Writer Alexis A. Goring On Reading

Alexis, welcome to Writers on Reading! Your book, Hope in My Heart: A Collection Of Heartwarming Stories looks like just the thing to perk up someone's day. I look forward to getting to know what you read.

Thanks for hosting me today, Deirdre! I appreciate the opportunity.

What was the last book you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?

Tender Mercies by Mary Manners was the literally the last book I read from start to finish in one sitting when I recently visited the spa with my mom. I started and finished it during my hour-long peppermint pedicure. Mary writes her stories in a way that draws you in, makes you relate to the characters and want the best for them in their fictional life. Tender Mercies was no exception. I loved reading it!

Well, now there's a great recommendation and a book we'll have to add to our to-read lists! When did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

I knew since age nine that I wanted to be a writer. Sweet Valley High influenced me the most. There are other books I poured through as a youth that inspired my writing style too such as the YA Romance Love Stories series written by multiple authors for Bantam Books.

Sweet Valley High! Oh, that's a hoot! Thank you for sharing such a special insight into your writer's metamorphosis! Now, fast-forward a bit with me, has any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?

Yes! A Love Like Ours written by Becky Wade (another one of my favorite authors) captured my imagination from page one, inspired me throughout and made me relate to and adore the characters. The ending of the story was perfect! Becky is a master storyteller!

We've heard a lot about Becky Wade here lately. Time to seriously look into her, folks, if you haven't already! And if you have, then here's an author who really shares your taste. So, make sure you stick around after the interview and read the back cover blurb for Alexis's romance stories. With summer in full bloom, Alexis, what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal summer reading experience?

Great question! I have seven books on my to-read list, most of which I am reading and reviewing for free. It’s a blessing because they’re all by a few of my favorite authors! Here’s the list: Love Arrives in Pieces by Betsy St. Amant,  Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge, Reservations for Two by Hillary Manton Lodge, Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland, Wisdom Tree by Mary Manners and Flirting with Felicity by Gerri Russell. I also need to read Recipe for Love by Brandy Bruce but cannot find it anywhere, must be lost in my library of books!

My ideal summer reading experience involves food, beverage, soft sunlight and the sound of a smoothie machine! I love to curl up on a couch by the windows during the daylight hours and read. Visiting cafes like PANERA for a delicious meal, Green Tea and a good read is one of my favorite features of living in the city! Sometimes simply hearing the smoothie machine and music in the background at PANERA calms me and sets the scene for a serene read.

I had to laugh at you losing a book. So with a bookshelf of treasures like that, is there a book you are looking forward to re-reading?

Honestly? No. I rarely re-read books. However, I’ll watch a really good romantic comedy or drama movie more than once!

If a heroine from your one of your stories were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

I think if Chandra from “Love Unexpected” (the first story in my inspirational romance novella Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories) were to select a book from the shelves of the bookstore, she’d choose Spring Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection and she’d read it in preparation for her dream wedding! Here’s the link---http://amzn.to/1HEJMib

I’m sure Chandra would be drawn to the cover of the book! I know because Chandra is a lot like me.

Oh, I love that, an answer very well thought out! Thank you for joining us and letting us get to know your reading habits, Alexis. Now, we know not only you as a reader but one of your heroines. Folks, you can continue to connect with Alexis, and find out more about her heroines---heroes too!---at the links below. Also, make sure you read the back cover blurb of her soon to be re-released book, Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories.

BIO: Alexis A. Goring is a writer at heart and a journalist by profession. She loves the art of storytelling and is especially delighted to have released her first book, an inspirational romance novella called Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories, in Sept. 2013. When Alexis is not working on her next book or chasing down the next big story for the newspaper where she works as a freelance reporter, she can be found listening to songs by her most admired musicians, enjoying the food in cafes/restaurants, shopping at her favorite malls and spending quality time with loved ones (family and friends).

Purchase and Connection Links:

Purchase Links:

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1it3pxT

BarnesandNoble.com: http://bit.ly/1mGHW95

Social Media Links:

Official website: http://www.alexisagoring.com/

Official Author Facebook Author Page:https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexisAGoring

Twitter:https://twitter.com/pennedbyalex

Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories with characters in need of hope.

In "Love Unexpected," a car crash brings commitment-wary Sebastian and career woman Chandra together. Neither is looking for romance, but those around them see the potential, and Sebastian and Chandra discover that sometimes love shows up unexpectedly.

Christmastime is the setting for the middle story, "The Best Gift." Christina desires to lose ten pounds so she can fit into her dress for her sister's wedding. Jordan wishes her mom would stop trying to marry her off. And Joshua hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend but eventually learns that the best gift this Christmas will be the restoration of his relationship with God.

In "Peace and Love," three characters living in a metropolitan area are desperately searching. Elle, a starving artist, aspires to become a paid professional. Eric, a divorce attorney, wants to resolve his issues concerning his parents' divorce. Kristine anticipates finding her birth mom before she marries Derek. All characters pray their searches will conclude this holiday season and fill their hearts with peace and love.