What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
Many moons ago, Hollywood planned to make a bestseller into a movie, set in a rural county that had lots of covered bridges. They wanted to use the actual home described; however, it was owned by an elderly couple who staunchly refused. Their reasoning was that the book had been about an adulterous affair, and they didn't approve. Hollywood just chose another location, but it made me ask, what if? What if Hollywood came calling for a special Kansas house, but the owner was a handsome rural veterinarian who despises the film industry for his own reasons? And the Hollywood heroine who gets stranded there was looking to save her job—not find love?
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
They're all in the book! Holly changes her ringtone to fit her situation, so we go from "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" to a very famous song by the Dixie Cups. It's a spoiler, so you'll have to look that one up.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I adore historical romances because I'm such a history nerd. (That's where my Christmas novellas come from.) But as long as any book has a good romance at its core, I will read it.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Way too many! Laura Frantz, Denise Hunter, and Nancy Naigle all have new releases either out or coming. I also have a Mimi Mathews Regency to finish.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The scene where Holly meets one of Josh's more unusual patients and has to help him move this patient around on the floor. It was one of the funniest, I hope.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I love spiral-bound flip-top notebooks for research. I try to designate one per book, but then information creep happens, or I go to an author meeting and make writing notes. Now I have a basket of them! I don't have a lucky mug, but I found a tall Scottish-porcelain one at Disney World in the UK pavilion at Epcot that I drink my hot tea in daily. It's gorgeous and covered with wildflowers. I love it so much I will just sit and look at it!
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
In 1 Samuel 7:12, the prophet Samuel sets up a large stone marker to remind the tribes of Israel where God had intervened to save them. He calls it "'Eben-ezer," saying, "This far the Lord has helped us." God has been my lifelong Ebenezer, my stone of help, and without Him, I could not accomplish anything of value.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Hope is always out there.
