Falling for Books: Elizabeth's book

Interview with Matt Patterson (character) from A Heart Realigned:

Alexis: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Matt! You are quite the character. Do you think that your author Elizabeth Maddrey did a good job telling your story? Why or why not?

Matt: Thanks for having me. Is being a character good? I’m going to take it as a compliment. And sure she did—I didn’t always come across looking awesome, but that’s pretty true to real life, I guess. There are definitely things I’ve said or done that I regret later.

Alexis: What were your first impressions of your leading lady Azure Hewitt? Were they lasting impressions? Why or why not?

Matt: First impression was that she’s hot. That hasn’t changed. After that, I admired her taste in trucks—and that hasn’t changed either. But I will say she’s so much more than either of those things. There’s a lot to Azure and I’m looking forward to getting to know every aspect of her.

Alexis: What do you think of Azure’s work, repainting historic murals at Peacock Hill? 

Matt: Her art is amazing. I imagine she’d say she does the commissions, like what she did at Peacock Hill, to pay the bills. It’s her canvases that will knock your socks off. I admire her for being willing to do something like art and find a way to make a living at it. It can’t be easy.

Alexis: Azure lives a footloose type of life. Your experience is the polar opposite. Did you two clash at first? Why or why not?

Matt: We did but we didn’t .  .  . if that makes any sense? I was a little jealous, to be honest. I want to travel—there’s a deep desire to wander in my soul that I can’t shake, but at the same time, there are responsibilities, you know? Turns out, she was a little jealous of some of my life, too. Maybe you really don’t ever appreciate what you have.

Alexis: Why does your uncle want you to take over the family auto shop? How does that make you feel?

Matt: He wants to retire. I don’t blame him for that, he’s been running the place for a long time. My aunt’s desperate to travel—that wandering thirst is something I come by naturally, I guess. I can’t say getting tied down to the garage is really what I want, but I don’t want to let my aunt and uncle down, either. I’ll make it work one way or another.

Alexis: What makes you want to spread your wings and fly away from your hometown? What or who makes you want to stay? Explain.

Matt: Don’t you ever just think about how much is out there? I mean, a really small town in southern Virginia versus the big, wide world? No contest at all. Don’t get me wrong, my hometown is a nice place, but when it’s all you’ve ever known? I don’t know many people who grow up here who aren’t looking for a way out at some point. Of course, there are responsibilities, right? And sometimes those end up making you stick. Even if you’re not sure you want to.

Alexis: What do you love about Azure? Why?

Matt: Everything. She’s a perfect complement to me in just about every way. We’re not identical—there are any number of things we disagree on —but honestly? That’s part of the fun! We have real conversations. She makes me think.

Alexis: In what ways has your relationship with Azure challenged and changed you?

Matt: Like I just said, she makes me think. I consider myself a reasonably laid back guy. Azure has helped me see maybe that’s not always the best choice. Beyond that, she’s challenged me to really evaluate why I went ahead and took over the garage for my uncle.

Alexis: What did it take for you to figure out where God called you to be?

Matt: A couple of hard knocks to the head. Honestly, I was fighting it every way I could but the counsel of Godly friends and a lot of prayer finally got through.

Alexis: Do you believe that your heart should be aligned with God’s desire for your life? Why or why not?

Matt: Oh, absolutely. It’s not always easy to get there—sometimes you have to set aside your own wants and desires and really listen to what God’s saying He has—but His is always going to be better.

Alexis: Looking back on your life thus far, if you could do anything differently, what would it be? Why?

Matt: That’s a hard question, honestly. I mean, if I went back and changed even one thing, I might not end up where I am now, and I really like this place. So I don’t guess I would, not even the hard pieces, because everything in my life up to now has shaped who I am today.

Alexis: Now for a few fun questions . . . What’s your favorite color? Blue. What are your hobbies? I love to rebuild old cars. What is your deepest desire and highest hope? To build a solid life with the woman I love. How do you take your coffee when ordering from Starbucks? I like regular drip coffee with cream and sugar

.

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

Matt: This was fun, thanks for having me.

~*~
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.

~*~
Book Blurb for A Heart Realigned:

She has no roots. He has no wings.

Repainting historic murals at Peacock Hill will pad Azure Hewitt’s bank account and allow her to drift where the wind takes her. If only the group of friends working at the old mansion weren’t so welcoming. Their immediate acceptance and inclusion reinforces one of the downsides of her footloose life. Add in the local car buff and mechanic? Putting down roots could almost be attractive.

The more Matt Patterson’s uncle pushes him to take over the family auto shop, the less Matt’s sure he wants to stay where he’s planted…but even as he contemplates spreading his wings, he can’t imagine a life like Azure’s with no fixed address. Even so, he’s positive a settled life isn’t something she sees in her future.

With Azure’s project nearing completion and Matt’s uncle anxious for a decision, neither is sure where God is calling them to be. But if their hearts are aligned to His desire, surely their love will have a chance.

~*~
Connect with Elizabeth:
Website: http://www.ElizabethMaddrey.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ElizabethMaddrey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elizabethmaddre
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6585434.Elizabeth_Maddrey
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/emaddrey/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ElizabethMaddrey/posts
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-maddrey
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Maddrey/e/B00A11QGME/ 

~*~
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