Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Laurean Brooks

Laurean Brooks has authored six inspirational romances. Two titles are full lengths available in print or ebook: Journey To Forgiveness and Beneath A Macon Moon.  A Medley Of Inspirational Romance is a compilation of four short stories/novella which can be purchased as a single ebook or together under one cover, print or download.

Ms. Brooks lives in a rural area of Tennessee surrounded by woods, creeks and farmland. Her favorite time of day is a leisurely walk with her two labs and black cat, in the late afternoon. Yes, Tux the cat joins her and the dogs. When Laurean isn't writing, you might find her engrossed in a home renovation show like, Fixer Upper, Rehab Addict, or Texas Flip and Move.

Welcome back to my blog, Laurean. Please tell us about your book, A Medley Of Inspirational Romance.

A Medley Of Inspirational Romance was born when my publisher, Publishing By Rebecca J. Vickery wanted to compile four of my short stories to make a full-length book. Each hero and heroine is struggling through a painful experience. Each must learn to trust God's grace and guidance.

Where did you get inspirations for these stories?

Jonquils In The Snow—This story came to me after the ice storm that hit our area in late January, 2010. What if a young single lady calls a tree service man after the storm took down trees in her yard?

Miranda is a third-grade teacher, but school is canceled due to a devastating ice storm. Miranda was jilted two days before her wedding. Two years later she's ready to put it behind her. Brady owns a tree service business. Three years after his wife's tragic death, he still grieves. Can Miranda and a cluster of snow-covered Jonquils give Brady hope for a new beginning?

Over The Coals--My publisher asked. short story submissions for a summer romance collection she was putting together. What could be more summery than a backyard cookout?

Jill watches Rob flirt with the blonde who hangs over him while he's grilling. The gregarious Rob thinks he's God's gift to women. Or does he? A one-on-one talk with Rob makes Jill reassess. What is he hiding? Why does he not answer questions about his past? And why does Rob start avoiding her?

Will Jill's suspicious heart soften toward Rob? Will Rob find healing for his broken past?

Severed Hearts—Set in the Vietnam Era when time seemed to move slower. My late brother's experience was my inspiration for this story. I even named my hero “Johnny” after him.

Johnny is crazy in love with Julie. He is about to propose when he overhears a conversation between Julie and the arrogant guy who devises to destroy him. The demeaning words send Johnny packing. Without a word to Julie, he enlists and hops on a bus. Who can put these Severed Hearts back together?

Sad to say, my brother and the young lady he loved never reconciled. Like Johnny in my story, he enlisted to run away from heartbreak.

A Decision of Trust—My heroine's position as a legal secretary came from my experience. Though, the heroine, hero, and plot were figments of my imagination.

Amanda's late husband was a high-paid CEO. They had everything money could buy. But after his death, she discovers he was a philanderer and obsessive gambler. Amanda could lose everything. She is disillusioned, not willing to trust her heart again. Handsome attorney Jake, lost his wife to a medical procedure gone wrong. He is not looking for a second chance at love. Once was enough. He will raise his young son alone. Then Amanda walks into his office to apply for a job.

Can God heal their broken hearts and give them the courage to trust love again?

What kind of research did you do for this book?

Very little. All four stories are set in the South, familiar surroundings to me. In A Decision Of Trust, I used my experience as a former legal secretary. Otherwise, I would have been clueless to certain legal terms and procedures in a legal office. My full-length books required a lot of research. My historical, Journey To Forgiveness set in the year 1938, because it is a historical. My contemporary Beneath A Macon Moon because I'm not familiar with the town.

Do you consider your female characters to be strong and feisty or meek yet spirited?

They appear strong and feisty, but beneath the surface all are vulnerable. The feisty or cool manner is a coverup for past hurts. I wouldn't call any of them meek. Jill Landers in Over The Coals is a bit shy. She doesn't like being the center of attention.

Thank you, Laurean, for this wonderful interview. I hope my readers will check out your books. Here are some links below for them to find you.

Laurean Brooks Website: http://laureanslore.blogspot.com

Friend Lauren on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/laurean.brooks

Follow Laurean on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laurean2