My Blog's 10th Year Birthday Bash: Delia Latham's book giveaway

Welcome to the 13th day of my blog's birthday bash!

Please welcome my author friend Delia Latham.

She's here to give away one of her books!

Enter the book giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter widget the end of this blog post. Only residents of the USA are eligible to receive a signed paperback copy of this author's books. International residents will only receive ebook copies due to costs of mailing books outside of the USA.

Let's learn a little bit more about Delia and her book ...

Author Bio:

Writing Heaven’s touch into earthly tales, Delia Latham puts her characters through the fire of earthly trials to bring them out victorious by the hand of God, His heavenly messengers, and good, old-fashioned love. You’ll always find a touch of the divine in her tales of sweet romance.

Delia and her husband Johnny live in East Texas, where their pampered Pomeranian, Kona, kindly allows them to share her home. 

The author enjoys multiple life roles as wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but above all, she loves being a princess daughter to the King of kings. 

She admits to a lifelong, mostly un-battled Dr. Pepper addiction, and loves hearing from her readers.

~*~

Back Cover Blurb for Delia's book:

Toni Littlebird believes God has created someone especially for her. When she meets him, she’ll know he’s The One, and she will love him. But that’s before Dax Hendrick roars into Hummingbird Hollow on a noisy, crippled Harley, spitting stinky filth into the air and scaring away Toni’s beloved hummingbirds. 

Dax sports over-long hair, an unkempt beard, and a condescending attitude toward her ancestral home. Toni takes one look into his mesmerizing blue-green eyes and…she knows. This uncivilized creature is “The One.” She’d been right about knowing him, but wrong about something far more important: She will never love him. 

Why God sent Dax to this beautiful place is a mystery, and it’s clear he can’t expect any answers from the lovely but unsympathetic owner of Inn the Hollow—a haphazardly constructed dwelling that goes against every professional rule in Dax’s area of expertise. He hopes to get the green light on getting out of there before the uneven corners, crooked floor slats, and random construction wither his architectural creativity. 

Is it possible that, between God’s gentle leading and a lesson or two from the fascinating hummingbirds that populate the hollow, Dax and Toni will open their hearts to each other? Or will their stubborn wills ruin God’s beautiful gift of love?

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Connect with Delia:
Website ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Facebook ~Twitter

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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When Love Inspires: Delia's story

When Love Inspires: Delia's story

Don’tcha just love, love?

I do, and I suppose I always will…especially clean, godly, respectful love. And that, my friends, is why a 60-something grandmother has been writing about love, life, and happily ever after for over a decade.

I’d never written a book when I got the first little mustard seed of an idea for a romance novel—but I’d been promising myself I would for a very long time. The seed took root when I read the Salinger Sisters series by Shari MacDonald. Book Two, A Match Made in Heaven, grabbed me by the imagination and held on tight. I determined to write the novel I’d been promising myself for years.

I don’t remember much about that pivotal story line, other than there was a dating agency involved. I started thinking about the matchmaking profession—which, at that time, it wasn’t the huge industry that it is now. Wouldn’t it be fun to write about a place where Christian singles could go to find—in a phrase borrowed from King Solomon—he (or she) whom their soul loveth?

I stored the idea away in my brain, and every once in a while, I took it out and played with it (the idea…not the brain). I wrote two other novels and actually found publishers for them. Neither had anything to do with a dating agency, but they are romance novels. I started a couple of new manuscripts. But I hadn’t really found my stride.

Then one day it was as though something clicked in my heart—like God was saying, “It’s time. Let’s do this!”

Well, okay then, Lord!

I started brain writing, which is my ‘normal’ pre-writing process. I thought about the idea while I washed dishes and made beds; mulled it over while driving down the road all by myself; worked out a fun little scenario or three as I lay in bed on nights when sleep was elusive; dreamed up and discarded a number of storylines and subplots. Weeks and months went into mentally laying the groundwork.

By the time I actually sat down to start writing this long-dreamed-of novel, I had several scenes all cozied up in my head, just waiting to be put on paper. And…I was no longer just writing a book based around a dating agency. Now it was a series…three books, maybe more. Plus, God threw in a real surprise for me. My dating agency would be no ordinary, run-of-the-mill love connection. Sometime during all of those mental writing sessions, it received a touch of the divine—an extraordinary connection to Heaven.

That’s how my Solomon’s Gate Series was born. It marked the point where I knew writing “Heaven’s touch in earthly tales” was the path God had laid out for me to follow. Kinda makes sense. After all, I’ve read and loved Christian romance since I was a young girl. I remember walking a mile or so to the library twice a week as a teenager. I’d borrow as many Grace Livingston Hill books as I could carry. As time went by, many other Christian authors became favorites…but now and then, I still see glimmers of Hill’s style in my writing.

I love imparting God’s truth into my storylines, and praying that these seeds of hope and joy take root in someone’s heart. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than hearing a reader say, “I think God had you write this book just for me.”

Most recently, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of several multi-author collections. The latest of these—just in time for Valentine’s Day, and already an Amazon bestseller!—is “Love, Sweet Love.” 

My novella, Like a Dance (Hummingbird Hollow, #3), is one of five in the collection, which also boasts great stories by Mary Manners, Dora Hiers, Zoe M. McCarthy, and Tanya Hanson. I’m honored and blessed to be included in this line-up of wholesome, heartwarming stories that demonstrate the beauty of Christ-centered romance.

I like to say this collection is like a box of chocolates…in books! Sweet, rich, and irresistible. You can’t read just one of the five—you won’t stop reading until the box is empty.

Find Love, Sweet Love on Amazon and get ready for a sweet Valentine’s Day!

~*~
Author Bio:

Writing Heaven’s touch into earthly tales, Delia Latham puts her characters through the fire of earthly trials to bring them out victorious by the hand of God, His heavenly messengers, and good, old-fashioned love. You’ll always find a touch of the divine in her tales of sweet romance.

Delia and her husband Johnny live in East Texas, where their pampered Pomeranian, Kona, kindly allows them to share her home. 

The author enjoys multiple life roles as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, but above all, she loves being a princess daughter to the King of kings. She admits to a lifelong, mostly unbattled Dr. Pepper addiction, and loves hearing from her readers.

~*~

Blurb for Delia's novella:

A former celebrity dancer with a child she adores. A successful but burnt-out therapist to Hollywood’s rich and famous. 

When they show up in Hummingbird Hollow at the same time, sparks fly…but they can’t fan the flames. She’s vowed to dedicate herself solely to her daughter. 

He has a long bloodline of reasons not to be a dad. They’re burning stars on a collision course. Will the result be a delight…or a disaster?

~*~
Connect with Delia:
Website: https://www.delialatham.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delialatham
Twitter: https://twitter.com/delialatham
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/delialatham/
Amazon Author Page

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Cozy Christmas Reads: Delia's story

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Prologue for A Christmas Beau by Delia Latham

Christmas, twenty-two months ago

This Christmas gathering in the Knowles’ home provided the perfect venue for Katie’s sister to introduce her new fiancé and for them to welcome him into the family. Christmas was always a big deal in their family, and Belle’s engagement made this one even more memorable. Watching her sister show off her ring, Katie grinned. Belle glowed brighter than any of the Christmas lights scattered in a glorious display across their mother’s living room—and she deserved that glow. She also deserved a great guy like Nick Santini. Handsome. Rich. Italian gorgeous.

But despite the excitement of her older sister—and best friend—getting engaged, and the pleasure of meeting her future brother-in-law, Katie’s gaze drifted across the room again and again. Kicked back in her mother’s recliner, Cameron Hilliard’s face was lit by a broad smile. Owner of the Hilliard Agency, and her sister’s boss and dear friend, Cameron set Katie’s heartbeat to a racing rhythm.

She’d met him five years ago. Barely nineteen, she’d made the ninety-minute drive to Pohono on her own to visit Belle. They’d made a special trip to the agency so Katie could meet her sister’s co-workers on Belle’s day off.

That’s all it took. One look into those gentle eyes—blue as the purest sapphire—that sweet face and shy smile, and Katie’s heart was lost to Cam Hilliard forever.

A man eight years her senior. A man who thought of her—if he thought of her at all—as nothing more than his prize employee’s little sister.

The only man in the world for Katie…and that meant she had to make him see her as the woman she’d become in the years since they’d met.

Starting right now.

She turned from the little crowd of family and friends gathered around Nick and Belle and plopped into the matching recliner next to Cam.

“So why aren’t you over there admiring my sister’s new ring?”

Cam’s grin widened. “Already saw it. Some rock, huh?”

“Uhm…yeah. And perfect for Belle. She’s so classy, but not in a ‘hey-look-at-me’ kind of way. It doesn’t surprise me her ring would be stunning, but not too large or…uhm, ostentatious.”

Cam laughed. “Wow. Careful there, Katiekins.” He used her sister’s pet name for her. “That’s a pretty hefty word for a little sprite like you.”

Groan. So Cam did still think of her as a child…and she couldn’t deny she was a bit on the small side. Even Belle, at five-foot-two and noticeably petite, stood taller and boasted more womanly curves than Katie. Her miniscule five-foot frame had not been counterbalanced with any real shapeliness, much to her own regret. Still, she’d never lacked admirers, so someone recognized her as a grown-up woman.

Would Cam ever see her that way?

She studied him for a moment, her teeth gently tugging at her lip. “So when are you going to put a ring on someone’s finger?”

Now Cam laughed outright. “Take a good look at this baby face. Come on. Do it.” He stretched his neck in a deliberately comical fashion and turned his face side to side.

Katie laughed. “I’ve seen your face before. What does that have to do with anything?”

“Well…now look over there and let your eyes feast on the man your sister’s hanging onto like there’s no tomorrow. That, my dear Katie, is what modern women are looking for.”

For a moment, her breath refused to be found. Surely this wonderful man didn’t really believe that nonsense?

In one slow, deliberate movement, she vacated the chair she’d claimed only moments earlier, took two steps, and knelt at his side. Drawing on every ounce of courage she possessed, Katie reached over and laid her hand on top of his.

Cam’s eyebrows shot toward his hairline, but he didn’t remove his hand from under hers. Maybe that was a good sign.

“Let me tell you something, Cameron Hilliard—and you listen up. Not all women want a man like Nick.” A sudden, uncharacteristic shyness threatened to overwhelm her, but Katie determinedly captured his gaze with her own and refused to let go. “I don’t.”

~*~
Author Bio: 

Delia Latham is a born-and-bred California gal, raised in a place called Weedpatch and currently living in East Texas with her husband, Johnny. 

She enjoys multiple roles as Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings. 

She has a "thing" for Dr. Pepper, and loves to hear from her readers. 

~*~
A Christmas Beau book blurb: Katie Knowles’ life is going just as she planned. Even her long-time crush on her sister’s boss, Cameron Hilliard, has fallen into place. The two have become what most people consider “an item,” and Katie knows Cameron cares for her. Deeply. But something keeps him from committing completely to their relationship.

Cam finds himself wading the murky waters of love a bit later than most men. He’s thirty-two when the love bug finally bites. At twenty-four, Katie’s so young. So pure. So innocent. Although he’s at peace with his past and has found Christ, Cam can claim none of those things. Is it fair to ask a special woman like Katie to tie her future to his?

Then Katie comes face to face with a ghost from a part of Cam's past he’d like to erase, and he faces the very real possibility of losing her. Suddenly their differences no longer matter. He has to find a way to set the situation right, face the consequence of his most shameful secret, and win back Katie’s trust and love.

But when the clock strikes midnight on Christmas day, it’ll be too late. Is their faith and love strong enough to bring them a real-life Christmas miracle?

~*~
Review of A Christmas Beau by Deborah Stone:  

Delia Latham has given us another captivating romance full of twists and turns that keep you wondering what happens next. Delia’s characters are realistic, flawed and charming. This story brings us romance, success, failure, heartache, happiness and, in the midst of it all, is the message of God’s love and His ability to see us through every aspect of our lives. 

As Katie and Cam navigate the complications that could overwhelm their relationship, they are reminded to seek God. Delia Latham provides us with a heartwarming romance, along with a story of family bonds, strength, and unconditional love. 

As always, Delia Latham presents us with a believable story that warms the heart and may cause a few tears. This is a charming love story filled with life lessons, all wrapped up as beautifully as any gift under the Christmas tree.

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Connect with Delia through her website or send an e-mail to delia@delialatham.net. Find her also at the following online locations:

Chirp and Chatter (Blog) ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon Author Page

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Interview: Delia Latham, author of Spring Raine

Welcome Delia Latham to the blog today!

She's here to share her thoughts on her sweet story, Spring Raine, via an author interview feature.

Now here's what's in it for you, well one of you: She's agreed to give away one copy of her book to the winner of the book giveaway contest! Details are available at the end of this blog post.

Enjoy the interview!

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Interview with Delia Latham, author of Spring Raine:

Alexis: This book is the first installment in your Paradise Pines series. Tell us about this new series of yours. What makes it special?

Delia: The series is special to me for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the location. Cambria, California is a favorite getaway spot for my husband and me. A dear friend of ours owns a vacation home there, and gives us access to it whenever possible. Susan’s home has become “ours” in a manner of speaking. We love it…and we love the little village. Situated on California’s Central Coast, Cambria is a lovely seaside community, blessed with many talented artisans, lots of wonderful little shops and boutiques, numerous possibilities for activities and touring—it’s a perfect vacation area that displays God’s awesome creativity in every direction.

Aside from the location, the series is filled with romance, interesting characters, realistic life situation…and a few otherworldly ones. What’s not to love?

Alexis: Raine Presley is your heroine. Describe her personality, character flaws and heart.

Delia: Raine is a kind-hearted, intelligent young woman who has spent twenty-plus years in meek submission to her parents’ “Plan” for her life. She’s never resented their unrelenting rigidity of mind, and their efforts to fit her into their idea of who she should be and what she should become. But now, with university behind her, preparing to step into a demanding job in forensic science, Raine longs for a break from the constant intensity and scrutiny before diving into her future. So she visits Cambria, and her life will never be the same again. She’s a strong woman, but family circumstances have molded her into something of a people pleaser, dependent on others to make decisions for her. She simply goes along with the consensus. But once in Cambria, away from old influences and routines, God is free to work some changes in Raine, and set her on a brand new path.

Alexis: Why does Raine feel that she needs a “wild and crazy” adventure before starting work in forensic science?

Delia: Raine’s idea of “wild and crazy” is tame, compared to most. Because she’s always been so sheltered, even cloistered, just doing something without her parents is “wild and crazy.” Raine just wants some time alone, to have a bit of fun, make her own choices and do as she pleases for a short time before starting her new career—a career that will require far more than simply long hours and ‘satisfactory’ performance.

Alexis: Why does she choose Cambria, California as the setting for her adventure?

Delia: A random choice that turns out to be a God thing.

Alexis: Why do Raine’s parents disapprove of her new adventure?

Delia: They think she should be preparing for her new job. Studying, learning more about her position. Submerging herself in forensic science. They’re also upset that she is temporarily depriving them of the ability to oversee her actions and decisions.

Alexis: What is it about the Paradise Pines Lodge that moves Raine into her destiny?

Delia: Miss Angie is a large part of what makes the lodge life-changing and unforgettable. There’s something divine about the woman, and that ‘aura’ expands to include the entire Paradise Pines property. Wherever Raine wanders, God seems to have something waiting to move her a little further into His plan. And Miss Angie has a way of gently guiding folks into the right place at the right time to make those things happen.

Alexis: Declan Keller is your hero. Describe his looks, personality, hopes and heart.

Delia: Ahhh…Declan! Think Eric Dane…the man is beyond handsome. Dark blond hair, blue-gray eyes, a strong jaw. Muscled torso. Besides being easy on the eyes though, Declan is a good, honest man. He’s on the verge of a success he’s worked hard to achieve…and then Raine bursts into his world—literally. Their first encounter is anything but romantic, and it soon becomes clear that he’ll have to spend far more time with Miss Angie’s new guest than he wants to. But he does it, because he’s made a promise to someone who matters, and Dec is a man of his word.

Alexis: What is Declan’s career?

Delia: He’s a wood artist, and his carvings are becoming increasingly popular.

Alexis: Why does Declan feel that he needs to babysit Raine? Isn’t she a grown adult?

Delia: She is a grown woman, though unusually naïve in some ways—a result of having been over-protected and controlled throughout her life. Even now, in her belated attempt at some kind of freedom, Raine’s parents have secretly arranged someone to watch over her in their absence. Thanks to a promise made by his father, the role falls to Dec, who reluctantly agrees, under the impression Raine is a teenager.

Alexis: It looks like Raine is the unexpected answer to Declan’s prayers. Why is it that Declan wasn’t expecting this type of blessing?

Delia: Dec is focused on getting his career up and going. He likes being a bachelor, and has given very little serious thought to women, and none at all to an actual commitment-type relationship.

Alexis: Who is Miss Angelina Love and how does she impact Raine and Declan’s love story?

Delia: Miss Angie is something of a mystery. She has a way of knowing a person’s heart. Her knowledge of Scripture is outstanding, and she loves to quote from the Bible…always having the perfect scriptural response to any given situation. But where she came from, and exactly what her role is at the lodge, is something the readers will need to determine for themselves.

Alexis: What was your greatest challenge—and your most celebrated victory—while writing this story?

Delia: Would breaking my kneecap in half be counted as a challenge? LOL. We moved to Texas just as I started on this book. While we were moving into our new home, I fell on the driveway and split my kneecap squarely in half. Had to have surgery, and was in intense pain for many weeks. Trying to write through all of that was one of the greatest writing challenges I’ve ever experienced. The greatest victory was when God broke the creative wall that erected itself about midway through the storyline. For a while, I wondered if I’d find myself in breach of contract on this one.

Alexis: If you stepped into Declan’s story to counsel him about Raine, what would you say?

Delia: The truth will set you…and Raine…free.

Alexis: What do you want your readers to remember most about this book? Why?

Delia: I hope they’ll see the need to submit themselves, like the caterpillar must, to God’s chrysalis, knowing they’ll emerge a brand new creature—changed, perfect, beautiful and free to soar.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Delia! Do you have any closing comments?

Delia: Thank you, Alexis, for inviting me to visit your blog! I enjoyed the interview, and I hope your readers do, as well. I’d like to share with them the following verse that speaks to our beautiful new lives after emergence from God’s chrysalis: 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

~*~

Blurb for Spring Raine, Paradise Pines series, Book 1: An uncharacteristic, last-minute decision to do something "wild and crazy" before entering the stressful world of forensic science sends Raine Presley to Cambria, California. Against a cloud of disapproval from her slightly manipulative, over-protective parents, she signs a seasonal lease at the beautiful Paradise Pines Lodge...and winds up over her head in life and love. 

Declan Keller's just minding his own business—literally—when Raine drops into his world and turns it upside down. He's far too busy carving beautiful shapes out of chunks of wood to be babysitting a gal from Pasadena. Even so, his father’s promise to an old friend obligates him, despite a looming deadline that could make or break his career in the art world. He’s praying for anything but Raine when she comes along. 

Neither Declan nor Raine is prepared for the seemingly divine influence of Paradise Pines—and Miss Angelina Love. A mysterious lady who may or may not own the lodge, Miss Angie possesses an amazing talent for mending ruffled feathers, spouting proverbs, and somehow bending even the most determined of hearts to the power of love.

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Buy Delia's book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or CBD

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Author bio:

Writing Heaven’s touch into earthly tales, Delia Latham puts her characters through the fire of earthly trials to bring them out victorious by the hand of God, His heavenly messengers, and good, old-fashioned love. You’ll always find a touch of the divine in this author’s sweet tales of romance.

Delia lives in East Texas with her husband Johnny. She’s a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and author of inspirational romance…with a finger or two immersed in the design pool, where she creates beautiful marketing material for other authors. 

Delia treasures her role as child of the King and heir to the throne of God. She’s got a “thing” for Dr. Pepper and loves hearing from readers.

~*~
Connect with Delia: 
Website ~ Personal blog ~ Facebook Reader Page ~ Twitter

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Enter the book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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A Prelude to Christmas: Delia's story "The First Noelle"

Welcome Delia Latham to the blog today! She's here to talk about her book that by its title, may remind you of a popular Christmas song. Read on for details about The First Noelle which is available for purchase on Amazon. 

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Book blurb for The First Noelle: Noelle Joy stopped celebrating Christmas ten years ago, when Trevor Holden skipped out on their long-planned Christmas Eve wedding. He destroyed her trust in men, crushed her belief in God, and left her cynical about love. Gone is the bright, cheery spirit of the girl she thinks of now as “the first Noelle.” Stronger and savvier, the new Noelle would never be found waiting at the altar for a groom who didn’t show.

When a famous-but-mysterious architect commissions her to decorate his mansion for a holiday event, Noelle finally returns to her hometown. Even as she finds an unexpected peace in facing ghosts from the past, her fiercely private client disturbs her. Michael Holliday is kind and considerate, but far too handsome…and hauntingly familiar.

Holliday didn’t choose Noelle to make his home a Christmas wonderland by accident. She’s the only one who can do the job he has in mind—and once she’s in his mansion, he never wants to let her go. But he’s hiding a secret that could destroy any chance of a relationship with the beautiful decorator.

A false persona. A shattering secret. Can love break down these insurmountable walls?

~*~

Delia is doing a book giveaway contest! Fill out the form on the Rafflecopter widget for your chance to WIN a copy of her book: 

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~*~

Interview with Delia Latham, author of The First Noelle:

Alexis: What is the significance of the title of your book, The First Noelle?

Delia: My heroine, Noelle Joy, becomes a different person after being abandoned at the altar on Christmas Eve. She refuses to allow any aspect of her former personality to resurface, and thinks of the sweet, innocent girl she once was as “the first Noelle.” The new Noelle, in her opinion, is stronger, smarter and far more savvy than her old self.

Alexis: How is the “First Noelle” different from the “Now Noelle”? Why?

Delia: The first Noelle was guided by her faith in God, her love for family and friends, and her own innate sense of right and wrong. She was joyful and open hearted. The “now Noelle” has abandoned faith and rarely sees her family. She still has a strong moral compass, but she’s lost the joy that once defined her. She’s become a loner, refuses to form emotional attachments, and presents a chilly persona. Within her professional field, she’s known as “the Ice Princess of Design.”

Alexis: Describe Noelle as the heroine of this story. What makes her strong? What are her weak points? What are her dreams for her life and how does she plan on making those dreams come true?

Delia: Noelle thinks her strength is in her success as an interior designer. She believes the emotional distance she maintains at all times, with absolutely everyone, keeps her safe and protected. The truth is, success doesn’t automatically spell strength. Noelle isn’t strong. She’s emotionally crippled. The bubble of isolation she’s created around herself doesn’t protect—it shuts her off from the world, leaving her isolated and defenseless. Her strength is, of course, right where it was for the first Noelle—in God; in her love for family and friends; and in her joy in life, which she left amongst the wilting flowers and burnt-out candles the day Trevor Holden failed to show up for their wedding. What will it take for Noelle to understand these things?

As for her dreams for her life, the “now Noelle” is focused solely on monetary and professional success. She has no personal life, and doesn’t bother to dream—just look where dreams got the first Noelle! She keeps a guard up, and doesn’t trust any man enough to give him her heart. Besides, her heart is damaged goods. It’s raw and broken, and her bitterness won’t allow it to heal. When she returns to Hope Springs and meets Michael Holliday, her strengths and weaknesses become clearer, as the first Noelle struggles to free herself from a ten-year lock-down.

Alexis: Tell us about Noelle’s ex-fiancé Trevor. What is his role in shaping her current perspective on love and life, when we first “meet” her in the story?

Delia: Trevor and Noelle were best friends from toddlers on through middle school. In high school, they fell in love, and were inseparable all the way through college. Their relationship was two-fold. Noelle loved Trevor as a man, but also as her closest and most trusted friend. When he left her alone in a beautifully decorated church packed with family and friends who witnessed her humiliation, it was as if he threw that trust and her love back in her face. Furthermore, the God she’d loved, lived for and worshipped all her life had allowed this hurt and humiliation, despite her dedication to Him. She left Him in that church, as well. The “now Noelle” refuses to talk about God, and prefers not to hear about him from others.

When we first “meet” our heroine, she’s headed back to her hometown for the first time since she left, almost a decade ago. She struggles with feelings she’s kept locked away for a long time. Memory overwhelms her, as if everything happened only yesterday, and she knows one thing: Noelle Joy doesn’t cry anymore, but sometime soon, she can expect a genuine gully washer!

Alexis: How did Trevor crush Noelle’s belief in God? Why would you as the author give him so much power? You must have a lesson for real life to teach in doing that, what is it?

Delia: When Trevor—her best friend and the man she loves—abandoned her, Noelle’s hurt was so deep she didn’t know how to handle it. Truth was, she couldn’t handle it alone…not in a way that would be truly beneficial. That’s when the “now Noelle” was born and the first Noelle was locked away in her mind. She refuses to ask help from the God who let such an awful thing happen to her. Trevor stole not only her trust in him, but her trust that God had her back.

For a decade, she carries a burden she could have shared had she not turned away from the Burden Bearer…

We’ve all done it, haven’t we? Rather than turn to God in times of trouble, we sometimes turn from Him and try to shoulder the burden ourselves. Only when we allow Him to carry us through whatever the situation might be, do we find comfort, strength, and a Way through the darkness.

Alexis: Who are the people in Noelle’s life that keep her focused, grounded and encourage her to keep the faith in God? How did you dream up these characters and why did you choose them to be a support for Noelle?

Delia: Her parents. Her dad is a minister, and her beautiful mother is the strength and support behind the beloved pastor. Noelle is close to them both (although, like me, she’s a bit of a Daddy’s girl). After she abandoned all that had been most important to the first Noelle, she continued to respect their faith—for them. Not for herself.

I hadn’t really thought about why I chose Noelle’s parents to be her focus-point, but I guess the answer is pretty simple. My parents were my greatest Christian heroes, and my greatest supporters through whatever life tossed my way. I wish everyone had the privilege of being born to that kind of parents.

Alexis: Who is Michael Holliday? Why did you choose to make him the hero in this story? Describe his character flaws and his positive points.

Delia: Michael is an award-winning architect, famous for keeping to himself. He’s a mystery man—never does face-to-face interviews, is rarely seen in public, and has managed to avoid the media, much to their chagrin. His good points are his humility, his compassion, and his faith. As for his flaws…well, Michael is a true hero. His flaws are few, but I think the biggest is...On second thought, I think I’ll let the readers decide.

Alexis: What is it about Noelle that makes Michael want to keep her forever?

Delia: Michael has watched Noelle’s climb to success. He admires her determination and refusal to give up. She’s beautiful and talented, and her smile is bewitching. He’s in love—at least, with the idea of who she is.

Alexis: Where is the setting for this story? Did you borrow from a real life setting or is the town purely fictional?

Delia: Well, northern California is very real. Hope Springs is entirely fictional.

Alexis: What is your favorite part about Noelle’s hometown? Why?

Delia: I love places that time seems to have forgotten. Quaint, old-fashioned towns where everyone knows everyone else, and every little storefront looks exactly as it must have looked fifty years ago…so sweet and refreshing!

Alexis: What was the most difficult part of writing this book? And the easiest?

Delia: Unfortunately, I can’t talk about the most difficult part because it would reveal more than I want to about the story line. The easiest was the romance between Michael and Noelle. I always love bringing two people together, despite whatever odds.

Alexis: As the author, what do you hope your readers will remember the most from “The First Noelle”?

Delia: How much it cost my heroine to turn away from the One she should have turned to in her darkest hour.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview! Would you like to share any closing thoughts?

Delia: Yes, here are my thoughts...

To the readers:
I hope you’ve enjoyed this interview, and that you’ll also enjoy The First Noelle. I tucked a little surprise ingredient into the story that I think you’ll enjoy as something completely unexpected. I also pray you find encouragement in the pages of this book, and are reminded to live always within the sheltering, loving arms of the One who can best take care of you in any and every situation.

To Alexis:
Thank you for such thoughtful, in-depth questions! You really made me think.

To all:
Have a beautiful holiday season, and a warm, wonderful, Merry Christmas!

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Author bio: 

Writing Heaven’s touch into earthly tales, Delia Latham puts her characters through the fire of earthly trials to bring them out victorious by the hand of God, His heavenly messengers, and good, old-fashioned love. You’ll always find a touch of the divine in this author’s sweet tales of romance.

Delia lives in East Texas with her husband Johnny. She’s a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and author of inspirational romance…with a finger or two immersed in the design pool, where she creates beautiful marketing material for other authors. 

Delia treasures her role as child of the King and heir to the throne of God. She’s got a “thing” for Dr. Pepper and loves hearing from readers.

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Connect with Delia:
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