Interview with Romance Author Christina Lorenzen

Christina started writing as a young teen, jotting stories in wire ring composition notebooks. Her first typewriter made it faster to get all those stories out of her head and down on paper. She is busy working on a modern take on her favorite fairy tale, Rapunzel for a summer release. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found walking her dog, talking to her herd of cats and spending time with her family.

Welcome to my blog, Christina. Please tell us about your novel, The Silvershell Beach Inn.

The Silvershell Beach Inn is a sweet romance that’s set in the small town of Marion, Massachusetts. My publisher had a call out for a collection of stories set in the state of Massachusetts. As a child and young teen, I spent several weeks every summer at my grandparents house in Marion. I decided to use the beach we spent every summer on but took a little fictional liberty and created the Silvershell Beach Inn. I also brought in some of my mother’s side of the family’s, culture. My mother’s parents are from Portugal so my characters are all Portuguese and my grandmother’s soup, Canja, plays a role in the story as well. As a bonus, I’ve included the recipe for readers at the back of the book.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

Because the publisher wanted stories set in Massachusetts, the inspiration came from my childhood and early teens. I have such sweet happy memories of summers in Marion. Writing the book was like taking a trip back in time to a simpler time. The inspiration for the characters mentioned came from a mix of people I knew in that town and my own family members.

What kind of research did you do?

Since I haven’t been back to Marion in quite some time, I did some basic research. I went online to the town’s website to look at pictures and get a few town facts. I’m also lucky enough to still have a cousin in the neighboring town who could get a few street names verified and share some summer time memories. She’s also the only one in the family that had a copy of my grandmother’s Canja soup.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

I love my characters. Jacinta, or Jacy as she’s called, is a creative so I do love that about her. But my hero, Zach Silva, is my ‘pet’ right now lol. He’s been groomed to be a businessman from the time he was a teenager. He’s torn between following his father, who wanted to forget the culture and Americanize the family, and his pride for his culture. He’s the one who decides to bring Jacy’s grandmother, Augusta Penna, on board to the inn, bringing the Portuguese to the very elegant, beach side resort that his family owns.

Where is your website and blog so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

I love for readers to visit my online home at

http://christinalorenzen.com/. They can also visit my blog, as I am in the process of updating it. Right now I do a Friday feature called The Reading Bag, but I will have other features as well, including my original Small Town Saturday posts. http://christinalorenzen.com/the-reading-bag-3/

Thanks for having me here, Linda! It’s always a pleasure to visit with you and your readers.

Thank you, Christina, for this wonderful interview. I appreciate it. I hope my followers will check out your novel.

Interview with Fantasy Romance Author Anna Del C Dye

Anna del C. has published twelve books to this date. Her Elf series has seven books, all stand alone. She also has a middle grade, electronic format book called Emerine's Nightmare. Her new A Royal Romance series is what she is working on right now. Book Three, A Golden Princess, was published Feb 2017. The Chancellor from Connier is a Medieval Romance and was published Jun 1, 2017. She has received many awards for the books and stories she has written.

"The Chancellor From Connier was an interesting book to read. The Chancellor From Connier kept my interested from start to end. I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy medieval romance books. I know my family will enjoy reading this book. I can't wait to read more stories from this author. Great book. Awesome story." -- The Unknown Crystals

Welcome to my blog. This is a Medieval Fantasy. Please tell us about your novel, The Chancellor from Connier.

Blurb:

The princess of Kaloma is distraught, if the chancellor doesn't return to Connier it will mean war, and that is a price she is unwilling to pay. Two weeks before Sestina planned to marry Ottin, he changed his mind. He begged her to wait for him, just a few years, until he could make a name for himself in the court of Connier. She sent him away and never looked back, becoming the lady in waiting to the princess of Kaloma. Then one day he reappears as the chancellor of Connier and promises to stay forever, even though she refuses him. Now war darkens the horizon of the two kingdoms.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

When I wrote A Golden Princess, Book Three, in A Royal Romance Series, I had Sestina become the princess' lady-in-waiting, but when I did a side story for her, it was to long for the book, so I opted to take it out. It wanted its own light, and now shines beautifully on its own.

Since this is fantasy, did you have to do any research?

Not really, since it was part of the other book the research was already done when I developed this story. I did have to coordinate time lines with the book A Golden Princess, so it keeps true to the story line in that book.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

Ottin broke Sestina's heart long ago in exchange for a better future. Now, he has found her again and will stay, even if it means war between their kingdoms. Ottin is an awesome man and though he did hurt her, he never stops loving her. Sestina had hard times in her life, being born without a father and growing up in poverty. Still, she did her best and because of her efforts, she becomes the Princess of Kalama's lady-in-waiting. She has a heart of gold, though it is shattered. Both are so special and so different. I love them both.

Where is your website and blog so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

http://www.annadelc.com 

Medieval Romances are so intriguing. Thank you for this interview, Anna. I hope my readers will check out your new book.

Historical Romance: Stories of Love and Freedom

A Rebel Trilogy by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Rebel Series is a mixture of romance and adventure. Each book is a love story with mystery and suspense as a young couple and their rebel friends strive to help their country. Most romances have a bit of drama between the man and woman but that’s not so with this series. Even though there are trials along the way, they never give up on each other. For those who enjoy strong women characters, all three books have this in common. They are independent women who don’t sit back and watch. They have an opinion and are not afraid to express it. The adventure and romance in each book can be appreciated by young and old alike.

This is a historical mystery/adventure romance set in the late 1700s. It’s during a time when men defended a lady’s honor and treated women with respect. The women, on the other hand, were not weak by any means. These courageous men and women were looked up to because they defended the people. This series does not involve any battle scenes, but is more about a people and their values—sort of like a new take on Robin Hood.

“This creative take on a Robin Hood-like story is charming and touching, and teaches some great morals about agency and choice. It reminded me of childhood fairytales of good versus evil, with a nice romance weaved into it.” --Author Charissa Stastny

The heroes in this series are rebels with a sense of justice. They help the underdog and fight for the right to be free. The men are chivalrous. But at the same time, their feelings run deep for the young woman they’re in love with.

In book one, The Rebels of Cordovia, a group of men and women who called themselves Robin’s Rebels realize they must help the people survive this oppression. In this battle for freedom, a love story begins to blossom. Daniel, a rogue and a leader of the Freemen, does not realize that the sweet feminine woman he has met and is falling for happens to be the leader of Robin’s Rebels. Realizing the importance of uniting all the rebel groups, Daniel tries to recruit Robin’s Rebels but they refuse. Now he has to find a way to convince them. When he finds out the leader is actually a woman, what will his reaction be?

In book two, The Highwayman of Cordovia, the people enjoy their new-found liberty but all is not well. One year after Cordovia gains its freedom, a group of powerful men plan to take over the small country and replace the leader with a king.

“This sequel to the Rebels of Cordovia takes a pastor’s daughter and mixes her in with a rogue highwayman. The results will surprise you in this continued battle for freedom and justice. This sweet romance had action and intrigue, mysteries to solve, and villains to thwart.” --Author Charissa Stastny

With the help of a bold highwayman and a pastor’s daughter, they try to save their country from being taken over by a power-hungry leader. As they strive to stop the Kingmen and thwart their plans, Christine finds herself falling in love with Austin Knight. The only problem with their relationship is that she thinks he is her knight in shining armor instead of a highwayman. If she finds out his trade, what will her reaction be? As a pastor’s daughter, will love override her values?

“Christine and Austin’s story is truly amazing. When Austin and Christine meet again, the feelings they had as kids is still there. Christine is truly a remarkable person. When Austin starts to protect her, their relationship starts to grow. The characters in this book will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens next. God is working throughout this whole book. You won't be able to stop reading it.” –Debbie Jamieson

In book three, The Fox of Cordovia, a sinister plot has just been uncovered and its up to a former patriot and a young nurse to discover who is behind it. Caroline is engaged to the future mayor of Laketown, a man of influence and greatly respected. But all that changes when she overhears a conspiracy behind closed doors. After being discovered, she runs for her life. Caroline needs to report her findings, but whom can she trust? When she asks Jesse Conover for help, the adventure begins.

Cindi Clubbs, from Mommasez Reviews, wrote: “Linda Weaver Clarke has a storyteller's talent for enchanting and mesmerizing the audience. There are also some exciting surprises and twists that will delight the heart.”

All three of these books will be available at Audible and iTunes.

About the Author

Linda Weaver Clarke is the author of historical romances, a mystery/adventure series, a romantic cozy mystery series, and a children’s book. All her books are family friendly. Read sample chapters and buy her book at http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

To purchase either a soft cover or an ebook, click on the links below.

Buy links:

The Rebels of Cordovia: https://www.amazon.com/Rebels-Cordovia-Linda-Weaver-Clarke/dp/1484147650

The Highwayman of Cordovia: https://www.amazon.com/Highwayman-Cordovia-Rebels-Book-ebook/dp/B01N0214KX

The Fox of Cordovia: https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Cordovia-Rebel-Book-ebook/dp/B071X82FV8

Interview with Christian Cozy Mystery Author Deborah Malone

Deborah Malone first novel Death in Dahlonega, finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Category Five writing contest! Deborah was nominated for 2012 and 2013 Georgia Author of the Year Award in Novel category. She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer for the historic magazine “Georgia Backroads.” She is a member of the Georgia Writer’s Association, Advanced Writers and Speaker’s Association and American Christian Fiction Writers. Deborah has two grown daughters and lives in the North Georgia mountains with her husband.

Welcome back to my blog, Deborah. Please tell us about the Skye Southerland Cozy Mystery series.

Thank you for having me again, Linda. It’s a pleasure to be here. The Skye Southerland Series is my second cozy mystery series. For those who don’t know what a cozy mystery is I’ll explain. The murder takes place off stage, the sleuth is an amateur, and it usually takes place in a small village or town. Most cozies are humorous and can have some quirky characters.

Skye is an interior decorator and lives in Buckhead, a wealthy section of Atlanta, GA. Her husband, Mitch, deals in rare antiques. Honey Truelove is her best friend and assistant at Stylish Décor, Skye’s business. Everything is rocking along pretty good until Ginger, Honey’s cousin comes to live with her. Ginger, an exotic dancer, has decided to go cold turkey and quit the business. She’s ask Honey to help her during her rehabilitation. Skye is dubious at first but comes to see Ginger for the caring person she is.

Seems like the girls keep stumbling over dead bodies - well not literally, but they do help solve a couple of murders. The first book in the series is Buckhead Dead, and the second book is Decatur Dead. Like all my books the settings are real so if you’re familiar with the area you’d recognize the roads, restaurants and landmarks.

A married couple investigating a mystery sounds intriguing to me. One of my mystery series, The Adventures of John and Julia Evans, has a married couple, also, and it was so much fun to write. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

Skye and Mitch are married, but don’t have any children. He doesn’t actually help her solve the murders, but he is an important character in the books. He does warn her about getting in trouble and worries about her sleuthing with Honey and Ginger.

Buckhead Dead is the first book in this series. What is it about?

Skye Southerland and Honey Truelove have just finished an interior design job for Sylvia Landmark, one of Buckhead’s most eccentric characters, and their designs are to die for.  After a celebration at Sylvia’s home where they reveal the new décor, including a desk with a possible link to the pirate Blackbeard, Sylvia turns up dead, leaving the ladies wondering if this desk is worth more than they bargained for. Skye and Honey are now suspects in the murder of a woman who had few friends, and plenty of possible enemies. In an attempt to clear their names, Skye and Honey, and Honey’s loveable cousin Ginger embark on a journey to find the real killer, figure out the history behind the desk, and clear their names before they end up going to jail, or even worse, becoming the next victims! With plenty of warnings from Skye’s husband Mitch, and the ruggedly handsome Detective Montaine assigned to Sylvia’s case, these girls still manage to get right in the middle of the investigation, while having time to enjoy all that Georgia has to offer.   

Tell me about the two main characters and what you love about them?

Skye Southerland is the main character and she’s married to Mitch. They’ve been married a long time, but Skye was unable to have children. Skye is an interior decorator with a swanky business, Stylish Décor. She was raised in family where social status was important. Even though Skye has fought this for years, she slips up now and again and feels the same way. You will see her grow though the first two books of the series.

Skye’s best friend is Honey Truelove. Honey also works with Skye at Stylish Décor. She was raised in the North Georgia mountains and grew up with very little. She moved to Atlanta in hopes of gaining more opportunities – and she did find them. She met and married an older man that was wealthy. She had a penchant for marrying older men. She did this twice with both of them dying and leaving her a wealthy widow. But is her love life over? You’ll have to read the book to find out😊 You’ll enjoy a lot of laughs with Honey and her southern charm.

Where is your website, so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

www.deborah-malone.com

Thank you so much for this interview. I hope my followers will check out your books.