Happy Monday, Reader Friends!
I’m kicking the week off with an interview with my critique partner, Andrea Boyd. She’s here to discuss her latest release, Restoring Dermot. This is the 3rd book in The Kingdom of Kearnley series. Have you read it yet?
About the Book
The Blurb: “The long-lost prince finally makes his trek home only to be held captive when he reaches Dermot. Will the king persuade him to marry his daughter and forever change the course of his future?
Rian Barnali, Gilvary’s youngest prince, has not spoken to his family since he left the country ten years ago. He has made amends with God, and now it is time to reconnect with his family. He makes it as far as Dermot, where he is held captive by King Farris. The king has a plan for Rian, and he will do whatever it takes to ensure Rian marries his daughter.
Princess Adrika is little more than a token used to advance her father’s plans. Marrying Rian would place her under the rule of two stubborn men instead of one, but it may be a better alternative than marrying a stranger from her mother’s homeland—a place where women are of no consequence.
Whatever the choice, there will be a price to pay for all concerned.”
Interview
Toni: Welcome to my blog, Andrea! I’m so excited to talk about Restoring Dermot. This is book three in the Kingdom of Kearnley series. Is it stand-alone or should readers read books one and two first?
Andrea: Some have read it as a stand-alone and others prefer to read it as part of the series. Each book follows a different couple with their own story, but this one does reveal pivotal moments from the first two books in relation to how these events effected Rian, one of the main characters from this book.
Toni: I know! I loved it. Reader friends, I would recommend the first two books as well! Andrea, what inspired you to write this novel?
Andrea: It all started with the first book, Securing Aisling. I felt led to write. This is the first story God gave me, and it naturally led to a three-book series—one for each of the three kingdoms in Kearnley.
Toni: So glad you answered the call! What message do you hope the readers leave with after reading Restoring Dermot?
Andrea: Restoring Dermot is about forgiveness and healing. Past events have caused Rian bitterness. That bitterness led him down a destructive path. Forgiveness leads to healing.
Her present situation has Adrika, the other main character, bogged down. She must break away from her father’s tyrannical hold over her while still allowing for forgiveness, which brings healing to their relationship.
Toni: The forgiveness thread was my favorite! Who is your favorite character in Restoring Dermot and why?
Andrea: Rian is my favorite. I had no idea when I wrote him into existence as a child in the first book that we were so much alike. We have the same personality and have gone through similar growth where forgiveness and healing are concerned.
Toni: Don’t you like how that works out? Let’s switch it up a bit. What are you currently reading?
Andrea: Unblemished by Sara Ella. It had been on my list for a while, and then I showed up at a Facebook party and won it! I’m just up to chapter four, but so far, I’m loving it!
Toni: Yes! It’s such a great read. Cookies or Cake?
Andrea: Cookies. My favorite is Oatmeal Raisin, but I like other kinds too.
Toni: Cookies definitely! Ice cream or frozen yogurt?
Andrea: Ice cream. And more specifically, chocolate ice cream! And if you want more specific than that, there is a shop in Gastonia, NC called Tony’s. They have the best milkshakes ever made. If you ever visit, tell them “no” when they ask if you want a lid. Trust me on this.
Toni: I remember that picture on Instagram! *sigh* Beach or mountains?
Andrea: Beach! I would move there if I could. Luckily, I can go three hours in either direction and end up at the ocean or in the mountains, which my husband prefers.
Toni: Well friend, it’s been fun! Before you go, can you share what’s coming next in your writing journey?
Andrea: Later this year, I will be releasing my first Contemporary Romance. Heart’s Desire is a holiday themed story that starts out just before Christmas, but the main focus is the New Year’s Eve ball. This sweet little story set in the South is a huge step in a different direction from what I have written so far, but the Christian message and the romance are two elements that will always exist in my writing.
Toni: I can’t wait!
About the Author
Andrea Boyd is an author of Christian Romance. Her first series, The Kingdoms of Kearnley, consists of three Steampunk fantasies. She is currently working on a Contemporary Romance, which is due to be released in 2017.
Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible.
Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC.
Toni Shiloh 