My Blog's 10th Year Birthday Bash: Tara Grace Ericson's book giveaway

Welcome to the 27th day of my blog's birthday bash!

Please welcome my author friend Tara Grace Ericson.

She's here to give away a copy of 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 Tara and her book ...

Author Bio:

Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons.

 She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. 

She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. 

Tara unashamedly watches Hallmark movies all winter long, even though they are predictable and cheesy. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. 

That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living. She wants to encourage her readers with stories of men and women who live out their faith in tough situations. 

~*~

Back Cover Blurb for A Date for Daisy: 

He thinks she’s the captain of the Hot Mess Express.

She thinks he’s rigid and wound too tight.

And this renovation is about to get complicated.

Daisy Bloom is determined to turn her 100-year-old house into a bed and breakfast. The only problem? She knows nothing about renovations.

Enter Lance Matthews, construction guru and business owner. He is determined to tackle this project with his usual methodical, organized approach. His only problem? The beautiful and infuriating homeowner -- deeply involved with the project and completely averse to lists, schedules, or any form of organization.

When sparks fly between these wildly different personalities, will they find common ground? Or does God have other plans for each of them?

~*~

Connect with Tara:

Website: www.taragraceericson.com

Free Story/Newsletter Signup: www.taragraceericson.com/mailinglist.html

Facebook: www.facebook.com/taraericsonauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/taraericsonauthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/taragraceauthor

~*~

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:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Romantic Reads: A Date for Daisy

Welcome Tara Grace Ericson to the blog today!

She's here to talk about her new novel, A Date for Daisy.

Tara has graciously agreed to give away a copy of her story to the winner of the book giveaway contest! Enter the contest via the Rafflecopter widget that's located at the end of this blog post.

Happy reading!

~*~

Interview with Tara Grace Ericson about her book, A Date for Daisy:

Alexis: What inspired you to write this book?

Tara: This book was one of my favorites to write. The characters are strong and independent, but very different from one another, much like my (very loved) analytical-thinking husband and my more ‘free-spirited’ self! I wanted to write a story about characters like us, whose differences make them a better match, providing balance and encouraging growth. It’s not without its challenges, though, which the characters work through in the story.

Alexis: A Date for Daisy is the first book in The Bloom Sisters book series. What makes this series special to you?

Tara: More than my first series, The Bloom Sisters series is all about the family. I grew up with three older brothers, and the dynamics of a household with lots of siblings is so much fun to write. The family is close-knit, grounded in faith, and rooted deeply in the farm they love and work together.

Alexis: The opening line for your book blurb is hilarious! It reads, “He thinks she’s the captain of the Hot Mess Express.” Why does your story’s hero Lance think that about Daisy?

Tara: Daisy has her priorities, and organization is not one of them! Lance is very orderly and logical, and he has built a life and a business that leaves very little room for impulse decisions or off-the-wall ideas. When Daisy crashes (quite literally!) into his life, his first instinct is to back away slowly into his universe of lists and predictability.

Alexis: Why does Daisy Bloom who is the heroine of this story, think that Lance is too rigid?

Tara: Daisy lives in the moment, follows her whims, and searches for ways to channel her creative spirit into her world. It leaves little room for planning or schedules. To her, Lance’s structured world would mean giving up the flexibility and chaos she thrives within.

Alexis: What role does the renovation project play in bringing Daisy and Lance together?

Tara: Daisy is renovating an old house on the Bloom’s Farm property. Her previous contractor (Lance’s dad) has to have a knee replaced and is out of commission. Lance agrees to take over the project for his father.

Alexis: Did you, in real life, visit a bed and breakfast to scope out this story? If not, how did you do the research to write this book?

Tara: In college, my husband and I lived on the property of a bed and breakfast! In exchange for a rent-free apartment above the garage, we took care of the grounds, and occasionally checked in guests or threw sheets in the wash if the owners were busy. It was a pretty sweet deal for us, and it gave me some firsthand exposure to the reality of the innkeeper’s life. On the renovation side, my husband and I tackle renovations together. We’ve done two complete kitchen remodels and several bathrooms, basements, and flooring. Everything from electrical to plumbing so I was able to sprinkle realistic projects into Daisy and Lance’s schedule.

Alexis: How did Lance become a construction guru and business owner? Why is it his passion?

Tara: Lance’s father was a contractor and a single dad. Which meant Lance spent more time on a jobsite than off it. He grew to love the process as well, and built his own business. He loves taking something old and ugly and making it new. It reminds him of how God restores broken hearts and makes us new each morning.

Alexis: What is it about Daisy that Lance thinks is beautiful yet infuriating?

Tara: For someone straight-laced as Daisy, there is something magnetic about someone so vivacious and full of joy as Daisy. At the same time, she is impulsive and messy and it makes him crazy!

Alexis: What role does your characters’ individual faith in God play in this story? 

Tara: Both Lance and Daisy are being called to step out in faith. Lance, as someone who wants complete control, trusts God up to a point, but no further. As Daisy approaches the finish line with the renovation, obstacles make her doubt the call she was given. Through the story, each has their assumptions about God challenged and they have to trust him deeper in order to embrace their call and each other.

Alexis: What do you want readers to take away from this book?

Tara: I want readers to laugh and appreciate the complicated relationship of the characters. I want readers to fall in love with the Bloom Family as much as I have, and I want them to be encouraged that love is a daily choice, possible regardless of the differences we have with someone. I hope readers are encouraged by the steps of faith each character takes and how it blesses them.

Alexis: Now for the quick and fun questions in italics with your answers in plain font …

Starbucks or Subway? Starbucks.

Autumn or Winter? Autumn

Peaches or Nectarines? Peaches

Kindle or Paperback books? Both!

Country living or City? Country, but close enough to a city to go to Target 😉

Brownies or Pie? Brownies.

Who is your favorite Christian author? Francine Rivers or Becky Wade

What is your favorite book? The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers.

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

Tara: Thank you so much for having me!

~*~
Author Bio:

Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. 

She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. 

She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab Ruby, and a good cup of coffee or tea. 

Tara unashamedly watches Hallmark movies all winter long, even though they are predictable and cheesy. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living. She wants to encourage her readers with stories of men and women who live out their faith in tough situations.

~*~
A Date for Daisy book blurb:

He thinks she’s the captain of the Hot Mess Express.
She thinks he’s rigid and wound too tight.
And this renovation is about to get complicated.

Daisy Bloom is determined to turn her 100-year-old house into a bed and breakfast. The only problem? She knows nothing about renovations.

Enter Lance Matthews, construction guru and business owner. He is determined to tackle this project with his usual methodical, organized approach. His only problem? The beautiful and infuriating homeowner -- deeply involved with the project and completely averse to lists, schedules, or any form of organization.

When sparks fly between these wildly different personalities, will they find common ground? Or does God have other plans for each of them?

~*~
Buy Tara's book on Amazon, B&N, or Eden

~*~
Connect with Tara:
My website: www.taragraceericson.com
Free Story/Newsletter Signup: www.taragraceericson.com/mailinglist.html
Facebook: www.facebook.com/taraericsonauthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/taraericsonauthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/taragraceauthor

~*~

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:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Melissa Tagg about her novel "Now and Then and Always"

Let's welcome my author friend Melissa Tagg to the blog and wish her a "Happy BOOK Birthday" because her NEW novel Now and Then and Always releases TODAY!

*Pause for cheers and congratulations!*

Isn't the cover of her new book gorgeous?

Today, you're in for a treat because we're going to learn so much about Melissa's new book via an author interview feature! 

Enjoy!

~*~

Interview with Melissa Tagg about NEW novel, 

Now and Then and Always (Maple Valley Book 1)

Alexis: What inspired you to write this book?

Melissa: I don’t know why, but when I first started thinking about this book (about three years ago, actually!) I was really intrigued at the thought of writing about a man who is incredibly broken, who has lost everything in his life. Which sounds incredibly melancholy, but really, it was so interesting for me to write because I kept thinking to myself, “What if I’d lost all that Marshall has lost? Would I fall apart, too? Would I lose my faith, too?” There’s even a spot where Marshall asks his sister if she could keep believing that God is good and that He loves her if she’d lost what he’s lost. And I was really asking myself that same question as I wrote it. Could I keep believing?

But on a lighter note, I also just had a huge hankering to return to Maple Valley! I’d sprinkled my previous Maple Valley stories with intriguing side characters and I just knew that one day they’d all need their own stories. Similarly, I first mentioned the Everwood B&B in my 2015 book, Like Never Before, and at the time I knew one day I’d circle back to it.

Alexis: Now and Then and Always is the first book in your Maple Valley series. What’s the focus of this new series? Briefly share story details.

Melissa: This new series is set in Maple Valley and it features a small group of tight-knit friends, most of whom are side characters from past books. Jenessa Bellville first appeared in Like Never Before (2015), Sam Ross first appeared in Keep Holding On (2016) and then again in All This Time (2017), and Lucas Danby first appeared in Keep Holding On.

Alexis: Let’s talk about the heroine of your story, Mara Bristol. What does she look and sound like? What is her greatest fear? What is her deepest dream? What or who makes her mad? What or who makes her happy? Explain.

Melissa: I’m going to let you discover some of these things through reading the book…for instance, I don’t want to tell you what her greatest fear is because that’s a big part of her story unfolding on the page. But I can tell you that she has something—or rather, someone—in her past that she fears. She’s also carrying around quite a bit of hurt and loneliness. She’s hungry to belong somewhere, to have a family even if it doesn’t look like a normal family. What makes her happy: cereal, the Everwood B&B…and Marshall.

Alexis: Everwood Bed & Breakfast at the edge of Maple Valley, Iowa sounds dreamy! Please describe the B&B and paint a picture of Maple Valley with your creative words.

Melissa: The Everwood B&B was first introduced in Like Never Before. It’s a sprawling and weathered Victorian house. But it’s also full of charm and personality. We’re going to see it come to life throughout this story...and discover its secrets. Maple Valley is a quirky small town, divided in half by a river that runs straight through the middle of town. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone…which can be hard for strangers to get used to, but more often than not, they end up falling in love with the place and the people who live there.

Alexis: Who is Lenora and what role does she play in this story?

Melissa: Lenora is the owner of the B&B. She took Mara under her wing months ago and invited her to stay and help run the place. You’ll discover she’s been gone for about five weeks at the beginning of the story. To learn more about where she is, you’ll have to read the book.

Alexis: Let’s talk about the hero of your story, Marshall Hawkins. What does he look and sound like? What is his worst weakness? What is his greatest strength? What or who brings him joy? What or who hurts his heart?

Melissa: Again, I’m not going to answer every question here because some of it, well, I want you to discover by reading the book! But some things you’ll find out right away about Marshall—he’s full of pain and he’s not handling it well. He’s lost his daughter, his marriage has ended, and he’s forced to take a personal leave at work. He’s in a dark, dark season…and yet, even in the early chapters, we’ll see little moments of light shining through. I adore the guy!

Alexis: Why does Marshall feel like his life is falling apart?

Melissa: As I noted above, he’s just lost so much—his daughter, his marriage, and his job, although that last one is only temporary. He’s lost his faith, too, and he hasn’t handled his pain well. He’s basically been living in a fog for about two years.

Alexis: What brings Marshall to Everwood and what compels him to stay at the B&B for more than one night?

Melissa: Marshall winds up at the Everwood on a stormy night. He pulls over in a storm while dealing with a migraine…he goes inside to escape the storm and also to make sure the people inside are safe. As for why he stays…you’ll have to read the book to find out.

Alexis: What do Mara and Marshall like – and dislike – about each other? Why?

Melissa: Mara loves Marshall’s dependability, his strength (which he can’t even see in himself), especially his kindness. Marshall senses a mystery in Mara and being the detective he is, he loves that. He also sees her desire to belong and to save the Everwood and he greatly admires that. They do have different ways of handling pain and making decisions and that causes them to clash sometimes.

Alexis: What role do faith, hope and love play in this story?

Melissa: You’ll see both Mara and Marshall deal with faith in different ways—for Mara, her faith is really only a surface thing at the beginning of the story. For Marshall, he was once a man of deep convictions and belief but he lost that right alongside everything else two years ago. Marshall, especially, doesn’t really understand how to hope anymore…but he starts to get glimpses of what his life could be throughout this story. And love…well, this is a romance. So it plays a big role.

Alexis: What’s your favorite scene in this story and how fun was it for you as the author to create it?

Melissa: Truly, my very favorite scene is the prologue where Marshall first arrives at the Everwood and realizes it looks exactly like a picture he’s been carrying around in his pocket for two years. I wrote that scene way back in early 2018 after a long period of not writing. And then in the rest of 2018, I didn’t write much at all due to my big move and house renovation. But I kept coming back to those prologue paragraphs and rereading them and telling myself that someday I’d find time to write this story. I feel like those opening paragraphs kept giving me hope for the rest of the story.

A couple other favorite scenes include Mara and Marshall’s meet-cute and the final scene in the last chapter…and the epilogue, too, because it sets up future books.

Alexis: If you could take a trip with Mara and Marshall, where would you go? Why?

Melissa: Maple Valley! But since Maple Valley doesn’t exist, I think the three of us would have a blast traveling to the Smokey Mountains.

Alexis: Now for the quick questions! Answer in italics.

What’s your favorite color? 

Blue or green

Who are your favorite authors? 

Lori Benton, Joanne Bischof, and most recently, Amanda Dykes

What’s one book that you simply cannot live without? 

The Lady & The Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

What is your favorite season? 

Autumn

Where is your favorite vacation spot? 

Anywhere my family is! But also, I love the Carolinas.

How do you take your coffee? 

Black!

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

Melissa: Thanks for having me! Can’t wait to get this book into readers’ hands. It’s a huge piece of my heart on the page, so it means the world to me when readers take the time to dive into one of my stories.

~*~
Author Bio:

Melissa Tagg is the award-winning author of the popular Walker Family series, the Where Love Begins series and the Enchanted Christmas Collection. She's a former reporter, current nonprofit grant writer and total Iowa girl. 

Melissa's recent releases include a 2018 ACFW Carol Award Winner (One Enchanted Noel), an RT Book Reviews TOP PICK (All This Time) and a Publishers Weekly Spring Top Ten Pick (Like Never Before).

Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women's retreats. When she's not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever--not that she's biased--watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. Melissa loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

~*~
Book Blurb for Now and Then and Always:

“It was just a house. Just a weathered old house in a hidden grove, shuttered and still.”

Last year, after traumatic circumstances forced her from her job as a nanny, Mara Bristol finally found a place to belong—the winsome Everwood Bed & Breakfast at the edge of Maple Valley, Iowa. For months, she’s helped its owner, Lenora, maintain the ramshackle property despite their shortage of guests. But when Lenora fails to return from a month-long trip and the bank threatens foreclosure, Mara worries she’s once again alone . . . abandoned . . . about to lose the only true home she’s ever known.

Detective Marshall Hawkins is no closer to whole today than he was two years ago . . . the day his daughter died. Between his divorce, debilitating migraines, and a dependence on medication, his life is falling apart. And when a reckless decision on the job propels him into administrative leave, he has no other plan but to get in his truck and drive. A one-night stay at the Everwood was supposed to be just that. But there’s something about the old house—or maybe its intriguing caretaker—that pulls him in.

Together, Mara and Marshall set out to save the Everwood. But its secrets run deeper than they could’ve imagined. As they renovate the house and search for its missing owner, they’ll each confront the pain that brought them to the Everwood in the first place . . . and just maybe discover a faith and love to help them carry on.

~*~
Buy Melissa’s book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

~*~
Connect with Melissa:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaTagg/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/melissatagg/
Website – http://www.melissatagg.com
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Melissa_Tagg

Book spotlight: Island Refuge

Kimberly Rose Johnson, author of the book Island Refuge, is here today to talk about the creative process she experienced in writing her book. 

I hope you will enjoy learning more about what helps an author create a good book! :) This guest post by Kimberly is delightful. I loved it and I hope you will too.

~*~
My Creative Process
By Kimberly Rose Johnson

Have you ever had a song in your head you couldn’t stop from playing over and over in your mind? That’s what Island Refuge was like for me when the story came to me. I had gone on a research trip via Amtrak to Leavenworth, Washington. The route ran along the Puget Sound for part of the trek. It was gorgeous!

I’m a huge fan of the scenery in Washington. I lived there while I went to college and had a million dollar view of Lake Washington and Mt. Rainer from my dorm room window. It was spectacular. While in college I was in my school’s traveling choir, so I had the opportunity to visit one of the islands in the Sound as well as travel all over the state which gave me a good feel for the area where I like to set my stories.

While I was in Leavenworth I visited a B&B (bed and breakfast). The funny thing is, I was there to research for a series I was writing for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Heartsong Presents line and left with another story idea.

My mind meshed the idea of a B&B with the Puget Sound and suddenly Wildflower Island was born. The story percolated in my thoughts for several months before I decided I’d better write it.

My Wildflower B&B Romance series follows the lives of three women whose lives where changed when they came to Wildflower Island, specifically Wildflower B&B.

In book one, Island Refuge we meet Zoe, a five-star-executive chef. She is running from her past, but discovers that in order to face her future she must come to terms with her past.

In book two, Island Dreams, Piper, a land developer, comes to Wildflower Island with the hope of building a resort. She is faced with a lot of opposition and must learn that she can’t do it on her own.

In book three, Island Christmas, Rachel, a strong secondary character from book one returns with dreams of her own.

These woman are all strong women with a dream and it was a blast writing their stories. I truly loved writing this series of sweet romances that are more than just another romance, but stories with easily fit into the women’s Christian fiction genre as well.

If you would like to read more about them here is the link to my Amazon Author page that shows the back cover copy for the books- http://amzn.to/1gd6Ka5

~*~

Author bio:

Kimberly Rose Johnson, soon to be empty-nester, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their yellow lab. 

Island Refuge is her sixth published book and the first in a series of three. 

Kimberly enjoys long walks, chocolate, and mochas, not necessarily in that order. 

~*~
Buy Kimberly’s book:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1IlZqmD
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1F1RmGC 

~*~

Connect with Kimberly:
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/krose1990/
Twitter link - https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh
Website - http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

Love is in the Air: Island Refuge book review and excerpt

Author Kimberly Rose Johnson returns to the blog today to share a review of and excerpt from her book Island Refuge.

Enjoy! 

~*~

Blurb for Island Refuge:

Five-Star-Chef Zoe Griffin walked away from her dream job. Did she make a mistake? 

Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her. 

Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B&B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all—to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future . . . together. 

~*~

Review of Kimberly’s book, Island Refuge:

This is a sweet romance set on Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Leaving his past behind, Nick Jackson is starting a new chapter in his life as the owner of an old B&B. Heartbroken Zoe Griffin leaves her past behind and is now the chef/housekeeper at a B&B. As they work together, can they really leave their pasts behind, or will it follow them to Wildflower Island? Will they open their hearts to forgive and allow healing of their past hurts?

I enjoyed Nick and Zoe's story showing their struggles as they deal with past hurts. The other characters staying at the B&B capture your heart as well. I like the way the author showed the characters vulnerability and their struggles with life-challenges much like the ones we all have faced in our own lives.

I received a proof e-copy by the author for my honest review

~ Review written by Tina Rice on GoodReads

Source - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25175903-island-refuge

~*~
Kimberly says, “The excerpt is taken from chapter 11 and found on page 94-96” (of the novel Island Refuge):

From his place at the reception desk, Nick looked out the window beside the front door and breathed a little easier. Zoe was home! The day hadn’t been a disaster, but it could have gone more smoothly. The front door swung open, and he smiled. “Welcome back. How was your day?”

“Interesting. Yours?”

“The same.” He stood and walked around the reception desk.

She glanced from side to side, obviously trying to see if Olivia had destroyed the house. She had more than made her opinion clear about her lack of faith in the new girl, and unfortunately Zoe had been at least partially correct. Olivia did not know her way around a kitchen.

“But I’m glad you’re back.”

A smug smile rested on her face, and a gleam lit her eyes.

This was a side of Zoe he hadn’t witnessed. “The couple staying in your room checked out early, and I forgot to have Olivia clean it.”

Zoe shrugged. “I’ll take care of it. Why’d they leave after making such a fuss about staying until Monday?”

“Some work emergency.” He stepped past her and ambled into the kitchen.

Zoe followed and caught her breath. “What happened in here?”

“Olivia tried to make scones. I sent her home and told her I’d clean up. Kind of reminds me of your first morning here.”

Zoe crossed her arms. “That was an accident. This is—”

“A disaster zone. I’m still not sure how egg got on the ceiling.”

“Looks like she used an electric mixer instead of stirring by hand.” She turned to him with a sweet smile. “I’m glad you’re cleaning this and not me.”

“I’ll get right on that, but first I need to make sure everything in your room is intact. You can’t be too careful.” Nick slid the key into the lock and pushed her bedroom door open. He walked around the room. “Looks like everything is here.”

“I should hope so. I can’t imagine people running off with your stuff. Then again, things disappeared from the restaurant all the time.”

“Exactly. When you’re free, would you mind making up a checklist for Olivia? She’s insecure, and I think a list would help her.”

“Sure.” She strode to the bed and yanked the covers back. In the process, a decorative pillow flew up and smacked Nick in the side of the head, making him jump. She giggled. “Oops.”

He waggled his brows, grabbed the pillow from the floor, and tossed it at her hitting her on the back. “Oops.”

Her eyes widened, and her lips tipped up. She gripped a bed pillow in her hands. “You asked for it.”

He ran around to the other side of the bed and snatched up the other pillow. “I’m armed and dangerous.” He chuckled, unable to hide his pleasure in their game. Zoe looked ready to pounce.

She darted around the bed and swung the pillow, hitting his shoulder.

“Is that the best you can do?” He wiggled his fingers, egging her on.

“Nope.” She belted his head, laughing.

He whipped a pillow to the side and swung, hitting her across the back as she bolted to the foot of the bed. “You can dish it out, but you can’t take it, huh?” He knew the woman was feisty, but she had a competitive streak too.

“Bring it on.” Zoe flashed white teeth.

A frenzy ensued that ended in fits of laughter and Zoe waving the white pillow case. “I surrender. I’m sorry I started it, even if it was accidental.”

He caught his breath and stopped mid-swing, struck by how beautiful she was when she smiled. Her entire face glowed. Granted the pillow fight had turned her cheeks pink, but it was more than that. She was gorgeous. He stepped closer and tucked a loose hair behind her ear, stopping himself barely in time from cradling her cheek in the palm of his hand.

Zoe’s questioning eyes searched his, her strawberry red lips parted.

He couldn’t take his eyes from her mouth. It begged to be kissed. He titled his head and inched toward her.

Stop!

He sobered and straightened. He ran his hand over his face. What was he thinking?

~*~

Author bio:

Kimberly Rose Johnson, soon to be empty-nester, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their yellow lab. Island Refuge is her sixth published book and the first in a series of three. Kimberly enjoys long walks, chocolate, and mochas, not necessarily in that order. 

~*~

Buy Kimberly’s book:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1IlZqmD
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1F1RmGC

~*~

Connect with Kimberly:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/krose1990/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh
Website - http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

Love is in the Air: Author interview with Kimberly Rose Johnson

If you like beautiful seashore scenery, five-star-chef quality food, Bed & Breakfasts located in quaint and oh-so-adorable towns then you are going to LOVE Kimberly Rose Johnson's latest book!

Island Refuge is novel about forgiveness, faith and unexpected love. It's also a story about how God can take your broken dreams--and heart--and make something beautiful.

I hope you will enjoy my interview with Kimberly, author of Island Refuge! My questions are written in bold, Kimberly's answers are not in bold.

Enjoy and keep reading to the end for your chance to WIN a Kindle copy of Island Refuge! 

~*~
Alexis: What is the meaning behind your new series Wildflower B&B Romance?

Kimberly: Zoe had a rough childhood that extended into her adult life. Even though she had it together, she was hurting because she was hanging on to hurt and unforgiveness. This book deals with forgiving yourself as well as others.

Share your inspiration for the title and story settings for your new series.

I didn’t come up with the title. I think my husband suggested it and my publisher liked it. We were going for an island theme and each book in the series will have the name island in it. My working title was “A Place to Call Home.” Book two is called Island Dreams and book three is Island Christmas.

The setting was inspired by a trip I took to Leavenworth, WA. I was doing research for another series that released with Love Inspired Heartsong Presents. Anyway, I took a train to Leavenworth and the train runs along the water, which got me to thinking about the many islands off the coastline of Washington. While in Leavenworth I visited a bed and breakfast, which got my mind working overtime. Within a week of visiting, I think I had the framework for another story in my head and Island Refuge was born.

I stopped writing my Leavenworth series to write this book. I had to get it out.

Your first book under the series is called Island Refuge. Tell me about it.

My editor did such a fantastic job writing the back cover copy, I’d love to share that with you.

Five-Star-Chef Zoe Griffin walked away from her dream job. Did she make a mistake? Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her.

Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B&B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all—to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future . . . together.

Zoe Griffin, your leading lady in Island Refuge, is a five-star-chef who walked away from her dream job. Why?

Although we don’t see it happen, we learn that Zoe walked in on her fiancé and best friend together. They also worked at the restaurant where she was the executive chef. Rather than deal with them, she fled to Wildflower Island to work as a cook and housekeeper.

What makes Wildflower Island special to Zoe?

At first, nothing. In fact, when she get to the B&B she is afraid she may have made a horrible mistake, but the island quickly grows on her and the slower pace and peacefulness of the island draw her to the place making her want to stay.

Share insight into Zoe’s fictional life. What does she do for fun? When did she discover her passion for cooking? What does she look for in a man she wants to date and marry? 

Zoe cooks for fun—cooking is the core of who she is as a person and she finds her identity in cooking.

As a child Zoe would retreat to the kitchen and developed a passion for preparing meals for her family.

As far as what she looks for in a man, I’m not sure she knows. After being burned by her fiancé, getting involved with another man is the furthest thing from her mind. But the Lord has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.

Share details from Nick’s fictional life. Why did he choose a career in medicine? What caused him to hate his career? What is the one habit he cannot break? What does he look for in a lady love?

Nick never says why he chose medicine; at least I don’t remember him stating the reason. I think he likes helping people and needed the challenge. He is a driven man. I wouldn’t say he hates medicine, but he lost confidence in his ability to treat his patients due to the death of his wife. He blamed himself that she died and after that he didn’t trust his own judgment.

As far as habits go, I’m not really sure. Nick’s a pretty cool dude. He wanted a fresh start, so he sold his medical practice and bought a B&B that needed a lot of love. Maybe he has a habit of trying to help people but when he lost his confidence he poured that part of his personality into fixing up the B&B.

Nick was not looking for a wife at all. He felt so guilty about his late wife’s death, even though it wasn’t his fault, finding another woman was the furthest thing in his mind.

What did you love the most about writing Island Refuge? What did you like the least?

I love the creative process and this book in particular piqued my creativity. I LOVE this story. I wish Wildflower Island existed. I want to go there! Anderson Island is the inspiration for Wildflower Island, but it’s too small, so I made up my own island.

The least? I always struggle with endings. This book was no exception. So I’d say writing the last five to then thousand words was what I liked least about this story.

What is your favorite scene from Island Refuge? What makes it special to you?

There is a scene where Zoe and Nick have a pillow fight and that puts a smile on my face every time I think about it. I think it’s special to me because it was a turning point for their relationship-at least to my way of thinking. I may be forgetting something since I wrote this story two years ago.

What do you want your readers to take away from your book?

I hope readers will see that regardless of the hurt we feel, the Lord is able to help us forgive, and if we don’t forgive we can’t live a full and happy life.

If you could spend a day on Wildflower Island with two of the characters from Island Refuge, who would you spend that time with? Why? What would you do?

Zoe and Rachel for sure! Nothing against Nick, but I would love to have a girls day with my female characters. It would be fun if Zoe prepared a tea for us or we could sit out in the yard overlooking the Puget Sound and visit. A simple, relaxing day would be perfect.

As a writer, what is your go-to food or drink when you’re on deadline?

Chocolate. I can’t have caffeinated coffee or that would be my choice. My brain works so much better on caffeine, but my body can’t handle it. I know chocolate has caffeine, but it doesn’t bother me.

What do you love the most about being a writer? What do you like the least?

I really enjoy the creative process. Seeing the story in my head come to life on the page is a thrill.

I also enjoy visiting with fans. This past Christmas I met with a book club. One of the members put together a Christmas Tea and we discussed my very first published book, The Christmas Promise. It was a blast! I haven’t had so much fun in a long time. Those ladies blessed me beyond words.

I don’t care much for marketing. That part is hard for me. I’d much rather sit at my computer and dream up stories.

What are your hopes and dreams for Island Refuge and the other books you will release in your Wildflower B&B Romance series?

I would love to see this book take off. It has a special place in my heart and it’s one of those books that stays with you. My dream for this series is that it will do well so I can continue adding books beyond the currently contracted three books. I see a lot of potential for this series.

Complete this sentence: At the end of the day, I____________________ because___________________________.

At the end of the day, I feel blessed because I get to do what I love.

Thanks for the interview, Kimberly! Thank you for offering to giveaway one Kindle copy of your book Island Refuge! Please leave a question for my readers to answer which, along with their entries in the Rafflecopter tool box below and subscribing to your newsletter, will qualify them to WIN! *Visit http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/ and fill out the box form on the right side of the website in order to subscribe to Kimberly's "author newsletter."

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Kimberly's question for you to answer: Have you ever stayed in a Bed and Breakfast? If so what was your favorite thing about your stay? If not, where was the last place you visited?
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Author Bio: 

Kimberly Rose Johnson, soon to be empty-nester, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their yellow lab. 

Island Refuge is her sixth published book and the first in a series of three. 

Kimberly enjoys long walks, chocolate, and mochas, not necessarily in that order. 


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Blurb for Island Refuge: 
Five-Star-Chef Zoe Griffin walked away from her dream job. Did she make a mistake?

Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her.

Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B&B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all—to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future . . . together.

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