Melody Carlson and Free Books!

Nicole Anderson accepts a dream job managing an art gallery and quickly discovers the nightmares involved, but the promise of romance combined with the beauty of Savannah entice her to persevere.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of A Stolen Heart, by Amanda Cabot, is:

paulams49@...

Congratulations! I'll email you for your snail mail address, and we'll get your book right out to you. 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! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelist Melody Carlson, author of the contemporary romance, Under a Summer Sky (Revell, June 2017). Tell us about yourself, Melody.

I’m probably one of the most prolific writers (more than 200 books published) but it wasn’t anything I set out to do—I simply enjoy writing and do it quickly. I’m mostly known for teen and women’s fiction and like to write realistic stories with hope.

I live with my husband of 39 years in Oregon and enjoy the ‘great outdoors.’ We have two grown sons and a thirteen year old granddaughter, and a yellow lab dog named Audrey.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I’m restoring a 1963 travel trailer—just for fun!

What fun! I hope travels are in your future, then.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Under a Summer Sky.

Nicole is an art teacher who feels ‘stuck’ in Seattle. When a family friend invites her to spend the summer managing a Savannah art gallery and house-sitting in a gorgeous home, Nicole bites. Her hope is to work in lovely place and earn some money, pursue her own art dreams, and to relax in luxury.

Unfortunately she soon discovers some obstacles to her carefree summer plans, including a resentful gallery employee who challenges Nicole’s every move, a pair of brothers suddenly vying for her attention, and a ‘squatter’ in her house.

But her attraction to this beautiful and historic old town, combined with the promise of a true romance keep Nicole from giving up.

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

In many ways Nicole is just an ‘ordinary girl.’ An art teacher and frustrated artist, Nicole has a big heart, but she’s recovering from a bad relationship and somewhat disillusioned with her life. She’s ripe for a fresh start in a new and interesting place . . . and ready for a truly good guy.

What kind of brainstorming do you do at the beginning of your novels?

I always start with a character—and then I give them a problem. After that I add a setting, and then I just leap into writing, discovering the story along the way.

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

I’ve read several novels lately that I can’t recommend, but last year I read Take Me With You by Catherine Ryan Hyde, and I’ve recommended that delightful read to lots of people. I absolutely loved this book!

What are you working on now?

I’m actually just beginning my annual Christmas novella (I think it’s about #16 and won’t be out until 2018). This year’s offering is called The Christmas Blessing.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.melodycarlson.com

The book can be purchased via the following button:



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

Where do you usually find your books?

Thanks, Melody, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Melody has offered to give away a signed copy of her book next week. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Melody's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com. 

Also, 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, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE