Happy Monday, Reader Friends!
Thanks for stopping by Soulfully Romantic blog today! I’m featuring a romance that will get you through the holiday season! My awesome critique partner, Andrea Boyd, has dropped by to talk about her debut into the contemporary romance genre. She has an awesome fantasy series out if your into that genre (and you should be). Be sure to leave a comment welcoming Andrea!
Let’s get started!
About the Book
The Blurb: “A romantic comedy set in the south, Heart’s Desire shows what can happen when God is allowed to take the lead.
When Aiden Weaver allows the Couples Committee to pick his date to the New Year’s Eve ball, he promises himself it will only be a one-time deal. After one failed marriage, he isn’t interested in another long-term commitment. His resolve starts to crumble when he meets his date, Bailey. For whatever reason, his heart keeps pulling him back to her long after the dance is over.
Between her momma, who is determined to set her up with every man she comes in contact with, and her best friend, who seems set on sabotaging her every effort, Bailey Foster wonders if she is meant to be alone for the rest of her life. She’s determined to take it slow and let the right man come to her the next time—if he even exists. Despite her reservations, hope is rekindled when she meets Aiden and his two little girls.”
Interview
Toni: Thanks for agreeing to an interview, Andrea! I’m excited to talk about your book, Heart’s Desire. What made you switch from fantasy to contemporary?
Andrea: I just write the stories God gives me. There’s no telling what genre you’ll see me write next, but all my story ideas have two commonalities. All of them are Christian and all have an element of romance.
Toni: Please write in a different genre! I love them all. 🙂 Did the story line for Heart’s Desire come to you first or did the characters? And if the characters, who popped up first?
Andrea: A dear friend of mine was heartbroken over her marriage that ended unexpectedly not long after it began. This weighed heavily on my heart because the same thing had happened to me. I was deep in prayer for her when God spoke to me and said, “Write it.” I went straight to the computer and started typing. (This is not how it usually works for me.) I couldn’t have been more shocked that it was laced with humor. I soon realized that when you are hurting, you need something uplifting. I involved my friend in almost every aspect of the writing of this book. She has told me that doing this helped her to heal. I hope it will bring healing to others as well.
Toni: That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard! I’ll join my prayers with yours that it will bring healing. Will you be writing more contemporary novels or will you go back to fantasy?
Andrea: I am working on a contemporary series right now. The first book, Irresistibly Yours, will be out next March. But I most likely will go back to fantasy at some point. In fact, I’m taking notes for a YA dystopia right now, but it will be a couple of years before I get there.
Toni: Eek! I can’t wait for Irresistibly Yours. What are three elements that are always present in your writing and why?
Andrea: As I have already said, all of them are Christian romance. Christian, because I believe that is who God called me to reach out to, and romance, well, that’s for me. It’s what I love. Another element you will see in all of my books is humor. I never plan this, it just happens. Heart’s Desire is the only one I would label as “comedy,” but in my other three books, even when there is a battle going on, humor is sprinkled through. Forgiveness seems to be a common factor in my writing also. I only just realized this, though it shouldn’t have been a surprise. It’s my battle cry. None of us could be saved without it.
Toni: The humor you lace throughout your books is one of my favorite things about your writing. What are you currently reading?
Andrea: I just started Where We Belong by Lynn Austin.
Toni: I loved her Gods & Kings series! How about some quick questions? Coffee or tea?
Andrea: Coffee. I can’t function without it.
Toni: Blech. You lost me there. Chocolate or candy?
Andrea: Chocolate. My favorite is dark chocolate, peanut M&M’s, which is both chocolate and candy, so I guess I should say both.
Toni: M&Ms are really the best chocolate candy you could go for. Books or movies?
Andrea: Are you kidding me? Books are always better than the movies.
Toni: Lol, it’s so true. I just enjoy everyone’s response to the question. 🙂 Last but not least, how can readers help support you in your writing journey?
Andrea: Pray for me, buy my books, write a review, follow me on social media, or just be my friend. You’d be surprised what a few words of encouragement can do.
Toni: *virtual hug* I’ll be doing all of the above! Readers, do you have any questions for Andrea?
About the Author
Andrea Boyd is the author of Christian romance. The Kingdoms of Kearnley trilogy falls into the category of fantasy. Heart’s Desire is her first attempt at romantic comedy.
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.
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Toni Shiloh 