God is Love: Christmas on My Heart: Deck the Shelves by Toni Shiloh

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Christmas on My Heart: Deck the Shelves by Toni Shiloh

Interview with Kendall, a character from Deck the Shelves (book)

by Toni Shiloh:

Alexis: Hi, Kendall! Thanks for visiting my blog today and agreeing to talk! Let’s begin the interview. First, do you think that your author Toni Shiloh told your story well?

Kendall: I do! I wasn’t sure at first because I wasn’t willing to look at my vulnerabilities, but once I started the healing process I could appreciate her process.

Alexis: Do you like the title that Toni gave your story, “Deck the Shelves?”

Kendall: I adore the title! It represents The Cozy Shelf well!

Alexis: Paint a picture of The Cozy Shelf (your bookstore) with words. Do you live there too?

Kendall: The Cozy Shelf is a gorgeous redbrick Victorian if I do say so myself. There’s a bay window on the left—if you’re looking at it from the street. There’s also a huge square window on the right that provides a view into the room with the cash register and gift options. I sale mugs, wrapping paper, and the occasional awesome shirts in there. Each room has its own title and each floor as a few rooms, except for the third and top floor. That’s my flat complete with a kitchenette, living area, and bedroom space.

Alexis: What do you love most about owning the bookstore and working there?

Kendall: All the books! It’s better than having a library in my opinion. I also love the customers. They brighten up my day with their love of reading.

Alexis: Clearly, you have a forever flame of passion for literature. What first inspired your love for books?

Kendall: It’s something I did with my grandmother. She always read me a bedtime story before tucking me in for the night. Now it’s a way to keep her memory alive.

Alexis: What is your all-time favorite book to read? Why?

Kendall: I love Pride and Prejudice. There’s just something about walking through their misperceptions and discovering the underlying romance.

Alexis: Would you say that Christmas is your favorite holiday? Why or why not?

Kendall: I love Christmas but I would have to say Easter is my favorite holiday. I love celebrating the Resurrection.

Alexis: Quinton Hendricks is the hero of your story, fondly known by you as “Q”. Describe him. What does he look like? Talk like? Act like?

Kendall: *Fans herself* That man is pure goodness. He’s average height but oh so cute. His brown skin reminds me of my favorite suede ankle booties. And his lips form the perfect crooked smile that turns my insides to mush. I love his voice. It’s soothing and mellow and I could listen to it forever. And he’s so gentle! You see it with how he treats his son, his father, and his grandmother.

Alexis: What first attracted you to Q? Did you not like anything about him?

Kendall: His looks caught my attention but the quiet way in which he conducted himself is what drew my curiosity. And later was the bane of my existence. I mean I didn’t know where I stood with him. No hints from that man whatsoever!

Alexis: I thought it was so cute how you and Q were clearly on the same page but had to quote lines from books to share how you felt. What was that like?

Kendall: A romance straight from the classics! But also, it was terrifying. I didn’t know he would send me notes but once he did, I still was afraid to hope on what that meant.

Alexis: You were married and divorced. How did your broken heart affect the blossoming of your new romance with Q?

Kendall: Greatly. I felt like I couldn’t trust it to steer me in the right direction where Q was concerned. But it allowed me to seek the Lord more than if I had felt assured by Q’s interest and affections.

Alexis: What were your first impressions of Q’s young son, Deuce?

Kendall: Oh I love Deuce! He’s so inquisitive during story time and you can see the delight on his face while the stories are being told. I think he’ll do great things with his imagination as he grows.

Alexis: I love the way your story ended! Are there wedding bells in the future? If so, will we (the readers) get to experience it with you? I vote for a sequel!

Kendall: Well I do know Toni is planning on more Heartfall books, so we shall see.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Kendall. Merry Christmas and God bless you!

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Author Bio:

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer.

Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.

You can learn more on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.

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Book Blurb for Deck the Shelves:

Kendall Jackson is the proud owner of Heartfalls’ bookstore, The Cozy Shelf.

Her life is one straight out of the pages, except she’s missing that leading man. Although she has a crush on the handsome auto mechanic, Quinton Hendricks, Kendall wants an old-fashioned type of romance—the stuff swoon-worthy romance books are made of. But Quinton seems to need a little prodding.

Something about Kendall sparks hope in Quinton Hendricks that love could be his again. Only being abandoned by his ex-wife has made him cautious to the point of non-moving.

Can two people hesitant on second chances find love as they Deck the Shelves?

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Buy Toni's book on Amazon in the box set Comfort & Joy: The Christmas Lights Collection 2018