Her Mountain Refuge – Blog Tour w/ Author Interview & Giveaway

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. When you’re not writing, what else can you be found doing for fun?

Since writing is a solitary activity, I try to balance that by spending non-writing time with people I care about–my family and my friends. I always enjoy exploring new places, especially rummaging through antique shops and bookstores. I like gardening, and I spend a lot of time in my kitchen baking bread, canning, and experimenting with new recipes. (Fortunately, my family is pretty patient!) Of course, I also love reading good books, and taking long walks–there are so many wonderful ways to spend free time!

2. Do you have a favorite drink and/or snack of choice while writing?

I always start off with coffee first thing in the morning, then switch to iced green tea. (In warm weather. I love hot tea when it’s cold). I’m also a fan of decaffeinated Diet Coke. I don’t usually snack while I’m writing, but I do keep a supply of sugarless gum close by. The harder the writing is going, the more gum I chew!

3. What was your inspiration for this story?

Characters usually spark my stories, and this one started with Logan Carter, a dedicated small-town sheriff who’d grown up with irresponsible parents and had spent his childhood bouncing around the foster care system. I was interested in how that negative experience might have shaped his personality in a positive way, making him compassionate and loyal–and relentlessly honest. ( I was inspired by a dear friend who didn’t have a great childhood herself. When I complimented her on what a stellar mom she is, she said, “Thanks. I basically just do the opposite of everything my mother did, and it all works out.” I wondered what sort of man Logan would be if he set out to be the opposite of his dishonest dad!)

I also thought it would be fun to pair this straight-arrow guy with a woman from his past–his former (and very pregnant) best friend, who desperately needs his help, but who’s guarding some pretty heavy secrets. Logan and secrets wouldn’t mix well!

4. . If you could sit and have a conversation with any one of the characters from this story, who would it be and why? (without spoilers 😉)

Oh, definitely Ruby Sawyer, Logan’s matchmaking foster mom. I love her! I picture Ruby as one of those down-to-earth women who’s full of plainspoken wisdom and who spends her time with her sleeves rolled up above her elbows, getting the good Lord’s work done, as best she can. If you spend an afternoon with her, you never know if you’ll find yourself taking a meal to a shut-in, being a midwife for a goat, giving a hurting child cookies and a listening ear, or sewing scraps together to make a warm quilt for a loved one.  But one thing’s for sure–you’ll always leave Ruby’s house a little bit wiser than you were before!

5. Who was the most challenging character for you to create? Easiest?

I think Charlotte was the most challenging character because there was so much going on for her emotionally and physically in this story. She’s pregnant, (and having complications) a widow, and she’s dealing with financial problems, a painful secret and an interfering mother-in-law. That’s a lot! As we’d say in the south “Bless her heart!”

And Logan was probably the easiest because I felt that I understood him so well. There’s something of my own husband in Logan–that “whatever it takes” mentality and the determination to do the right thing no matter the personal cost. I loved writing about him!

6. What’s something you hope readers will take away from your writing?

I hope my reader closes my book feeling uplifted and encouraged. I’d like my stories to give her a peaceful respite from any stresses and pain she might be experiencing. When she finishes one of my stories, I want her to feel comforted and cherished, as if she’s just spent a lovely, relaxing time with good friends. Most of all, I pray that she’ll be reminded of how much God loves her and how faithful and trustworthy He is–always.

Thanks so much for inviting me to visit today! I’ve enjoyed it so much!

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, Faith Can Move Mountains Tote Bag, and signed copies of the two Cedar Ridge Love Inspired books, Lost and Found Faith and Her Mountain Refuge!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 23, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 30, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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