Jessica Dotta’s sophomore novel, the second in her
Price of Privilege series, which released last month is already making waves.
Jessica sat down to answer three questions about
Mark of Distinction (Tyndale House), which continues to unfold a
complex Victorian-era story with remarkable characters.
CAN YOU GIVE US ANY HINTS ABOUT WHERE JULIA’S JOURNEY GOES NEXT?
In Born of Persuasion, Julia becomes caught up the intrigue surrounding her mother’s past and the mysterious event unfolding around her. Though she’d spent much of her life hoping to marry her childhood sweetheart circumstances force her to look elsewhere. For the first time in her life, she desires wealth and position.
In Mark of Distinction we see her ushered into untold fortune and status. We go to the heart of Victorian London and behind the closed doors of its elite. Having already learned the hard lesson that some treasures, once tossed aside, are irretrievable, Julia fears making more costly mistakes as she’s pressured into a new life. She must determine when one should let go and accept the blessings at hand, or when one should fight harder and refuse to give in.
ARE THERE ANY NEW CHARACTERS IN THIS NOVEL?
The first two books of this trilogy each have their own complete cast, though character appearances are woven into both stories.
Of highest interest in this novel, we have Julia’s guardian, Lord Roy Pierson and the young man determined to keep her from drowning among the bluebloods, Lord Isaac Dalry. Much like the first novel, Julia is kept on her feet, trying to determine their motives and intentions towards her.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS THINK AND FEEL AS THEY READ THE NOVEL?
This question is tricky! I’d rather defer until the third and final installment releases. I’ve been building this story point-by-point, scene-by-scene over three novels, and much like being 2/3 through a book, it’s not the best place to stop and state what you hope the reader is feeling.
Two-thirds of the way through Lord of the Rings, for example, J.R. Tolkien would say something like he hoped the readers feel that the quest is impossible, the enemy is too dark and mighty to defeat, and that Frodo is weakening.
As the story concludes with the final installment, however, I hope Julia’s story awakens the belief that no person, regardless of his or her past, his or her injury, or what people collectively think about them is beyond the healing power of Christ. Thankfully God alone determines who we are, and in His hands the least likely person has potential for greatness.