Goodreads asked K.C. Bateman:

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

K.C. Bateman I’ve always loved antiques and history, hence my ‘other’ job as an auctioneer and appraiser. Every item that comes into my saleroom has a story behind it – a 'provenance', as we call it in the antiques trade. So it was a natural progression to begin writing my own fiction filled with the historical detail and unusual locations I love. So many of the items I’ve seen have contributed to my interest in this period of history – 18th century prisoner–of-war model ships, regency ivory fans, clothing and samplers, paintings, vintage wine, historical letters.

In the case of To Steal A Heart I drew particular inspiration from two tiny portrait miniatures that came in for valuation at my auction house - one of a Napoleonic–era British gentleman, and the other of a beautiful young woman. They were painted by the same artist, and in identical frames, but the seller had no idea who they were, - distant relations, perhaps? I thought that was a shame - so I made up my own story for them . Perhaps the man’s name was Nicolas Valette. And maybe the smiling woman was called Marianne de Beauvais . . .and I bet they had some amazing adventures . . .

There are several real-life people mentioned in the book – for example the inspiration for the escape from prison is based on an actual life of M. Latude: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_He... who wrote an account of his amazing escapes.

There’s also the story of the ‘lost prince’, Louis Charles de Bourbon. In all probability he died as a child in prison in Paris, (most of the documentary evidence points to this sad end) but some still argue that he could have escaped. I’ve taken a little artistic license and played the ‘what if’ game – and imagined him surviving into adulthood as a prisoner and getting a happy ending when he’s rescued by my hero and heroine!

The heroine’s name, Marianne, was chosen because Marianne is actually the name given to the woman who traditionally symbolises The French Republic in art.

So . . . I suppose my inspiration comes from all over the place!

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