1st Blogoversary: Interview with Marta Perry & Giveaway!

Marta, welcome to Hardcover Feedback! Thank you SO much for being a part of my 1st Blogoversary Celebration! Would you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania, and I’m from a Pennsylvania Dutch background, so that has led me to write the Amish fiction I’m writing now. My husband and I live in the century-and-a-half-old farmhouse in a central Pennsylvania valley where we raised our three children. They’re grown now and have given us six delightful grandchildren—one of my favorite topics of conversation. We enjoy traveling, gardening, especially having those grandkids come to visit!

What or who made the biggest influence on you wanting to become a writer?
When I was eight, I read my first Nancy Drew book, The Secret in the Old Clock. Most little girls finish that book and want to be Nancy. I finished it and wanted to be the person who created that great story! Life happened, I grew up, married, had another career, but the desire to write never left, and I hope it never will.


What was the first book you ever wrote about and was it ever published?
My first book was a young adult mystery, Mystery at Winter Lodge, which was published by Crestwood House. There was the Nancy Drew influence, you see! But I eventually realized that I was more at home writing for adults.

Do you have any writing habits that people might find unusual? 
I’ve always said I can write anywhere. That might be a slight exaggeration, but I’ve written a chapter while sitting in a crowded airport waiting for an overdue flight and sketched out a scene while walking in the woods. I find long road trips especially productive—my husband drives while I write, and I can disappear into the story and come out only when we arrive at our destination.

Do you have a favorite character or one that is especially close to your heart? 
One favorite is Anna, who is a reckless, rebellious teenager in Leah’s Choice and grows into a woman willing to sacrifice everything for her child in Anna’s Return. I also loved William Brand, who appeared as a minor character in several Pleasant Valley books and finally got his own love in the upcoming Hannah’s Joy.

What is the best gift you have ever received and who gave it to you?
The engagement ring I’m wearing—it was a Christmas present, it was a complete surprise, and even more amazing, my husband picked it out himself!

What is something that you have always wanted to do, but just haven't gotten around to it yet?
I mentioned that my husband and I enjoy traveling, and I’ve always wanted to do a river cruise. Maybe next year!

What is your all-time favorite book?
Little Women. I fell in love with it as a child, and I find it just as meaningful as an adult.

Other than yourself, who is your favorite author?
I’m a huge Agatha Christie fan, and I’ve read all of her books a number of times. I love visiting in the world she created.

What do you like to do in your spare time? What spare time? 
Seriously, I don’t think any working writer has much of that, but I enjoy baking and sewing. And reading, of course. My husband gave me a Kindle Fire for my birthday, and I love the ease with which I can read on it, especially when my eyes are tired after a day at the computer.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
I normally get up early, and I like to get my writing stint accomplished early in the day. I save afternoons for all of the other things that are related to a writing career, and I’m usually in bed by ten.

What is your favorite TV show and/or movie?
We recently watched “The Help” and I found it very moving. I rarely miss PBS Masterpiece and Masterpiece Mystery.

If you had the opportunity to go anywhere you wanted, at anytime in history, where would you go and why?
I’d love to visit Charles Dickens’ London, but I probably wouldn’t enjoy living there!

You are given an unlimited budget to plan your ultimate party. Please describe it (i.e. Where would it take place? Who would be on the guest list? What would be on the menu? Would there be a theme? etc.).
I’m not much of a party person. For me, the best gathering would be husband, kids, and grandkids in a place we’d all enjoy.

What are you currently working on?
I’m writing the first book in a new Amish romantic suspense trilogy for HQN Books. The first book, Home by Dark, will be out in February of 2013.

Where can people connect with you online? 
You can find me at www.martaperry.com, Marta Perry Books on Facebook, www.booksbymartaperry.blogspot.com and e-mail me at marta@martaperry.com.
I’ll be happy to send a signed bookmark and my Pennsylvania Dutch recipe brochure to any reader who emails me with his or her address.


Thank you so much Marta for being on Hardcover Feedback!

GIVEAWAY:

Marta Perry has graciously offered to give away a copy of her book Vanish in Plain Sight! To enter, all you have to do is follow this blog in at least one way, complete the mandatory entry and then complete whichever extra entries you want in the Rafflecopter form below.  Open to US and Canada ONLY!



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1st Blogoversary: Interview with Cheryl St. John & Giveaway!

Cheryl, welcome to Hardcover Feedback! Thank you SO much for being a part of my 1st Blogoversary Celebration! What or who made the biggest influence on you wanting to become a writer?

 Reading books as a child nourished my desire to become a  writer. During summer vacations I mourned the loss of the school library. I wrote my own stories, drew the covers and stapled them into little books. 

What was the first book you ever wrote about and was it ever published?

The first book I ever wrote was titled The Rebel and it was undeserving of publication. I was 14 and I wrote about a teenage gang. How embarrassing, but I guess I put a dot on the learning curve.

Do you have any writing habits that people might find unusual?

I don't turn around three times before sitting in my chair or don my writing cap or anything. Sitting in the chair is the biggest hurdle. Fingers to keyboard next. If I do that, words come. I do clean my office and my desk between each project, but I wouldn't call that unusual.

Do you have a favorite character or one that is especially close to your heart?

I really love Joshua McBride in Saint or Sinner. He was a man redeemed of his past and focused on the future. I also have a special fondness for Tye Hatcher in Joe's Wife. An underdog with a heat of gold. 

What is the best gift you have ever received and who gave it to you?

Best gifts ever are my ten grandchildren, and my four children gave them to me. I never knew how wonderful it would be to have that special bond. They possess my heart. 

What is something that you have always wanted to do, but just haven't gotten around to it yet?

I always have a craft in the planning, so I have boxes and totes of materials for windchimes and jewelry and all sort of different things. I just never get around to actually doing the projects!  

What is your all-time favorite book?

All time favorite book is a tough decision, but after some thought I have to go with Twice Loved by LaVryle Spencer. Rye Dalton is my favorite hero of all time. Now that is romance at its finest. 

Other than yourself, who is your favorite author?

A favorite author is just as difficult. I love everything LaVyrle Spencer ever wrote, so I have to go with her. 

If a TV show was based on your life, what would the theme song be and why?

You ask difficult questions. I'm going to go with can't Buy Me Love. I've had little and I've had a lot, and none of it means a thing without the people you love. When our kids were little we didn't go out to eat, but we cashed in aluminum cans to go to the movies on Friday night. My favorite times with my grandkids are usually spent hiking through the woods or going for a walk. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love movies, so whenever I can sneak in an hour or two I watch a movie. An old one, a new one, I don't care. I have favorites I watch over and over, and they inspire me. 

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I am definitely a night owl. I have to force myself to go to bed, and I've always been this way. My husband is the early bird. I'm often just going to bed when he's getting up to head out for work. It's always been my philosophy that sleep is a waste of time and I'll get a lot of it after I die, but I'm trying to correct that thinking so I can stay healthier. 

What is your favorite TV show and/or movie?

My favorite TV show was ER for many years, and some some odd reason it's now Gray's Anatomy. I don't think it's the medical stuff; it's the character interaction and the fast pace. I also enjoy Bones and I never miss American Idol - and yes I vote.  

If you had the opportunity to go anywhere you wanted, at anytime in history, where would you go and why?

If I had the opportunity to go somewhere in history, I think I'd be in the crowd when Jesus preached the sermon on the mount. I think hearing Him would be pretty cool.

You are given an unlimited budget to plan your ultimate party. Please describe it (i.e. Where would it take place? Who would be on the guest list? What would be on the menu? Would there be a theme? etc.).

My ultimate party would be a beautiful tea party, with eclectic cups and saucers and beautiful dishes. I would invite all my friends and we'd spend an entire summer afternoon under the shade of tall old trees, drinking tea and eating scones and cakes. 

What are you currently working on?

I have several projects in the works right now. I am having rights reverted to four of my very first books, so those are in the process of becoming digital releases, but it's a lot of work. I'm excited that the stories will have a second life with new readers. I've also been working on a non-fiction project that has been challenging, but for which I have big plans. I have a proposal in for a historical and a couple more nearly ready. 


Where can people connect with you online?
Readers can find me online at a variety of places: 

My website: http://www.cherylstjohn.net/
My blog, From the Heart: http://cherylstjohn.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCherylSt.John
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/CherylStJ
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/cheryl_stjohn/

Thank you so much Cheryl for being on Hardcover Feedback!

GIVEAWAY:

Cheryl has graciously offered to give away a copy of her new book The Wedding Journey! If the winner is in the US they may choose a printed book or an e-book. If the winner is NOT in the US, then they would receive an e-book. 

To enter, all you have to do is follow this blog in at least one way, complete the mandatory entry and then complete whichever extra entries you want in the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open internationally!

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1st Blogoversary: Interview with Elizabeth Camden & Giveaway!

Elizabeth, welcome to Hardcover Feedback! Thank you SO much for being a part of my 1st Blogoversary Celebration! What was the first book you ever wrote about and was it ever published?
Yup. I dashed my first book off in a couple of months, had a ton of offers, then picked the best. (Cough). Actually, my first three manuscripts are under my bed and will NEVER be allowed to escape into the world. I think manuscripts four and five were pretty good…..but they were contemporary romances, and no one was interested. It was manuscript number six that finally hit, and became The Lady of Bolton Hill. I am actually grateful for the warm-up books. Looking back, most of them suffer from typical newbie writer problems. I am grateful I was able to go through those growing pains in private!

Do you have a favorite character or one that is especially close to your heart?
I suppose that would be Bane, the young villain from my first novel, The Lady of Bolton Hill. One tip for writers: when you need a character to fill a particular role (villain, best friend, business rival, etc.) never go for the obvious. I needed a villain for The Lady of Bolton Hill, and the first image that sprang to mind was a big, brutish criminal who scares children and kicks cats…. so I rejected the obvious and went for the complete opposite. I made Bane an angelically gorgeous and recklessly charming teenager who is already well on his way to a life of crime. His wicked charm made him a lot more frightening. Readers seem to agree….and still fell in love with him even though he needed a good swift kick in the pants. I’ve gotten more fan mail about Bane than everyone else combined.

What is the best gift you have ever received and who gave it to you?
A college education…provided by my parents. I don’t think I fully appreciated the magnitude of that gift until I grew up a little more and learned to understand the huge financial sacrifices my parents took on my behalf…..as well as the launching pad that college gave me. That was a biggie!

Other than yourself, who is your favorite author?
Sorry, Megan….impossible to answer! I go through phases. Right now I am wildly devoted to Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series. This is romantic urban fantasy (and definitely not G-rated, for those who prefer to stick to the Inspirational stuff.) I love it because of the sparking dialog and the crackling tension between the heroine and the mysterious Jericho Barrons. In recent years I’ve been through Ken Follett binges, devoured Francine Rivers, and will buy anything by Lisa Klaypas…..but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to pick a favorite.


If a TV show was based on your life, what would the theme song be and why?
Can I say Paperback Writer? It’s so cliché, but that’s where I am at these days!

Are you an early bird or a night owl?
My husband and I both get up around 4am, and are both zonked on the couch by 9pm. We’re early birds!

What is your favorite TV show and/or movie?
This is really bad…..but I like Cops. I work around 50 hours per week at my day job, then I put in another 10 or 20 writing. I just don’t have the mental energy for anything too demanding, and somehow, at the end of a busy, stressful, and exhausting day…..I just love zoning out in front of Cops, which I think is probably the TV-equivalent of salty junk-food.

You are given an unlimited budget to plan your ultimate party. Please describe it (i.e. Where would it take place? Who would be on the guest list? What would be on the menu? Would there be a theme? etc.).
My husband and I are dull, dull homebodies, so it would probably be only about ten or fifteen close friends and family in our backyard (which I must confess has a really terrific view of the Florida countryside). We’d have good bread, cheese, and a couple bottles of nice wine. Bill says that one of the reasons he married me is that I’m easy to please. I suppose that’s true!

What are you currently working on?
You remember that character ‘Bane’ I spoke of at the beginning of this interview? I am pleased to announce that he is all grown up and ready to star in a book of his own. It took me a while to come up with a heroine as strong and interesting as Bane, and yet still come across as highly sympathetic. Against the Tide is an entirely a stand-alone book, so readers will be able to hop right in, even if they didn’t read The Lady of Bolton Hill. Look for it in October of 2012.

Where can people connect with you online?
I blog at http://elizabethcamden.com/blog where I ramble on about things related to the romance genre, the publishing world, and because I am a librarian by day, I can’t help but post pictures of mouth-watering libraries. I hope you’ll swing by!

Thank you so much Elizabeth for being on Hardcover Feedback!

GIVEAWAY:

Elizabeth has graciously offered to give away a copy of either The Lady of Bolton Hill or The Rose of Winslow Street - winner's choice!! To enter, complete the mandatory entries and then whichever extra entries you want in the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open to the US ONLY!

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Chasing Clovers by Kat Flannery (Review)

Mail order bride, Livy Green, is desperate the memories of her past. John Taylor will never love another woman again, but his children need a mother. Will they learn to trust each other, or will their pasts interfere?

Longing to escape the awful memories and the saloon she once sang in, Livy Green lies about her past so she can be a wife to John Taylor and step mother to his two young children. Overwhelmed by the task, she struggles to put her resentment aside and love them as her own.

John loved his first wife and is still heartbroken over the loss, but he needs a mother for his children. When his distant and unfriendly mail order bride arrives, he begins to doubt his decision though one glance into Livy's terrified green eyes tells him he can't turn his back on her. As Livy's past catches up with her and suspicous accidents begin to happen on the ranch, she is tempted to come clean and tell John the truth. But will he send her back if he does? Or will they forever be CHASING CLOVERS?

I GIVE THIS BOOK:

MY THOUGHTS:

I really thought I was going to enjoy this book, but unfortunately I was very disappointed in it. Livy was bearable, but John came across as a self-centered jerk. There was also a LOT of cursing in the book, so much in fact, that I lost count!

The book also goes into very detailed descriptions about how the characters feel towards one another. Boyd's carnal urges, what he wants to do to Livy and how she affects him. Will stating that he doesn't think he can ever love another woman, and then he kisses and fondles Livy. I personally like the books I read to have clean romances in them and this book certainly didn't have it. I know that some people are okay with having this much detail in books, and that some actually prefer it, but it just isn't something that I like.

Having said that, this isn't the reason for the low rating, the reason for it is that I just couldn't connect with any of the characters in the book - they just seemed too fake. John is very self-centered and is quick to assume the worst of people.

Livy is scared to be alone around men, but after one encounter with John, where they kiss passionately, she is all of a sudden okay with being around them...I just don't believe that.

Overall, I didn't enjoy reading Chasing Clovers and wouldn't recommend it.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***

Book Details:

• Title: Chasing Clovers
• Author: Kat Flannery
• Publisher: Imajin Books
• Length: 71,000 words
• Sub-Genres: Cowboy/Western, Historical
• Available to purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kat Flannery has had her writing published in numerous periodicals. She’s received her diploma for Creative, Freelance, and Business Writing. She is co-owner of Prairie Dog Publishing, where she devotes her spare time as head of Marketing and Communications. When not focusing on her creative passions, Kat is busy with her three boys and doting husband Chasing Clovers is Kat’s first published novel, and she is currently working on her next.

• Website: http://www.katflannery-author.com
• Blog: http://www.kat-scratch.blogspot.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kat-Flannery/131065966999142
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/@katflannery1
• Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12917650-chasing-clovers

BOOK EXCERPT:

The stagecoach pitched to a stop, jostling Livy Green from fitful nightmares of a past she longed to bury and the stranger she was about to marry. Her neck stiff and her back aching, she massaged her shoulders. She straightened and tried to stretch her arms, but the tiny space wouldn't allow it.

A loud sigh blew from her lips when she realized how rumpled her clothes were. Frowning, she ran her hands

along her skirt. Nothing but a hot iron would get the wrinkles out. With only two other dresses in her wardrobe, and no time to change anyway, she had no choice but to meet her fiancé looking as she did.

Her stomach dropped. What if I'm not what he's expecting?

She peered out the window and wasn't surprised to see a few North West Mounted Police mingling with the

other townspeople. Their bright red uniforms stood out like apples on a tree. She reached for her satchel and held it tightly before she stepped out the small door. You can do this. She squeezed the handle on her luggage. You have to.

Fort Calgary was a bustling town with two hotels on either side of the street, a small dress shop with ladies

hats and fabric displayed in the window, and a red-bricked bank on the northwest corner. She watched people walking along the wooden planks and filtering in and out of the shops.

A loud squeal sounded behind her.

Livy jumped. She was almost trampled by a young boy running from his mother. Her heart lurched at the sight of the child. The familiar ache inside her soul willed her to look away. But she continued to watch mother and child until they disappeared inside the mercantile.

She took a deep breath, forced all thoughts of the past out of her mind and scanned the streets again. Her face flushed when she thought of what she was about to do.

Bag in hand, she spotted the blacksmith across the street next to the barbershop. Her stomach twisted at the

sight of the saloon two buildings down. The all too familiar swinging doors waved back and forth, taunting her.

Two drunken cowboys left the saloon, weaving their way down the boardwalk.

Livy clenched the satchel and tensed.

She turned away, closed her eyes, and took another deep breath. Here she would be the wife to John Taylor―a man she'd never met―and stepmother to his two children.

She took another breath. She would start over. Again.

She surveyed the busy boardwalk in search of a tall man with dark hair. Almost every man she saw fit the

description he had given her, so she decided to move over to the bench in front of the mercantile and wait for Mr. Taylor to find her. Hands folded together on her lap. She tapped her toe restlessly. Where could he be?

A rough looking cowboy sauntered toward her. His brown greasy hair, and ripped denims were paired with an evil smile.

Livy tucked her chin into her chest. Oh, please don't let that be him. She'd seen his type before and knew what they were capable of. The man lingered beside her for a few moments before continuing on down the boardwalk.

She sighed with relief. How am I going to do this?

No longer Angel Green, she was now Olivia Green. The past was far behind her, except on those long dark

nights that would not allow her to escape it.

She chewed on her bottom lip and stared at the busy street.

Her new life would begin here. She would survive.

She blew out a shaky breath. It was all she knew how to do.

A tall man stood beside her, his hat pulled low so she couldn't see his eyes. He hesitated, then extended his

hand. "Olivia?" He had a polite, resonating voice.

She shaded her eyes with a hand. "Livy will do fine." She was uncomfortably aware of his presence as he

towered over her.

He smiled and took off his hat. Wavy black hair curled above the collar of his coat and his skin was tanned from the sun. He looked nothing like the dirty cowboy. Thank goodness. Instead, he wore a clean flannel shirt tucked into faded denim pants.

"John Taylor. Good to finally meet you. My buckboard is over there." He pointed the way, then peered

around. "Where are your trunks?"

Her cheeks reddened as she lifted her tattered brown satchel. She held it slightly behind, not wanting him to

see the holes and stains on it.

Nodding, he offered his arm. She ignored it. Friendly eyes stared back at her. After what had happened to her in Great Falls, she hated being touched by men.

"Do not be insulted, Mr. Taylor," she said, staring at his boots, "but I'd rather you show me the way instead."

She headed in the direction he'd pointed out earlier. When she heard a low chuckle from behind, she pursed

her lips and walked faster. I need no one, least of all a man.

In truth, she needed John Taylor more than she could admit.

What Others Are Saying About Chasing Clovers:

“Fantastic! 4.5 Stars! I very rarely go higher than a 4.0, but you impressed me!! ANY romance aficionado will love this book and this author. I am thrilled to have met her and her work! I look forward to adding more romance to my reading selections. Well, when Kat Flannery writes more books that is!"--Tammy Gaines, Novel Opinion

"...CHASING CLOVERS is a page turner from the first page to its last page... I couldn't stop reading it. High fives all around!"--Lillian Cauldwell, Passioniate World Radio USA

"CHASING CLOVERS got my 4.5 Stars! I look forward to the next book by Kat Flannery. ...Clearly, CHASING CLOVERS is a realistic depiction of goodness and vileness of human nature and hope amid seemingly very helpless situations.”--Nancy Cudis, Simple Clockwork

“...This author weaves an emotion tale, wrought with lies, deceit, hope, and love. I will definitely read another Kat Flannery novel!”--Dawn Beaton, Amazon Reviewer

“It is a fast-paced and suspense-filled story...The characters come alive and it is very easy to lose yourself in this book. I will definitely be looking for more books from this author.”--Debra Winkleman, Amazon Reviewer

“4 out of 5 Stars! CHASING CLOVERS was such a great sweet read... This is the first book by Flannery that I have read and I really enjoyed it... This really truly was a sweet story that was very well written and had just enough romance and action to keep you turning the pages and wanting more.”--Ali, My Guilty Obsession

February 23, 2012

Blackraven's Reviews (Book Feature)

Hardcover Feedback (Review)

An Open Book (Book Feature)

Books Read 'N' Makeup Done (Review)

Sandra's Blog (Book Feature)

February 24, 2012

Books Like Breathing (Review)

AJ's Reading Nook (Review)

Carly Fall - Where Fantasy Meets Romance (Review)

Harlie's Books (Book Feature)

Reviews By Molly (Review)

1st Blogoversary: Interview with Lorna Seilstad & Giveaway!

Lorna, welcome to Hardcover Feedback! Thank you SO much for being a part of my 1st Blogoversary Celebration! Would you tell us a little about yourself?

First of all, Megan, I want to say Happy Blogoversary! And thank you for inviting me to celebrate with you.

A little about myself, huh? I’m married to a wonderful man, and as of this month, it will be for 22 years. We have three children. I have a son who’s a sophomore in college, a daughter who’s about to graduate high school, and another daughter in seventh grade. Besides writing, I love to read, bake, and teach. I used to teach high school English, but now my teaching is limited to classes at church or summer camp.

I’m the author of the Lake Manawa Summers Series. Making Waves and A Great Catch have already released, but the third book of the Lake Manawa series, The Ride of Her Life, releases in May and I’m very excited about it.

 What or who made the biggest influence on you wanting to become a writer?

I had the same teacher for English in 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade. Every Friday, we had creative writing. Sometimes we’d arrive at school and find footprints taped around the walls and she’d tell us to write about how they got there. Other times, she wrote prompts on the board or handed us a shape from a bag. We had to hand in a rough draft and a final draft (proofed by our parents) every Monday morning. I fell in love with writing.

What was the first book you ever wrote about and was it ever published?

I’ve written a lot of novel length stories because I wrote fan fiction before I started writing original material. My stories are still available on the internet under Oreolover at romancefanfiction.net in their archives.

The first original manuscript I wrote has not been published, but the second one I wrote became Making Waves.


Do you have any writing habits that people might find unusual?

Habits? Probably not. But my office is in the basement and it’s very cold. I wear gloves with the fingertips cut off, two blankets and have a space heater. If it’s below zero outside, I usually have to wear a coat and scarf to write down there.


 Do you have a favorite character or one that is especially close to your heart?

I don’t have a favorite because that would be like picking a favorite child, but Emily in A Great Catch is near and dear to my heart because she is a klutz like me. I can so relate to her.


What is the best gift you have ever received and who gave it to you?

Oh, that’s a hard one Megan. I’ve been blessed by a lot of gifts. One special one was from my dad. When I was a girl, we collected antiques. I came home one day and my dad had been to an auction. Lying across our living room floor was 30 Nancy Ann Storybook dolls in their original boxes. That was amazing.

Another one was from my husband. After the birth of our second child, my husband gave me a special “mother and child” necklace. It was of a mother holding her child. He had their birthstones put on it, too. 


What is something that you have always wanted to do, but just haven't gotten around to it yet?

Clean my house? No, actually, I think I’d like to learn web design.

What is your all-time favorite book? 

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle. I wrote to her when I was in elementary school and she wrote me back. I’d asked for advice on becoming a writer, and she said to keep a journal of all your thoughts and feelings. I didn’t keep the journal on paper, but I did in my head. I became much more aware of my thoughts and feelings after that.

Other than yourself, who is your favorite author?

I have always loved Anne McCaffrey, a science fiction/ fantasy author, and of course, Madeline L’Engle, but I have waaaaay too many favorites to count.

If a TV show was based on your life, what would the theme song be and why?

“I’m in a Hurry to Get Things Done”—I always feel like there’s more to do than hours in the day.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Read. It feeds my soul and my muse. I also like to bake.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I’m really an early bird in that I’m at my highest energy level in the morning, but I can stay up late and work, too.

What is your favorite TV show and/or movie?

Currently, my favorite television shows are Bones, Castle, NCIS, and Burn Notice.

If you had the opportunity to go anywhere you wanted, at any time in history, where would you go and why?

I’d go back to the day when Jesus fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish. I would love to see that happen.

You are given an unlimited budget to plan your ultimate party. Please describe it (i.e. Where would it take place? Who would be on the guest list? What would be on the menu? Would there be a theme? etc.).

I also do wedding planning, so I’ve gotten the chance to plan a lot of fun, romantic events. But the party I’d love to throw is quite different than that.

One of my best friends has been a foster mother to about 30 teenagers, besides having six children of her own. She stay in close contact with nearly all of the kids who have lived in her home. Most of them have their own kids call her grandma. (She’s only 45.) I’d love to throw a special party in her honor where all those she’s touched could come together and tell her how she has helped them over the years.

I would hold the party someplace where we could have a big sit down gala and serve her favorite foods—and of course there would be chocolate. Then afterwards, I’d extend the party with just the two of us going on a vacation. She doesn’t get to do things like that. I’d have to hire super nanny to take her place while she was away, too. 

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on book 1 of a new series which is tentatively called The Gregory Girls series. It will come out in May of next year. I’m also getting ready for the release of The Ride of Her Life this May. 


Where can people connect with you online?

I love to chat with readers and can be found at www.lornaseilstad.com , on Facebook, and on Twitter. I think I’ll be dipping my foot into Pinterest this week, too.


Thank you so much Lorna for being on Hardcover Feedback!

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