Cozy Christmas Reads: A Character Interview with Keira

Interview with Keira from A Christmas Surprise by Kimberly Rose Johnson:

Alexis: I enjoyed getting to know you, Keira, as I read your story! Do you think that your author, Kimberly Rose Johnson, gave your story the ending that you wanted? Why or why not? 

Keira: Oh yes! I couldn’t have asked for a more special ending. My heart is full.

Alexis: I’m sorry to hear about your late husband. How did he die? What about his death makes you fear driving in the snow? 

Keira: Thank you. He died in a car crash on an icy road. It was a horrible time in my life. I didn’t think I would recover from losing him. Every time it snows all I can think about is how slippery the roads are and I’m paralyzed in fear—or at least I was. I’m doing much better now.

Alexis: What was your first impression of Pete the veterinarian? After you two got to know each other, how did that impression change? 

Keira: Well, the very first time I met him I didn’t know who he was, and I’ll admit I was interested. That being said once I talked to him again and realized the he didn’t date moms I was not impressed. I mean really, what mom would be? But I respected his honesty. It took me a little while to figure it out, but Pete is a nice guy with a big heart.

Alexis: Your child Cody calls your best friend “Aunt” Susan. How did they bond? 

Keira: Like you said Susan is my best friend. She’s like an Aunt to Cody. She takes care of him when I need help and she’s there whenever we need her. Susan is a big part of our lives.

Alexis: Do you think that Susan is a good friend for helping your meet your match? How did you thank her when things between you and Pete, though rocky at first, started looking up?

Keira: I don’t think I’d call her a good friend for setting me up on a blind date without my permission, but no one is perfect. I’m not sure I ever did thank her. 

Alexis: What was it about your feelings for your late husband that prevented you from falling in love with Pete? How did you overcome that obstacle?

Keira: Hmm, that’s a good question. I’m not sure I can give you the answer you’re hoping for. I don’t think it was so much my feelings for him, but rather me not realizing I was capable of loving again. 

Alexis: Would you say that Pete is a great cook? Why or why not? 

Keira: Yes. Most definitely, yes! If you’d tasted the meal he made for us you would agree. 

Alexis: What’s your favorite dish that Pete’s cooked for you? Why? 

Keira: Without a doubt the Chicken Piccata Pasta. It was delicious!

Alexis: What role does your candy store play in your story? What makes it special?

Keira: Aside from my son, the candy store is my life. It was my late husband’s dream and it pays the bills. I don’t know what I’d do without it. 

Alexis: Pete said he doesn’t date women who have kids but clearly things worked out, so how did you convince him to take a risk on loving you and Cody?

Keira: I didn’t convince him. I’m not sure what changed, but somewhere along the way he had a change of heart.

Alexis: What role does Blondie (the gorgeous puppy) play in this story? Describe how her puppy eyes pull your heartstrings. 

Keira: Ah, Blondie. She was such a sweet dog. Poor Pete was so disappointed when her owner showed up. I think he had his heart set on placing Blondie under our Christmas tree for Cody.

Alexis: If you could change anything about your own life story and your new romance with Pete, what would it be? Why?

Keira: I wish I wasn’t afraid of winter weather driving. It makes my world smaller than I’d like and causes me stress. I wouldn’t change anything about Pete. Why do you ask? Don’t you think he’s just right as is? 

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

Keira: Thanks, Alexis! It was my pleasure to visit with you today. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. If you ever get to Leavenworth, Washington please stop by my candy shop and introduce yourself. I highly recommend coming during the lighting festival. There is nothing like Leavenworth at Christmastime. 

~*~
Author bio: 

Faith Hope and Love Reader's Choice Finalist, Kimberly Rose Johnson, married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. 

From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/index.html

~*~
Book blurb for A Christmas Surprise: 

Veterinarian Pete Harding doesn’t date single moms. 

After showing up to a blind date to find he left before she arrived, Keira is reminded why she doesn’t date. She had true love once but a tragic accident ripped him from her and their son, who’s now four and only wants a puppy for Christmas this year.

Although off limits since she’s a single mom, Pete determines to help Keira find the perfect puppy for her son.

Keira wonders about Pete. He says he doesn’t date women with children, yet she can’t help but notice he behaves like a man who has more on mind than finding a puppy.

Will love break down Pete’s walls and bring more than a puppy for Christmas?

A Christmas Surprise was originally published in 2013 as The Christmas Promise.

~*~
Connect with Kimberly Rose:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/2iGPy0m
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson

Twitter - https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh

Website - www.kimberlyrjohnson.com

~*~

Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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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?

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~*~

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?

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~*~

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 Elizabeth Maddrey

Happy to host fellow ACFW member and romance author Elizabeth Maddrey to the blog today! Liz is here to talk about two of her most recent books in her new series, Taste of Romance: A Splash of Substance and A Pinch of Promise.

If you love catered food, politics and stories that send the characters on creative journeys that result in unexpected love and love regained then you will absolutely adore these two books by Liz! 

Best of all, you can enter the book giveaway contest toward the end of the interview for your chance to WIN a copy of Liz's books! Liz agreed to give away one e-book copy of each book. The contest details are in the Rafflecopter widget below. 

So without further ado, on to the author interview.

*Questions by Alexis in bold, answers from Liz not in bold...

~*~
Alexis: You’ve started a new book series called Taste of Romance. What makes this series special to you?

Elizabeth: I think the first thing is that the hero in A Splash of Substance was a very minor character in my first three books (the Grant Us Grace series) and so revisiting him has been a lot of fun. But I also know that Christians frequently struggle with how much they can and should be involved in what are considered cultural or political issues and it’s those types of issues, specifically food-related ones, that the characters in the Taste of Romance series wrestle with. And as I’ve been writing, I’ve found myself having to prayerfully revisit my own thoughts.

What is the inspiration behind Taste of Romance? Share the story of how it all started.

The inspiration really came from a conversation with a friend who doesn’t vote. She’s an amazing Christian and I struggled, hard, with the fact that she had (and continues to have) no problem with a complete lack of participation in any sort of government. And I thought to myself that it was good that her husband is in the same boat...but what if he wasn’t?

*Segue*: We’re going to talk about your two most recent releases which are book #1 and book #2 in your new series Taste of Romance. Let’s start in order with the first book in the series, A Splash of Substance.

How did you decide on the title, A Splash of Substance? What message do you want that title to send to your readers before they start reading your book?

Titles are probably my biggest hurdle as a writer. I knew I wanted something that combined a food-type word (in this case Splash) and then something that would suggest a deeper, more thoughtful life. And since alliteration is always a good thing, I hit on Substance. As for readers, I hope it conveys a sense that the people in the book are worth finding more about and that they have something to offer that might make you think.

Paige Jackson is your leading lady who stays out of politics and trusts God to “govern the world.” How did you come up with her character? What are her flaws, traits and quirks? What makes Paige, well, Paige?

She’s based very loosely on my friend who shares that same thought process when it comes to the larger sphere outside her immediate concerns. I think in many ways, that’s a flaw and a benefit to Paige. She’s an avid gardener and pretty entrenched in her viewpoints. She has trouble with her mom and is definitely a daddy’s girl. She flies off the handle pretty easily and will walk off in the middle of a fight or shut you out because she hates confrontation. But she still listens to the Holy Spirit pointing out her issues and, generally, will come around to apologize after she’s cooled off.

I love that Paige owns a catering company! What kind of food does she serve?

Paige is all about locally sourced, seasonal food. So while she tries for higher-end flavors, she does it with down-to-earth ingredients. She wants the food to be fresh and accessible.

Jackson Trent, your leading man, “works on Capitol Hill for Senator Carson, putting his beliefs in action to help shape national policy.” What makes Jackson tick? What makes him a valuable professional asset to Sen. Carson? Did you use the names of real politicians for this story or is every character purely fictional?

Everyone is purely fictional. I had a few different people in mind for the side characters, but not the Senator. Jackson is fueled by a very distinct sense of right and wrong. It’s Biblically based, but he can be a bit of a steamroller. He’s absolutely adamant that Christians need to be making changes for Christ from the top down. His zeal makes him a huge asset professionally, as long as he’s in agreement with your focus.

Describe the scene where Paige and Jackson first meet. What thoughts were going through your creative brain when you created that scene?

Paige and Jackson meet when she goes to his office to present the suggested menus for this fundraiser that she’s been selected to cater. I wanted there to be an immediate sense of attraction between the two, but also that pushing apart because Jackson is the embodiment of so much that Paige feels is wrong with the world. Jackson, on the other hand, sees Paige as a bit of a dip because of her focus on sustainability and local sourcing. It was definitely attraction at first sight, but personally, both left feeling that working together was going to be miserable.

What makes A Splash of Substance a “heartwarming romance that also provides readers a chance to consider their views on the civic responsibility of Christians and sustainable living in the suburbs?”

Well, I think the romance between Paige and Jackson is delightful (I’m probably biased). I love watching people who appear diametrically opposed discover that, at the end of the day, they have more in common with one another than they think. But, it’s not only that love story. Paige and Jackson both wrestle with their positions on these issues and as they do, readers have a chance to do that as well. Hopefully it’s presented in a way that’s not considered preachy (I really do try to make it an even-handed presentation of things that people should think about – I don’t have an axe to grind, I just want people to know why they fall on the side of an issue that they do and not end up there by default.)

What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book? What was the most rewarding?

The biggest challenge was probably keeping the book from becoming preachy – and really that wasn’t horribly hard because I focused on the romance and on Paige and Jackson and even though there were places that I could’ve put more in, it wouldn’t have been organic to the characters. The most rewarding is getting to the end and realizing that there’s a good story there – it’s not just an excuse to examine issues, it’s not a shallow or superficial love story with no character growth. I’m really happy with the depth, on all sides, of the book.

What do you hope your readers will learn from reading this book?

I don’t know that I have any specific hopes beyond having enjoyed the time between the pages. If they thought about their own positions on voting or sustainability, then great! But if not, that’s good too, provided they had a good visit with Paige and Jackson.

*Segue #2*: Let’s talk about A Pinch of Promise which is book #2 in the Taste of Romance series. 

I gather from your tentative book summary that opens with the line, “He never forgot his first love” that this story is about romance won and lost. Am I correct? Please explain.

Ben fell in love with a fellow camp counselor when he spent the summer working with kids between his freshman and sophomore year of college. But when camp was over, she disappeared. And he never really was able to move on – and then she came back into his life.

Your hero in this book is a man named Ben. What inspired you to create him?

Well, he’s one of Jackson’s roommates. So it seemed natural that he have his own book (and Zach will be book three). As for how they ended up being created? Jackson just started talking to them in a scene in A Splash of Substance...and there they were.

The object of Ben’s affection is Marie to whom “no other woman has measured up.” Tell me about it. What makes Marie so perfect and captivating to Ben’s heart?
Some of it is that thrill of young love, you know? But they had a lot in common – similar hopes, dreams, plans. And I think some of it is that it’s easier to be in love with someone who’s gone than to take a risk on someone new.

Rebecca, your heroine has a wounded heart which makes it difficult for her to trust men. Tell me the backstory. 

Rebecca’s dad is a parenting expert and speaker. He used one example of her bad behavior in one of his talks, using her name specifically. And then he started making up other examples...but he never explicitly say that it wasn’t Rebecca, even though he never really said it was. But...her reputation was ruined as a result and it caused tons of problems for her during middle and high school.

What inspired you to create Rebecca? What makes her will strong? What makes her heart soft? What does she fear? What gives her hope?

I love the idea of lost love regained, and that kind of spawned Rebecca. Since I knew Ben’s knee was shot (from A Splash of Substance), and that he’d need physical therapy, having Rebecca be part of his PT was a natural connection. She is adamant about her privacy. Her heart breaks for disadvantaged children. She doesn’t have a ton of hope, really, until further on in the novel as she starts to learn about forgiveness.

Does this story have happy ending? Inquiring minds want to know!

Of course! When you write contemporary romance, you have to have a happy ending. I would be so annoyed as a reader if I picked up something labeled “contemporary romance” and the hero and heroine didn’t end up together in at least some fashion. 

What do you hope your readers will take away from A Pinch of Promise?

There are a number of themes in Pinch – forgiveness, truth, identity, and then the issue of food insecurity locally and abroad. If readers discover anything about any of those, then great. But like with Splash, if they had a pleasant time reading it, then I’ll consider it a win.

*Final Segue*: Let’s share a little insight into your personal life as we close.

What do you write contemporary romance?

Mostly because it’s also what I love to read. I love the idea of romance and I’m also a technology nerd, so contemporary is the way to go. When you start talking corsets and buggies and bustles my eyes glaze over.

What do you love the most about being an author?
I love that other people read about the people living in my imagination and have a good time doing that. Even if they didn’t, I’d keep writing, because I enjoy it – it’s my outlet. But to see my book on Amazon and know someone else has read it and enjoyed it? It’s cool.

How do you balance your work as an author with your responsibilities as a wife and mother?

Poorly? Honestly, this is a daily (hourly?) struggle. I try hard to keep my writing to naptime and after the kids are in bed. With my youngest in the process of giving up his naps, I’m not sure what that’s going to look like going forward. Once the kids are in bed, I still need to balance hubby time with writing – so we have in-house date nights one or two nights a week where we play a game together or just hang out. But, thankfully, my husband and I both have a love language of touch and quality time, so we’re both good with an evening sitting next to each other on the couch while he plays Xbox and I write. It’s something that can be a struggle, but I think as long as we’re intentional about making sure we nourish all the relationships, we’ll do okay.

What is your favorite feature of springtime? Why?
I love the warm days and cool nights. I love that split, when the evening air is still crisp enough to be refreshing. But I love that it starts getting warm enough to be outside playing during the day (and yet not having hit the hot and humid that summer brings).

Thanks for the interview, Elizabeth! Please leave a question for my readers to answer which will qualify them to enter your book giveaway contest. 

Elizabeth’s question: What do you hope to get out of the time you spend reading?

a Rafflecopter giveaway ~*~
Author bio: Elizabeth Maddrey began writing stories as soon as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of math and organization steered her into computer science for college and graduate school, she has always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace.

Elizabeth lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. with her husband and their two incredibly active little boys. She invites you to interact with her at her website www.ElizabethMaddrey.com or on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey

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Book blurb for A Pinch of Promise:

He never forgot his first love. 

In the ten years since Ben Taylor last saw Marie, no other woman has measured up. After he meets Rebecca Fisher, the physical therapist rehabilitating his knee, Ben is convinced that she is the same woman he fell in love with so many years ago. She denies it at first, but his persistence causes her to admit the truth. Right before she pushes him away.

To escape a painful negative image created by her father, Rebecca Fischer has constructed an identity completely separate from her past. Seeing Ben, her long lost love, threatens to shatter her intricate illusions. As Ben digs to uncover the truth of who she is, Rebecca must decide if she will trust any man with her wounded heart.

But even if Ben can convince her to admit the truth, how will he be able to trust her love?

~*~

Book blurb for A Splash of Substance:

She doesn’t vote. He works for a Senator. Is it a recipe for romance or disaster?

Paige Jackson has always stayed out of politics, leaving it to God to govern the world. She has enough on her plate as the owner of a catering company founded on convictions to buy local, sustainable fare. Jackson Trent works on Capitol Hill for Senator Carson, putting his beliefs in action to help shape national policy.

Hoping to find high-end clients to keep her business afloat, Paige bids on a contract to cater the Senator’s next fundraiser. Shake-ups in the Senator’s staff leave Jackson grudgingly in charge of the event. After Paige is chosen as caterer, she and Jackson must work together despite opposing beliefs on how God calls Christians to participate in government. As Paige introduces Jackson to sustainable fare, it’s not just the food that piques his interest.

When Senator Carson becomes front-page news in Washington, Paige is sucked into the whirlwind of scandal. Can Jackson convince Paige he wasn’t complicit and win her back or has politics burned his chance at love?

~*~

Buy A Pinch of Promise:

Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1PXpxXa

Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1BAka48

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Buy A Splash of Substance:
Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1KGm8bs
Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1KwCkJm
Books-A-Million - http://bit.ly/1KwCqR4

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Connect with Elizabeth:

Twitter: @elizabethmaddre
Website: http://www.ElizabethMaddrey.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/emaddrey/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ElizabethMaddrey/posts

Love is in the Air: Author interview with Deborah M. Piccurelli

It's an honor to host Deborah M. Piccurelli, author of Love Comes Calling, on my blog today.

If you love stories about forgiveness, second chances and romance then you will truly enjoy this book by Deborah. Here's the best news--Deborah is giving away not one, not two but three copies of Love Comes Calling! So that means a total of three people can each win a book in this particular book giveaway contest! 

So read on, enjoy the author interview of Deborah and remember to follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget (found at the end of the interview) for your chance to WIN a book! :)

*Please note: Interview questions by Alexis are in bold, answers from Deborah are not in bold.

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Alexis: I loved your book, Love Comes Calling! It’s such a delightful read. What can you tell my readers about your book? Speak to those who have not read it yet.

Deborah: Thank you for the compliment, Alexis! What I want to tell your readers about my novella is that they will enjoy the story if they are fans of tender, sweet love stories. They will also like it if they enjoy reading stories of forgiveness and redemption. Also, this book has what I hoped is a unique story line. How could a woman forgive a man who almost killed her two years before, let alone fall in love with him?

What did you love the most about writing Love Comes Calling?

It was just a fun book to write. The characters were fun and took over the story almost from the beginning.

Share your favorite memory from writing and publishing Love Comes Calling.

The publishing of this book was sort of a surprise. I heard that Prism Book Group was holding a contest. I didn’t have anything currently completed, but the first thing that came to my mind was this novella, Love Comes Calling I had written years before, so I checked it out to see if it was ready to submit the portion the publisher requested. I found that it needed a good bit of editing, so did a first edit myself. Then a friend, who is a professional editor, also critiqued it. I was one of three authors to win and get to send the complete manuscript in. After a few suggestions to revise, the editor then offered me a contract. I was so excited to see that a little novella I never thought would go anywhere would be published!

The first character we meet in Love Comes Calling is Derek Spencer. Tell my readers about Mr. Spencer. What do you hope readers will respect about him? Is there anything to not like about him? What is his purpose in your story?

I hope that readers will respect the fact that Derek is caring, kind and dashing. And that he wants to make things right, once he has become a Christian. I don’t know if there is really anything to not like about him. Maybe that he deceived Charlie from the beginning? Or that he almost caused her death two years before they met? But he was changed, so he sought forgiveness from the Lord and Charlie, too. But then he lies . . . Derek’s purpose is to be the love interest for Charlie, and an example of the redeemed.

Charlotte "Charlie" is your leading lady. She’s been through trauma but survived. What makes her so strong? What are her hopes, dreams and desires?

Charlie’s strength comes from the Lord, first and foremost. Then she has a strong and loving support system in her family. Her dream was to be a ballet dancer for most of her career life, but that dream has been crushed by Derek. Now, her hope is that, if she can’t dance herself, she’ll teach children to dance. 

Charlotte’s character in Love Comes Calling addresses an issue many women deal with—acceptance. Charlotte does not believe a man will love her just the way she is—scars, flaws and all. Why did you choose to allow this to be Charlotte’s journey? What are you hoping female readers will learn as they read Charlotte’s story?

For people who feel inferior because of looks, lack of talent or social skills can learn that, first, God loves them. They are his workmanship. Next, I would hope the story will encourage them and show that there are people in the world who don’t care what the outside looks like, but will look inside a person to find the beauty there. Lastly, I would hope this story will give them confidence in themselves, and help them to be exactly who God created them to be.

What would you say is the main theme of your novel, Love Comes Calling?

Forgiveness. Forgiveness of self, and forgiveness of one who has offended.

Let’s pretend your book is being made into a movie. What would be a few songs on the soundtrack to Love Comes Calling?

Ah, the first song that comes to mind is from the 70's, I think, and I don’t remember who performed it, but it’s "I Love You Just the Way You Are."

If you book really were made into a movie, who would you want to play Charlotte and Derek? Explain why.

Goodness, I’m not up on the young stars, since I don’t watch a lot of current TV shows and movies. The best I can do is Channing Tatum for Derek, even though Derek has blonde hair and Channing doesn’t. Maybe Rachel McAdams for Charlotte. These two have worked together before, so I know there’s an on-screen chemistry there.

Complete this sentence: As a writer, I love to _______________because

_________________.

As a writer, I love to read because it’s like my own personal, little vacation, and helps me to keep my skills up to par.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Deborah! If you’d like to give away a copy of Love Comes Calling, please leave a question for my readers.

Deborah: Thank you so much for hosting me, Alexis! Great questions. 

Deborah's question for the book giveaway contest is: What would you do if the man who almost killed you and ruined your life showed up on your doorstep two years later?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Author bio: 

After years of reading books and watching movies with an element of romance, Deborah M. Piccurelli’s desire to write romance novels came naturally. She is active in her church and is an advocate for sanctity of life. 

Deborah is the author of two novels, a novella and several cause-related newspaper articles. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and the New Jersey Society of Christian Writers. 

As one of the winners in a contest by The Christian Authors Show, details of Deborah’s writing journey can be found in the 2013-2014 edition of the book, 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading. Deborah lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two sons. 

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Blurb for Love Comes Calling:

The day new Christian, Derek Spencer, shows up on Charlie Parkes’s doorstep to make up for what he’d done, is the very day he falls in love with her. But Charlie’s sister mistakes him for a home improvement contractor, and he decides to play along until he finds a way to tell her who he really is.

Charlie is attracted to Derek, but knows the attention he pays her is only flattery. How could such a great-looking guy fall for someone with a face like hers? Nevertheless, the two form a relationship that brings a joy to Charlie that’s way beyond her wildest dreams.

But what will happen when Derek’s true identity is revealed?

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Buy Deborah’s book:
Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1FIENAj

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

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Connect with Deborah:
Facebook - www.facebook.com/deborah.piccurelli
Pinterest - Pinterest.com/DebPiccurelli

Twitter -@DebPiccurelli

Website - www.deborahmpiccurelli.com

Love is in the Air: Is Falling in Love An Unavoidable Dive?

Today's special guest married the man of her dreams when she turned Sweet 16. True story, Ada became Mrs. Brownell on her 16th birthday! 

The married couple are celebrating 62 years of wedded bliss that produced five children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

You'd think a couple who share such a remarkable life story would have good advice to share about matters of the heart. So today, I invited Ada to share her story and invite your mind to ponder the whether or not falling in love is unavoidable.

Enjoy! :)

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Is Falling in Love An Unavoidable Dive?
Written by Ada Brownell

I’ve studied and written about love many times, but writing my historical romance, The Lady Fugitive, was an exceptional experience. As with my own, that love takes a while to burst into full bloom.

Truth is, I wasn’t looking for romance when for some reason I caught the eye of my future husband. He’s my brother-in-law’s brother and I at almost 15 barely noticed him, except I knew several girls in our church were crazy about him. He was handsome, but nearly five years older and working for the railroad.

I was president of the youth group and busy with a job, school, and ministry. I’d had a couple of dates but I didn’t like either of the guys much. I didn’t expect romance until later. After all, a freckled redhead would never have a bunch of handsome suitors.

I’d noticed L.C. watching me before, but it was at a Sunday school ice skating party that I knew something was going on. He had taken skating lessons while in telegraph school in Minneapolis. My dad found skates at an auction for me and my brother and I spent part of every winter on frozen ponds and canals.

L.C. and I were about the only ones at the party who knew how to skate. Others spent their time wobbling on their blades and drinking hot chocolate around the fire.

This young man began talking to me as we went around the moon-lit curves in the canal. I wondered why he was talking to me. Then he asked if he could take me home. Afterward, he asked me for a date. Flattered, I accepted, but I didn’t expect love. After all, my sister was engaged five times before she married.

I didn’t know he was smitten and hunting for a wife.

That led to a year of dating, breaking up, making up, and then a proposal and engagement. But even then I broke up with him and almost refused to have anything to do with him. He wanted to tell me what to do. I wanted no part of that. Yet, he persisted and finally we married on my 16th birthday.

We’ve had a wonderful life together, have five children and have been married 62 years.

I finished high school, later earned my college degree, and I’ve studied love a long time.

Falling in love is an act of the will. Cupid doesn’t shoot you with a poison love arrow and “twang!” you’re a goner. Love happens because of several circumstances.

1. You are around the person of the opposite sex frequently (that’s called propinquity—what happens when you are near in time and space).

2. You desire someone in your life.

3. Your God-given instincts are telling you to create a family.

4. The person will build your ego.

5. Because you decide to fall in love to create excitement in your life.

6. Because no one better is available.

7. Because you have similar interests.

8. Because you are lonely.

9. Because someone else thinks it’s a good idea.

10. Most important: Because while you were in the womb God had a plan for your lives, and your love is so strong you feel you can’t live without one another (Psalm 37:23).

Finally, long marriages happen because you decide to continue to love one another, obey God’s Word, and honor the vows made before God to cherish only each other until death—the most romantic words ever spoken.

~*~
Author bio:

Ada Brownell, a devoted Bible student, has written for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a reporter for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado. She also is a veteran youth Christian education teacher. 

After moving to Missouri in her retirement, she continues to write books, free lance for Sunday school papers, Christian magazines, write op-ed pieces for newspapers, and blogs with stick-to-your-soul encouragement. 

She is the author of six books. She is a member of Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers. She and her husband have five children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

~*~

Blurb for Ada's book, The Lady Fugitive: 

How does a respected elocutionist become a face on a wanted poster?

Jenny Louise Parks escapes from the coal bin, and her abusive uncle offers a handsome reward for her return. Because he is a judge, he will find her or he won’t inherit her parents’ ranch. 

Determination to remain free grips Jenny, especially after she meets William and there’s a hint of romance. But while peddling household goods and showing a Passion of the Christ moving picture, he discovers his father’s brutal murder. 

Will Jenny avoid the bounty hunters? Can she forgive the person who turns her in?

~*~

Buy Ada's book, The Lady Fugitive, on Ada's Amazon Author page:

https://www.amazon.com/author/adabrownell 

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Connect with Ada:

Blog - http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com Stick-to-Your-Soul Encouragement

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries

Twitter - @AdaBrownell

Love is in the Air: Book review for Chance of Loving You

Today, I'd like to share a book I loved from beginning to end. Chance of Loving You is a wonderful book and I appreciated almost everything about it. Read on for my review of this delightful novel and be encouraged to buy a copy and read it too!

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Captivating characters take a chance on love
A book review written by Alexis A. Goring

Bestselling romance authors Terri Blackstock, Candace Calvert and Susan May Warren joined creative forces to produce a novel-length anthology containing three short stories, each story penned by one of the authors. The book is called Chance of Loving You.

The first feature about Chance of Loving You that immediately caught my eye and garnered my interest was the cover! It is so beautiful, mesmerizing and whimsical all at once! I love how a lovely couple stands in the center of a city street lined by buildings and illuminated by night lights. The lady is wearing a flowing dress and high heels that look like they went dancing for their date. She looks up at her man adoringly with her arms looped around his neck while he, dressed casually, stares deep into her eyes.

The cover, I admit, is what made me want to read and review this book and I am SO glad I did! Here’s a breakdown of what I thought of each of the three stories that compose Chance of Loving You:

“For the Love of Money” by Terri Blackstock

I give this story an A+ for humor and creativity! It is the most vivid of the three stories in Chance of Loving You. The story starts late at night inside a café with a scene between a man is who is totally devastated and a waitress with a caring heart and listening ear. The author Terri Blackstock did a wonderful job of making the reader care about her two main characters conversing in the café from the moment they start talking.

“For the Love of Money” is about Julie, a waitress who dreams of launching her own design firm and a man who is mourning the death of his dream. Julie meets this man during her shift at the café and is immediately drawn into a conversation with him, wanting to know more about this man whose story—and his good looks—had her at hello.

The author did a delightful job of using something as simple as a lottery ticket within a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates to start the action and take the characters on a whirlwind journey that leads to millionaire status, romance, heartbreak and restoration.

The story is so good! I loved every page of it though at first, I wondered how the author was going to pull such a random storyline off but to my relief, Terri did not disappoint. She is a master storyteller.

“The Recipe” by Candace Calvert

I loved this story! It was one of my favorites because it incorporated my love for food, family and romance. Candace Calvert weaves a beautiful tale full of surprises and heartwarming moments.

“The Recipe” is about hospital dietary assistant Aimee who believes baking is her calling and is hoping to win the Vegan Valentine Bake-Off . But as she cares for one of her patients who happens to be the elderly grandma of a very handsome crime scene photographer, Aimee starts to question if her passion for baking and determination to win that contest, is all she wants in life.

Perhaps Aimee learns that there’s more to life than working your dream job. Maybe she learns that you need to make time for finding and keeping true love. You’ll have to read the story to find out what Aimee determines!

Candace Calvert tells the story in such creative and sweet style that leaves you wanting to read more books by this author. I believe “The Recipe” is the first of what will be many of my favorite books by Calvert!

“Hook, Line & Sinker” by Susan May Warren

My least favorite story because it moved too fast and there wasn’t much room for backstory or character development. I would love to read more books by Susan May Warren because I heard she’s one of the best storytellers. But “Hook, Line & Sinker” was not very impressive.

The story is about graduate student Abigail who decides to enter a fishing contest. She’s competing against a handsome young man who is connected to a sad part of her past. Abigail is very defensive to this gentleman and first but you can tell he cares about her and wants her forgiveness. Susan does a good job of bringing about understanding, restoration and hope for these two characters but it’s not enough to make me love the story.

The author knows how to write a story but it was disappointing because I thought “Hook, Line & Sinker” would be one of my favorite stories ever because of the caliber and reputation of the author. But for me, it wasn’t.

However, I do plan on reading more books by Susan May Warren because given her reputation, I know she must have many wonderful books on the market, ones I will love and write glowing reviews about but this particular story was not one of her best—just my honest opinion. I’m sure there are other readers who disagree and would love this story.

Overall, I would give Chance of Loving You a solid “A” or “four stars” out of five (stars) for a fantastic fictional story world filled with captivating characters and intriguing plots that draw you in from the first page of the book and keep you reading until you reach “The end.”

Bravo!

*Tyndale PR sent a complimentary copy of Chance of Loving You to Alexis in exchange for an honest review.