Big Roy, Old Southern Sayings, and Fathers

Guest post By Janet W. Ferguson

“Sounds like you’re busier than
a one-legged cat in a litter box.”

One of my favorite characters to write has been Big Roy Bosarge in Blown Together, book 4 of the Southern Hearts Series. Sure I love the hero, Sam, and the heroine, Elinor, but Elinor’s father, Big Roy, made an appearance in book 2, Going Up South, and right away, I knew he had to have a bigger part in a novel.

Roy’s a huge hulk of a man, but his heart is just as big. He makes the perfect father figure for Elinor and her sisters. He’s protective, but fair and loving. He has permanent smile lines that crinkle by his eyes, and his laugh is loud and hardy. One of the most enjoyable bits of research that came with his character was his manner of speech. He’s so Southern-country. I mean really country-talking.

I grew up and still live in the South. Granted, not all of us talk like Big Roy does anymore, but I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many a country storyteller in my lifetime. I don’t believe they’re all gone!

I’ve listed a few of my favorite phrases I found and used for Big Roy. (A lot of them seem to have to do with dogs and cats.)

•  “No sense you being as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a
   room full of rocking chairs.”
• “He’s taking my place and is handier than indoor plumbing.”
• “I think this partnership will make us both happier than a tick on a fat dog.”
• “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Elinor Elizabeth can be a little intense. Kinda like a cat in a dog pound.”
• “Sam-man is handier than a coat pocket to have around…”

As you can see, I really liked Big Roy, especially as a loving father figure. If you don’t have that kind of father, remember you have a heavenly Father who knows the number of hairs on your head and holds you lovingly in the palm of His hand. He won’t fail you! Big Roy might say, “He’ll love you like his long lost huntin’ dog.”

Blessing, and I hope you enjoy Blown Together!

About the Author:

Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children’s minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.

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About the Book:

When love storms in…

Wealth manager Sam Conrad is accustomed to his domineering father ordering him around, especially at the bank where they both work. But when his father demands that Sam manage the inheritance of his bossy ex-fiancée, Sam has finally had enough. He leaves in search of a new life, and attorney Big Roy Bosarge from Mobile, Alabama agrees to mentor Sam on his quest for direction. Sam didn’t expect to be thrown together with Big Roy’s eccentric and opinionated daughter.

Storm damage forces lonely romance writer Elinor Bosarge and her hairless cat, Mr. Darcy, out of her Fort Morgan Beach cottage. She plans to take refuge in the boathouse on her parents’ estate, but finds the place already occupied by one of her father’s “projects.” She’s shocked her father would allow another young man onto the property after his last mentee robbed her family and broke her heart. And from the moment she meets Sam Conrad, they disagree about everything from her cat to how to best renovate a local nursing home.

Between her mother’s health issues and the hurricane brewing in the Gulf, Elinor feels like her life is being ripped apart. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for the man she’s determined not to trust. Sam finds himself drawn to Elinor, wanting to help her and this new family he’s grown to love. But can he overcome the barrier she’s built to keep him out? When the storm rages and the two of them are blown together, can Elinor find the faith to open her heart again?

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