Love is in the Air: Author interview with Jan Elder

My Spring 2015 "Love is in the Air" blog series concludes today with an author interview of Jan Elder.

Jan's first book, a novella called Manila Marriage App, released in April and it is a pure delight! A story filled with intrigue, surprises, plot twists and clever lines awaits you because Jan promises to send one copy of her novella to the winner of the book giveaway contest!

Enter the contest by first leaving a comment and your e-mail address in the comment section below this post and then fill out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget.

Meanwhile, enjoy this author interview featuring Jan Elder.

*Words from Alexis in bold, words from Jan Elder not in bold

~*~

Alexis: Congrats on the publication of your first book, Manila Marriage App! What did it take to write it?

Jan: Tenacity! To be a bit more specific, it took a year to write, another few months to have professionally edited (a must if you’re going to attract a publisher) and another year after I received a contract before it was released (April 17, 2015.) Yep. An author learns patience very quickly. Or slowly…as the case may be.

Why did you write Manila Marriage App?

It all started in a little café in Silver Spring, Md. I was meeting with a few other ACFW members (American Christian Fiction Writers) and fellow writer, Carole T., mentioned that Pelican Book Group was searching for authors to write for their Passport to Romance series. What did I do after I hurried home? You got it. I checked it out. Pelican/White Rose publishing has a lovely website with terrific handy-dandy info all about their requirements.

Here’s an excerpt from their website at www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ that shows the requirements for their newest series:

PASSPORT TO ROMANCE

Take a trip and fall in love! Passport to Romance™ titles are contemporary romances set in exotic locations around the world. These stories offer the contemporary Christian reader adventure, vivacity, romance, and faith. Passport to Romance™ features chic heroines who are sparkling, confident, open for adventure—and who are a perfect match for a contemporary alpha male who has a zest for life, a thirst for God, and who likes an intelligent woman who can hold her own.

What was your inspiration for the story?

My single brother. He’d always talked about how difficult it was for a busy missionary man to find a good woman. It would be a great deal easier to just send out an application and choose a mate without all that fuss, muss, and emotion. He was kidding of course, but hey, what if he wasn’t? What if there was a man out there who would have the audacity to advertise for a wife in this day and age?

Shay Callahan is quite a name! Tell us more about your leading lady. What made her want to fill out the Manila Marriage App? What are her greatest dreams and biggest fears? What makes her tick? What makes her heart melt?

Shay was doing just fine, thank you. Just fine. Except she wasn’t. There was no joy in her life, no passion…no close walk with God. What started out as a plan to bring our hero, Timothy Flynn, to his knees, turns into a real adventure for Shay. She yearns for a real relationship where there is deep love and self-sacrifice. She’s just not sure how to get there. She may seem a bit brash, but she has a huge heart and a stifled desire to make a difference in this world. What makes her melt? A man who will love her for who she is and bring out the very best in her.

Dr. Timothy Flynn is the hero of this book who is not very likeable for the first few chapters of your book. Is that how you wanted it to read? Explain. What was your favorite part of creating this character? What did you find most challenging?

Timothy Flynn is a complicated man. To use Shay’s words, he’s a mountain of contradictions cloaked in complexity. What looks to be arrogance on the surface is merely insecurity when it comes to women. He’s sure and confident in his passion for teaching and mentoring students, but at his center, he’s a shy introvert with a fear of getting hurt. So, he approaches marriage the only way he knows how—with his brain rather than his heart.

The best part of creating his character was creative his myriad layers. Taking this seemingly egotistical man and revealing his true personality, one with a heart full of love just waiting for the right woman to share his dreams, took some doing, but I hope you see his true self by the end of the book.

Why did you choose to set your book in the Philippines?

The Pelican Passport to Romance series has over 50 exotic cities to choose from so the defining factor in writing Manila Marriage App was, of course, location, location, location. And since they were taking “open submissions” that meant I didn’t need an agent, a big plus for a new author. In addition, the extra-cool thing was that in each of the countries, the author must sprinkle in three specific items—objects that are completely different for each country. One of the three for the Philippines was a cat and I’m a cat lover from way back. Yippee! How much more perfect could it be?

According to your author bio, you are “A Christian romance writer with a zeal for telling stories other women can relate to.” How long did it take you to realize this was your niche? Share the story of finding your voice as an author.

I’ve heard many writers say there was a pivotal moment in their lives that marked the beginning of their writing career. I know that was the case for me. That joyful (not to mention traumatic) moment occurred on my 50th birthday. My ever-loving husband, Steve, surprised me with a weekend at the Ritz Carlton (yes, I can hear some of you sigh, he is a wonderful husband and I am very blessed!) After the glow from the spa facial wore off, (a facial “created for those on the go, a refreshing treatment including cleansing, mild exfoliation, a facial massage, and moisture infusion”) real life began again, but the desire to write had grown and taken hold deep down in my psyche.

Three months later, I heard about the National Novel Writing Month  (NaNoWriMo), an annual internet-based creative writing project that takes place every November. NaNoWriMo challenges its participants to write 50,000 words with the goal of stimulating those creative juices and keeping writers motivated throughout the process. A group of fledgling writers were meeting at a café fifteen miles from my house, and I decided to give it a try. I only made it to 30,000 words, (okay, okay, it was actually 29,000 something, but thirty thousand sounds so much more impressive) but I was hooked.

And thus began my humble writing career.

I think your goal to write books that strengthen the reader's faith, while also “providing an entertaining and engrossing love story” is quite the goal! How do you think you accomplished that goal in your writing of Manila Marriage App?

I think it’s important that the characters in a book, especially a Christian book, grow and change throughout the story. The hero and heroine we see at the end of the novel should be very different from the people we meet on page one. When one or both of the main characters cry out to God, how does He change the direction of the story? I tried my best to achieve that goal in Manila Marriage App and as the story unfolds, I hope the reader will be pleased and surprised at the character development…and with the way Shay and Timothy discover true love.

Who is your favorite Christian author and which one of their books inspire you the most?

I’m going to go with the amazing, Mr. C.S. Lewis. One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was a Christmas present of The Chronicles of Narnia. I reread them every few years and they never fail to thrill me. And speaking of C.S. Lewis, one of my favorite books of all time is A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanalken, a friend of C.S. Lewis’s. If you haven’t read it, check it out. It’s beautifully written and one of the best love stories of all time. I plan to reread that one again this summer.

Every creative has a muse. What or who is yours?

My husband, Steve, has been a terrific inspiration to me and he urges me on. When I first got serious about writing, he insisted on buying me a new laptop so I could write in style. He also helps me with male dialogue so my manly characters don’t sound feminine!

How does your real faith in God play into your fictional storytelling?

Writing Christian romance was a natural fit for me. I was born again at age five and everything in life centers around God for me. My goal in writing is to shine a light on a particular concept or new way of thinking that might resonate with the reader. Oh yeah, and they have to be fun. I like injecting humor in my stories to up the entertainment factor.

What’s your next work in progress? Can’t wait to read another book written by you!

I just finished writing a contemporary Christmas novella and submitted it to Pelican Book Group in April, 2015. It’s called A Semi-Precious Christmas and starts with a bang—a jewelry store heist in progress. I’m hoping that Pelican decides to publish it, in which case, it should be out this Christmas. It was a great deal of fun to write!

Describe your writing space. What makes it special to you?

I write on my laptop while sitting on the couch in my living room, feet crossed up under me, a cat or two plastered to my side. My husband is generally watching TV while playing on his computer, and we often converse back and forth concerning the show or an article he is reading. In between all of that noise, I come up with plot, characters, and dialogue. I’ve tried writing when it’s quiet, but it doesn’t work as well. Weird, huh?

Complete this sentence: If I could make the perfect cup of coffee, I would make_____________with______________because___________.

If I could make the perfect cup of coffee, I would make a Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino® with skim milk, Splenda, and plenty of whipped cream because there are just some days when you need a good cup of coffee.

Thanks for the interview, Jan! Please leave a question for my readers to answer.

Jan's question: If you could visit any country in the world, what would it be, and why?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*~

Author bio:

Jan Elder is a Christian romance writer with a zeal for telling stories other women can relate to. She strives to write the kind of book that will strengthen the reader’s faith, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story. Pelican Book Group/White Rose is publishing her first novella, Manila Marriage App, one of many in their successful Passport to Romance series.

Besides writing romance, she enjoys the occasional hazelnut cappuccino while watching Turner Classic Movies. Always an avid reader, she devours books voraciously, both Christian and secular. She was born a cat-lover and all future books will, no doubt, feature a feline in some way or another.

Happily married for twelve years to loving (and supportive) husband, Steve, the two live in central Maryland along with Jamie (a tuxedo cat), and Shu-Shu (a tortoiseshell cat). On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the nearby countryside in search of the perfect ice cream flavor.

~*~

Blurb for Manila Marriage App:

It all began as a lark. 

Shay Callahan’s life was just fine, thank you, but when the seemingly misogynistic missionary, Timothy Flynn, places an advertisement for a wife in a Christian magazine, she decides to give it a whirl and sends in the five-page application. Why not? After all, she’s not currently seeing anyone, and this man truly needs to be taught a lesson.

Finding out she’s Dr. Flynn’s pick of the litter, Shay hops on a plane and flies to The Philippines. The strategy is to jet in, enjoy an exciting two-week vacation, and jet out again, all at his expense. Instead, her plan backfires. The handsome missionary man is not what he seems, and the foreign land has far more to offer than she could imagine.

Embark on a tropical adventure with Shay that challenges everything she believes.

~*~

Buy Jan's book:

Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1K03ivU

Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1IoJGvF

Christianbook.com - http://bit.ly/1BtoLuu

~*~

Connect with Jan Elder:

Amazon Author Central - http://amzn.to/1d64Upp

Facebook  - https://www.facebook.com/janice.elder.author
Twitter - https://twitter.com/JanElderAuthor

Website  - http://janelderauthor.com/books

Love is in the Air: Author interview with Rose Allen McCauley

Let's welcome Rose Allen McCauley, romance author, to the blog today!

Rose is here to talk about her soon to be released book Surrender to Peace.

Here's a picture of Rose's book cover:

And here's the interview with Rose (words by Alexis in bold, words from Rose not in bold)...
~*~
Alexis: What category of Christian fiction do you write?

Rose: Romance is the category I am published in, and I also have a proposal being shopped by my agent in the small-town women’s fiction genre.

What is the name of your latest book and what is it about?

Surrender to Peace is about learning to surrender all to the Lord. Like most books I write, this is something the Lord is teaching me in my own life.

Who is your leading lady in your latest book? Describe her personality, flaws, desires and dreams.

Joy Worth is a travel agent who travels to Puerto Rico on her “honeymoon for one” after her ex-fiancé broke the engagement a week before the wedding. She longs to hear God’s voice again. Marriage and a family have always been her goal, but she is now losing hope.

Who is your main man in your latest book? Describe his looks, strengths and weaknesses.

Benigno “Ben” Cook is a handsome park ranger at El Yunque National Forest. He is a strong Christian and very caring. Can he point Joy back to the One who gives her joy?

What do you hope your readers will take away from your latest book?

That God gives His peace to those who surrender all to Him.

Share your journey to publication.

I had lots of stories and characters living in my head during the decades I taught school, but never enough time to write them down. After retiring, I wrote for over ten years before my first fiction was published by Barbour (Nick’s Christmas Carol in Christmas Belles of Georgia, Barbour, 2011) And just this week I got a call from my agent that a novella I submitted for their Courageous Brides collection has been contracted by Barbour Publishing, to be released in July 2016. Yippee!

When did you “know” you were a writer and how did you start to pursue it?

I have bits and pieces of stories and characters I wrote down years ago, but they didn’t all come together until I retired from teaching.

Do you have an agent? Share that story too. 

Yes, Tamela Hancock Murray. We met at one of the first ACFW conferences I ever attended, but she just became my agent about a year and a half ago. I consider her my friend, cheerleader, and encourager who always keeps me up to date on the market and what different publishing houses are looking for.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Always pray and seek God’s will, join ACFW, and continue to write and make connections in the writing world.

If you were not a writer, what would you do?

Have more time to read and scrapbook!

Paint a picture of your writing space. What makes it special to you?

I am typing this interview in my “office” which is a cluttered desk in the corner of my dining room, so the desk, my bookcase and the corner of the dining room table that I have to clear off whenever we have a big family dinner are my writing space right now. BUT, we are moving in a couple weeks, and in the new house I will have my own small, but personal office, so it will be very special to me after over ten years of writing without a space to call my own!

Growing up, who was your favorite Christian author?

So many. I loved Leon Uris’ Biblical and historical fiction. Why? His writing made ancient worlds come alive for me.

Every creative has a muse. What’s yours?

My mind, which oftentimes can’t be turned off. It’s like one of the “wheels within a wheel” in Ezekiel which went in many directions! I have to let the thoughts go where they wish, then take the ideas and try to put them in some semblance into a story that makes sense!

What is the most stressful part of being an author?

Trying to manage the writing, editing, blogging, marketing, etc. all at once. I am still in the learning stages of becoming more organized to be able to fit in all the necessary parts.

What is the most rewarding part of writing books?

Knowing I am pleasing God by being obedient to His call to write and also letters or emails from readers who are blessed by something I wrote.

If you could be a fictional character, who would you be? Why?

I don’t want to be anyone but the person God made me because it is so fun and fulfilling!

Complete this sentence: What I love the most about springtime is _________ because _________________.

What I love the most about springtime is longer days because my husband and I have more time to walk in the evenings before dark.

Thanks for the interview, Rose! And thank you for offering to give away one e-book copy of Surrender to Peace. Please leave a question for my readers to answer which, along with filling out the Rafflecopter widget, will qualify them to enter the contest.

Rose's question: What is your favorite thing about small towns and/or books set in small towns?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*~

Author bio:

Rose has been writing for over ten years and was first published in several non-fiction anthologies and devotionals which are listed on her website/blog at www.rosemccauley.com

A retired schoolteacher who has been happily married to her college sweetheart for over four decades, she is also mother to three grown children and their spouses and grandmother to five lively kids!

Although Rose grew up in the largest city in Kentucky, she has lived on a farm of almost four hundred acres for the past forty-two years, but is in the process of moving to a small town in KY.

She loves to read and write small town stories. If you have a small town story you’d like to share, please stop by her website and leave a comment. She would love to hear from you.

~*~

Connect with Rose:
Facebook - http://on.fb.me/1LrXNoS
Twitter - @RoseAMcCauley
Website - http://rosemccauley.com/

Love is in the Air: Author interview with Liz Tolsma

Super excited to introduce today's featured author Liz Tolsma! :) Liz loves writing historical romances. She experienced detours on her way to making her dreams come true but now she's working as an author and she has more than two books in her repertoire!

Now here's the exciting part for you--Liz will give away one paperback copy of her featured book, Remember the Lilies! You can enter by leaving a comment and your e-mail address toward the end of this post and by filling out the Rafflecopter widget.

I hope you will enjoy getting to know Liz via the author interview below.

Enjoy! :)

*Words by Alexis in bold, words from Liz not in bold

~*~
Alexis: Remember the Lilies is quite the captivating title for a book! Tell us about it.

Liz: Remember the Lilies is set in Manila during WWII. The Japanese interned almost 4,000 Westerners at Santo Tomas University for 37 months. In my book, Rand and Irene are two of the internees who must face starvation, cruel treatment, and espionage in order to survive.

Who or what inspired you to write Remember the Lilies? 

I was inspired by the 4,000 real men and women who survived those terrible days with grace and even humor.

Who is your heroine in this book? Describe her looks, style and personality. 

Irene Reynolds is a missionary’s niece who grew up in the Filipino jungle. She is beautiful and blonde and a Jean Harlow kind of way, but dresses plainly and doesn’t use much make-up. She doesn’t realize how pretty she is. She’s sweet and humble, though she does have quite a stubborn streak.

Who is your hero? What makes him interesting? What makes him different? What makes him fall in love (I’m guessing with your heroine)? 

Before the war, Rand Sterling was a jet-setting ladies’ man who owned two very successful night clubs in Manila. He’s daring. He falls in love with Irene because she’s so different from the socialites he’s used to associating with. Her quiet faith impresses him.

Why did you choose the Philippines for the setting of your book? 

My son, a U.S. Marine, has always loved the Pacific Theater of WWII. When I needed a 3rd idea for this series, he suggested that one be set there. As soon as he said that, I knew what story to use for the book.

What do you want your readers to treasure most about Remember the Lilies? 

The theme of the book is forgiveness. I want them to know that no matter what has happened in their lives, God offers them forgiveness.

What is the most beautiful part of the writing and publishing process for you? 

I love creating the stories and watching them come alive.

What is the most challenging aspect of being a writer? Why? 

Just finding the time to sit down and write! I have two children still living at home, a husband, and a very busy life. Some days there just aren’t enough hours for all that needs to be accomplished.

Why did you choose writing for a career? Or do you have a day job? Explain. 

It’s what I always wanted to do. My life took many detours along the way, and I do have a part-time job, but I decided that I needed to pursue my dream before I regretted not taking the chance.

Describe your writing space. What makes it unique or special to you? 

 It varies from day to day. Sometimes, I write at a small desk in my bedroom, or on my front porch, or in the family room recliner, or even in the car or at my daughter’s therapy session. Just wherever and whenever I have the chance.

What is your go-to food or drink when on deadline? 

Chocolate!

Are you working on your next book? If yes, what can you tell us about it? 

Yes. This series follows a trio of American women journalists in Europe during WWII. The first book is about a reporter in England during the London Blitz.

What is your favorite feature of springtime? 

The lack of snow ;) And I love to watch my garden come back to life.

Give us a glimpse of your personal life. Are you married with kids? What’s your favorite memory with your family? How do you spend your free time? 

I’m married to my high school sweetheart. We have a grown son and two daughters. All of my children were adopted internationally. The youngest has a variety of special needs. I have so many fond memories with my family, especially of the days each of our children joined our family. We love to be outdoors – camping, gardening, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing.

If you could live anywhere in the world for at least once year and write about it, where would you go and why? 

I’d love to go back to Vietnam (we were there in 1995). It’s so special to us because we adopted our son there. The people were so kind and welcoming to us, so eager to please us, yet my heart breaks for that land which is so dark spiritually. I’d love to work to spread the gospel there.

Thanks for the interview, Liz! Now please leave a question for my readers to answer so they can enter your book giveaway contest.

Liz's question: If you had to give up one creature comfort for a year, which one would it be?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~*~
Author bio:

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there's always something going on at their house. 

She's spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. 

When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family.

~*~

Blurb for Remember the Lilies:

How will two very different people find love—and survive the impossible circumstances of war?

In 1941 Rand Sterling was a wealthy, womanizing club owner and an American of note among ex-pats and locals alike. Now two years later, Rand is just another civilian prisoner of war—one whose planned escape from the Santo Tomas Internment Camp could put him and others in grave danger.

Irene Reynolds grew up as a missionary kid in the Philippine jungle. Now she works for the paranoid Japanese authorities, delivering censored messages to the other American prisoners in Santo Tomas.

When Irene’s negligence leads to Rand’s failed escape attempt, Rand is sent to the torture chambers of Fort Santiago—and Irene suffers under the weight of her guilt. Yet when she crosses paths with Rand again after his unexpected return to the camp, something more than mere survival draws the unlikely pair together.

As life in Manila becomes more and more desperate, and another threatening letter finds its way from Irene’s hands to Rand’s, the reluctant couple struggles to find a way to stay alive... and to keep their growing feelings for each other from compromising the safety of everyone around them.

~*~

Buy Liz's book:

Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1MPVYka

Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1IRJCYa

Christianbook.com - http://bit.ly/1dMVOhT

~*~

Connect with Liz:

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/liztolsma/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/LizTolsma
Website - www.liztolsma.com

Love is in the Air: Author interview with Tammy Johnson

Let's welcome Christian author and preacher's daughter Tammy Johnson to the blog today! She's here to talk about her novel Royal Rescue. 

Tammy will share details on how she creates her fictional characters, the writer life, how her faith in God affects her storytelling and why she cannot imagine not enjoying working as a published author regardless of the deadlines and demands. 

Tammy loves to hear from readers so when you reach the end of her visit today, please leave a comment.

Enjoy! :)

*Words from Alexis in bold, words from Tammy not in bold.

~*~
Alexis: Why did you write the book Royal Rescue?

Tammy: It has been my dream to write for many, many years. How Royal Rescue came to be is a long story. I’d been writing off and on for many years, but I’d always let life and fear get in the way. In the spring of 2014 I had been praying for wisdom to see if my life was on the right path and seeking help in what I should do about my future and financial situation.

Soon after on a Sunday in church the pastor mentioned that God really wanted us to use what was in our hand. I took that as an answer to my prayer that I should write again. When I got home from church that Sunday, I looked on the Harlequin forums to see if they had any writing contests coming up that I could work toward entering. (It had always been my dream to someday sell a book to Harlequin and I knew from past experiences they often had editor pitches and other contests for aspiring authors.) There I found the Killer Voices contest the Love Inspired Suspense line was having. It had already started, but I had a few weeks before the deadline of the first stage which was a first page. I knew I had to do it! Through every step of the way I felt God with me, telling me if I did it, He would bless it – and He sure did!

Share your character creation journey.

I usually create my characters from the inside out. I know the personality I want them to have and the person I want them to be. I develop their unique conflicts and details before I begin to flesh out their looks. I usually get my ideas from characters on TV or in the movies and like to set up Pinterest boards for inspiration on little details.

Who is the heroine in Royal Rescue? Describe her character traits, quirks, strengths and weaknesses.

Thea James is a princess in hiding who has found out it’s time to go home. Throughout the book her faith remains strong, even though it is challenged several times as she deals with fear. Through all the years she’s been hidden away for her own safety, she never gave up on the hope of her family being reunited. She is strong and independent and at times a little stubborn, but she is smart enough to know her own limits as well.

Let’s talk about your hero. What’s his name? What makes him a true hero? What are his flaws? What makes him perfect for the heroine?

Ronin Parrish is a man who will sacrifice anything and everything to protect those he cares for. He is on a mission in this story to regain honor that his family has lost by proving his father is innocent of the crime of killing the king, Thea’s father. Along the way he learns from Thea and realizes how important the faith he thought he’d lost can be. Thea and Ronin have an instant attraction, but more than that, they develop a respect and understanding of each other as their strength is tested by danger throughout their journey.

What was your favorite feature of writing this book?

During the Killer Voices contest, I loved having the deadlines that kept me motivated to keep writing. I also loved the friendships that I’ve formed with many of the other writers who entered. After I sold the book, I’ve made even deeper connections with other authors and have really enjoyed the friendships that have formed. When I look back on how Thea and Ronin began, I almost get teary eyed thinking of all they had to go through to find reach their happily ever after. I’d have to say that is one of my favorite parts of this book and every romance. I love the happily ever after.

Is there anything about the writing/publishing process you do not like?

I love writing when I’m actually writing. Getting to that place where I can actually write is sometimes not a lot of fun. I’m terrible at procrastinating, that’s something I’m working on. Being published is a dream come true and I can’t imagine ever not enjoying it.

How has writing this book brought joy or difficulty to your life (or has it)? Explain.

Writing Royal Rescue has been a huge blessing and brought me more joy than I could ever explain. Through the whole process I had a knowing like I’d never experienced before that God was with me and wanted to bless me. Through the process I realized I needed to do the work and stick to my writing and not let myself get discouraged.

What do you like the most about writing for Harlequin’s Love Inspired line? Share your story about how you started writing for that publisher.

I guess I already explained how I came to write for Love Inspired Suspense. I had always dreamed of writing for Harlequin and they are always on the lookout for new authors through the many contests and pitch events they provide. I love writing for Love Inspired because it gives me a chance to share my faith and hopefully inspire others in their faith as well. Plus, I get to share stories of love and what can be better than that?

Why do you choose to write romantic suspense and not another category of Christian fiction?

Writing for the suspense line gives me a chance to share thrills and danger and show how people can rely on their faith even during the scary times.

If you could spend a day with any of the characters in your book, who would it be and what would you do?

Share details and explain why. I formed an attachment with both Thea and Ronin. It was hard to be done with them and put them aside to work on other stories. I feel like I know them pretty well already, so if I had to pick someone, I think I’d spend the day with Ronin’s older brother, Jarrod. I hope to be working on his book soon and I’d love to pick his brain and see what makes him tick.

What was your go-to food or drink while writing Royal Rescue?

My go to so far have always been peanut butter M&M’s and a glass of sweet tea. I always have my tea while writing and chocolate makes me happy.

What do you want your readers to remember most about Royal Rescue?

I hope that everyone who reads Royal Rescue will come away from the story knowing they are special and important. The verse I chose for the story was, 2 Corinthians 6:18 which reads, "And, I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." I hope that every reader knows how loved and valuable they are to their father, God.

Now that you’ve published your first book, what’s next?

I’ve been working on the story for Thea’s brother, Leo. I hope to have it to my editor early this summer. I already have several other stories ideas for other characters who were in this book and others who weren’t. I hope to keep busy writing and enjoying every day of the life I’ve been blessed with.

Do you have any final comments?

Thank you so much for having me on the blog and for those who have read this far, thank you! If you read Royal Rescue, I hope you enjoyed it and that it sparked something in your heart.

~*~
Author bio: Two of Tammy Johnson's biggest dreams were being a mother and becoming a Harlequin author. After raising and homeschooling her four children up to high school, her writing dream came true when she sold her first book through the Love Inspired Suspense, Killer Voices pitch event. 

Raised as a preacher's kid, faith has always held an important place in her life. Tammy enjoys sharing her faith by writing stories of strong heroines and heroes who find strength in their beliefs to overcome danger and fear. She is a country girl at heart and lives in a small Kansas town with her teenage son and dachshund. She enjoys cloud watching and summer storms. A glass of sweet tea and a new story are never far away.

~*~
Blurb for Royal Rescue:

A PRINCESS IN PERIL 

Hidden away for more than fourteen years, Thea James was presumed dead by most—killed in the fire that burned the royal palace. 

But Ronin Parrish knows the truth…and so does the person who murdered Thea's father, the king. Ronin takes his new duty as Thea's bodyguard seriously. After all, she's the only one who can clear his father of the king's murder. 

It doesn't matter that the princess's beauty and strength draw him to her. To a commoner like him, she can never be more than a mission. Now he's in a race to restore the princess to her rightful place on the throne before the unknown killer prematurely ends her reign.
~*~
Buy Tammy's book:
Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1aLAxo4
Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1faLFwH

Christianbook.com - http://bit.ly/1edX7HD
Harlequin - http://bit.ly/1NbrnCp
~*~
Connect with Tammy:
Website - www.tammyjohnson.net
Facebook - www.facebook.com/authortammyjohnson
Twitter - https://twitter.com/TammyjTammy

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: Love Doesn't Make the World Go Around, God Does

Inspirational Romance Novelist Shannon Taylor Vannatter is here today as part of a blog tour where she will share details on her newest novel Rodeo Reunion (released June 1) and offer you a chance to win a copy of her book! 

Please pay attention to the book giveaway details in this message from the author Shannon: Here’s something special to commemorate the Heartsong Presents line since it’s ending this month. Comment to enter the drawing for a copy of Rodeo Reunion. Ten copies will be split among names drawn during the blog tour from June 1st – July 1st. One winner will receive a baseball themed memory board personally crafted by the author. Winners will be revealed on the author’s blog on July 22nd. 

Let's be clear (a note from Alexis): Shannon is doing a blog tour where she's a guest on 14 different blogs, including God is Love. The list of all the stops on the blog tour is found toward the end of this post http://bit.ly/1QPYgAQ on Shannon's blog. After the blog tour is over on July 1st, Shannon will choose 10 individual winners from all 14 of her guest posts on all of the blogs she visited. She will also select a winner for the memory board pictured below:

Shannon will post a list of all the winners on her blog by July 22. She will contact the hosts of the blog tour to get addresses for winners.  So please remember to include your e-mail address when you leave your comment at the end of today's guest post here on my blog God is Love.

Got it? Sounds fun, right?

Now onto Shannon's guest post here on my blog where she shares why she loves writing romance novels. Shannon will also educate us as to why God, not love makes the world go around! :)

Remember to leave your comment and e-mail address at the end of this guest post.

~*~
Love Doesn't Make the World Go Around, God Does
A guest post written by Shannon Vannatter

When I was a teen, my mom checked out clean romances from the library for me. I lived each romance vicariously through the heroine and fell in love with each hero. So in 1999, when I finally realized that story playing in my head was a book, of course it was a romance. I set out to write a clean romance, but as I wrote, my characters kept talking to God and I let them.

After I finished the book and started trying to find a publisher, I realized there was a Christian Romance genre, which was in its infancy then. Once I knew there was a market for what I’d written, there was no stopping me. Though it took me almost ten years to get published.

My critique partner says writing is like playing paper dolls on paper. I was a Barbie girl myself, so I prefer playing Barbie’s on paper. It’s a lot of fun to make characters do what I want them to. In real life, people often ask for advice, but they don’t follow it. In my fictional world, I get to control characters and force them to follow my guidance. And voila, their lives turn out great.

I try to wrap life lessons in my fictional tales since women often think that life will be perfect if they can just meet Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now, that love makes the world go round. I write Christian romance to show that love doesn’t make the world go round, God does. Only with a commitment to Christ and putting Him first in everything, can we expect love to withstand the trials of this world.

I also think Christian Romance novels are a great witnessing tool. Hand a non-believer a Bible and they probably won’t read it. But if they’re a romance reader and you hand them a Christian Romance, they might. In the weaving of my story, my character’s journey, triumphs and trials, I try to show a better life is possible. A life based on God.

So with each story I write, I hope to steer young girls to get things right with God and don’t settle for a non-believer, entertain Christian women and deepen their walk with Christ, and give them a great witnessing tool to pass on to non-believing friends.

~*~
Author bio: Central Arkansas author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife. She lives in a town with a population of around 100, if you count a few cows and once climbed a mountain wearing gold wedge-heeled sandals which became known as her hiking boots. Vannatter won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award in the short contemporary category, The 18th Annual Heartsong Awards 3rd Favorite New Author and #1 Contemporary Award. 

She has ten published titles and is contracted for five more. Her books are available at christianbook.com, barnesandnoble.com, Amazon.com, harlequin.com, and barbourbooks.com.

~*~
Book blurb for Rodeo Reunion:

RAQUEL MARRIS NEEDS A MAN WHO'LL STAY PUT

And Slade Walker's not a likely candidate. Even if the former major league pitcher just agreed to coach her son's little league team. The single mom can't risk everything on a bronc-riding chaplain who's only passing through Raquel's small Texas town.

Slade is taking a hiatus from the rodeo circuit to meet the sister he never knew he had. But the pretty widowed nurse next door is making him think twice about hitting the road again. He can't turn his back on the cowboys who need him, but Raquel and her boy need him, too. Can Slade fulfill his calling and finally find a place to hang his hat?

~*~
Buy Shannon's book:
Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1dze0vz
Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1B5R0zs
Christianbook.com - http://bit.ly/1IxoCG1

~*~
Connect with Shannon:

Real Life Romance blog - http://shannonvannatter.com/blog/

Facebook - http://facebook.com/shannontaylorvannatter
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29672798-shannon-vannatter,
Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/stvannatter/
Twitter - @stvauthor

Website - http://shannonvannatter.com

Love is in the Air: God Makes Broken into Beautiful

My dear writer friend Betsy St. Amant is here today to share the reason why her latest novel Love Arrives in Pieces, is so close to her heart. 

Best of all, Betsy is hosting a book giveaway contest here on my blog today! She agreed to give away one paperback copy of her novel Love Arrives in Pieces, to the one person who wins the contest.

Enter the contest by answering my question for you which is found toward the end of Betsy's guest post and to increase your chances of winning, fill out the items on the Rafflecopter widget.

So take a deep breath, curl up in a cushioned chair, maybe pour a cup of tea and listen to Betsy share her heart...

~*~
God Makes Broken into Beautiful
A guest post written by Betsy St. Amant

After writing All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes, I knew deep down that Stella Varland, a side character in the book, had her own story. She was so much more than just a pageant queen sister to Kat. She had hurts that made her the way she was, she had insecurities underneath the Vaseline-slicked teeth and the perfectly curled hair. She had secrets.

Love Arrives in Pieces delves into Stella’s secrets.

And in doing some, unearth a few of my own.

I put a little bit of myself into all of my characters—it’s hard not to, as an author. It might be hair color, it might be a habit or quirk, it might be a favorite food, it might be a career. It might be a pet or a memory or a fear, but there is a tiny part of me revealed in all of my characters.

Love Arrives in Pieces is so special to me because there’s not just a tiny piece of me in Stella. In so many ways, I am Stella.

Oh there’s many differences, of course. I was never a pageant winner, but I was divorced. I never had perfect blonde ringlets, but I know how it feels for your husband to bail. I’m not even remotely talented with art or interior design, but I know what it’s like to try to gather all the sharp broken pieces of your heart and wonder what on earth God can do with them.

Stella’s journey is much like the one I had to navigate, and this story is for all of the Stella’s out there. For all of the women who feel betrayed by their beauty, or maybe who feel like they aren’t beautiful at all. For all of the women who have had their hearts broken. For all of the women who struggle with sibling rivalry. For all of the women who are grieving the end of a dream and longing for a new one. For all of the women who are afraid to hope for happily ever after, and are trying to convince themselves to settle for mundane ever after. For all of the women who have soaked their pillows with tears wondering if God sees or cares. For all of the women who have harbored bitterness or unforgiveness in their heart toward family or toward men. For all of the women who wish things were different.

For all of the women who wonder if God can fix “this”—whatever “this” is for them.
I know from experience that God is especially in the business of fixing “this”. In fact, the more shattered it is, the more impossible it seems, the better. God loves showing up and doing what only He can do. He is the Dream-giver. He loves to restore and to give seconds chances (and even third and fourth and fifteenth chances). He loves when we depend on Him, trust Him, and wait expectantly for Him to work. It might not look the way we expected it to look. In fact, it rarely does, because God’s ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). They’re better.

Nothing is too broken for Him to repair.

I found that out, and eventually, so does Stella.

I hope you will too. 

~*~
Question for readers: What is something in your life that you want God to "fix"?

a Rafflecopter giveaway
~*~
Author bio: Betsy St. Amant has a heart for three things - chocolate, new shoes and sharing the amazing news of God's grace through her novels. She resides in Louisiana with her adorable, story-telling young daughter, a collection of Austen novels and an impressive stash of Pickle Pringles. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications, is multi-published in contemporary romantic fiction, and freelances for her local newspaper. 


She also enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing. When she's not composing her next book or trying to figure out where Mr. Darcy went, she can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a white-chocolate mocha, or singing along with her daughter to the latest Disney soundtrack. 

Look for her newest novel, Love Arrives in Pieces, released June 9, 2015!
~*~
Blurb for Betsy's book:

For so long, Stella was known for her beauty. Now, with her heart stripped bare, she must discover who she really is.

Former pageant queen Stella Varland doesn’t trust beauty anymore after her divorce. Her appearance betrayed her and led to brokenness, so instead of being beautiful, now she tries to make beautiful things, but she always falls short. So she keeps her passion for art to herself and focuses on her interior design work. But if she doesn’t get another job soon, she’ll be stuck living with her parents.

Contractor Chase Taylor is determined to live a life of no regrets after losing his fiancée. Now he lives life at full speed, striving to see how much he can accomplish. He knows if he slows down, he’ll fall apart. So he returns home to Bayou Bend to renovate the town’s old theater and is shocked to discover that the designer for the project is his old flame, Stella.

Forced to work together, Chase and Stella battle their chemistry and past as they struggle to compromise and work together on a vision for the theater. Their wills clash as they attempt to hide their brokenness—and their unresolved feelings for each other—until Chase discovers the hidden parts of Stella, while losing her trust in the process.

A near catastrophe, a fire, and a small-town gossip mill finally force Stella and Chase to realize that they have a choice—to hold on to the shards of their pasts, or surrender their fragmented pieces to the One who makes a beautiful masterpiece from their brokenness.
~*~
Buy Betsy's book:

Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1f1hub7

Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1f1hvfi

Christianbook.com - http://bit.ly/1MGrCRQ

Zondervan - http://www.zondervan.com/love-arrives-in-pieces

~*~

Connect with Betsy:

Author page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BetsySt.Amant
Official website - http://www.betsystamant.com/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/betsystamant

Love is in the Air: Your Not-So-Secret Admirer

Raelee May Carpenter, author of Liberation Song, visits my blog today to share a devotional God placed on her heart. It's sweet, clever and the message may resonate with your heart.

Enjoy! :)

~*~
Your Not-So-Secret Admirer
A devotional written by Raelee May Carpenter

A few summers ago in late July, the peak of my irritation with what felt like a feverish Persian kitten lying across the back of my neck happened to coincide with a $7 haircut sale at BoRic’s, and short-story-long, the curls that had dangled a couple inches past my shoulders were chopped to brush softly against my chin. I was officially ready to take on the summer…now that it was half over.

This slight alteration in my physical appearance drew a lot of comment at the factory where I worked at the time, including from people (mostly) who I did not know.

In one such moment, I was walking the plant floor when a gentleman I didn’t recall ever laying eyes on said to me, “You got your hair cut.”

I smiled and said, “Yes” then headed back to my work area while he said to the person next to him, “Her hair was long yesterday.”

I related the “incident” to a coworker who responded, “Well, you never know who’s noticing you.”

I know she met this in a nice way, like maybe I sorta had a secret admirer or something which was sweet, but on another level, her comment kinda made me squirm. Like maybe I’d been caught stealing cookies or something. Weird, I know. But what’s weirder is: I used to feel that way about God.

Have you ever felt that way? Maybe like God is Cruella Deville with PMS? Or an angry boss you’re afraid of. You can work along at your job when He’s out of the office, but when you see Him, you’re so nervous you can’t remember what you’re doing. He’ll see you at your desk, seeming to be typing away industriously on a project, but if He’d look at your screen (hopefully He doesn’t), He’d see something like, “jtirjihj ihi ijihn uiw…”

When did God’s ever-presence become a source of anxiety, instead of a constant well of love, joy and hope?

Through my writing, I am constantly repeating the message: how much God loves you, no matter who you are or what you’re doing. This is why.

I mean, yes, you are guilty of sin. And, no, God is (as C.S. Lewis put it) “NOT a tame lion.” Yes, God wants you to live a good life. But He does not want you to live a good life just because you’re afraid He’ll hurt you if you don’t. Or even because you know that you should.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said a hundred times: God loves you. That is exactly why He doesn’t want you to live (or fake) a good life, because you’re running scared. Living scared is NOT part of the Love Equation (perfect love casts OUT fear, remember?).

If you’re a parent, you probably know on an intellectual level you should hug your children and tell them you love them. It’s “good for their development.” But I’m guessing that “good for their development” is not what you’re thinking when you snuggle your babies in your arms. You don’t do it because you should. You do it because you love them, and loving them makes loving on them about the easiest thing in the world to do.

That’s the picture of God you need. That’s a God you can fall in love with, and you should love that God, because he’s the real One. As big and wild and sovereign and holy as God is, He’s still your Da-da.

How many of you want your children to hug you and tell you they love you because they think you’ll spank them if they don’t? Or would you rather they hugged you because they knew you loved them? Wouldn’t you rather they say, “I love you,” because they actually do love you?

That’s what your Da-da wants too.

Or, if I may dare another comparison, God is less like an angry boss and more like a Secret Admirer. Only instead of sending Russell Stover’s and anonymous poetry, He created a whole universe, complete with mountains and oceans and planets and stars and signed it in big red letters with the pen of His very life: “I AM.”

What do you do with a love like that? I’d really like to know.

Watch the Light, Beloved.

~*~
Author bio:

Raelee May Carpenter is a Christian and an author of contemporary fiction, inspirational essays, and modern mythology. Her work is passionate, descriptive and just a little edgy. Raelee's three lifelong passions are faith, people, and words. She's a tone-deaf music fan and "Mumma" to a young-at-heart, rescued Beagle mix. Her favorite thing to write about is the force that saved her life: Grace.
~*~
Buy Raelee's book, Liberation Song:
Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1GwBH4O
Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1dsRlRl

~*~

Connect with Raelee:
Website - http://www.raeleemaycarpenter.com/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/RaeleeCarpenter
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/raeleemaycarpenter

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3510962.Raelee_May_Carpenter

Love is in the Air: Author interview featuring Davalynn Spencer's book Romancing the Widow

An author with whom you should be on a first-name basis by now, returns to the blog today to promote her book Romancing the Widow.

Romancing the Widow is Book #3 in Davalynn's Canon City collection and the focus of her interview today. So sit back, relax and enjoy the interview of this talented journalist-turned-author! :)

*Words from Alexis in bold, words from Davalynn not in bold*

~*~
Alexis: Romancing the Widow is Book #3 in your Canon City collection. Tell us about the series.

Davalynn: The three books all stand alone, but they tell the ongoing story of the Hutton family. In Romancing the Widow, Martha Hutton Stanton takes the stage as heroine. She is the widowed daughter of Annie and Caleb Hutton from the first book, The Cowboy Takes a Wife. Her brother Whit Hutton’s story is in the second book, Branding the Wrangler’s Heart.

What inspired the Canon City series?

I live in Cañon City, and it is full of little-known Western historical gems. Each of the three books offers a peek at an actual event that took place here in the 1800s. I had a couple of other books lined up in the series, but Harlequin is no longer publishing the Heartsong Presents series after June. Perhaps those other stories will appear elsewhere.

What are the names of the other books in the series?

The Cowboy Takes a Wife and Branding the Wrangler’s Heart

Let’s talk about Romancing the Widow. Why did you write it?

After getting to know Annie Whitaker and Caleb Hutton from the first book, I wanted to continue their story from the viewpoints of their two children, Whit and Martha. Martha is the young childless widow who returns home to Cañon City bereft, grief stricken, and can we say “resentful”?

Tell us about your heroine Martha Stanton. What does she fear? What does she hope for in life? What broke her heart? How will she ever love again (or will she)?

Martha is certain she will never love again. Her preacher husband is shot and killed by the stray bullet of a drunken cowboy. With no children and no prospects, she does the only thing she can: return home.

Tell us about your hero Haskell Jacobs. Describe his looks, personality, and character. What does he want out of life? What makes him so mysterious?

Oh, I’m so glad you see Haskell as mysterious, for he is! Tall, dark, and secretive, he covers his heart quite well and drives himself to stay on task. What he wants from life and what he’s getting blister to the surface in this story.

Share a synopsis of the scene where Haskell meets Martha. Why does he take interest in Martha?

Haskell sees Martha step down from the train and is struck by the bold contrast of her widow’s garb and auburn hair. He sees her again the next day at the mercantile, and is similarly moved by her manner. But he doesn’t really meet her until she walks unwittingly in front of his horse on Main Street and is nearly trampled.

Haskell is a very unique name I’d say. How did you create it?

I first saw the name Haskell in a funeral notice as the surviving brother of a deceased friend. Immediately I knew that was my character’s name, or the rest of his name. For I already had Tillman Jacobs. Tillman was my grandfather’s name and combining the two bold and uncommon names added to the mystery of my 1800s Colorado Ranger.

What would you say was the greatest challenge in creating your main characters?

These two main characters, Martha and Haskell, came alive on the page for me. No difficulty at all as I watched their personalities unfold, other than keeping to my targeted word count!

If you could spend an hour with one of your characters in this book, who would it be and why? Share details on how you’d spend that hour.

If I could spend an hour with Haskell, I’d disguise myself in men’s clothing and ride beside him on his quest for the horse thief. I’d be quiet enough to gain his confidence, for I’d love to hear his musings about his life as a Ranger, following in the steps of his father, also a Colorado Ranger.

What was your favorite memory in writing Romancing the Widow?

I was quite moved by the ending – as silly as that sounds coming from the author. Of course, I can’t give away the scene here, but the unexpected tenderness in one of the characters touched me deeply. Sometimes in the writing process, the author simply sits back and watches a scene unfold. That’s what happened for me this time.

What advice do you have for unpublished authors?

As trite and commonplace as it sounds, my advice is this: Don’t quit.

When you’re on deadline, what food or drink must you always consume?

Coffee, chocolate, and gummy bears.

What do you love the most about being a writer?

I love living vicariously through the lives of my characters. This is also my goal for readers—that they can escape for a time into the pages of my books and see another world.

What do you love the most about springtime?

Springtime in the Rockies is spectacular. The sky is piercingly blue, columbines appear, aspens leaf out. Everything is so colorful and clear. Except when a spring snowstorm sweeps down! But even those are beautiful.

Complete this sentence: After I wrote "The end" to Romancing the Widow, I felt ______________because___________________.

After I wrote “The end” to Romancing the Widow, I felt satisfied because I knew it was all going to work out for Martha and Haskell.

~*~
Author bio:

Davalynn Spencer writes inspirational Western romance complete with rugged cowboys, their challenges, and their loves. 

Her work has finaled for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the Selah, and the Holt Medallion. 

Davalynn teaches writing at Pueblo Community College and at various writing workshops. She and her own handsome cowboy make their home on Colorado’s Front Range with a Queensland heeler named Blue. 

~*~

Buy Davalynn's book:

Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1MicUQ2

Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1BUfNBa
Christianbook.com - http://bit.ly/1Qi90gH
~*~
Connect with Davalynn:
Website - www.davalynnspencer.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDavalynnSpencer
Twitter - @davalynnspencer