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.

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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: JoAnn Durgin's hero

Interview with Sloan McClain, hero of Roundabout (book) by JoAnn Durgin:

JoAnn: Sloan, thanks for being my guest today. First of all, I understand you’re a legacy rancher—meaning your father was a rancher and taught you everything you know from an early age. What do you enjoy most about being a rancher?

Sloan: First of all, that it is a legacy. My grandfather was also a rancher. As an only child, I was expected to take ownership of Roundabout Ranch one day. I’ve always accepted my responsibilities in that regard, but it helps that I genuinely love ranching. There’s something about the physicality of working the land and raising cattle that’s inherently satisfying. It’s honest labor, but it’s also cleansing for the soul. It’s also a great time to talk with the Lord when I’m surrounded by my many blessings. (Smiles) Depending on weather and other factors, one day can be quiet while the next can be chaotic, but that keeps it interesting. No day is like the next, and it’s never boring. Ranchers also have a close network, and we help each other out when needed. Like a built-in support system. 

JoAnn: That’s wonderful. Can you tell us a little about your history with Jensen Callahan?

Sloan: (Chuckles) Where to begin? Jenny and I both grew up in Justis, a tiny town in West Texas. From the time we were kids, we’d see each other around town occasionally. We didn’t really get to know each other until high school. There was something about her that was different from the other girls. She was sassy, smart, and fun. She was also the prettiest girl in town with her long blonde hair and unique honey-colored eyes, but Jenny never thought she was pretty. To be blunt, her mom had something of a bad reputation around town, and her father was too fond of his drink. If I ever heard anyone make insinuations about her, my protective instincts roared like a lion. In spite of it all, Jenny was—and still is—one of the most sensitive and compassionate people I’ve ever known.

JoAnn: She sounds like a wonderful person. Did you two date in high school?

Sloan: Yes. One date and that was it...for both of us. Let me preface that by saying I had a tutor at the ranch for years. That way, I could schedule my classes and study times around work. When I was a senior in high school, I rebelled against my parents and insisted they allow me to attend public high school. For once in my life, I wanted to be with kids my age and have some fun. While I respected my parents, I was also independent and wanted my father, especially, to understand he didn’t own me. Jenny was a couple years younger than me, but we started going out. Unfortunately, my dad didn’t want me to see her (for reasons of his own). So, we had to sneak around. I supposedly spent a lot of time in the library and made a lot of new “friends” I spent time with that year. (Shrugs) I’m not proud of it, but that’s the way it was.

JoAnn: I hate to ask, but did you and Jensen (Jenny) break up at some point?

Sloan: We never broke up, and that was the hardest and most confusing aspect—there was no closure to our relationship. We loved one another, but there’s no easy way to say this except to come right out with it: Jenny’s father was murdered when she was 17. That night changed everything—she ran away from Justis. I was away studying at A&M, and I couldn’t believe she was gone. For 13 long years, I didn’t see her. I kept tabs on her, and I usually knew where she was. I tried to contact her several times, but it was clear she didn’t want to see me or talk to me. But as always, you’ve got to love the way God works behind the scenes. Neither one of us were Christians back in high school, but in His timing and in His way, we both came to know the Lord. Then He orchestrated the opportunity for us to finally see each other again…when Jenny was at a good place in her life, and I felt she wasn’t as much of a flight risk. (Chuckles) That doesn’t mean it wasn’t a shock when I walked back into her life unexpectedly. If there was any chance she’d run away again, I didn’t want to take it. (Shrugs a bit sheepishly)

JoAnn: Oh my! I’m so thankful you could see one another again, though. After all that much time had passed, what was it like seeing each other again?

Sloan: (Sigh). Jenny was—and always will be—the love of my life. She was my friend first and foremost, and we shared everything together. More than anyone else, she showed me unconditional love. While she was gone, I tried to forget her. I dated a lot of women, and I was even engaged for six months. But (massages his fingers over his forehead) no other woman could compare. They just weren’t my Jenny. When I saw her again, she was more beautiful than ever, and I knew she was the only one for me—then as now. As for Jenny, she didn’t push me away. She was wary at first, but she agreed to meet so we could talk.

JoAnn: Awww, that sounds like true love. I hope you two were finally able to get the closure you both needed.

Sloan: (Another sigh) We did, and I finally knew—and could understand—her reasons for running away. On the other hand, it also raised another big question in both our minds. I won’t go into detail, but suffice it to say, it turned out to be a very convoluted situation. 

JoAnn: Thanks for answering my questions today, Sloan. So, I trust you were able to reconnect with your first and forever love…and hopefully ride into the sunset together?

Sloan: (Wide grin spreads across his face) You need to read JoAnn Durgin’s novel, Roundabout, to find out the answer to that question.

JoAnn: Fair enough. Thank you, Sloan.

Sloan: (Tips his Stetson) It was my honor. Have a beautiful day!

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Author Bio:

In addition to Roundabout, USA Today Bestselling Author JoAnn Durgin is the author of the prior eight novels in the beloved Lewis Legacy Series, as well as Prelude, the prequel to the series. 

Her other works include the Amazon bestselling Catching Serenity, Heart’s Design and its sequel, Gentle Like the Rain, The Wondrous Love Series, Echoes of Edinburgh, Perchance to Dream, Whisper to My Heart, The Valentine Verse, Thee Will I Cherish, The Starlight Christmas Series, and The Serendipity Christmas Series. 

A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn now writes contemporary Christian romance full-time and lives with her family in her native southern Indiana. 

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Book Blurb for Roundabout:

At 17, Jensen Callahan fled her small hometown of Justis, Texas, the night her daddy was murdered. From the wrong side of the tracks, and with lingering suspicions but no answers, Jensen found a safe haven with a kindly Christian widow in Houston. Thirteen years later, Jensen finally feels settled and content as a faithful TeamWork Missions volunteer and the office manager for Doyle-Clarke Catering. When Sloan McClain walks into the office to hire the caterers for the West Texas Cattlemen’s Ball, her carefully guarded life is thrown into turmoil. One meeting is all it takes for Jensen to know the tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome cattle rancher—her first love and the boy she left behind in Justis—still holds her heart.

As his late father’s only child and heir, Sloan McClain now operates the family’s thriving cattle ranch and controls their vast oil interests and mineral rights. But for all his many blessings, Sloan’s days are empty and incomplete without a wife to share his life and raise a family. He’s never forgotten Jensen Callahan, the long-legged, golden-eyed blonde beauty he’d dated against his father’s wishes. He’d loved her, and no woman since has compared. After Jensen disappeared, he vowed to find her and bring her home one day, but each time he’d gotten close, she’d managed to slip away. Sloan refused to accept the heartbreaking possibility that she never wanted to be found, never wished to return.

All Sloan wants is a second chance with his first love, but he understands Jensen desperately needs closure about what happened to her father that fateful night in Justis. Together they begin to work toward finding answers as they renew their tentative and fragile friendship. But once they discover the truth, will it set them free or tear them apart forever?

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Buy JoAnn's book on Amazon

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Connect with JoAnn: 

Website - www.joanndurgin.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin
Twitter - https://twitter.com/gr8treads/

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