Writer Teresa Lilly On Christmas Reading

Teresa, 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 so many recent Christmas stories to your credit, what is your favorite part about a Christmas-themed story?

I love stories about old-fashioned towns, the It’s-A-Wonderful-Life-type town.

Those do make for delightful stories, especially this time of year! So what do you look for when selecting a Christmassy novel or novella to cozy up with this month?

Covers get me…so give me a snow globe or a Christmas Village cover.

Nostalgic and charming, I agree. (Any everyone knows I’m a sucker for a great book cover!) 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?

Cookies…I’ve always wished to be able to decorate cookies well…but I’m not very good at it.

Oh! That is so fun. Thank you for sharing, Teresa! Is there an element of these books that you’d feel cheated if it wasn’t there? Or something special you like to add to your Christmas stories?

If I wasn’t able to do it, I’d love to make Christmas Stories reflect the gentle and joyful spirit of the season.

As far back as you remember, what was the first Christmas-related fiction story you read or had read to you? Is there a Christmas book you like to share with your children or grandchildren? Do you have any other special Christmas reading memories?

Annie and Willie’s Prayer.

Well, that was instant. I don’t know it, but I confess I’m now dreadfully curious and will be looking

into it as soon as we finish. But first: what is on your Christmas fiction to-read list this year? And what is your ideal Christmas reading experience?

I wish I had time to read…but probably won’t get a change. I love to see plays at Christmastime however…so that will have to suffice.

I know what you mean; it’s a busy season. Thanks for sharing with us, Teresa! This was a great fun today. Folks, you get continue to connect with Teresa—and learn more about her cozy stories—at the links below.
Teresa Ives Lilly is author of 16 novellas/novels.  She writes mainly Christian romance, however she has a few children’s chapter books out and over 200 unit studies used in public, private and home schools.  She lives in Texas.

www.teresalilly.wordpress.com  

An Angel for Mistletoe: http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Mistletoe-Little-Town/dp/1516881575/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1447894279&sr=8-2&keywords=teresa+lilly

Cooking up Christmas: http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Up-Christmas-Christian-Historical-ebook/dp/B015913QYQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1447894279&sr=8-4&keywords=teresa+lilly

Found Bandera Country Christmas Romance: http://www.amazon.com/Found-Bandera-Country-Christmas-Romance-ebook/dp/B00XK8PJ00/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1447894279&sr=8-5&keywords=teresa+lilly

http://www.amazon.com/Found-Boerne-Country-Christmas-Romance-ebook/dp/B00XK99XW4/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1447894279&sr=8-9&keywords=teresa+lilly 

Writer Teresa Lilly On Reading

Teresa, welcome to Writers on Reading! You’ve so many books out, I don’t know which one to talk about! You recently released Love Found at Harbor Inn Maine and Mail-Order Angel Brides. As a romance writer, do you find yourself reading your genre more often than others?

Somewhat.  I actually read Grace Livingston Hill’s 100 books every year and a few Christian Novella collections. 

Oh, I read all those books too! There was such a delightful nostalgia feel to them---a real treat! Can you tell us what else speaks to you as you pick your next reading experience?

Covers usually catch my attention and then themes.  I love mail order bride stories.

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

The Agency by Y.S. Lee, the blurb on the book intrigued me.

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 do not like when books have a snow globe on them and are not about snow globes.  I’ve been misled several times.

Laughing! Yes, well said! I think we can all agree. So, not only do you have multiple books out, but you are publishing a delightful magazine: Love Christian Romance Magazine. Between that, and your own deadlines, do you find time to read during the months you’re writing? If so, what did you read while working on this book? If not, did you treat yourself to a good book, when you completed your most recent book?

I actually only have time to read while I’m in the powder room, so I squeeze a chapter a day in.

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

The Enchanted Barn by Grace Livingston Hill.  The story touches my soul and makes me want to live in a gentler time and place.

Like I said I loved her books. I own them all, but I’m going to have to pull that one out so I can remember which one it is. Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

In sixth grade I read Lassie Come Home, and The Hobbit.

With autumn cooling down, what is on your cozy to-read list?

I love to read Christmas books, so I’m looking forward to all the Christmas Novellas that are coming out.

Well, you;ve got some treats in store for you there! I’m glad I’ll be having you back to talk about Christmas books on December 9. Writers On Reading is going to have a smorgasbord of recommendations during December from great writers! In the meantime, what is your ideal cozy reading experience?

Cuddled on my couch on a Sunday afternoon while everyone else is taking a nap

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

Always the Enchanted Barn. I could read it three times a year.

Okay, definitely have to climb up and pull that one off my shelf later! Thanks for visiting us, Teresa! It was fun getting to know you as a reader. Folks, you can continue to connect with Teresa---and find out more about her books!---at the links below. Also, this energetic lady has just published a delightful magazine. Click here for a FREE copy of some “lovely” short romance stories.

All six books a steal on Amazon!

BIO:  Teresa Ives Lilly is author of 16 novellas/novels.  She writes mainly Christian romance, however she has a few children’s chapter books out and over 200 unit studies used in public, private and home schools.  She lives in Texas.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Found-Harbor-Inn-Maine-ebook/dp/B010NSG06Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443673794&sr=8-1&keywords=love+found+in+harbor+inn

www.teresalilly.wordpress.com