Interview with Regency Romance Author Donna Hatch

Donna Hatch, author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” has won writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of eight and has been listening to those voices ever since. She is a sought-after workshop presenter, and juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children. A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty five years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Welcome back to my blog, Donna. This is the synopsis of your new Regency Romance: The Suspect’s Daughter.

Determined to help her father with his political career, Jocelyn sets aside dreams of love until she meets a mysterious gentleman with dangerous secrets. Working undercover, Grant’s only suspect for a murder conspiracy is the father of a lady who is getting increasingly hard to ignore. They must work together to find the assassins. England’s future hangs in the balance...and so does their love.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

The murder plot in The Suspect’s Daughter was inspired by a true event in England known as the Cato Street Conspiracy, which thankfully, was averted largely in part due to an undercover Bow Street Runner whose name I never learned. This event happened in 1820, the same year my book takes place, and though my conspiracy varied considerably from the true events, there is a similar basic plot.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

I’ve been researching the Regency since 2002 when I first decided this was going to be my specialty so I can weave in details about customs, fashion, the political climate and current events into my books. For this book specifically, I researched the Cato Street Conspiracy from many different sources, as well as Parliament and how a new prime minister was chosen. I also studied maps and travel guides to understand the layout of London so I can add little details to make the readers feel as if they are there. In addition, I inadvertently researched concussions when my husband got one, and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome through his friend who’d recently returned home from serving in the armed forces in the Middle East.

Please tell us about one of the main characters in this story and what you like about him or her.

Though Grant Amesbury is a cynic and a loner, his brothers always turned to him when they needed help. Grant would be the last one to classify himself as a dark knight, but he thrives on chasing down villains and dragging them to justice--dead or alive. Intriguing and enigmatic, Grant has captivated readers since the first book in the series, The Stranger She Married, hit bookstores. And each time he appeared in subsequent books, The Guise of a Gentleman, and A Perfect Secret, his fan base grew as did requests for his very own story.

I have been planning to finish his story in time for an autumn release date, but my daughter got married and then our family moved out of state. All of these events took me away from writing. But I was determined to release the book this year—I felt I owed that to my fans. So I pushed and pushed and managed to get it finished in time for a December release date—sort of a Christmas present to my fans who’ve been begging for Grant’s story.

I, too, liked Grant when I read The Stranger She Married, so I’m glad that you have made him a main character in this story. Where can my readers find you online?

Donna's Website: http://donnahatch.com
Donna's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaHatch.Author
The link to buy The Suspect’s Daughter

Thank you, Donna, for this wonderful interview. I hope my followers will grab a copy and read it. Your regency romances are not only intriguing but very clean. A BIG PLUS!

Interview with Inspirational Author Dave Arnold

Dave Arnold is a pastor, author, speaker, life coach and adjunct professor at a college. Dave is married to Angie and they have two children, Luke (5 years old) and Angelina (20 months; a little over a year-and-a-half). Dave has written three books and is working on two more.

Welcome to my blog, Dave. Please tell us about your book: It’s Possible.

It’s Possible is a short, action-packed book that will help you learn to thrive. So many people just settle in life: they live for the weekends, that next vacation, etc. But God has created us with a purpose and a unique set of passions. We are here for a reason and to make a difference in the world. Throughout this book, I use inspiring stories and give practical tips on how to take steps towards thriving. Of course, thriving is a life-long process; but I do believe it’s possible (hence the title) to take steps to becoming all that we are meant to become.

Wow! That is such an inspiring thought, that God has created us with a purpose and we have to find that purpose and take those steps to becoming what he wants us to be. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

It’s Possible was written out of my own experience of when I was merely “surviving” in life. There was a time I was working so much that I barely had time to breathe and found myself discounted from my wife and from my faith in God. But thankfully, through a poignant conversation with my wife, I began to take steps to learn what it means to thrive.

What kind of research did you do?

My own study of the Bible was most prominent for the writing of this book. I also weave throughout many quotes from people throughout history. I am an avid reader, so much of my material comes from the books I read.

The study of the Bible is the best research a person can do, Dave. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Growing up I struggled a lot in school. I had a hard time keeping up. Because of this, I was told I had a learning disability and was forced to go to Resource, a special Ed class. I was humiliated. But it was during this time that my Resource teacher, a wonderful kind woman, recognized a gift in me – the gift of telling a story. And so, she encouraged me to write and use my imagination through words. She saw something in me that I didn’t see. All I saw was there was something wrong with me; she saw potential. “Love,” said Bono of the band U2, “is seeing potential in someone.” What a gift we can give others!

Thank you for sharing a part of yourself in this interview, Dave. Where can my readers find you online?

My website is www.davearnoldspeaks.com.

You can also find Dave Arnold Speaks on Facebook and you can find me on Twitter at @davejarnold16.

I hope my followers will check out this wonderful and inspiring book. I’m sure it will help you in your life.

A Christmas Miracle: Don’t Let Him Die

All of us wish our lives could go smoothly, with no trials or tribulations to endure, but that is not possible. Disappointments, physical or mental stress, and sorrow are part of life. George MacDonald (1824 – 1905) said, “How often we look upon God as our last and feeblest resource! We go to Him because we have nowhere else to go. And then we learn that the storms of life have driven us, not upon the rocks but into the desired haven.”

We must rise above our problems, become humble and continue on. That’s where the line is drawn between those who give up and those who have faith in themselves and in a loving God. Our Father in Heaven is here to help us endure our trials.

We grow from the many experiences we have in life, and it molds us into better people. We can compare it to a rough stone that tumbles in a streambed and gradually becomes smooth and beautiful. All the jagged edges have been worn off. The result is a beautiful polished stone.

Opal H. Clarke and her twelve-year-old son endured a difficult trial. She wrote about the experiences they had to bear when he contracted a dreadful illness.

Don’t Let Him Die

I first became aware of my twelve year old son’s illness when the choppy rendition at the piano of “Hark! The Herald Angels sing,” had stopped. Glancing at him, his head resting on the piano, I asked, “What’s wrong?’

He replied, “I don’t feel good.”

As he looked up I saw his cheeks were flushed; on closer inspection it proved to be a fine rash. He had a temperature. I called our family doctor and described the symptoms. He said it sounded like the measles that were going around and he prescribed a well-known drug.

The next day, George complained of his eyes hurting. Blisters began to appear on his ears and lips, and his temperature rose. After sitting by his side for several hours, I had to leave the room momentarily. As I returned, the sight was so shocking. I rushed from the room, dropped to the floor and cried. George had rubbed all the skin from his blistered lips. His ears, neck and face were a mass of blisters, with one large blister hanging like a sac on one side of his face. George did not sleep. He kept asking us to please turn out the lights. It was frightening to hear him ask this; there was only a small night-light burning and I had a small folded towel over his eyes.

Upon our arrival at the hospital, we were taken to an isolation room. As the ambulance attendant lifted my son onto the bed, the large blister on his face, a hanging sac of sloshing fluid, broke.

Now, lying naked on the sterile sheets, coughing and choking, his body a mass of blisters and skinless places, he looked like someone wearing an ugly mask. I wanted to cry out, “No! No!” But I prayed that for my son’s sake my voice would be calm.

Nothing could have torn me away from my son at this time; so I was given a hospital gown and a mask. The next few days were crucial ones. Large areas of skin that had gone dark and looked as if they were scalded, pushed off from George’s back and he stuck to the sheets. The skin, pushed up on his upper arm, looked like a wrinkled nylon stocking. George’s mouth and throat were blistered, as well as the bronchial tubes, and he was coughing constantly. I covered my face, put my head on the windowsill and fought the tears.

The eye doctor said the eyes were blistered, even on the cornea, and added, “If he comes along—we may not be able to save his eyes.” It came to me that my son might be blind!

A new nurse coming in to put drops in George’s eyes, leaned over him and said, “George, I have something to put in your eyes. Can you turn your head this way?” She leaned over, and as he turned his face with its black-rimmed hole for a mouth, one side of his face practically skinless, and skinless ears—all this was too much for this nurse. She became nauseous, gagged and hurriedly left the room.

One night, two couples were standing in the hall. One of the men looked in at George and gasped. When his wife stepped over to where he was standing, he led her away, remarking, “You do not want to see that.”

Each time the doctor entered the room, he would greet my son with, “How are you, George?” George would answer, “Pretty good.” Always pretty good. At one time the doctor looked at him and said, “You are a game little guy!” There were tears in his eyes.

George asked me if I was praying. I assured him I was. He also asked if the church members could pray for him.

One evening, the young doctor gravely told me things were not going well and that he had done all that he could. At that moment I felt desperately alone; what could I do except go to God for help? I returned to the room and knelt beside my son’s bed and pleaded with God to let him live.

The next day, George asked, “Are they still praying for me?”

I said, “Oh, yes. We surely are, son.”

Then he asked me if I’d hold his hand. He said, “If you don’t mind holding a scratchy one.”

All day I held his hand. By evening I sensed a calmness come over him. I said, “Doctor, I think he is better!”

The doctor examined him, turned to me, and with a look of almost disbelief and surprise said, “I think he is!” The crisis had passed.

The miraculous powers of the body to heal took over. New skin began to grow and the old skin sloughed off. All twenty of his fingernails and toenails came off.

Suddenly we were aware that it was Christmas Eve. Kind nurses and Santa himself came to where a brave young boy with a blotched and burned-looking body sat in the bed. By tipping his head back, he saw through slits of eyes a Christmas bouquet and said, “I can see! I can see!” At that moment I was humbled beyond words.

The young doctor came into the room and said, “George, you have made medical history.” Then he asked if we minded the case being written for the medical journals. I tried to thank our tall young doctor. He said humbly, “I just stood by.” But I knew he had worked valiantly to save my son.

Our family doctor came into the room and said, “George, you are a walking miracle.” The nurses, who came to say good-bye to us, said that no one in the hospital expected to see our son go out of the hospital alive. The eye doctor said, “I feel so humble about this boy. It certainly has made me a believer.”

At this unforgettable Christmas time I realized that, to me, Christmas would forever be a time of rejoicing; rejoicing for the gift of a son.” (Opal H. Clarke, “Don’t Let Him Die”)

This young man grew to adulthood but his body wasn’t the same. His eyes are constantly red because his tear ducts were destroyed and he has to put special eye drops in his eyes constantly. He coughs frequently and has a raspy sound when he breathes because he has Chronic Bronchitis but he never lost his faith in God. This faithful man, George Amos Clarke, my sweetheart and husband, was grateful for a miracle.

The True Spirit of Christmas

Interview with Author Jill Vanderwood, AKA, Mrs. Claus

Jill Ammon Vanderwood is an associate member of IBRBS, International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. Along with Santa Claus, she sees hundreds of children each Christmas season. Jill is also a multiple award winning author, including the National Mom’s Choice Award. You can visit her on the web at www.jillvanderwood.com

Welcome back to my blog, Jill. Please tell us about your new book, Santa’s Mystery Boot.

Santa is trying out a special boot this year to make snow in places like New Zealand where it's summer in December. There are buttons along the side of the boot that not only make snow. One button plays Christmas music, one sprays a mist to help children have gingerbread dreams, and the other button makes the boot turbo charged to help Santa get up the chimney. Tim and Tommy Adams have plans to capture the real Santa, but Santa has other plans. His boot has a special part in helping the boys discover the true spirit of Christmas.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I listen to kids when they talk to Santa Claus. I have heard kids say they wanted to stay up late so they could catch Santa Claus. Children ask many questions, such as, what do you do when there isn't snow at Christmas time? Another question is, how do you get up the chimney? I decided that Santa needed a special boot to solve all of his problems. But, as the story goes along, the boot also creates problems.

Your husband is Mr. Claus and spreads joy to many children. Please tell us how he came into this role.

My husband is a professional Real Bearded Santa. He first started being Santa when our kids were young, and he fit into the Santa suit the church had in a closet. I was always trying to get him to be Santa again and he finally decided to transform into the jolly old elf.  I would bleach his beard so it would be white.

At first, Santa would wear a red shirt and a Santa hat and deliver candy to his co-workers at Christmas time. One of our granddaughters said she knew he wasn't the real Santa. When asked how she knew he wasn't the real Santa, she said, "Because you don't have red pants!"

I understand that you have a hidden identity, also. I heard you became Mrs. Claus about six years ago. What is it like being Mrs. Claus and how do you get into the Christmas spirit?

I say I married well and we get invited to all the best parties! I was trained at the Mrs. Claus Academy at a Santa convention in California. I made my own outfit from the same fabric as Santa's suit. One of my rolls as Mrs. Claus is to calm down little children. I hold most of the little ones who are afraid of Santa. I imagine our pictures are all over Facebook because we smile for continuous pictures. I also give out the gifts to the children. 

We always do our first event the weekend after Thanksgiving. We get into the Christmas spirit by watching movies such as the Santa Claus and the Polar Express. We listen to Christmas music in our home and on our way to events.

Where can my readers find you online?

My website is http://www.jillvanderwood.com and Santa's website is http://www.utahsantavisit.com.

Santa's Mysterious Boot is available through Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com and on Amazon Kindle.

Thank you so much for this interview, Jill. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Interview with Romance/Suspense Author Diane Dean White

Diane started writing for newspaper, covering hard news and feature stories including a column called: “Yankee Viewpoints”. Her writing includes ancestral history and writing donor appeal letters for non-profit organizations. She wrote for Frank Talk, a weekly magazine for over four years, with her column, “Caroline Calling,” and is the author of Carolina in the Morning, Texting Mr. Right, Stories from a Porch Swing, On a Summer Night, and Winter Wonderland. Diane is also the author of over three-hundred short stories. She and hubby, Stephen, have been married for forty-three years, and they are the parents of three grown children and three granddaughters.

Welcome back to my blog, Diane. We’re going to talk about two books today. The first one is an Inspirational Romance called Winter Wonderland. Please tell us about this story.

While most young women are looking for husbands, Ruth tries to further her career and concentrates on obtaining a job with her business skills at Detroit’s J. L. Hudson Department Store. She feels good about her new office position and then meets Clint…who changes everything.

Was he part of the reason for their move? During a health problem will their faith hold them together or threaten a loving relationship? Celebrate the Christmas holiday and follow Ruth in this romantic story, during Detroit’s heyday, in Winter Wonderland.

Where did you get your inspiration for Winter Wonderland?

Being raised next to the capital city of Michigan, we often visited relatives and went shopping in the much larger city, Detroit. JL Hudson Company was a huge department store, and well known. It was a fun adventure, and especially during Christmas with “Toyland” a great place to visit Santa. I was aware of the number of families that came from various states to seek employment with the growing auto industry, after WWII, and it was something I wanted to capture in my book. It was also important for me to share about my character Ruth and her walk with the Lord, her sweet spirit, and ambition to work as a secretary for Hudson’s. As happens in true life, something often gets in the way of our best laid plans, and Clint was a distraction for Ruth. Not without glitches, readers can enjoy a 1951 romance. Once the tallest department store in Detroit, and due to the increasing malls, Hudson’s was sadly taken down in the late 1990’s, with camera crews to capture the historic moment.

The second book is an inspirational suspense/romance. Please tell us about On A Summer Night.

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I loved writing this book. I’m pretty much a fly by the seat of the pants writer, but I had an event I wanted to share with readers. Things have changed greatly from the 1960’s when this story starts out, and captures something two high school graduates discover. Coming back to present day, my main character Kate and her husband return to the area, and she struggles with how much to tell her husband. The book takes a number of twists and turns and readers enjoy a trip to beautiful Montana and the snow-covered mountains, a visit to Lansing, Michigan and the town near Everglades, I call Gladesville, is where the story takes place. The plot deals with a scene that stays in Kate’s mind, and abused women, an uncle whom Kate loved, and redemption all come full circle.

Where did you get your inspiration for On a Summer Night?

I spent time visiting the Everglades in the late 60’s and I also attended college in Florida around the same time. There were a lot of things I was familiar with having grandparents who had a winter home in Florida, but I was from the North and many things happened that I’d never seen in an active University city. I knew the suspense I wanted to share, and I wanted to work spousal abuse, something too many women deal with, into the chapters. It’s important for me to share the plan of salvation in my books, and this has a large influence in two of my characters lives, and something as a Christian, Kate has a hard time accepting. I was happy to see the reviews and that readers enjoy the turns and action that takes place. When the publisher first came out with my book he priced it at a very high cost, and didn’t do an ebook, which was promised. I retained my author rights and cut the paperback price in half, and offer it on Kindle now too.  

Where can my readers find you online?

Website: www.DianeDeanWhite.com

Facebook

Amazon Winter Wonderland

Amazon Summer Night

Thank you so much, Diane, for this wonderful interview. I hope my readers will check out your books.

Mystery on the Bayou is a Fun New Cozy

It’s time to get cozy once again with the Amelia Moore Detective Series. Louisiana, the land of bayous and gumbo! Crawdads, jambalaya, swamps, alligators, and plenty of Spanish moss hanging from the trees! Mystery on the Bayou, book six, blends a nice balance of mystery, intrigue, romance, and humor. Amelia Moore and Rick Bonito, two private eyes and a newly married couple, specialize in missing persons.

“Mystery on the Bayou by Linda Weaver Clarke is a fun book with several surprises. It is an engaging, well-written story that moves the reader at a comfortable pace. If you like intrigue and mystery—this is a must read. The freshly married Amelia Moore and Rick Bonita are nearing the end of their honeymoon when they take a job to find an adopted son that may have a life threatening condition. Stealing a line from the book, “Well, we have a missing boy, gang members, a murder, a kidnapping, and Tom’s kayak floating down the bayou.” And that’s just for starters.” –Brad Andes, Author

Most mysteries delve into crime and “who-done-it,” but this series investigates the whereabouts of a missing person. Their cases have put them in some dangerous situations, but they always solve the case.

In Mystery on the Bayou, Amelia is approached by a woman who is concerned about the son she gave up for adoption sixteen years ago. Millie has been having nightmares that make her fear he is in danger. She petitioned the court to view the sealed records but was refused. Will Amelia and Rick be able to convince the courts to help them? If her son is in danger, will they get there in time?

“I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Clarke’s new cozy mystery story of Rick and Amelia (Book 6) including the fact that Amelia is now married to Rick and struggling to remember she is now Amelia Moore Bonito! Dedicated to “all of those who have had to deal with Marfan’s Syndrome”, the story centers on a search for an adopted child who is potentially suffering from this rare genetic disorder which can result in optical and cardiovascular problems and may be life-threatening. The story takes us into the Louisiana bayous, introduces us to Cajun food including crayfish, describes alligator life in the deep south, and even teaches us some interesting self-defense maneuvers for women!” –Sherrill Cannon, Author

As you follow Amelia in search for a missing teenager, you will also learn about Marfan’s Syndrome. You will find that it’s not as rare as many think. 

Author Linda Baten Johnson wrote: “Linda Weaver Clarke has done it again. She always provides a sweet romantic story, but one that teaches too. The subject matter in this book is Marfan's Syndrome and the story is set partially in Louisiana. I lived there for several years and Clarke's description of the bayous and the food made me want to return.”

About the Author

Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching people to write their family history and autobiography. She is the author of several historical sweet romances, a mystery/adventure series, a children’s book, and a cozy mystery series.

Mystery on the Bayou (ISBN-13: 978-1517574055, Red Mountain Shadows Publishing, 2015) can be found at local libraries or online bookstores.

Read a sample chapter at Linda’s website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

To purchase a book, visit Linda’s website or visit Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Bayou-Amelia-Moore-Detective-ebook/dp/B015YQG6ZW

Interview with Sweet Romance Author Jennifer Peel

Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-one years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.

Welcome to my blog, Jennifer. Please tell us about your novel: Jessie Belle: The Women of Merryton.

Jessie Belle is a story about a couple who were once deeply in love with each other, but over the years due to circumstances and difficulties have lost sight of that. Then enters a teenage girl and they are forced to reevaluate their relationship and priorities. It is a love story, but one where they get to rediscover each other and fall in love again, but this time with a deeper connection.

This is book one of this series. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

A couple of years ago I was waiting for my son in the car line at school and the name Jessie Belle came to me. I typed it into my phone and thought about it for a while. My first draft of Jessie Belle was a much, much different story. Blake and Jessica weren’t even married in the first version and Blake had a different name. Then this past spring I kept having this thought or maybe even a vision of this couple. The man was holding a woman telling her he loved her, but she wasn’t so sure. I couldn’t get this couple out of my mind. I knew this was Blake and Jessica and I rewrote the whole story.

Merryton is based on my hometown in Colorado. In fact if you are paying close attention to it, I mention the name of my hometown in the book.

It’s so fun to learn about the inspiration of a story. Thanks. What kind of research did you do?

                                                                       

I was a psychology major in college, so I brushed up on psychology and the grieving process. As well as some aspects about therapy. I also did some medical research. And I always do research about the locations I write about. This time I was lucky enough to visit Salt Lake City for research purposes.

Please tell us about the main character in this story and what you love about him or her.

I love Jessie as she is real. She’s a good person, but she has flaws like we all do. I love that she keeps trying even though she feels like she can’t try anymore. I love how she loves, especially how she loves Maddie. I enjoy her tenacity and her sense of self. And I have to say I love her circle of friends that add a lot of comic relief to the story.

Oh, yes! Comic relief is great. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I didn’t write my first novel until I was forty years old. Talk about a mid-life crisis. Just kidding. At least about the mid-life crisis part.

How wonderful! This shows that you’re never too old to do something you’ve always longed to do in your life. Thank you so much for this interview. Below is my review of this wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would read it again.

“Jessie Bell by Jennifer peel is such an adorable story that has romance, frustration, and humor. This is a story about a married couple who are trying to repair their marriage. As for humor, I was actually laughing out loud. As for frustration, Blake is a quiet man and doesn’t talk much, he is a workaholic, and takes his wife for granted. As for romance, Blake is a real hunk, unselfishly supports his wife’s career, and his kisses are to die for.

Just like most wives, Jessica expects Blake to read her mind. One big point on Blake’s side is how he notices that she is distant with him. What does he do about it? He asks her what is wrong. I love this guy. He is learning quickly how to save their marriage.

I love this story. It was a well-developed plot and not slow, by any means. Even though this story is about a married couple, it is a great love story. As Jessica says: “I think I may be falling in love with my husband.” Why do I love this couple? They remind me of several couples I know.” –Review by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Interview with Comedy/Romance Author Brooke Williams

Brooke Williams is a former radio announcer turned stay at home mom/freelance writer/author. She has two daughters and has been married since 2002. Brooke has written numerous novels including “Someone Always Loved You,” “Beyond the Bars,” and the recent romantic comedies “Accept this Dandelion,” “Wrong Place, Right Time,” “Mamarazzi,” and many more.

Welcome back to my blog, Brooke. Dandelions on the Road is the second book in the Dandelion Series. I absolutely loved the first book in this series because it had so much humor. Please tell us about this new story.

I didn’t intend for “Accept this Dandelion” to turn into a series. The truth of the matter is that the third runner up on the show that the novel covers would NOT leave me alone. She wanted me to write her story. “Accept this Dandelion” shows a Bachelor-like dating show and this book is a Bachelorette type show with a female in the decision role. She’s a gorgeous girl with a big heart and the men fall all over themselves to get on her good side. But she’s also not willing to settle for love and she wants to find the exact right man, on or off the show.

In your first book, it was a Bachelor Dating Show. Now it’s a Bachelorette Show. Where did you get your inspiration for the Dandelion Series and how many books do you expect to write for it?

I wrote the first book because I enjoy “The Bachelor” TV show and see the humor potential behind the show. After I wrote the first book and enjoyed the experience SO much, I thought, hmm, too bad that’s it because that was way too much fun! But I never expected a second book to pop into my mind in relation to it. I have also since written a third book called “After the Final Dandelion.” No spoilers, but it includes a wedding. I have a fourth book in mind, but I don’t know if/when I’ll get to it so it will be a three book series for sure, possibly four.

What intrigues you most about dating shows such as the ones in your two books?

It’s always interesting to hear people’s love stories and how they met the person they married. Who doesn’t love a good romance, right? I watch these shows with fascination about the people and their reasons for going on the show. I also wondered what the show would be like with someone more like me on it, which is where I got the idea for Book 1. The main character in that book is not an ideal candidate on such a show! Book 2 explores the idea of someone going on the show and finding lots of great candidates, but maybe not the exact right fit…then what?!

Please tell us about one of the main characters in this story and what you like about him or her.

If you have read any of my previous novels, you may sometimes recognize characters who cross over. This book takes Eva, who played a small part in “Accept this Dandelion,” and gives her a main role. It also rejuvenates Brian Schaffer from “Wrong Place, Right Time.” In that book, he’s a news anchor and in this book, he resumes that role. He also takes on the job of hosting the dating game show. I really like his character. He’s the type of guy who has trouble saying no and he’ll do just about anything for just about anyone. He also has a dimple that never disappears, which is charming and alluring all at once.

Where can my readers find you online?

I love facebook connections so give my page a like and keep in touch that way!

Https://www.facebook.com/authorbrookewilliams

I also have a website that includes a blog and you can sign up to receive the blog easily there: www.authorbrookewilliams.com

Thank you very much for this fun interview. Below is my review of this cute story.

“Dandelions on the Road is such a cute take on a Bachelorette Reality Show. This time Eva, from book one, is going to date twelve men and find out which one is meant for her. She is a very sweet personality and does not want to hurt anyone during this show. That is why the decision of choosing one man is so difficult. Also, she has learned to love different things about each bachelor for one reason or another. This to me was very interesting and I began to wonder if it would be hard to choose the right man if I were in her shoes.

“Brian, the show’s host, has gotten to know Eva quite well, because he worked with her several months before the Bachelorette Show and now during the show. He soon finds himself in a dilemma, because he is the host of the show and falling in love with the Bachelorette. What is he to do at this point? This is a fun read!” –Review by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Interview with Author Jill Vanderwood

Jill Ammon Vanderwood is a mother and grandmother from Idaho. She is the published author of eight books. She had won numerous book awards including USA Book News Best Books Award, Indie Excellence Award, two Golden Quill Awards from the League of Utah Writers and The National Mom’s Choice Award. www.jillvanderwood.com.

Welcome back to my blog, Jill. Please tell us about your new book: Erase the Problem of Bullying.

Erase the Problem of Bullying is a nonfiction anthology published in August, 2015, through All Things That Matter Press. The book sections include: How Bullying Affected My Life; Stories from Bullies; Bullied for Sexual Orientation; Bullied Because of a Disability; Bullied Because of Race; Bullied Because of Religion; Learn From the Experts; Cyberbullying: Celebrities Share Their Stories About Being Bullied and The Unwritten Letter’s Project which tells about the founder of the Unwritten Letter’s Project and includes some of the contributor’s letters to their bullies.

  

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

My granddaughter was having so much trouble with bullying that she came to me and asked if I would write a book about bullying. I was also bullied in school and thought it was a very good idea for a book

I totally agree with you. This is a subject that needs to be addressed in schools. What kind of research did you do for this book?

I posted on the Internet that I was looking for stories from people who were bullied. I got so many responses that I began the book. My next post was for celebrities who were bullied and I heard from a few more people. One interview was with twin psychics who were bullied because they were Korean adopted into an Italian, Catholic community in New York. These ladies are making their own TV show called Twin Tuition and introduced me to many of their celebrity friends.

Please give a few examples of bullying experts included in your book.

I have stories from juvenile court Judge Tom Jacobs who talks about cyberbullying. Izzy Kalman is the founder of Bullies 2 Buddies; Irene van der Zande is the founder of Kid Power and Matt Ivester is the founder of Juicy Campus and author of lol…OMG! I also interviewed William Preble from School Climate in Learning.

Please tell us a few examples of well-known people who were bullied that you included in this book.

I have interviewed celebrities such as NBA All Star, James Donaldson who nearly let bullying stand in the way of his basketball career.  Heba Salama, who was the winner of the Biggest Loser and Daniel Joseph Baker who was a finalist on America’s Got Talent. We also hear from Hollywood Movie producer, Katherine Brooks who fled her home in Louisiana after word got around her school that she was in love with her best girlfriend.

Where can my readers find you online?

My book is available through Amazon.com and Amazon Kindle. You can find me at www.jillvanderwood.com. 

Thank you so much for this awesome interview. I hope my readers will get your book and that it will help many children in this terrible predicament.

Interview with a Romantic Suspense Author Deborah M. Piccurelli

Deborah M. Piccurelli is the author of two romantic suspense novels and a romantic novella, all clean romances. After years of reading books and watching movies with an element of romance, Deborah’s desire to write romance novels came naturally. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the New Jersey Society of Christian Writers. Deborah lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two sons.

“This is one of the most unique and compelling storylines I've read in years. There was suspense, intrigue and a lot of mystery to the story. I also enjoyed the romance and the undercover aspects of the story.” –Michelle Sutton

Welcome back to my blog, Deborah. This new book is on the suspenseful side. Please tell us about Hush Little Baby.

Well, Linda, with the Planned Parenthood debacle in the news, it may seem like this book is new, but I wrote it long before. Here’s the back-cover blurb:

Investigative journalist, Amber Blake, is a little person bent on payback for the death of her average-sized twin sister. Enlisted by her former partner and estranged husband, Evan, she poses as a counselor in an abortion clinic to expose the doctor responsible for fetal harvesting. As a Christian, she struggles with concealing her beliefs to maintain her cover, while the doctor’s romantic overtures tumble her stomach. Amber agrees to date him for the sake of the story . . . but nothing prepares her for what’s behind a mysterious door in his office.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

In two different ways. For the characters, I had seen TV shows that seemed to exploit little people. That tugged on my heart, so I vowed that I would someday write a book where dwarves were shown to be much like anyone else, albeit a few small differences.

Around the same time, in 1999, Planned Parenthood was being investigated for baby body parts trafficking, much like they are right now. I saw a clip of a 20/20 segment on Good Morning America and it really angered me. I scribbled a short note about it on a piece of paper and filed it in my story idea folder. When the time came, many years later, for me to write about the dwarf characters, the baby body parts trafficking angle seemed to fit with them so well.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

I did a lot of online research, I watched TV shows on both subjects and read books. But, most importantly, I spoke to people who were living out the issues and challenges portrayed in the story.

For the fetal harvesting aspect, after reading an article about it, I contacted the author who referred me to Mark Crutcher of Life Dynamics. He is the man who headed up the investigation into Planned Parenthood back in the late nineties and took the results to Congress.

For the characters, I found a website for the organization, Little People of America, got the president’s name and phone number and called. I didn’t expect him to actually answer. I thought I’d get a secretary who would try to divert my call. But he answered the phone himself and his name was Matt Roloff. Many of you may not know him, but he was one of the stars of the popular TLC reality show, Little People, Big World, although that show had not been on the air at the time. He spoke with me briefly, then told me there would be answers to a lot of my questions in his book, so I ordered it. When it didn’t arrive after several weeks, I called his number again. This time, his wife, Amy, answered. After addressing the problem of the undelivered book, I asked her if I could interview her to get a woman’s perspective on dwarfism. She agreed, and we had a long chat. Shortly after, I was very surprised to see them appearing on talk shows promoting their upcoming TV show.

Just as an aside, I want to say that I received another pleasant surprise to learn from reading Mr. Roloff’s book that he and his family are Christians.

Please tell us about one of the main characters in this story and what you like about him or her.

I like Amber a lot, but Evan, her estranged husband, is the one I’m really drawn to. He is so heroic, he wears his love for Amber on his sleeve, and he has integrity. He’s also funny, and being a hot-head doesn’t make him any less loveable.

Where can my readers find you online?

My website: www.deborahmpiccurelli.com

Twitter: @DebPiccurelli

Facebook: www.facebook.com/deborah.piccurelli

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/DebPiccurelli

Thank you for this interview, Deborah. I hope my readers will check out your book.