Welcome to Character Café, Henrietta Maxwell—or should I say Henry Mason? I’m not sure which name to put on your breakfast order.

[Laughs] You may call me Henrietta here, Miss Amy. But if anyone from The Enterprise Daily strolls by, best keep “Henry” on the cup. I’d hate to have my cover blown over a breakfast label.

Point taken. So tell me, what draws a wealthy heiress to a tiny apartment and ink-stained fingers when you could be sipping tea in your family’s mansion?

Comfort has its place, but God planted a restless pen in my hand. I could spend my days idling among lace curtains, but I would be suffocated. Reporting gives me purpose—the chance to speak truth for those whose voices aren’t heard. And ink stains, in my opinion, are a badge of honor.

Well said! Do you ever feel frightened, going undercover as a man?

More than once. Knickerbockers are not as forgiving as they look, and a false mustache itches dreadfully. But fear must bow to my calling. I trust the Lord to steady my steps, even when I’m walking into smoke and fire—or climbing trees to chase a story.

Speaking of fire, there’s a certain firefighter in your life… Leo Eriksson. Care to share?

[Blushes, glances at her teacup] Leo has a remarkable knack for seeing straight through me—both my disguises and my stubbornness. He challenges me, which I do not always appreciate in the moment. But… his heart is steady, like the very hoses he wields. Perhaps you’ll see more sparks than smoke between us yet.

In the 2020s, we call it the “meet-cute” when a man and woman meet for the first time in a romance novel. Though, I have to say that it’s much more fun when an author writes a “meet ugly.”

[Chuckles] You certainly couldn’t get an uglier meeting than how I looked with my bushy eyebrows and fake mustache falling out of a tree and landing on poor Leo. (Though that wasn’t our first meeting. We even danced at a Fireman’s Ball last spring.)

I enjoyed that tree scene so much that I want to share some quotes from your story.

Leo truly was such a gentleman. He didn’t judge me for my disguise or show any disgust. I can trust him with the secret of my second identity. He even seemed to understand how hard it is for a woman to yearn for a career that is often only open to men.

Yes, I hope you will remember to trust Leo as events unfold in your novel. You and Leo worked so well together during the terrible tragedy that hit your town. Can you tell the readers about that?

Certainly. In fact I will read what I have so far for the newspaper article I’m writing about the shoe factory fire.

Explosion Rocks Grover Shoe Factory

Brockton was shaken yesterday afternoon when a sudden blast tore through the Grover Shoe Factory, reducing much of the structure to rubble within minutes. Witnesses describe a thunderous roar followed by fire and smoke that could be seen across the city. Scores of workers—men, women, and children alike—poured into the street, many injured, others carried lifeless from the wreckage. Firemen, led by Chief Eriksson and his men, battled flames while townsfolk formed bucket lines and cleared debris. Though the cause remains uncertain, officials suspect a boiler failure. Brockton mourns today as the true toll of the disaster comes to light.

I don’t want us to go into too much detail about the heart-wrenching things you saw that day because readers will want to find out for themselves. But here are some photos that will help set the scene when they read the chapters about the fire, including a before-and-after of the shoe factory, which was a gigantic E-shaped building.

The R. B. Grover & Company Shoe Factory in Brockton was one of the largest shoe manufacturers in the country at the turn of the century.

At the time of the March 10, 1905 explosion, the factory employed around 400 workers. Most of them were men, but there were also many women and boys working in various departments (cutting leather, stitching, sole preparation, etc.).

When the boiler exploded, it destroyed much of the building instantly. Of the ~400 employees, about 58 were killed and 150 injured—making it one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Massachusetts history.

Let’s change the subject, Henrietta. I don’t want our readers to start the day on a sad note. From what I’ve read, there were a surprising number of eateries in Brockton during your time. Can you tell us about that?

Yes, along Main Street and nearby commercial blocks, modest lunchrooms, cafés, or tea rooms were common, offering quick, affordable meals to workers from the bustling shoe factories. I have to admit that once I discovered that Leo was a regular at the Drake, a diner close to the fire station, I became very fond of their food as well.

Well then, in honor of Leo’s favorite dish at the Drake, I recommend our Breakfast Egg Muffins from Catherine at AllRecipes. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/278443/easy-breakfast-egg-muffins/

That sounds delicious. I see that it is considered an easy recipe. Maybe its something I can learn to bake in my small apartment.

[Chuckles] I still can’t get over you staying in a rinky-dink place and surviving on your own newspaper salary when you could be living in a mansion and having breakfast brought to you in bed every morning.

[Stiffens] I believe God gave me this pen for a reason. At Grandfather’s house, I’d have comfort, but not purpose. Here, even in a cramped apartment with peeling wallpaper and leaky pipes, I can write truth that may help someone. I’d rather serve with my words than be served with silver.

Well said, as usual, Henrietta. Please don’t take offense at what I said. I find you remarkable. So brave! So diligent to do what you feel is God’s will. I’m sure your Heavenly Father is so proud of you — and hopefully before the end of your novel, your earthly family will realize how wonderful you are too.

Thank you.

What tea from our menu strikes your fancy? Is there a flavor that reminds you of Brockton in the early 1900s?

Brockton’s spirit in a cup? A strong black tea sweetened with molasses—bold enough to steady a fireman’s hand, yet warm enough to comfort a weary shoemaker’s wife. It tastes of New England grit, with a whisper of God’s mercy in every sip.

When you aren’t writing newspaper columns, try a hand at writing adverts for a tea company. That was a beautiful description. Hmm… I’ll make you a cup of one of my favorites, adding some molasses and cream. It’s a blend that includes all sorts of wonderful spices to keep you warm when you are out investigating in the early mornings. Harney & Son’s Chai Tea: https://www.harney.com/products/chai I think it reflects your character, as well. I wish you all the best as you brave high society’s judgment and the danger of investigative reporting, Henrietta.

Readers, I hope you enjoyed learning a little about our guest, Henrietta! Here is my review of Henrietta’s tale:

Kelly Goshorn has crafted a beautifully layered story in The Undercover Heiress of Brockton. From the very first chapter, Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell captured my heart with her spunk and determination to break barriers in a world that expected so little of women. Disguised as Henry Mason, she plunges into investigative journalism, and her daring choice collides—quite literally—with firefighter Leo Eriksson. I loved how their partnership grew from wary allies to something tender and deep, all while navigating the fallout of tragedy and suspicion.

The historical detail was riveting. The Brockton Shoe Factory explosion was an event I hadn’t known about, and Goshorn’s storytelling made me feel the weight of its devastation while still weaving hope and resilience through every page. The romance is sweet, slow-building, and grounded in faith, reminding us of God’s calling and forgiveness.

A captivating blend of history, romance, and inspiration—I didn’t want to put it down!