Interview with Mary Alford-------Giveaway is closed------

Yall I am so happy to be able to sit down with Mary and find out some fun stuff stay till the end of the Interview to enter to win a book by Mary Alford. Thank you Mary for sitting down with me to do this interview. 

Mary-Thank you, Sarah, for reaching out to me!

I wanted to start off with some random questions and then I will jump in to your books. Ok let's get started. 

• What are some of your Hobbies?

Is reading considered a hobby? I’m huge reader. My Kindle is full of books and I keep adding to them almost every day. And in our neighborhood, we have our own reading club. The ladies of the neighborhood pass around the books they’ve read. Right now, I have a bag full of books to read. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be enough time to read everything that I want to read. 

In addition to reading, I love to play the piano. For me, playing Christian songs on the piano is another way to draw closer to God. A form of worship. 

I also play at gardening, (I say play because I mostly have a black thumb), and I love doing crafts, especially around Christmas time. 

• Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

For me, coffee is a necessity. I can’t start my day without two cups of Starbucks House Blend, (though I think it’s mostly mental since I drink decaf). 

• What’s your favorite go to meal?

Hum, that’s a hard one. Most of our meals are simple, but if I could name one meal that’s a favorite, I’d say its homemade pizza with everything, and I mean everything, on it. 

• I know some authors like to have certain snacks or drinks while they write, do you have a favorite snack food or drink around why you write?

I do! I’m a huge fan of peanut butter M&Ms and Bai Coconut Water. It’s hard to write without them. They’ve become part of my routine, although only a handful of the M&Ms. The Bai Coconut Water, well, I don’t feel bad about drinking them. 

• Do you or did you have a person that inspired you to write?

My husband has always been my biggest supporter. He encourages me to keep going when sometimes that’s not an easy thing to do, and when I fail, he props me up. He’s amazing. I can’t imagine doing what I do without him. 

• Do you have a Favorite place to write?

I know a lot of authors have offices and I do as well, but more times than not, I’ve got my laptop in my lap and I’m in my recliner with the TV going, or not. I can write either way. 

• Do you have a favorite author?

Yes, I have many. But the two that most inspire me are Lynette Eason and Christy Barritt. These ladies are dynamos. Not only are the amazing storytellers, but they are humble and giving women. I’ve asked them both for advice many times and they’re always willing to help. 

• I love that you write suspense it seems like very book I have ever read by you always have me on the edge of my seat. Is there something that inspires you to write suspense?

I’d say it’s what I enjoy reading more than anything, and I love the challenge of pitting good and against evil. Though I’m the author and I know the outcome going into a story, the journey to get to that happy ending can be challenging and thrilling to write. I love that! 

• Out of all your books do you have a favorite?

I know its corny, but my favorite is the next book I’m writing. I just turned in another Amish Suspense set in West Kootenai, Montana, and I hated to see it end. Now, I’m starting a new spy story for the next installment of the Cost of Redemption series, and I’m chomping at the bit to tell CIA Director Coleman Dean’s story. 

• I know you just released two books this month Blackbird and Amish Country Kidnapping do you have a favorite character in either one of these stories?

I love how broken the heroine in Blackbird, Sara Hersberger, is. She survived her father’s abuse only to believe he’s a serial killer. How do you get beyond that? Both Blackbird and Amish Country Kidnapping are second chance stories where the hero and heroine had once been in love, but for different reasons, their romance didn’t survive. Now they have a second chance. Those types of stories are favorites of mine. 

• Both stories are Amish based do you find it hard to keep the stories close to their Authenticity even though these are fiction books? 

Amish stories in particular are hard to write, because there are religious beliefs that the Amish adhere to that must be respected. I do tons of research to make sure that I do justice to the Plain way of life, but yes, it is hard, especially when you have an Amish hero or heroine and someone who isn’t at the time of the story. 

• Which scene was most difficult to write?

In my March release, Amish Country Murder, I have a heroine who is being held by a serial killer. Writing about how desperate she felt while being held hostage, and then the terrifying escape scene were so hard to write. I wanted to keep them real, but there were limits to what I could put in the book. Writing about bad guys can be difficult. 

• Were there scenes you ended up cutting you wish you could've kept? 

Having to cut scenes is hard. Off the top of my head, I’d say having to tone down some of the scenes to fit the story is the hardest for me. All of my books are Christian books, so it’s a balance to keep the stories real, and yet not offend anyone. 

• If you can, can you tell us what is next?

I just turned in my November Love Inspired story that is again set in West Kootenai, Montana, and it is the first book in a series about the Shelter brothers. The first book features Aaron Shelter and a woman who is on the run and hiding out near the community. 

I’m also working on book four of the Courage Under Fire series. It is entitled Chinook Winds. It is the final in this series but will introduce another exiting series to come. 

Well thank you again for Taking the time to do this interview

-Thank you, Sarah, for inviting me to share this time with you. 

Now for the fun part click on the link below to enter to win a book by Mary. I love all her books so I am happy to be giving one away. Thank you all so much for stopping by so glad to have you here. Hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where you can connect with the author:

maryalford.net

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Mary Alford's other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

The Wedding Cake Tree Melanie Hudson interview

HI welcome to my blog I am so excited to welcome Melanie Hudson, I was able to do a fun interview and wanted to share it with you and a little bit about the Book The wedding Cake tree so here we go:

1. Where are you currently living and tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a free-spirited wanderer who floats above the planet passing peace and light and love around the world … actually, that’s who I would like to be! In reality I’m an ex-forces mother of one who writes books, gardens and enjoys time with friends. I play the piano badly and sing too loudly. I would have liked to have been an opera singer.

2. When did you begin writing?

I began writing when I left forces life in 2010 and moved to Dubai (I don’t live in Dubai anymore).

3. What inspired you to write this book?

The inspiration for the book came from the fact that I knew my son would never comprehend the military woman I used to be – I wouldn’t necessarily want him to.

4. I noticed this is your first book is there something about this book that you enjoyed writing?

Yes, this is my first book. I particularly enjoyed writing Rosamund’s letters and I also loved building up the relationship between Alasdair and Grace.

5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Jane Austen – who else?

6. I love to know what other people are reading I am just wondering what book are you reading now?

I’m reading ‘I Met a Monk’ by Rose Elliot as research for my next book – it’s fantastic but it’s not fiction.

7. I really loved the story with Alasdair and Grace and I love how you drew the reader in, do you have another book in the work?

Yes, my next book is based in North Devon at Woody Bay and is so special to me I don’t want to talk about it too much (I still want to keep it close to my heart) – sorry.

8. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Yes – discipline. Despite having worked in a military environment for sixteen years I find it difficult to discipline myself to writing every day.

9. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

To my readers I simply want to say a genuine and heart-felt thank you and I hope I can provide pleasure and happy reading through my work.

Blurb

Can a mother’s secret past provide the answers for a daughter’s future?

Celebrity photographer Grace Buchanan has always known that one day, she’d swap her manic day job for the peace and quiet of her beloved childhood cottage, St Christopher’s – she just didn’t expect it to be so soon.

At the reading of her mother’s will, she’s shocked to learn that she hardly knew Rosamund at all, and that inheriting St Christopher’s hangs on one big – and very inconvenient – condition: Grace must drop everything for two weeks and travel the country with a mysterious stranger – war-weary Royal Marine, Alasdair Finn.

Caught in a brief but perfect moment in time, Grace and Alasdair walk in Rosamund’s footsteps and read her letters at each breathtaking new place. As Grace slowly uncovers the truth about her mother’s incredible life story, Alasdair and Grace can’t help but question their own futures. Will Rosamund’s madcap scheme go to plan or will events take an unexpected turn?

An emotional, fun-filled and adventurous journey of a lifetime.

Buying Links:

Amazon UK:  http://goo.gl/hIwKKp

Amazon US:  http://goo.gl/ZqB7mo

Thank you so much for stopping by and joining me on this fun interview feel free to check up for more fun ones in the future, Don't forget that you can find Melanie on Twitter twitter.com/melanie_hudson_  On Facebook: www.facebook.com/melaniehudson and you can always check in with her on her website at www.melanie-hudson.co.uk/default.html

Have a fun day full of reading!!!! Happy reading everyone!!!

Sandra D. Bricker Interview "On a Ring and a Prayer" * THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED ENJOY THE INTERVIEW



Welcome all, thank you so much for stopping by.

Today I’m very lucky and honored to be interviewing Sandra D. Bricker author of the up and coming book of a  "On a Ring and a Prayer", also known for here series "An Emma Rae Creation".

Hi Sandra, thank you for agreeing to this interview, let’s go ahead and jump right in;

When did you decide to become a writer?

I'm pretty sure I've always known I was going to write. Even from a very young age, I enjoyed creating stories and characters. But I don't think I realized I could actually make a career out of it until I was in my early twenties.

Which writers inspire you?

SO MANY! Some of my contemporary peers in romantic fiction blow me away, like Kristin Billerbeck, Eva Marie Everson and Robin Jones Gunn. I also love to read Frank Peretti, James Patterson, and Rebecca York... As you can see, I'm really moved by good storytelling.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

The disconnect between publishing at last and making an actual living above the poverty level.

What is the easiest thing about writing?

Well, what's really easy about it is this: When God puts a call on your life - whether it's writing fiction, building skyscrapers or teaching children - once it really digs in and you know it's your purpose, everything about it becomes a little easier.

I just love how your books can be deep and funny all at the same time, I find myself laughing and crying. When you are writing your book are you trying to put yourself in the shoes of the reader and hope for this kind of experience?

Not while I'm writing it, no. While I'm writing, I'm busy putting myself in the shoes of the characters. It's not until I do the first set of revisions that I start thinking about how to make the experience as rewarding as possible for my readers. I'm blessed in a way that a lot of writers aren't; I've gotten to know my readers pretty well. So giving them the pay-off I know they're looking for becomes a main objective for me.

When you set out to write your book what kind of audience are you looking to reach?

Even though I do think about my readers, I don't write directly to them. My main goal is to just tell a really fun, uplifting, believable, and thought-provoking story.

What inspired you to write this Series?

Post-Emma Rae, I started wondering if I had anything else to say that would be so well-received or entertaining as they were. When Jessie first came to mind, it was because I understood her plight. My former life in Hollywood as a publicist plays a huge part in impacting the outcome of the story.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

My casting for the Jessie Stanton series came to me within the first two chapters of the first book. Jessie is a young version of Tiffani Thiessen, and Danny has never been anyone to me except Josh Holloway.

My Favorite character in On a ring and a prayer is Stephanie, I just love her. Do you have a favorite character in this series and if so who and why?

When you say Stephanie, do you mean Danny's friend Steph?  She's spectacular, isn't she? My favorite character is definitely Danny. He's so cool and unassuming, and he really has his head on straight in terms of his past and its impact on his present, particularly where his faith is concerned. He and Jessie's grandfather were so much fun to write.

  Your right I do Just love Danny, he has such a heart of gold and he is easy to like a lot!

Tells us a little about the book and the books you write for someone who is new to your books.

Starting with Rise & Shine last year, I began transitioning from a "Laugh-Out-Loud" brand of romantic comedy to a meatier "Live-Out-Loud" brand that allows me to go deeper with my characters and plots.

Here's the summary for this book (On a Ring and a Prayer):

Twelve years of marriage, 4,000 square feet of dream house and a handsome husband. Jessie Stanton has it all. Until one fateful afternoon anyway when she notices her BMW bouncing by the window at the end of a tow truck hook. The whirling tornado that cuts down the life she’s built over the last dozen years drops her to the sandy beach of Malibu with a thud, penniless and alone. When all she has left are the designer labels in her closet and the dreamy Neil Lane rock on her finger, Jessie reluctantly turns to a beach bum/private investigator for answers as she tries to rebuild her life On a Ring & a Prayer.



I personally know you are currently writing book two for this series (cause I hounded you about it on Facebook...) what is one thing you can share with us about a glance into the next book?

I have actually completed Be My Valentino, and now I'm working on finishing up the series with the third and final book.

Here's a summary for Be My Valentino:

Now that the whole truth has come out about her husband’s double life, the woman formerly known as Jessie Hart-Stanton is standing on her own for the first time in her life. Adornments “ her rental store for all things LUX “ has become the place to be for D-List stylists and wannabe celebs who can't afford their own designer labels. As Amber and Jessie struggle to put the store on the map in Tinsel Town, Jessie’s relationship with private investigator Danny Callahan takes a dramatic turn. But Jessie can’t afford to put her faith (and heart) into another relationship when she’s so obviously handicapped in the good judgment department, and she has no intention of taking a knee and committing to his God “ the same God who let her spend twelve years being conned by Jack Stanton. She pours herself into making Adornments a success but it isn’t until she dresses a reluctant Danny in Valentino for undercover work at a formal affair that Hollywood takes notice. It seems Danny has been plucked out of the crowd, snapped by photogs, and lands as the unlikely cover model on the front of Hollywood Daily Magazine.

How many books are you planning for this series?

There will be three books in the series. Book 2 is titled Be My Valentino, and it releases this fall. Then Book 3 is tentatively titled From Bags to Riches, due out next spring.

Sandra, thank you so much again for taking the time to do this interview. It’s been so fun not only reading this book but having a chance to sit down and ask you questions.

You can find and catch up with Sandra:

Website:www.SandraDBricker.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SandraDBricker

Twitter:@sandiebricker

To enter to win a copy of "On a Ring and a Prayer"

*Winner will be drawn at random.

In order to enter this contest, you need to leave a comment below on this blog, letting me know if you have ever read any of Sandra's books and if so what’s your favorite, it not who is your favorite author.

You can also have the opportunity to enter the contest more than once if you do at least one of the following:

• Promote this contest on your Facebook wall by posting a link
• Follow Sandra Bricker on her Facebook page (if you already do please note)
• Follow Sandra Bricker on Twitter (if you already do please note)
• Follow this blog
• RSVP for the The launch Party (if you can make it lots more fun will be there)

Click here for RSVP

https://www.facebook.com/events/387969744661521

*If you choose to do one of the following tasks listed above, please leave more than one comment below and tell me which task you completed.

The contest deadline is 8 p.m. (central), Monday, March 9th. The winner will be announced on Tuesday March 10th here and by email.

Please post your name after your comment as some comments come up as "Anonymous." I want to be sure to announce the winner's name without confusion. It would be also help if you also include your email address. Thank you!

***Please note: The winner will be notified by e-mail. If the winner does not respond within 15 days after the contest ends, another winner will be chosen.

For all of you interested in buy this book for you and a friend please check out:

www.amazon.com

www.cbd.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

or your favorite book store, and always please leave a review so others know that this book is so worth the read.

 Other great books By Sandra D. Bricker: