Lilac Bride Characters

Lilac Bride, the fourth book of the Holiday Brides series, is a little unusual in that the couple starts out the story engaged. But don’t let that fool you. Kaden and Katherine have plenty to overcome before they can reach their happily ever after.

The idea for this story came to me in the midst of a snowstorm. I just kept envisioning lilacs covered in snow. Then I started thinking what if there was a bride, and she wanted lilacs at her wedding, and there was a freak snowstorm? How would it all play out? Would she cancel the wedding. Would love triumph over her challenges?

Oh, I just love that delicious what-if game when I’m thinking of all the ways a story could play out. It’s so much fun!

Once I figured out the story line, I started thinking about the characters.

Kaden Ford is a cowboy, but an entrepreneur, too. He’s smart, driven, but also fun-loving and sweet. He’s the youngest of the Ford brothers (Carson is in Valentine Bride and Colton is in Easter Bride), so I had an idea of how he should look to resemble (even slightly) his older brothers.

That’s when I happened upon a photo of Brian Pruett.

He was just so, so perfect for Kaden’s character.

Look at that smile! How could Katherine possibly resist it?

Or that face? No wonder she’s a goner.

As for Katherine, I knew I wanted her character to be a little on the uptight side, professional, someone who focused on details, but also was kind and caring.

Which is why Bonnie Wright is so perfect for Katherine.

She is so lovely, and has such a sweetness about her, one that Kaden would have found endearing.

And maybe even a bit tempting.

As for the octogenarian matchmakers in the story, a new one to join the gang was Katherine’s Aunt Lou.

Jenny O’Hara is perfect for the part.

Iris Apfel is just how I picture Matilda Dale.

Betty White is fabulous as Aunt Ruth.

And we can’t forget Richard Harrison  as dandy Rand Milton.

For a look at more visuals that helped inspire the story, check out my board on Pinterest.