Kathryn Cushman and Free Books!

Almost Amish is the story of two families who go to live “almost Amish” for a summer as part of a television reality show.

Before we revisit with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Sandra Robbins' novel, Angel of the Cove, is:

mrlyndly@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways!

Now let's revisit with novelist Kathryn Cushman, author of Almost Amish (Bethany House, July 2012).

Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. She is the author of six novels, including Leaving Yesterday and A Promise to Remember, which were both finalists for the Carol Award in Women's Fiction. She is also the co-author of Angel Song with Sheila Walsh.

Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California.

Please tell us five random things we might not know about you.

-- I am a registered pharmacist, although I “retired” about 17 years ago to be a stay-home mom

-- Before A Promise to Remember, I wrote two other manuscripts that have never been published (the dust bunnies in my closet like them, though)

-- I am domestically challenged in pretty much all areas (cooking, neatness, etc.)

-- I do most of my writing in the window seat in my sunroom

-- I was born and raised in Tennessee, but have spent the last twenty years in California

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Almost Amish.

Overcommitted and overwhelmed, Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She knows she should feel blessed as a mother and wife--but she just feels exhausted. And then, the miraculous happens. Her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series about trying to live like the Amish and needs another family to join her. It's just the break Julie needs.

But the summer adventure in simple living soon proves anything but simple. With the camera watching every move, Susan's drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or dressing differently, each new Amish challenge raises new complications... and soon each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family.

What is it about Julie that will make your readers care about her?

I think many women will see themselves in Julie. Trying to do everything for everybody and feeling as though she doesn’t measure up to those around her.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

Julie would be Patricia Richardson (from Home Improvement).



Susan would be Jodie Foster.



That would definitely be a fun duo!

What is one of your favorite opening lines from a novel?

“By five thirty, Derek Morrison would be a murderer, but for now he was eating a tuna sandwich.” from Stolen Lives by Brian Reaves.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

Words by Ginny Yttrup. Beautifully written, haunting, moving.

What are you working on now?

An as yet untitled novel about a young woman whose life dream—her calling—is decimated due to health issues.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.kathryncushman.com,

Facebook

The book is available at fine book stores and for online purchase via the following buttons:




CBD.com


Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

What is your favorite book-to-movie movie?

Thank you, Kathryn, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Kathryn has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, September 3. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Kathryn's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Be sure to check out my interview with Michelle Sutton, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a copy of the book.

And see my post about cell phones. Leave me a comment if you'd like me to email you an invitation to hear more about this exciting new opportunity.

And I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.