Interview with Bell Renshaw about Second Chance Christmas
Alexis: What inspired you to write this story?
Bell: I always knew I wanted to write the love stories of all three Bradley brothers and was really looking forward to Troy’s story because he’s such a fun character, but he turned out to be even more layered of a character which I loved!
Alexis: Describe the setting for this story. What makes it special to your main characters?
Bell: The fictional town of Winter, Montana is probably best described as the perfect, wintry town of my Christmas dreams. Think decorations on every corner during the holidays, festivities where the town celebrates together, and lots and lots of snow! My main characters grew up there and, while opportunity took Summer away, she’s back and remembering just how much she loves Winter.
Alexis: Tell me about the heroine of your story, Summer Marshall. What does she look like? Sound like? Act like? What are her most treasured dreams and greatest fears?
Bell: Summer is definitely a Type A personality! She’s focused, dedicated, and driven. But along with that she’s got a soft heart that wants to help others as. She finds herself at a crossroads at the beginning of this story, facing the reality that goof-off Troy may have things more together than she does, but it’s all part of her coming to terms with how her story is evolving. She’s average height (maybe a little short) with shoulder length light brown hair and green eyes. Her scent is lavender and she definitely wants to succeed—no matter what she’s doing.
Alexis: Tell me about the hero of your story, Troy Bradley. What does he look like? Sound like? Act like? What are his hopes and fears?
Bell: Ah, Troy. He is ‘once party boy turned humanitarian.’ I love his transformation in this story because it’s not that he loses what makes him fun, he’s just realized what he’s meant to do. To make food for those who are hungry. He’s a bit wanderer, never settling down but always a hard worker. He’s tall with dark brown hair that falls just below his ears and has hazel eyes.
Alexis: Why did Summer leave her job in L.A. and return to her home in Montana?
Bell: Without spoiling the story, Summer was faced with a decision she had to make in L.A.: either compromise her own beliefs and integrity or leave. She counted the cost of her ambition and knew that she couldn’t compromise, so when she leaves, it’s for the right reasons, but that doesn’t mean it still isn’t hard for her to see that missed opportunity.
Alexis: How is moving back home affecting her plans for her career as a chef?
Bell: As a chef on the cusp of an amazing career opportunity, Summer is forced to reevaluate her goals. While Winter is charming and “home” for her, she doesn’t see it as a growing place to use her culinary skills. Until she and Troy meet up…
Alexis: Why does Troy feel that he finally has a purpose for his life and why does it depend on whether he wins a food truck competition?
Bell: Troy has spent a lot of his life doing things because they are fun. He thought he might want to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a chef, but life interfered and he finds himself back in Winter working odd jobs. His lack of ambition never bothered him until he was introduced to the community out at The Park—a mobile home park where those less fortunate live and homeless gather. Seeing them and knowing they were in need (and deserving of) good food, the idea for his food truck, Hungry No More, was born. But, after an accident involving the truck and other incidents in his life, he’s facing debt and the fact that he can’t support his charitable giving if he doesn’t win the food truck competition.
Alexis: How long has Troy owned a food truck? Why did he first venture into this business?
Bell: Troy started the truck at the beginning of the year when the book takes place. He had been saving up for something—he wasn’t sure what—and then he happened upon a friend selling a truck and the rest is history!
Alexis: What kind of food does Troy make and serve on his food truck? Share details about his culinary school training, business skills and passion for food.
Bell: Troy likes to keep his menu locally sourced which means it changes with the seasons. He prefers things with unique flavor profiles, savory and sweet alike, but is all about them tasting great! He trained at the culinary institute where Summer went but had to leave early (for reasons). He also believes in sustainable paper goods and utensils.
Alexis: Why is Troy trying to be a better man and what role does Summer play in his transformation?
Bell: Growing up with two older brothers and a father who, before he passed away, was a staple in the community, Troy feels the pressure to be ‘great’ at something like Hoyt is at acting and Beau is at running his coffee shop. But, he’s always been more for having a good time than committing to something until he starts the food truck. Having purpose for his talent of cooking creates a desire in him to be better. When Summer comes along he realizes she’s the girl he’s always wanted in his life and he wants to be deserving of her. Plus, they make a great team and together accomplish goals better than if they were trying separately.
Alexis: Why did you make second chances the theme of this story?
Bell: Originally, I’d called this book Last Christmas Wish and thought it would be about that…but as I wrote, I began to realize it was a lot more about second chances, Troy’s being the biggest, but also with Summer. She doesn’t so much need a second chance with Troy, but she needs one for herself. This is important to me because sometimes our plans don’t line up the way we want, but that doesn’t mean the alternate plan isn’t as good (or better).
Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story?
Bell: I hope readers will remember the cozy Christmas feelings the town of Winter always gives me but also, I really hope that it will inspire a desire in them (as it has in me) to give back. Not only in this holiday season but throughout the year. I believe when we are blessed, we are blessed to be a blessing to others!
Alexis: Did you play Christmas music while writing this story? If so, which song was your favorite and how did it inspire your storytelling?
Bell: YES! I actually have several instrumental playlists that I listen to on repeat. For this book, I listened to a lot of the London Symphony Orchestra’s Currier & Ives Holiday Collection. I don’t have just one song but I will forever love anything from The Nutcracker.
Alexis: What is your favorite Christmas holiday treat? Did it help you while writing this story? If so, explain.
Bell: I absolutely love gingerbread/molasses cookies. I didn’t get to have them while writing but you can bet I’ll be making them to celebrate the release of the book! Plus, there is a certain dessert that Troy makes that his signature and I’ve been wanting to create my own recipe for that.
Alexis: If you could give one of your characters a Christmas gift, what would it be? Why?
Bell: What a fun question! I think I would give Troy an ugly Christmas sweater—mostly because he’s the kind of guy that would wear one (hehe).
Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Bell. Merry Christmas!
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Author Bio:
Annabell “Bell” Renshaw has always loved books and the power of a good story.
She turned those passions toward writing at an early age, finding solace and adventure in made-up worlds when her mother would read to her as a kid.
She’s grown up now, but still finds herself lost in those worlds. She believes in the power of a happy ending and the fact that—no matter what —love will always find a home.
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Blurb for Second Chance Christmas:
Summer Marshall left L.A., disenchanted by the city that once held her dreams.
When the promise of a head chef position comes with strings attached, fear pushes her to make the difficult but smart decision to head home. Now, despite the cheer of the season, the abrupt end to her carefully laid plans leaves Summer questioning everything.
Troy Bradley finally has a purpose for his life. Unfortunately, it hinges on the outcome of a televised food truck competition. He’s given everything he has to make his truck successful but overcoming his aversion to responsibility means every choice matters if he wants to prove he’s not the man he once was.
Summer never expected Troy—culinary school dropout and incurable flirt—to have changed, but seeing the commitment to his food truck and the people he feeds has her wondering if he really does have it all together. Is it possible the boy who humiliated her all those years ago is closer to achieving his dreams than she is?
When Summer and Troy are thrown together in a snowy whirlwind of holiday activities and a televised competition, Summer has to decide what it means to head toward the future while facing your past, while Troy is left to wonder if second chances really are possible.
Share this Christmas in Winter, Montana where the spirit of the season brings loved ones together and second chances come with mistletoe kisses.
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Buy Bell's book on Amazon
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Connect with Bell:
Website: www.bellrenshaw.jimdo.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bellreadsbooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/authorbellren
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellRenshaw/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bellrenshaw/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bellrenshaw
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