Friday, September 19, 2014

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Regina Andrews


Award-winning author Regina Andrews, a resident of Providence, Rhode Island, grew up in the seaside village of Barrington, about 20 miles South of Providence. After graduating from Providence College she earned her degree in American Civilization from Brown University. The author of numerous works including romantic fiction, plays, essays and articles, Regina is currently working on The Sterling Lakes Series. Regina is involved in numerous community organizations, and is a radio host for In-Sight, an association for the visually impaired. Her hobbies include travel, museums, theater, reading, chorale singing and gardening. She and her husband share their home with a semi-feral cat named Queen Tiana, whom they rescued from a shelter.

Welcome back to my blog. Regina. Your new book sounds intriguing. When I read your sample chapter, I was instantly interested in the story. What is your new book about?

Thank you so much for inviting me to visit, Linda. I am delighted to be here. This book is very exciting to me, as it is a re-issue that I am looking forward to having people enjoy.

THE PERFECT PROPOSAL centers on Lindsay Richardson, a quiet elementary school teacher, whose world is turned upside down when she becomes the assistant to Dean Singleton Copley, one of the nation’s most dynamic business leaders in the high-powered corporate world. Lindsay’s father recently died unexpectedly and the school where she was teaching could not allow her time off to take care of her mother, who has Alzheimer’s. Thanks to a chance encounter with one of her father’s friends, businessman Mr. Copley Sr., she is offered a position at his company. When she arrives at work, she discovers she will be working with Dean Jr., the dynamo – not the kindly elder Mr. Copley who knew her father.

This time in her life is a test of her faith, her courage, and her strength. Her questions extend to not knowing what the Lord expects from her regarding her new boss, a dashing bachelor so different from her on the surface. Lindsay begins to see that Dean is scarred from situations in his past. Only faith gives Lindsay the strength to deal with the many challenges of her new position, all her personal crises, and the turmoil in her family life.

Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

Actually I read an article about a situation like this on the Wedding page of our Sunday paper many years ago. The two met at work and lived happily ever after!

I love “happily ever after” stories. What kind of research did you do for this book?

It was crucial to understand Alzheimer’s disease. There were many questions I had to research, and facts I had to verify. Such as, for example, the matter of a patient wandering away from the house, which is a scene in the book, or the phenomenon of “sundowning”, which also occurs. I tried very hard to treat the entire subject of Alzheimer’s disease and its ripple effect with the utmost respect and dignity. Additionally, I had to research a bit about the various social clubs at Brown University, which involved several enjoyable visits to the University’s facilities.

Did you put real experiences from your research in this story?

At one point I served as a member of the Senior Citizens Governing Board in Rhode Island, and much of my experience from this appointed position could be applied to the subject matter of this book.  The “research” in this case was my actual life experience.

Wow! To use your own experiences is fantastic. You love to write Inspirational Romances. What intrigues you most about writing these love stories?

To me, the most exciting aspect of Inspirational romance, Linda, is that unlike a traditional romance with two main characters - the hero and the heroine, an Inspirational romance actually has three main characters – the hero, the heroine and God. That dynamic creates a fluid, vibrant paradigm that propels the story along without my having to construct it, because it is not just the hero and heroine’s thoughts or the way they relate to each other that propels the plot along. Rather, it is the hero and heroine’s relationship with God in addition to their relationship to each other directly impacts the storyline. And since it is a romance and we can be assured of a positive outcome, the path towards that evolves very naturally in my stories. It is guided by human foibles, triumphs and actions -- all held within the loving heart of God.

You explained your reason for writing these stories so well. Thank you for this interview, Regina. To learn more about this author, visit her website at http://www.reginaandrews.com. You’ll find all her books at this site.

Thank you for having me visit, Linda. Your blog is lovely and it is a joy to be here. Happy reading, everyone!

48 comments:

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

I would love to be the first one to comment for a free ebook. This story sounds so interesting. I would love to read and review your book, Regina.

Shirley said...

Thank you Linda and Regina for the interview and download. I would live to read and review the book.
Shirley
straitfromthehive(at)email(dot) com

Olivia's Catastrophe said...

I would love to read your book! The only thing is, I have quite a list of things to review, but I will get to it!

My email: lonelysearchforever@gmail.com

Blog: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2014/09/the-legacy-blog-tour-review.html

Linda Kish said...

The story sounds wonderful. No FMLA in her book, huh? Her employer s behind the times. I would love to read this book.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Watts Family said...

The story sounds great. I would love to read this book.

Shauna
ridenthewave@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I would love to read this book! :D


ljeanne_24@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a great book--I'd love to offer a review.

cathylykens@hotmail.com

Sheila L. Majczan said...

I have posted over 100 reviews of books I have read just since January - a new "job" for me since retiring. Most of them are JAFF but there are others. I love romances and I see you also have this as one with Christian values, so this should be a very interesting and satisfying read. My e-mail is odara7rox[at]rcn[dot]com

Jan H said...

I love reading about other people going through a tough time in their lives and how they handle it and the blessings that we receive by it. I always learn so much and sometimes use what I have learned. Thank you. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com

Sonja said...

The Perfect Proposal sounds wonderful! Can't wait to read it. Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com

Gail Pallotta said...

Hi Linda and Regina,

Regina's re-issue sounds like one to keep the reader turning pages to see where the relationship will lead and what the scars are.

Diane Craver said...

Hi Gina,

What a gorgeous cover and a great story line. I look forward to reading it! And that is impressive the research you did to get everything accurate and I'm sure adds richness and realism to your story. Your books always touch a chord that makes the reader think about their relationship with God in a different way. And The Perfect Proposal sounds like some interesting conflict between Lindsay and Dean Jr. Hope you have awesome sales!

Kelley Heckart said...

Hi Regina,
Stopping by to say hi. Best wishes!

Kelley

Larry Hammersley said...

I'm embarrassed to say I've only read one of your books, Regina but that will change with your present novel in the interview. I really like clean romances and we need more of those. Thank you, Linda for having this interesting lady on your blog. Regina, I wish you many sales on this novel. My email is lhammersley@comcast.net.

Sadie and Sophie said...

Love the cover! Love Regina (but not in a creepy way LOL)! Would love to win the book! Great interview, and very thoughtful answers. Well done, ladies!

Barry Davis said...

Wonderful book..Well worth the time and effort....to read...

Barbara Raffin said...

Enjoyed you interview, Regina. As always, the book sounds great!

Patricia Bradley said...

Your books sounds great! My dad had Alzheimers and Sundowners is one thing I'm familiar with.

DanielleThorne said...

Great interview~

Unknown said...

Hi Regina, You book sounds so interesting. I have a friend writing a bio of her mother and how Alzheimers affected the entire family. I wish you much success with the book. You are such a good writer and always give your readers a terrific read.

B. J. Robinson said...

Sounds like a promising book. I'll have to read this one. Great interview. Very interesting. Blessings for success! BJ Robinson

Unknown said...

sounds like a wonderful book. good luck to you and your writing!

Gina said...

Thank you, Linda! I look forward to your review and will love hearing what you think about THE PERFECT PROPOSAL

Gina said...

Shirley, thank you for visiting. I'll be sending your ebook along soon! Looking forward to your review.

Gina said...

Hi Olivia-Savannah! Thanks for commenting and reviewing! Your book will be coming very soon :-)

Gina said...

Hi Linda and thanks for stopping by, your book will be sent soon. Thanks ahead for your review!

Gina said...

A great big hello to the Watts family! Shauna, thanks for commenting and I look forward to your review.

Gina said...

Great to hear from you, Lucille, your book will be along shortly. Appreciate your review - thanks ahead of time!

Gina said...

Hi Cathy, I'm looking forward to your review! Will send TPP shortly :-) Thanks!

Gina said...

Hi Sheila and thanks for commenting, your book will be along soon. Looks like you found a great niche! Thanks for your interest, I look forward to your review.

Gina said...

Jan, so nice to hear from you and your book will be on its way soon. Thanks for reading and reviewing THE PERFECT PROPOSAL!

Gina said...

Hi Sonja and thank you so very much for commenting. Looking forward to your review of THE PERFECT PROPOSAL.It will be there soon!

Gina said...

Dear Gail, thank you so much for commenting on THE PERFECT PROPOSAL. Your ebook will be sent soon! I hope you enjoy it. Thanks again xo

Gina said...

Hi Diane and thank you so much for commenting and your encouraging words!I hope you enjoy THE PERFECT PROPOSAL and appreciate your reviewing it for me. Hugs!

Gina said...

Great to hear from you, Kelley, thanks! Meant to let everyone know that the fabulous Karen Weisner designed the cover -- what a knockout, don't you think?

Gina said...

Larry, so great of you to take the time to comment today! Thank you so much for your kind words. I'll be sending THE PERFECT PROPOSAL your way soon and will be really looking forward to hearing what you think in your review. Thanks again!

Gina said...

Sadie and Sophie, my soul sistahs! How nice of you to stop in, thanks for your kind comments -- LOVE you both, too! I'll send THE PERFECT PROPOSAL to you soon and will have my fingers (and toes)crossed that you like it! xoxox

Gina said...

Hi Jonathan, thanks for your loyalty! Why do I love romance? Look in the mirror -- you're the best hubby ever! xo

Gina said...

Hi Barbara and thank you so much for stopping in and commenting today! You're a jewel of a friend :) THE PERFECT PROPOSAL will be heading your way soon. Thanks again!

Gina said...

HI Patricia and thank you for commenting. You have such a unique point of view, I'll be really interested in your review of THE PERFECT PROPOSAL. Thanks again :-)

Gina said...

Hello Sharon Poppen and thank you for your words of encouragement and kindness. You're a pretty wonderful writer yourself, you know! Hope you enjoy TPP when it arrives and I look forward to your review. :)

Gina said...

Barbara, hello and thanks for stopping in and commenting. Will send tou TPP and I really look forward to your review. Thanks so much - and, oh -- I love that shot of you with the big wave! Cool!

Gina said...

Dear Dana, it was so nice of you to comment on my visit with Linda, thank you. I hope you enjoy THE PERFECT PROPOSAL. Thank you for all your heartfelt good wishes :-)

Vivian Jane said...

I am interested in reading your book!

My e-mail is vivianjane[dot]ny[at]gmail[dot]com.

Thank you!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the interesting interview; it's always good to read about other authors.
cattsy.goldfinch@gmail.com

Gina said...

Hello Vivian Jane and thank you for stopping by with your kind comments! I will be in touch about THE PERFECT PROPOSAL soon and look forward to your review.

Gina said...

Dear Cattsy, it was so nice of you to comment, thank you very much. I will send THE PERFECT PROPOSAL SOON and am so happy that you will be reviewing it! Thanks again :-)

Gina said...

Dear Linda, what a wonderful week! Thank you so much for inviting me to visit and discuss THE PERFECT PROPOSAL (the cover art from Karen Wiesner still takes my breath away every time I see it!).

And a huge thank you to your wonderful guests for their great comments - I am most interested in reading their reviews of my book.

All around, a great time and I'm a very grateful author. Thanks again and best to everyone :-)