Joining us today and kicking off the 2016 Author Mini-views, is the lovely Sandra Ardoin. Let's get this interview started!
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing. (How did you get started? How many books have you written? Where are you on your writing journey?)
I'm a wife and mom to one ... each :) ... and have been writing and publishing small projects since 1986. I didn't begin writing novels seriously until 2008 when I believe God said, "Go ahead." Until then, it never seemed the proper time.
It's been quite a journey, sometimes disheartening, sometimes encouraging. I have a number of completed manuscripts, but A Reluctant Melody is my first published novel. Its predecessor, the Christmas novella The Yuletide Angel, released in 2014. I'm so thankful to my incredible editor Ann Tatlock and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas for taking a chance on this mostly-unknown writer.
2. What is your favorite Bible verse?
I have two (technically, three) favorite scriptures. For me, they go together. The first is Jeremiah 29:11. God does know what is best for us if we’ll accept it. The other is Isaiah 55:8-9. Those verses never fail to remind me of WHO God is and His omniscience and love. So how can He not know what will give us hope and a future?
3. What have you read lately that you would recommend?
I review books on my blog on Tuesday. Today’s review is for Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden. Recommend? Yes. I also loved The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz. For romantic suspense, I recommend the latest series by both Lisa Harris and Lynette Eason. Oh, I could go on and on, but check out my blog at sandraardoin.com for recent reviews.
4. What book are you featuring today?
Yesterday, my inspirational historical romance A Reluctant Melody released. Today from 12-2 EST, we’re partying on Facebook! I hope you’ll make plans to join us!
Set in 1892, A Reluctant Melody is a story of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. It is romance mixed with blackmail and murder.
When I wrote the Christmas novella, I created Kit Barnes as the brother to my hero Hugh. Both men had been at odds for over five years due to Kit’s alcohol-fueled lifestyle and his dalliance with Joanna, the woman Hugh believed he would marry. By the time I was finished, I knew I wanted to tell Kit’s story and I wanted to bring him back together with Joanna. Now, he’s a changed man who works to help others defeat the lure of alcohol. You’ll find a little more in the back cover copy. I hope you’ll check it out.
5. If you could tell people who are going to read/have read your books one thing, what would it be?
I would tell readers how grateful I am for their time and interest in my work and how much I appreciate the reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. My hope is that each story not only entertains but encourages them in their Christian walk.
About the Author:
A Reluctant Melody is available on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/A-Reluctant-Melody-Sandra-Ardoin/dp/1941103677
and The Yuletide Angel at http://www.amazon.com/The-Yuletide-Angel-Inspirational-Historical-ebook/dp/B00OH01X50
Book Blurb:
Friends of her late husband blame Joanna for his death. Although eager to flee from the rumors, she will let the walls of her rundown property crumble around her before she allows Kit back into her life.
When a blackmailer threatens to reveal Joanna’s long-held secret, will she risk losing everything she owns to Kit … including her heart?