12 Days of Christmas Joy: Her Secret Santa (book) by Bonnie Engstrom

Interview with Bonnie Engstrom about Her Secret Santa

Alexis: Why did you write this Christmas holiday story?

Bonnie: I wanted to write a fun Christmas romance, not a traditional “boy meets girl” story. I remembered, Sandy, my longtime friend from high school played Mrs. Santa one year and loved doing it. She had so much fun dressing in the costume and playing the part, and she got a kick out of having her picture taken with the jolly old elf. Sandy says she’s a diva at heart. Of course I dedicated the book to her. I thought the story would be a fun twist on Christmas. I hope it is. Oh, and I include a photo of Sandy with Santa in every print book I give away.

Alexis: Who was your favorite character to create for this story? Why?

Bonnie: That’s a tossup between Patti (the heroine) and Tabitha/Tabby (her granddaughter) who I characterized after my granddaughter. They are both opinionated and stubborn, and a bit confrontational in a loving way. Fun characters to create.

Alexis: Describe the heroine of this story who we know as “Patti.” What does she look like? Sound like? Act like? What is her dream for this Christmas?

Bonnie: Patti is frustrated with her age and her gray hair. She’s a teacher and wants to do something exciting and different during her Christmas vacation, not sit around and read or do crafts as the other teachers suggest. She’s a people person who likes to get involved in others’ problems, maybe too much. Colin asks her to help him with his grandson, so she jumps right in without even questioning why or what the problem is. When she first takes on the role of Mrs. Santa she only wants a fun diversion. But pretending to be Mrs. Claus daily with the same Santa actor and becoming involved in his life inspires a dream in her to share life with him.

Alexis: Describe the hero of this story. What is his name? What does he look like? Sound like? Act like? What does he want more than anything this Christmas?

Bonnie: Patti describes Colin as a “Simon Cowell look-a-like.” Let’s just think of him as Mr. Santa who wants to have a successful business and learn how to relate to his grandson. His favorite reply to almost everything is “Whatever.” Does that give you a clue or two? He had no plan to fall in love, especially at his age.

Alexis: What is the greatest challenge that your hero faces?

Bonnie: His fear of commitment, especially at an “advanced” age. His second fear is that his daughter will never accept Patti. But his biggest challenge is his falling in love with Patti and not wanting to admit it.

Alexis: What is it about the hero that makes Patti fall in love with him?

Bonnie: It starts out as exasperation at him for not accepting his grandson “as is.” Then when she realizes he is really a kind man who is clueless about children, she has compassion for him. Compassion morphs into love when she realizes she really cares about this man, even with all his self-doubt.

Alexis: Does Patti enjoy her part-time job? Where does she work and what are her job duties?

Bonnie: She’s excited about her job at first, until there is a legal hic-up when Tabitha plays an elf as Mrs. Santa’s helper. Tabitha is a precocious child who often acts without thinking. But readers will have to read the story to learn about that incident and a few others that get Patti into trouble. The thing Patti hates most about her job is wearing the green vinyl boots and the frilly cap, both part of her costume. She also gets frustrated that she isn’t allowed to hug the children but Santa is. “Not fair!”

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

Bonnie: Everything! Patti relies totally upon God and His guidance. She talks to Him a lot, often by a silly habit of chatting with Him in her bathroom mirror. She believes the decisions she makes and the actions she takes are because God led her. Although she is often impulsive, she has complete trust that God led her to act. After all, didn’t He set it up for her to be hired by Colin as Mrs. Santa Claus? Surely His hand was in their frequent meetings at Starbucks and Colin asking Patti for help with his grandson, Braydon. Those situations were not accidents because Patti doesn’t believe in chances, just God incidents.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story?

Bonnie: That love is possible at any age. Isn’t it? Also, even though falling in love has twists and turns, it can be a delightful journey. I also hope readers will remember the fun banter and love shared between Patti and her grandchild, Tabby. I love both of their personalities – although of different eras, they are both feisty and upfront with their emotions. Maybe it’s a DNA, family thing. Or, as Patti would say, a God thing.

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

Bonnie: I never play music when writing. I am an only child raised by non-musical, but reading, parents. Silence is golden.

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

Bonnie: I have no special holiday treat, unless seeing my grandchildren open their presents counts.

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

Bonnie: My entire house, tree and all, is decorated in Santas every year. Many of the Santa ornaments depict the activities and professions of each family member. One son is a surfer, so I have many surfing Santas. Hubby is a fisherman and hiker, so several hiking and fishing Santas adorn our tree. I would give Patti either a teacher Santa because she is a teacher or a Mrs. Claus Santa. But it would have to be wearing green boots.

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

Bonnie: Thank you, Alexis. This has been fun. Merry Christmas to you and yours, too!

~*~
Author Bio:

Bonnie Engstrom is a multi-published author of contemporary Christian romance. She is also a multi-grandma with six blessings.  

Four of her grandchildren, including twins, live a stone’s throw from her and her psychologist husband Dave. Two live in Costa Rica – Pura Vida – where they surf, even at seven and nine, thanks to lessons from their surfing teacher dad.

When she and Grandpa Dave aren’t taking the Arizona kids to gymnastics, chess tournaments, Starbucks for after school treats and watching soccer games, she moderates two online prayer chains. They reside on a lagoon where Canada geese flourish every winter, and sometimes a snowy egret. Their two rescued mutts, Lola and Sam, love to chase the geese. Well, Sam does, but even though scruffy Lola is the bossy one, she doesn’t understand the chase part.

She still doesn’t know she’s on the cover of the latest book in The Candy Cane Girls Series, Melanie’s Blue Skirt. Won’t she be surprised! Bonnie is a long time member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a Pro member of Romance Writers of America.

Visit Bonnie’s website www.bonnieengstrom.com to see all the grandkids and sign up for her newsletter "Life On The Lake" to win fun prizes.

~*~
Blurb for Bonnie’s book, Her Secret Santa:

Patti never expected to portray a legendary character, nor fall in love. 

She just wanted a part-time job over the holidays. But between the Simon Cowell look-a-like guy who played Santa and her granddaughter Tabitha, and maybe God, she pulled on the green vinyl boots, powdered her eyebrows and “sucked it up”, as Tabby would say until ... the Santa who came to give out gifts at church was different.

And she kissed him.

Did she kiss the wrong Santa?

~*~
Buy Bonnie’s book on Amazon

Note to the Readers:
The ebook version of Bonnie's story, Her Secret Santa, will be on sale for only $0.99 throughout this holiday season via Amazon.com!

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Connect with Bonnie:
Bonnie loves to hear from readers, so be sure to email her at bengstrom@hotmail.com with BOOK in the subject line.

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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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Let Love Bloom: Bonnie's story

Interview with Bonnie Engstrom about her book “Restoring Love”:

Bonnie: Hi, Alexis! Thanks for having me. You sure do have a lot of questions for me. You plan to make me work here! (grin) Fire away. I will do the best I can.

Alexis: What or who inspired you to write this book?

Bonnie: This was one of the first stories I’d written, although not really a book at that point twenty-plus years ago. When I was browsing through my old, unfinished stories I came upon this one about Cambridge Springs and decided to play around with it.

Alexis: What is the meaning of your book’s title as related to the story?

Bonnie: My publisher and I decided since Jenni and Jake were once in love, now back in love, that their love had been restored. Seemed like a good title. Isn’t Jake handsome?

Alexis: Your story’s heroine and hero have been apart for 15 years. What draws them back together?

Bonnie: I think a combination of memories and that they still can’t resist each other. They both like to tease each other, too. That comes out a lot in the story. And, Jake is so handsome!

Alexis: Jenni (the heroine) and Jake (the hero) have very different careers. She is a teacher now and when they met, he was a stable boy. What does their work experience say about their individual personalities and how does it play into their story?

Bonnie: Becoming a teacher was not only an acceptable career but a safety net for Jenni. With a teaching credential, she could move to almost any state and get a job. Why she chose Arizona, though, is still a mystery. Teaching salaries there are almost the lowest in the nation. I hope she chose it for the weather.

Jake has an amazing work ethic and he had the wonderful opportunity to stay where he loved and fulfill his desire to be an entrepreneur, but mostly to be a loner and the boss. He doesn’t have the supportive family background Jenni has, but he does have a good relationship with his brother who helped him buy the vintage car. Maybe in a sequel, his brother could have his own story.

I would love to know what readers’ think about that.

Alexis: Who threw cold water over Jenni and Jake’s budding romance 15 years ago? Why?

Bonnie: Her stoic, old-fashioned dad believed she was too young to have a serious romance. Sadly, her mother went along with her dad – typical of tradition in those days. But, even then, Jake was so handsome!

Alexis: Why does Jenni still have a flame for Jake after 15 years of not seeing him?

Bonnie: She’s never lost it but pretends to herself it’s bygone history. Then when she sees him, how he’s matured and still drop-dead handsome . . . well. She can’t fool herself any longer. But, she tries to.

Alexis: Describe the town of Cambridge Springs, which is a setting for your story.

Bonnie: There really wasn’t much of a town years ago. Now, it’s still pretty small and uninteresting. The hotel was located way on the outskirts.

Alexis: Clearly Cambridge Springs is special to Jake because he never left. What makes it so special to him that he desired to stay?

Bonnie: Partly the comfort level he has and the opportunity to own the hotel. He is motivated to be his own boss and to own something he can claim.

Alexis: What brings Jenni home to Cambridge Springs? How long will she be in town?

Bonnie: It’s a memory trip for her (notice the subtitle), and she wants to “get away” all by herself and figure out what to do with her life. Is there life beyond being a teacher? A single thirty-year-old teacher? It’s also revealed in the story why her one former infatuation fizzled. Then, she sees Jake again, Mr. Super Handsome.

Alexis: Describe the scene where Jenni and Jake are reunited. What were their first thoughts when this happened?

Bonnie: Again, Alexis, I don’t want to spoil the fun of reading the story. So, no, I don’t want to describe it. Sorry. But, it does have something to do with food and eating. It’s a fun scene that involves a lot of chocolate. Yum.

Alexis: What was your favorite part of writing this book? Explain.

Bonnie: My own memories of Cambridge Springs and the funny old hotel played a major part, but I loved making up how Jake and Jenni are now. Remember, the story isn’t dated, just assumed to be somewhat in the past.

Alexis: Was there any scene in this story that was difficult for you to write? Why or why not?

Bonnie: I loved writing every scene. The story just seemed to flow. This is one of my favorites because it was so much fun to make up the two personalities. Especially Jake who is so handsome.

Alexis: What is your favorite moment in this story?

Bonnie: When the two of them are eating pasta and criticizing each other for how they eat. Their first lovers’ quarrel, and over table manners. It’s a hoot!

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about Restoring Love?

Bonnie: I want them to remember that real love does truly last, and love can be fun! Especially, if God is in the mix.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Bonnie! Do you have any final comments?

Bonnie: I do, actually a few comments. Although I don’t capitalize on it, the story does take place at Christmas time, and there are some fun scenes – especially the Scrooge play. Sadly, though, is the fact the hotel no longer exists. I only discovered that after the book was complete and I did an online search to answer one question.

For more information, readers can go to http://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/full-story-fire-ravages-historic-riverside-inn-cause-yet-to/article_8055438c-2fa1-11e7-8d49-9f78e0cf6d34.html to see pictures of the original hotel and the grounds and learn what happened to it.

The other comment is to encourage readers to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Reviews mean so much to authors; they are our lifeblood, or as author Carolyn Brown says, “Without reviews, we would be on the top of the endangered species list.” (Paraphrasing is mine, but I agree.)

Thank you, Alexis, for this opportunity to share Restoring Love.

~*~
Author Bio:

Bonnie Engstrom holds a B.A. in English from the University of Southern California and studied Creative Writing at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as post-graduate work at the University of California at Irvine. 

She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with husband Dave of fifty plus years, is the mother of three grown children and the proud grandmother of six grandchildren, four of whom who live in Arizona and two in Costa Rica where they surf. Pura Vida!

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a PRO member of Romance Writers of America, Christian Writers of the West, and the Arizona chapter of ACFW, where she recently was part of a published authors’ panel.

A former education columnist for two Southern California newspapers, she has presented workshops at the California State PTA and the National PTA Conventions.

For over thirty years she volunteered in education as a co-founder of a parent-cooperative preschool and a five-time PTA president. She wrote and published hundreds of PTA newsletters that she produced using X-ACTO knives and a hand-held hot waxer before computers made late nights easier!

Most of her stories are set in Arizona, and in Southern California where she and her psychologist husband lived for over thirty years. If you are trying to catch up with her, look for her at the local Starbucks or Menchies with a nine-year-old Chess champion and his three giggling sisters. Chocolate is always the flavor of the day.

She is published by Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications, and is honored to be in the company of many award-winning romance authors.

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Book Blurb for Restoring Love:

A sentimental journey! Can romance still flourish after fifteen years? Will a teacher and a former stable boy remember their first kiss? Jenni wasn’t sure why she was taking this journey back in time. Surely, she didn’t expect to see her first teenage crush, Jake the stable boy. She had moved on from fifteen years ago and sneaking kisses in the barn after trail rides. Undoubtedly, he must have, too. Who on earth would stay in the tiny town of Cambridge Springs? 

Looking forward to a peaceful respite from teaching, she planned to read, take quiet walks and indulge in delicious hotel meals. She hoped the old hotel still served the succulent roast pork, her favorite. At least no one knew where to find her, none of her friends, and not even her family. Odd that the name of the historic hotel had changed. She wondered who would have done that, who had the capability to do it. Maybe new owners. She hoped not much had changed and that the rooms were still filled with antique furniture. She wanted to soak up memories, alone. Unless by a Christmas miracle Jake was still there to share them.

Buy Restoring Love on Amazon

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Connect with Bonnie:

Please visit Bonnie at her website (http://bonnieengstrom.com) to see her grandchildren and learn more about her books. You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter there and win great prizes. Last time she gave away a Kindle Fire!

You can see most of her books at https://amzn.to/2qPjmML

Email her at bengstrom@hotmail.com. Please put BOOK in the subject line.

She loves to hear from her readers. So, please contact her.

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Book Boyfriends: Bonnie's hero

Interview with Lance W. from A Winning Recipe by Bonnie Engstrom:

Bonnie: Hi, Lance. What on earth made you enter a cooking contest? Especially, with a meatloaf recipe?

Lance: I love to cook as a diversion from my job. It’s so relaxing.

Bonnie: But, why meatloaf? And, why a contest?

Lance: Meatloaf is fun, and it’s hard to mess up. You don’t really have to measure much. You can toss in spices by the handful, a cup of onion or a half cup, a bit of this or that sauce, even a package of dry taco sauce mix. Oops! I think I just gave away my best secret.

Bonnie: Mmm. Sounds good. I’ll have to try that. You still didn’t answer why you entered it in a contest.

Lance: Partly because I love competition, and I love to cook. But, mostly, to honor my Aunt Harriett who pressured me so much that she practically filled out the form and mailed it in. I was flummoxed, and she’s such a dear I didn’t want to disappoint her. I never thought I’d make it to the national finals in California.

Bonnie: What is your real job? I know you love competition, so is it in sports?

Lance: That is a secret. Yes, it’s in sports, but a very special peripheral role in sports.

Bonnie: Well, you couldn’t be a basketball player. You’re not very tall.

Lance: Naw. Not movie star handsome either. Notice my hairline?

Bonnie: I do. It’s prominently receding. Does that embarrass you in your ‘special role'?

Lance: Actually, I think it’s a benefit. Being competent in what I do, and not being drop dead gorgeous, makes my clients trust me.

Bonnie: Clients? Are you a promoter for sports figures?

Lance: Can’t say. But, I do think it also helped Kate to trust me, until . . .

Bonnie: Until what?

Lance: Until I almost lost her by deceiving her. I thought I was giving her a wonderful surprise. Guess not. Thank goodness Sandy (her dog) saved the day!

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Author Bio: 

Bonnie Engstrom is a multi-published author of contemporary Christian romance. She is also a multi-grandma with six blessings. 

Four of her grandchildren, including twins, live a stone’s throw from her and her psychologist husband Dave. Two live in Costa Rica - Pura Vida - where they surf, even at seven and nine, thanks to lessons from their surfing teacher dad. 

When she and Grandpa Dave aren’t taking the Arizona kids to gymnastics, chess tournaments, Starbucks for after school treats and watching soccer games, she moderates two online prayer chains. They reside on a lagoon where Canada geese flourish every winter, and sometimes a snowy egret. Their two rescued mutts, Lola and Sam, love to chase the geese. Well, Sam does, but even though scruffy Lola is the bossy one, she doesn’t understand the chase part. She still doesn’t know she’s on the cover of the latest book in The Candy Cane Girls Series, Melanie’s Blue Skirt. Won’t she be surprised! Bonnie is a long time member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a Pro member of Romance Writers of America.

Visit Bonnie’s website www.bonnieengstrom.com to see all the grandkids and sign up for her newsletter Life On The Lake to win fun prizes.

She loves to hear from readers, so be sure to email her at bengstrom@hotmail.com with BOOK in the subject line.

You can see her books and the collections she is in on Amazon. All her books are available there (on Amazon) and can be ordered at Barnes and Noble. 

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Blurb for Bonnie's book: Need to be in control Kate meets take charge Lance during a National Cook Off in California, and sparks almost fly. How could the sponsors have scheduled the only two meatloaf contestants to share the kitchen at the same time? 

After Kate boldly credits Christ for her cooking success on national television, the CEO of Family Foods professes his faith. Kate’s promotion to Global Outreach Minister at church threatens her relationship with Lance, and she still doesn’t know what he does for a living. But, his personal assistant, Felicity, does. “I know everything.” Lance impulsively buys a house for them without Kate’s involvement, and sparks really do fly, practically putting an end to their romance. “I had no say in it!” 

Hopefully, her Golden Retriever Sandy can save the day when the dog’s soulful, amber eyes approve of the house. “She wants a child in here to play with.” Will these two ever be able to create magic in the kitchen when they’re still trying to figure out the recipe for Happily Ever After?

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Buy Bonnie's book on Amazon

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A Prelude to Christmas: Bonnie Engstrom's story about Candy Canes

Welcome Bonnie Engstrom to the blog today! She's a talented author who's here to talk about her Christmas story, Noelle's Christmas Wedding. Bonnie touches on important real-life topics in this fictional book. I think that you will enjoy learning more about it in the interview below.

But first, here's the blurb for Bonnie's book: Noelle Day finally has the courage to break off her ill-fated engagement with her volatile fiancé and cancel their Christmas wedding. It’s embarrassing, and she has to share the humiliating reason with her friends The Candy Canes. The other five girls were to be her attendants in red taffeta gowns. 

When she faints and falls into the arms of Braydon Lovejoy, the now former wedding florist, Braydon is confused by her abrupt manner. Who is this beautiful woman with the sepia hair and the huge brown eyes? Is she a damsel in distress as he suspects? He prays for an opportunity to find out. Then he backs his delivery van into her precious red car, and he’s sure she would never go out with him, especially since he was hired to deliver a huge bouquet of roses to her from a secret admirer. 

Noelle isn’t sure how to respond when Bruce, the school principal, physically forces himself on her. After all, he is her boss, and she’s just a first year English teacher. She finally accepts a lunch date with Braydon, and he takes her to Sherman Gardens in Corona del Mar where she learns he is the local rose expert. But, Noelle worries their friendship is happening too fast and calls a respite. 

One of the Candy Canes has a tragic accident, and the women bond together. But Braydon, who is not sure why he is involved, becomes their anchor. Will Braydon’s prayers heal the hurts, physically and emotionally? Will the injured Candy Cane forgive the woman who caused her accident, the woman who is related to Bruce the principal? Will Noelle ever have her California Candy Cane Christmas?

Enter the book giveaway contest by filling out the Rafflecopter widget for your chance to WIN a copy of Bonnie's book: 

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Enjoy my interview with Bonnie! 

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Interview with Bonnie Engstrom about her book, Noelle’s Christmas Wedding:

Alexis: The Candy Canes are Noelle’s tribe of best friends. Why did you give them that name? What’s the meaning of it?

Bonnie: I was involved in a proposed novella collection with three other authors; I was assigned to decide the setting and theme of the stories, something that all the others could pick up on. As a group we decided loosely on candy canes and a Christmas theme. When the other authors in the collection bowed out, I was devastated at first. But, it turned out to be a blessing for me because my story became the first book in a series.

My own children had been involved in competitive swimming for many years, so swimming came to mind naturally. Now that they are all grown with families of their own, I don’t know what to do with so many shoe boxes of winning ribbons and medals.

Here is a description of the Candy Canes: Ten years ago six high school freshmen formed a swim team that became legendary. They won the state relay swim championship four years in a row. In addition to their skill and devotion to daily practicing, they prayed together and vowed to be sisters forever. Another thing that set them apart was they chose their own swimsuits making them a team within a larger team. They chose red and white diagonally striped swim suits. Thus, became known as the Candy Canes.

Alexis: Noelle’s ex-fiancé was physically abusive, that’s a serious real-life issue. Do you hope that Noelle’s story will help women in the real world who are being abused? If so, how?

Bonnie: All my stories, not just the Candy Cane ones, have some real life issues in them that the heroine has to overcome. I don’t write any of those issues blatantly, mostly just hint at them or have them take place off stage, or as a subplot. Although I’m married to a psychologist and have some knowledge via marital osmosis, I am not an expert in any of the situations. But, I do believe they need to be presented, and with plausible conclusions and ways to deal with them.

Alexis: What is the significance of Noelle planning for a Christmas wedding?

Bonnie: Her original wedding was to be at Christmas time. Now, she can really plan and have a unique venue for her wedding (public garden). Every Candy Cane book has a unique wedding venue. (I love weddings!) One is in a historical landmark, one on the beach in a foreign country, one in a preschool. Braydon designs the flowers for all of them! Even his own wedding with Noelle.

Alexis: Tell us about the hero, Braydon Lovejoy. Describe his looks, talents, personality and explain what it is about Noelle that makes him want to protect and love her?

Bonnie: Braydon is handsome, but more than that he is a gentleman and a devout Christian. He notices Noelle’s weakness during their first meeting in chapter one when she faints in his arms. Braydon is the protective type; it’s the way he has been raised. As for his appearance, I prefer to leave that to the imagination of the reader. But, gosh, he is drool-worthy handsome.

Alexis: A career as a professional florist is an interesting option for a man. Why did you choose this livelihood for Braydon?

Bonnie: Noelle had to meet up with someone (hopefully a man) who was involved in the planning of her original wedding so she could cancel the contract. Jill, the real life wedding coordinator who is in every Candy Cane story, arranges for Braydon and Love In Bloom Floral to provide all the flowers.

Braydon’s mother, Lydia, owns the flower shop, so she involves her sons in it. He is very creative, and in the next book his brother Rob takes over while Braydon is on his honeymoon. That book, Cindy’s Perfect Dance, is the next story with more life issues.

Alexis: Noelle has a boss who is hitting on her and she doesn’t like it. Why was this an important part of the story?

Bonnie: Noelle needs to keep overcoming. Not just from Clay, her abusive ex-fiancé, but other situations in her life with forceful men. The boss, Principal Bruce Walker, tries to hit on Melanie in the latest book, Natalie’s Deception, number five in the series. Incidents like this are what make a series ongoing and, hopefully, encourage readers to want to read the entire series to find out what happens next and to the other girls.

Alexis: Why did you choose to make Noelle an English teacher? In what ways does it fit her personality and reaffirm her passion for the youth?

Bonnie: I was an English major, and I spent over 35 years volunteering in education as a five time PTA president and many times as a room mother. Next to my faith, education is the most important passion in my life. I still volunteer in my grandchildren’s classrooms. Also, she reminded me of my high school English teacher who had a major impact on my writing career. It just seemed natural for Noelle.

Alexis: What special message do you have for your readers in this book?

Bonnie: That life’s problems can be overcome. Not just abuse, but sticky situations, uncomfortable situations. And, of course, with prayer and trusting in God for the answers as all the Candy Cane women do when they pray collectively.

Friendship is so important, especially long-term, prayer-linked friendship. I still have friends and prayer partners from over fifty years ago.

Alexis: What was the most fun feature of writing this story?

Bonnie: The most fun was writing about Newport Beach where we lived for over thirty years and raised our children. It tugged at my heart. When I first started Noelle’s Christmas Wedding I remembered every street and every restaurant and every beach. Not only has my memory faded but things have changed. So, I needed to do more research and depend on my research assistant, Kerrie, for updates.

Alexis: Complete this sentence: If I were Noelle, I’d want ______________ because _________________________.

Bonnie: If I were Noelle, I’d want to be part of the Candy Canes when I’m eighty because true friendship never dies.

~*~
Author bio:

Bonnie Engstrom and her psychologist husband, Dave, live in Arizona near four of their six grandchildren. The other two live in Costa Rica where they surf. But, they share their Arizona home with Lola and Sam, their two rescued mutts in charge of the household.

She used to bake dozens of Christmas cookies in November and freeze them so she would have a lot to pass out to neighbors. Now... well, that was a long time ago. Instead of cookies for Christmas, she writes. Her Candy Cane stories set in Newport Beach, California, where her family was raised and where they have many fond memories, are perfect for gift giving. Or, for just cuddling up by the fire for an inspiring romance read.

She hopes you enjoy Noelle’s Christmas Wedding and also gift it to a special female in your life. Don’t forget to leave an honest review on Amazon.

Connect with Bonnie: Bonnie can be reached via email at bengstrom@hotmail.com. Be sure to put BOOK in the subject line so your post doesn’t float around in her junk folder. Her website is www.bonnieengstrom.com, and she can also be found occasionally on Facebook, although she’s not very astute at it. You can sign up for her Life on the Lake quarterly newsletter on either one.