Interview with Sweet Romance Author Marie Higgins

Marie Higgins is a multi-published author of romance; from refined bad-boy heroes who makes your heart melt, to the feisty heroines who somehow manage to love them regardless of their faults. Visit her website to discover more about her at http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com

Hello Marie! A Walk in Heaven is a Christian Historical Romance. Please tell us about your novel.

Hi Linda, and thanks for having me on your blog! My story takes place in Montana, 1875 on a cattle ranch. This isn’t an ordinary Christian Historical Romance…this has a lot of action, suspense, and family drama. This story, as well as my others, can be found on Kindle and Nook. Soon they’ll be out in print, but I just don’t know when.

“All he wanted was to trust again.” Joshua Grayson is not happy about his new sister-in-law’s visit and he uses the term ‘sister-in-law’ loosely as Careen Kennedy Grayson was a complete stranger. Joshua’s brother, Matthew, left the family ranch in the dead of night to run away and wed a woman he’d never met. The fact Matthew was killed moments after walking out of the church with his new bride merely adds insult to injury. Joshua struggles with resentment and trying not to blame Careen for his brother’s death. But it is difficult not to harbor ill feelings when he knows she’s keeping secrets. Despite his suspicions, Joshua slowly grows attracted to Careen and even starts to like her. Unfortunately, Joshua knows all too well the folly of loving a woman he cannot trust.

Careen Kennedy Grayson was married and widowed within minutes of the other. When her obsessive cousin, Luther, arrives minutes after Matthew’s death, she knows deep down he’s the one who killed Matthew. Luther is arrested and held for trial while Careen takes her husband’s body back to his family. Soon after arriving at the loving Grayson ranch, Careen learns of her mother-in-law’s heart condition. Unwilling to cause undue stress, Careen decides to wait until after Luther’s trial to speak the full truth of their son’s death. Soon Careen grows embedded in family and ranch life, getting closer to the Grayson’s with each passing day. She finds herself unnaturally drawn to Joshua and she knows their budding attraction will only complicate matters… Especially when the family discovers her cousin did indeed kill Matthew.

This story sounds so intriguing to me. Where did you get your inspiration for this book? Do you get any ideas from real life experiences?

Since I never write from real life experiences (yeah, my life is boring!) I use my imagination. My inspiration for this book came after I’d read a few Inspirational stories and found the story lines flat. Because I love writing historicals, I picked a spot for my story – Montana. I’ve never been there, so I let my critique partner and friend help me out (since she lives there). After I plotted out my characters, the story fell into place. The only thing I can say that comes from real life experience is falling in love – or trying not to fall in love with someone.

Since this is historical fiction, what kind of research did you have to do for this novel?

I had to map out the towns in Montana. The bad guy in the story (heroine’s cousin) tries to track her down. So I had to first make sure that town existed in 1875, and if they had a telegraph office, jail, church, etc. I had previously researched clothing, so I was all right on that account. I had to research the weather since there is a blizzard in the middle of the story. But I really enjoy doing research! 

I know what you mean. My first 5 novels are historical romances and I had to research the clothing and a blizzard, as well. What does your family think about your writing?

They are very proud of me! Even my husband, if you can believe that. For years he never supported my writing. It hurt. But he was embarrassed to tell people his wife was a romance writer. But now that my books are in bookstores, and people in town are recognizing me as ‘that romance writer’, he has a different change of heart. My daughters, my mom, and my sister love bragging about me. I’m not sure if my brother does, but I know his wife and daughters do!

Thanks, Marie, for this awesome interview. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

When I was young, I was extremely shy! There was a time my brother and I were with my parents on a train. I don’t exactly remember what kind of train, but it was for tourists. Anyway, there was a loud commotion and I fell to the floor and stuck my head between my father’s ankles and held on tight. I was so scared! As I grew up, I walked with my eyes to the floor and didn’t talk unless someone said something first. If I didn’t know that person, I mumbled my answer. My 16th year was my turning point. I came out of my shell and no longer was shy. It took my parents completely by surprise and they had a hard time handling that. From that point on, I wanted to be center of attention. I loved making people laugh – still do, in fact! I don’t mind giving writing workshops, or getting up in church to give a talk. Now if you see me on the street, I’m the one usually speaking first! lol

Wow! Who would have ever suspected that you were that shy? Now you’re teaching writing workshops and giving talks all over the place. Thanks for allowing us to get to know the real you!