Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Morgan Blake
Book Title: The Cherry Trees of Rosings
Released: 10/30/25
Genre: Pride & Prejudice Variation Story- Paranormal Romance
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
Hello Heather and readers of the blog! Thank you for having me here as I share a little more about my Pride and Prejudice variation novel—The Cherry Trees of Rosings—with all of you.
I hope the interview below will take you behind the scenes in this slightly paranormal (but mostly comical) romance between Jane Austen’s classic characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
What inspired you to write “The Cherry Trees of Rosings”?
Blake: I have been an obsessed reader of Jane Austen adaptations and literature for a while now. So when I finished reading The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (it’s not Austenesque, but a lovely romance nevertheless), I found myself wondering what would a story like that be if it was set in the British Regency times and featured my favourite characters from Pride and Prejudice. Thus, was born The Cherry Trees of Rosings!
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Blake: Since my book is a variation of Jane Austen’s original classic, I didn’t have to come up with any new names of note in my work. But I did have a ton of fun expanding the story in Hunsford and adding details that fit the plotline. Like a different side to Colonel Fitzwilliam, the various ridiculousnesses that are a staple for Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and of course the friendship between Charlotte and Elizabeth despite the Mr. Collins fiasco.
If "The Cherry Trees of Rosings" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Blake: Honestly, I had a bit of a chuckle when I read this question. Because almost everyone in the Austen fan universe has something to say about the heated debate that’s still going on about who is the best Mr. Darcy— Colin Firth from the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice mini series in 1995 or Matthew Macfadyen from the 2005 movie.
I shall not step on any toes by making my preferences obvious. But I do know who I would like to play the role of Lady Catherine de Bourgh! It shall be Dame Judi Dench, of course.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Blake: I think it’s important to just get the story out on the page first before one goes on lengthy diatribes and inner monologues, and cringe routines, about what they wrote. It shuts up the inner critic at once! Plus, the first draft is never the last draft. So just get it out first. Then, once the words are all there, pick up a red marker and let your inner critic point out what you like and what you don’t about the story, and you can go on from there.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Blake: My favourite genre is for sure urban fantasy, closely followed by paranormal romance. And Austenesque fiction is, of course, on that list too!
As for my favourite author, that would be the British author, Mr. Jonathan Stroud. His suspicion of those in positions of power definitely speaks to my soul, especially given the times we are living through. (He predominantly writes young adult fiction.)
I would also like to shout out some of my favourite authors in the Austenesque genre, for the interest of readers who would like to explore the territory and, perhaps one day, attend a Regency ball or a Jane Austen tea party. These favourites are—Jessie Lewis (Mistaken; Speechless), Heather Moll (Nine Ladies), Grace Gibson (Silver Buckles; The Last House in Lambton), and Jeannie Peneaux (Dear Nameless Stranger).
What are you working on next?
Blake: I am currently working on my next release (A Spirited Kiss, coming out in 2026) which is also a Pride and Prejudice variation novel. I don’t want to spoil anything but it is slightly steamier than The Cherry Trees of Rosings, and I am excited for my readers to get their hands on it! In the meantime though, I would love for everyone to give The Cherry Trees of Rosings a read! Especially if they are fond of Mr. Darcy and love collecting sweet Regency romances. It’s available in paperback and can also be borrowed on Kindle Unlimited.
Learn More About the Author and The Cherry Trees of Rosings here:
Website: https://www.morganblakeauthor.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58275585.Morgan_Blake
Amazon book page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVSJWM92
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563826174842
Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganblakewriter/
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here
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