12 Days of Christmas Joy: Hope for Christmas by Elizabeth Maddrey

Interview with Elizabeth Maddrey about her book,

Hope for Christmas:

Alexis: What inspired you to write this Christmas holiday story?

Elizabeth: Honestly? I got invited to a Christmas-themed box set and wanted to participate. I’d written about Azure Hewitt recently (in A Heart Realigned, the third book of my Peacock Hill series) and I knew she had more siblings, so I thought making it tie in would be a good plan.

Alexis: Describe the setting in New Mexico for this story. What makes Hope Ranch special to your main characters?

Elizabeth: Hope Ranch is in the mesas and mountains of Northern New Mexico. If you look up the Valles Caldera National Preserve online, you can get a little glimpse of what the ranch looks like. But I moved it to a slightly different place (closer to Taos) and shifted a few things around. The ranch is where the grandparents of the book’s hero live. He’s never met them, because of his father’s decision to cut all ties with them, and he’s curious.

Alexis: Tell me about your story’s heroine Maria. Why does she not believe in love at first sight?

Elizabeth: Mostly because she’s been burned. She’s a single mom as a result of believing assurances of love too soon in a relationship, so she’s skeptical that love at first sight is anything more than an attempt to get someone into bed.

Alexis: Tell me about your story’s heroine Cyan. Why has he always believed in love at first sight?

Elizabeth: He’s a romantic at the bottom of it all. And since he hasn’t really had a relationship that grew into love, he’s decided that maybe it’s going to take the lightning strike for him to recognize it.

Alexis: Why did Cyan choose a career as a cyber security consultant? What makes him good at his job?

Elizabeth: As much as he’s a romantic, he’s also fairly pragmatic. He recognized it as a career that blended something he was interested in with a high demand—so there’s job security. He’s good at his job because he enjoys puzzles and problem solving.

Alexis: How long has Maria been a housekeeper for Rancho de Esperanza? Is there anything that she does not like about her job? Explain.

Elizabeth: She’s been there about eight years now – having come just before her son was born. She actually considers it the perfect job. The Hewitts are very laid back and treat her like she’s part of the family – she can take time to care for her son whenever needed and so it’s provided stability and community all in one shot.

Alexis: How long has Maria been a single mom? What happened to her child’s father?

Elizabeth: She became a single mom basically as soon as she told the father that she was pregnant. He wanted nothing to do with a child and said if she wasn’t going to have an abortion she was on her own. She took him at his word and had him relinquish his rights to keep him from changing his mind. He’s probably still out there in the world, but Maria doesn’t care. She’s realized she’s better off without him.

Alexis: Has Maria always been a strong, independent woman? If not, what caused her to be?

Elizabeth: The roots were there, but having Calvin solidified them. Single moms have to have spine to make it.

Alexis: What are Maria and Cyan’s most challenging struggles that they face alone and together?

Elizabeth: Maria is suspicious of easy. And she doesn’t like accepting help, or even admitting that she needs it. Cyan is a problem solver and he tends to wade in with a solution when he sees one and is able to provide it—even if it’s not really something that’s desired.

Alexis: What does Cyan love about Maria?

Elizabeth: Her strength and determination as well as her generous heart.

Alexis: What does Maria like about Cyan?

Elizabeth: She noticed his looks right off, but she also loves that he sticks and doesn’t let her push him away. And she loves how much he loves her son Calvin.

Alexis: What role does faith in God play in this story?

Elizabeth: Cyan isn’t a believer when he first comes to Hope Ranch. His dad was very anti-Christianity, so none of his formative years had any exposure to Jesus Christ. But a couple of his siblings have found Christ and are making tentative forays into talking about Him with the family—and that’s what sends him to Hope Ranch. Betsy and Wayne Hewitt, his grandparents, are also strong believers—he wants to get to know them, and they are excited to show him Jesus. Maria is already a believer, and so she struggles with her attraction and interest in a non-believer. But she also sees an opportunity to witness to him in the midst of her struggles.

Alexis: Did you play Christmas music while writing this story? If so, which song was your favorite and how did it inspire your storytelling?

Elizabeth: I didn’t. I don’t actually like listening to Christmas music. I put up with it when my family wants it on during the holidays, but if no one’s around asking for it? I prefer silence.

Alexis: What is your favorite Christmas holiday treat? Did it help you while writing this story? If so, explain.

Elizabeth: I like pumpkin pie. A lot. But I’m pretty sure I wrote this book in June, so there was no pie to be had. I probably could have made one, but it didn’t even occur to me to do that.

Alexis: If you could give one of your characters a Christmas gift, what would it be? Why?

Elizabeth: I’d probably give Cyan a nativity set. Mostly because they are hands down my favorite Christmas decoration (actually I tend to leave mine out all year) and I think everyone should have one. Plus he came to know Jesus at Christmas, so it’s a nice reminder.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Elizabeth. Merry Christmas!

~*~
Author Bio: 

Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. 

When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. 

She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.

~*~
Blurb for Elizabeth's book, Hope for Christmas:

An independent single mom who doesn’t believe in love at first sight collides with a man who does. 

Cyan Hewitt drifts onto his estranged grandparents’ New Mexico ranch in time for Thanksgiving … and stays. As a cyber security consultant, he can telecommute, so why not from here, where his restless soul is soothed and his heart is awakened by the attractive ranch housekeeper?

Maria Sanchez works at Rancho de Esperanza to provide a stable life for her son. She’s content—mostly—in her roles as housekeeper, part-time student, and mom, but when her precocious seven-year-old is diagnosed with diabetes, her world shatters. There’s no time for distractions from the long-term visitor who’s stirring a longing in her for more.

Cyan may think her faith and courage are inspiring, but Maria feels vulnerable. Relying on others has only ever resulted in broken dreams. Christmas might be a season of hope, but does she dare risk everything for love?

~*~
Buy Elizabeth's book Hope for Christmas on Amazon

~*~
Connect with Elizabeth:
Website: http://www.ElizabethMaddrey.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ElizabethMaddrey
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-maddrey
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Maddrey/e/B00A11QGME/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elizabethmaddre

~*~

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

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/