading your latest Ashley. Thanks for sharing.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
August 25th, 2011 at 3:28 am
I would say strength and perseverance would be two qualities I want in my heroine. I also want her to stay true to herself and not change herself for the hero.
August 25th, 2011 at 10:11 am
I like a strong heroine with a bit of vulnerability. I also like a heroine who is loyal.
August 25th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
I like a heroine who has a back bone..she may had made mistakes but she comes back to start a new life and does it well. I always enjoyed wagon train stories when I was a kid..thought those women were so brave and strong to face such a trip into the unknown. I think they were my first books that got me into such strong ideas. susan Leech garysue@dejazzd.com
August 31st, 2011 at 1:55 am
I’m a bit late to hop along the blog tour, but I’m definitely following along now!
Great post, Ashley! I really enjoyed how you introduced the heroine of your new book to us and how she relates to yourself as well. The book definitely has a great premise.
I definitely like and identify with heroines who have inner strength and who are comfortable with being who they are.
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
August 31st, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Thanks for sharing a personal connection to your heroine. Both of you show the one quality that I look for in a person, real or fictional–strength in knowing you can be yourself and still overcome adversity. I am looking forward to reading your book very much.
quiltlady44-bks2(at)yahoo(dot)com
September 4th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
This sounds like a great story and I can’t wait to read it. I agree with you that I think I would prefer to suffer in silence rather than have everyone know my business and always commenting on it.