Henrietta Frontenac

April Character Interview

Patricia Parrington ~ April 15, 2025

Hello my lovely readers and fellow book-lovers! For those of you who are new here, I, your inquisitive host Patricia Parrington, have the pleasure of interviewing characters from books all over the world.

Today we have here with us Henrietta Frontenac from the adult Christian split-time fiction novel Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks. Sarah is the mother of almost ten children (currently pregnant) and the multi-award-winning author of split-time and timeslip Christian fiction.

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Meet Henrietta

Welcome to Fable Features! Ope, watch out.

[Patrica stumbles into the studio, carrying a giant platter teetering with all sorts of cheeses. She carefully sets it down onto the coffee table then sits across from her guest.]

These are from a friend. Help yourself!

[Patricia grabs a piece for herself.]

What would you say is the best type of cheese?

I don’t rightly know as we’ve not had cheese in ages. I’d reckon my sisters and I would welcome any kind to fill our empty bellies.

Well help yourself! There’s plenty.

What would you say is your best physical feature?

I used to fancy my long hair because it reminded me of my departed Mama.  I recently had to cut it so I could pass for a boy. Now that I’m a secret female soldier in a sea of stinkin’ men, I don’t reckon any part of me is attractive.

[Patricia’s eyes widen.]

Wow, a secret female soldier? What made you want to join the army as a boy?

Well, first I dressed as a gent to work at the docks. Ever since Ma died and Pa got injured, it’s been up to me, as the oldest, to provide for my sisters. Men get paid a heap more and resortin’ to a life of thievery didn’t appeal to me. At the docks, a recruiter told me of all the money I could make soldiering. I’d do anything to save my sisters.

You sound like such a kind, loving girl. I think that’s wonderful you did all that to take care of your family.

Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?

I’m a mighty good actor, and I suppose that comes from putting on theatricals for my family. I always played the part of the menfolk. I reckon that prepared me to act for a wider audience.

Oh for sure. That came in quite handy!

What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever worn?

Men’s clothing was right embarrassing to wear at first, though now I’ve grown used to it. I still dream of being able to wear a dress again. Oh, to be known as my true self.

Hopefully you’ll be able to be known for who you are soon. Then you can wear as many dresses as you want!

[Patricia taps her chin, thinking.]

If you could choose to wear a dress of any color and design, what would you choose?

Goodness, what a question. I never had much of a choice before. Never even had shoes until recently. I reckon I’d like something pretty and purple. With flowers, maybe.

[Patricia smiles.]

I bet that would look gorgeous on you!

Ooh, I like our next question: When was a time you surprised yourself?

I surprised myself when I won my first tobacco spitting contest. A gal will do things she never dreamed of for the chance to win eight whole dollars.

Wow! Sounds like the prize was well worth it.

Has someone ever done a random act of kindness to you?

My sister Loreen traveled all the way to my camp to save me from strivin’ for something no longer needed. I set out to become a soldier in order to save her and my other sisters from starvin’ to death, yet in the end, Loreen saved me.

Loreen sounds like an amazing sister. Have you two always been close?

Yes. We used to stay up late into the night talking up a storm. She’s always been the one I confide in.

My sister and I would always stay up late talking too. That’s great that you have someone you can always confide in!

So you mention being a soldier. What is your weapon of choice?

I’ve become quite handy with a rifle.

I can imagine, especially being a soldier. Me on the other hand? I wouldn’t know one end of a rifle from the other.

[Patricia laughs.]

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

If I could change anything it’d be to have Mama still alive with us and Papa uninjured. If that were the case, we wouldn’t be starvin’ and would be a heap of a lot happier.

[Patricia nods quietly.]

I can’t imagine the pain you must be feeling, having lost your mother.

[Patricia stands and gestures at the cheese platter.]

Thank you for coming out today, Henrietta! And please, take some cheese with you. I hope your Papa heals swiftly and things start getting better for you and your family.

End of interview.

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Want to Read More?

Henrietta’s author, Sarah Hanks, can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and on her website, www.sarah-hanks.com.

Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks

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See Ya Next Time

Aaand that's all the time we have today. Thank you, readers, for coming. And thank you, Henrietta, for letting us get to know you! See y'all next time.

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If you would like to submit a character to be interviewed for a future issue of Fable Features, please send an email to linnae.writer@gmail.com with the subject line: Fable Features.

Please note that erotica and content with excessive vulgar language will not be accepted.

If you have questions you'd like Patricia Parrington to ask in a future interview, please submit them to linnae.writer@gmail.com with the subject line: Interview Questions.