Writer Susan Anne Mason On Romance Reading (Valentine's Post)

Susan, welcome back to Writers On Reading—what perfect timing for

your visit as we approach Valentine’s Day! Your latest historical romance, A Worthy Heart, the sequel to Irish Meadows recently released—another beauty—and I confess I am personally excited about the third book in the series. (Wink.) 

As a genuine romantic, do you have any reading recommendations for us this Valentine’s Weekend?

I have a few actually, but one that really fits for Valentine’s Day is Courtney Walsh’s Paper Hearts. I read this last year around this time and was so charmed by the whole story and the concept of a husband and wife sharing romantic thoughts on paper hearts. It’s a story that doesn’t disappoint!

Wow! Sounds like a delight. Can you share the best romance book you’ve read or heard about during the year since you visited us?

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren was fabulous! So was To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander.

Excellent recommendations. (You've good taste in books, my friend!) Looking back through the years, is there a romance story that sticks with you above all others?

I’d have to say Gone with the Wind and The Thornbirds were equally instrumental in my life. I saw both of these stories in film during my

teens, and then read the books. The star-crossed lovers theme really resonated with me, but I would have written the endings different for both of these stories. My character Rylan Montgomery in Irish Meadows, who was in the seminary when he met Colleen O’Leary, was born from the idea in The Thornbirds of a priest falling in love. 

What fun insight into your books. What was the last romance you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?

The most recent one was Julie Lessman’s new contemporary novel Isle of Hope. It’s a big book, and I read it in like 2 days. Her characters are so compelling, and the storyline catches you up. I couldn’t put it down. I’ve loved all Julie’s historical romances and was thrilled to find her contemporary story even better!

Okay, we're gonna have to look at that one. I confess I might have passed it up, not wanting to see her "change genres"! Is there a certain kind of romance that draws you? Something you look for in a hero or heroine when you’re browsing books?

I’m very much drawn to a wounded hero, one with deep hidden scars that only the heroine, and God, can heal. John Brady, the hero in Julie Lessman’s A Passion Denied is an example of this type of hero. 
I also seem to write these types of heroes. Adam O’Leary in A Worthy Heart is just such a hero—and Matthew Clayborne, the hero of my third historical, Love’s Faithful Promise, can also be described this way. It’s such fun pairing them with strong women who help them find their true worth and a renewed faith in God’s love.

Yes, those are the best! Again, I love your taste. What was the first romance you remember reading?

I’m not sure if it was a real romance, but as a kid I read Anne of Green Gables and all the books that followed, mainly to see how her romance with Gilbert Blythe turned out!

Oops, you made me laugh. So true and relatable, right, folks? Susan, when did you know you wanted to write romance? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

After my kids got a wee bit older and I had more time to read, I picked up a book in a used bookstore by an author I’d never heard of before: Nora Roberts. (I know, I was living under a rock!) I loved her romances so much, I started reading as many as I could. That seemed to spark the idea of writing again, and of course I wanted to write romance since that’s all I wanted to read!

That is fun. I just love knowing that about you. Do you have a to-read list you’d like to share with us?

Sure! These are some I bought with Christmas money and haven’t had chance to read yet:  From the Start by Melissa Tagg, The Mistress of Tall Acre, by Laura Frantz, and Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth Vogt and Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall. 

All good books, I'm sure. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing the spirit of this Valentine’s! Folks, you can continue to connect with Susan—and find out more about her sumptuous romance books!—at the links below.

BIO:
Susan Anne Mason describes her writing style as “romance sprinkled with faith.” She loves incorporating inspirational messages of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness into her characters’ journeys. A Worthy Heart is her second historical novel in the Courage to Dream series. Irish Meadows won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA. 
Susan lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She loves red wine and chocolate, is not partial to snow even though she’s Canadian, and is ecstatic on the rare occasions she has the house to herself. In addition to writing, Susan likes to research her family history on-line, and occasionally indulges in scrapbooking. Learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanannemason.com.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Website: www.susanannemason.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.anne.mason.333/ 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=susan+anne+mason 

Christian Books: http://www.christianbook.com/new-2-a-worthy-heart/susan-mason/9780764217258/pd/217258?event=ESRCG 

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-worthy-heart-susan-anne-mason/1122232802?ean=9780764217258

Bethany House: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/a-worthy-heart/355430 

Writer Margaret Brownley On Reading

Margaret, welcome to Writers on Reading! I’m looking forward to getting to know you as a reader. Your most recent novel, Calico Spy released at the beginning of this year—January 1^st to be exact. With soooo many historical romances to your credit, I’m curious, if you read the same genre? Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention as a read? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?

 

Thank you for letting me talk about one of my favorite subject: books! I actually read all over the board; westerns, romance, mysteries, women’s fiction, the toothpaste tube—you name it! I like to read fast-paced books on the treadmill to keep my mind off the fact that I’m doing something that goes against my nature.

You have me laughing. (I’m a toothpaste-tube reader too, and I think we can all relate to the treadmill comment.) What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

I read a lot of weird books for research and some are pretty boring. I just finished reading The Art of Blacksmithing and Pennsylvania Clocks. Can you believe? I’ve now got books on Texas rangers spread throughout the house. I never read just one book at a time.

Now that let’s into your reading world. As a writer, you should know better, but as a reader, you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the cover”? How did it work out?

 

I don’t generally choose a book by its cover, but I do choose them by titles. I picked up the Eloquence of a Hedgehog and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society solely on the basis of their titles. How can anyone not read titles like those? It worked out just fine.

Love those titles and your thinking---after all the titles show the author so much more than any cover can. Having published so many stories do you find time to read during the months you spend writing or with deadlines ahead is it either/or for you? If so, what did you read while working on your last book? If not, what did you read when you finished this one?

I always find time to read. Since I finished writing Calico Spy more than a year ago I honesty couldn’t tell you what I read afterwards. I just finished book two in a new series. To celebrate I’m reading Lee Child’s Make Me on my Kindle. The book came out in September so as you can see I’m behind.

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

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is a beautifully written book that must be read slowly and savored. Even after I finished reading it I didn’t want to put it down.

Oh, I’m jealous! I haven’t gotten to read that one yet. (Of course, once I read it, I don’t get to look forward to it any longer, so maybe you’re a wee bit jealous too.) Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

I read all the time as a child. My favorite was Little Women. We didn’t have cellphones, video games, or the Internet back then, so there wasn’t much else to do but read. We also didn’t have much in the way of young adult books, so by the time I was twelve I was sneaking books written by Daphne du Maurier and Mary Stewart. Frank Yerby introduced me to the romance novel, and it’s a shame more people don’t know about his books. I read beneath the covers with a flashlight. As a result of staying up late reading, I couldn’t stay awake in school. Things got so bad they tested me for a blood disease.

Your poor parents! When did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

I think I always wanted to be a writer and wrote my first “book” in fifth grade, a mystery. It took place in a bakery and someone kept stealing the macaroons.

I hated history in school—all those battles and dates. That changed when I read Gone with the Wind in sixth grade. That’s when I realized that history was really about people and how they dealt with the times. That had a great influence on me and is probably why I love writing novels set in the nineteenth century.

With a chilling winter upon us, what is on your cozy to-read list? And what is your ideal winter reading experience?

This question made me laugh because I’m usually writing a summer story in winter and winter story in summer. That’s how it always seems to work out. As for my reading list I’m a judge for the Romance Writers of America Rita contest and have nine books to read by March. Since this is a contest I can’t tell you the titles, but of course they’re all romances. Yum, yum. I plan to read in front of a blazing fire with a box of chocolates on my lap! I love that I can enjoy myself reading and still call it work.

If Katie in Calico Spy were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

Katie is a dime novel buff so it would have to be something equally popular like a romance, mystery, or thriller. She’d probably pick up a Nora Roberts or Debbie Macomber book. Then there’s always the possibility she’d stumble upon one of mine.

Hah! I luuuvv that answer! What a fun interview. Thanks so much for visiting and letting us get to know you better as a reader, Margaret! Folks, you can continue to connect with Margaret—and find out more about her books!—at the links below.

Thank you. It’s been fun!

BIO:

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR MARGARET BROWNLEY has penned more than forty novels and novellas. Her books have won numerous awards, including Readers' Choice and Award of Excellence. She's a former Romance Writers of American RITA^® finalist and has written for a TV soap. She is currently working on a new series. Not bad for someone who flunked eighth grade English. Just don't ask her to diagram a sentence.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Website: http://margaret-brownley.com/

Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor/timeline/?business_id=1570988766476777

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Margaret-Brownley/e/B002BLN5A8/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/margaret-brownley/id364639108?mt=11

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-calico-spy-margaret-brownley/1122082260?ean=9781628366280

Writer Sandra Ardoin On Reading

Sandra, welcome to Writers on Reading! The cover of your last release made me feel like I stepped into a snow globe, now your new novel has such a lush feeling of yesteryear. With so many elements present in the covers of Yuletide Angel and A Reluctant Melody. I wonder what draws you as a reader? Do you enjoy dark, gothic backgrounds and lush, sweeping historicals with a bit of mystery, or something else entirely? What do you look for when choosing your next reading adventure?

I’ve always been a big fan of mystery / suspense and romantic and gothic suspense. Some of my favorite writers in high school were Mary Roberts Rinehart and Agatha Christie. Before I began reading mainly Christian fiction, I devoured books by Mary Higgins Clark, Elizabeth Peters, Phyllis Whitney, Anne Maybury, and others. But I also enjoyed the truly gothic tales like Jane Eyre and Rebecca.

Since focusing mainly on Christian fiction in the past ten years, my reading tastes have expanded to include thrillers (though I was a big Robert Ludlum fan long before), speculative (to include dystopian), and western-style historicals. I tend to read novels with a strong focus on romance and an equal or lesser focus on suspense or mystery.

In looking for a new read, I usually look for author first. When I find a writer I enjoy, I want to read every book by that person. When looking for someone new, generally the cover or title draws me. Then I read the blurb. Sometimes, I’m intrigued by the recommendations of others. For instance, I heard so much about Lori Benton’s works, I knew I had to check them out. I chose The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn first, because the title hooked me.

What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

I’m not drawn to Amish stories, but I’ve read a couple in the past year because I received them from the author for one reason or another. While I did enjoy them, Amish is not something I’ll pick up on my own.

As a writer, you should know better, but as a reader, you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the cover”? How did it work out?

One that comes to mind is Jen Turano’s first book A Change of Fortune. The cover shouts humor and the book delivered.

With your new release just off the presses, I wonder did you read during the months you worked on it? If so, what did you read while working on A Reluctant Melody? If not, did you treat yourself to a book when you sent this one to the press?

I read ALL the time. On Tuesdays, I review Christian fiction on my blog. Plus, I do a quarterly review on the Suspense Sisters blog. I couldn’t go eight months without reading. (I’m a slow writer. J)

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

The last one was Laura Frantz’ Mistress of Tall Acre. What a wonderful historical story with a hint at the gothic! The one before that was No One to Trust by Lynette Eason. It opens with a woman waking up to find a gun in her face and doesn’t slow down until the last page.

That does sound fast paced! I’m looking forward to Laura Frantz’s book. I loved her first two and have heard great things about this one as well. Did a book recently make you laugh/cry/sigh/shiver?

Mary Connealy’s work is always good for a laugh. I found myself doing so often while reading Fire and Ice. I’m not a big crier, though I’ll sometimes find myself gulping to swallow the lump in my throat. The Hunger Games is a book that would make anyone shiver.

How fun! Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading? (And do you still have a copy?)

I’ve always been a reader. The first novels I remember reading were the Little House books when I was in third grade. When I was about fourteen or fifteen, I bought a paperback copy of Rebecca. I still have it. And, no, I won’t tell how long I’ve had it. ;)

Hah! You have me laughing! And those are all great books, fun memories to share! Has any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?

This isn’t recently, but Dee Henderson’s O’Malley series really set the hook and reeled me into reading Christian fiction. I still love the concept of orphans banding together to form their own family. Beautiful!

Books that stick with me generally are written in a way that I feel a deep, emotional pull. There’s something that sucks me in and makes me feel like I’m living the story. Elizabeth Camden’s Against the Tide is one of those books. Bane is an amazing character—naughty, but nice. J

Excellent recommendations. With the weather as crisp as the cover of your last book, I’m wondering what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal winter reading experience?

My to-read list? It’s LONG! I’m ashamed to say I have more wonderful books on my Kindle than I have time to read right now, as much as I want to do so. I review books for various publishers on my blog, so those come first. I also receive books from authors. Amanda Cabot’s On Lone Star Trail, third book in her contemporary romance series, will be coming up soon. Recent reads include: Until the Dawn (Elizabeth Camden), Bidding on Love (Regina Jennings), Rising Darkness (Nancy Mehl).

My ideal winter reading experience revolves around a warm throw, the privacy of the cushy armchair in my bedroom, and something sweet, preferably a hunk of chocolate or ice cream! If I’m reading during the day, which I rarely do except on weekends, it will also include a cup of hot tea—Earl Grey or Spiced Chai are my favorites.

How special! Thank you for sharing. I think most of our reading lists are very long—I know mine grow weekly with these interviews! Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

These days, I rarely have time to reread. However, when I have done so, it’s been a book that originally stuck with me for days. Two of those are Tamera Alexander’s From A Distance and Deeanne Gist’s A Bride Most Begrudging—both historicals and two of my favorites.

If Violet Madison, the heroine in The Yuletide Angel, and Kit Barnes, hero of A Reluctant Melody, were to pick books from today’s shelves, what do you think they would be?

Violet says she would choose MaryLu Tyndall’s pirate books. As shy as she is, her fantasy is to captain a schooner in the early 19th century.

Kit chooses a non-fiction title with a Christian living focus. Perhaps one of Philip Yancey’s Grace books. He wants something to help him help the men under his care. (A far cry from his past hedonistic days, I can tell you!)

Well, I’m intrigued! Thanks for visiting with us, Sandra! Folks, you can continue to connect with her and her books at the links below.

Thank you for letting me share, Deirdre. What fun questions!

BIO:

Sandra Ardoin writes inspirational historical romance. A wife and mom, she’s also a reader, football fan, NASCAR watcher, garden planter, country music listener, antique store prowler.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

A Reluctant Melody on Amazon

The Yuletide Angel on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Visit Sandra at www.sandraardoin.com and on the Seriously Write blog. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Join her email community to receive occasional updates and a free short story.

Writer Amanda Cabot On Christmas Reading

Amanda, welcome to my Christmas series of Writers on Reading. I’ve been looking forward to these interviews like—well, excuse the cliché—but a kid at Christmas! So with your recent Christmas story, “The Christmas Star Bride,” part of the 12 Brides of Christmas Collection, released October 1. What is your favorite part about a Christmas-themed story?

Like you, I’m a kid at heart when it comes to Christmas. I love the fact that, for most of us, this is the happiest time of the year. I also love knowing that for those who least expect it, it can be the season of miracles, a time to find peace and joy.

Beautifully said, Amanda! I don’t know about you, but many of us associate this season with traditional baking. I don’t think a Christmas novel would be complete without those special scents floating around in your head. What are your favorite Christmas goodies to read or write about?

Oh, yes, I definitely associate Christmas with baking. That’s why I included a special recipe at the end of Christmas Roses, my first Christmas novella, and why the heroine of “The Christmas Star Bride” is a baker. I’m not sure I have a favorite Christmas goody to read about, but there’s no question about my favorite to eat. It’s a special Christmas cookie that I associate with my childhood: date pinwheels.

Oooh, sounds delicious. What is on your Christmas fiction to-read list this year? And what is

your ideal Christmas reading experience?

This year’s list includes several books by Melody Carlson, who can always be depended on to give readers a heart-warming story that celebrates the wonder of the Christmas season. I also have a couple novella collections on my TBR pile, including A Log Cabin Christmas. Somehow, I missed that when it was first released.

For me the ideal Christmas reading experience is a story of ordinary people struggling to find happiness at this most wonderful time of the year. I’m particularly drawn to stories of people who—for one reason or another—don’t expect to have a merry Christmas but who find happiness against all odds.

Those are special. Thank you for sharing. Over the years, has any Christmas novel or novella really stuck with you that you’d like to share with our readers? And is there one you’re looking forward to rereading?

I started my Christmas reading early this year and was enchanted by Stephanie Grace Whitson’s “A Patchwork Love,” which is part of A Patchwork Christmas Collection. Stephanie is one of my favorite authors, and I think she’s outdone herself with this story. It has every element that makes a Christmas story special for me. This is one I’m planning to reread each year.

Well, that’s a recommendation! We’ll have to add it, and Christmas Roses to our lists—which, of course, already include the 12 Brides of Christmas Collection—don’t they, folks? Thanks for

visiting, Amanda. You can continue to connect with her at this link https://www.sff.net/people/amanda.cabot/.

With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled "All About Thermometers," were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she's sold more than thirty novels under a variety of pseudonyms. When she's not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and - of course - reading. 


Christmas Roses: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Roses-Amanda-Cabot-ebook/dp/B008B9HRA8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447893718&sr=1-1&keywords=amanda+cabot+christmas+roses

12 Brides of Christmas:  http://www.amazon.com/Brides-Christmas-Collection-Heartwarming-Historical-ebook/dp/B0159JAEZW/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Christmas Star Bride: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Star-Bride-Brides-Book-ebook/dp/B00NVZW7PW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1447893831&sr=1-1&keywords=AManda+cabot+Christmas+star+bride