Thursday, September 23, 2010

LOVE ME TENDER - Janice Hanna - Free Book

I'm thrilled to have my good friend Janice Hanna Thompson on my blog again. And with her new book Love Me Tender, she's writing about the song that I think is the most romantic song ever written or sung. Welcome, Janice.

Note from Janice Hanna Thompson, author of LOVE ME TENDER:

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by to share in the excitement of LOVE ME TENDER, my latest inspirational romance. When I heard about the new “When I Fall in Love” line at Summerside, I flipped! Why? Because I love the ‘50s, and I love music! (The line is based on song titles from the 1930s to the 1970s.) I happen to be a playwright with a really fun musical comedy titled JOHNNY BE GOOD, a story that’s near and dear to my heart. I decided to put a twist on that stage play and turn it into a rockin’ romantic novel! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy this “Hollywood Heartthrob” interview with four of the main characters from the novel.

Hollywood Heartthrob, “Man About Town” Column

Welcome, readers! This is Sunset Sam, columnist for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, here to interview several characters from LOVE ME TENDER, a new book by author Janice Hanna Thompson. I read the book in preparation for this interview and had a hip-hip hoppin’, be-be-boppin’ time reading about the characters down at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach. I’ve been to Sweet Sal’s many times, of course. Everyone in Hollywood knows it’s all the rage. Where else can you get a big, thick cheeseburger, hot, salty fries and the thickest chocolate malts in the country? Now that I’ve enticed you with the food, let’s have a little chat with some of the key players in our story. We’ll start with Debbie Carmichael, daughter of the owners of Sweet Sal’s.

Debbie, could you tell us a little about what your day-to-day life is like?

Most of the girls my age are in college, but I decided to stay in Laguna Beach and help my parents out at our family run soda shop. I have the best life ever! I live across the street from the Pacific Ocean, and love spending time at the cliffs, watching the waves lap the shore. When I’m at the soda shop, the jukebox is always playing. I’m gaga over Elvis’s new song, “Love Me Tender.” It’s all the rage with teen girls right now. Of course, I’m also head over heels for Bobby Conrad, but don’t tell my friends, okay? They think I’m more mature than most of the other teen girls who hang out Sweet Sal’s. Of course, I’m a little distracted by that new guy, Johnny Hartman. He’s so sweet and handsome, and I hear he’s a great singer, too!

Johnny, I read in another article that you came all the way from Topeka Kansas to Hollywood to make it big. How does Hollywood compare to Topeka?

There’s really no way to compare Topeka to Los Angeles. People out here (in California) are more up on current styles, the hottest tunes and the hippest actors and actresses. Back home, folks are so grounded. That isn’t always the case here in L.A. I hope I don’t sound too stuck up when I say that back in Topeka, I was a big fish in a small pond. And because my dad’s a pastor, I had plenty of opportunities to sing in church. But out here in L.A. no one even knows who I am. My agent, Jim Jangles, is working hard to get me a gig on television. I’m auditioning for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts soon. Say a little prayer for me!

Bobby, I understand you were slotted to sing at the fundraiser at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe, but had to cancel. Could you explain your sudden departure?

Yes, I was scheduled to sing at the fundraiser, but just got word that I’ll be filming my new movie that same weekend. I was really disappointed to have to tell the Carmichaels the news, but hopefully they understand. I think it’s going to be okay, because my agent, Jim Jangles, is sending his latest prodigy—a kid from Topeka named Johnny Hartman—in my place. I hear he’s quite a singer.

Sal, could you tell our readers about some of the Hollywood stars you’ve met over the years?

First of all, thanks for including me in this interview! It’s been decades since I was a teen, but I still secretly read Hollywood Heartthrob magazine. (Shh! Don’t tell my husband, Frankie, or my daughter, Debbie!) I’m blessed to be the co-owner of Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach, and I’ve met a lot of stars who’ve come through on their way to places like Dana Point and San Diego. Here’s a list of some of my favorites: Doris Day, Gregory Peck, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ozzie and Harriet. There are dozens more, of course. I want to personally invite all of your readers to stop by Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe so that they can see the photos on our walls! And while you’re here, why not enjoy a creamy chocolate malt?

Debbie, a little birdie told me that you and the other girls in Laguna Beach are gaga over Elvis, Pat Boone and Bobby Conrad. Now that you’ve gotten to know (and love) Johnny Hartman, what would you say sets him apart from the other great singers you’ve known?

Oh, no doubt about it. . .Johnny isn’t just a great singer, he’s got a heart of gold. I especially love his strong faith. Unlike so many of the other singers in town, he doesn’t put himself first. With Johnny, it’s God first. . .all the way! And when he sings. . .man! That voice! It’s a smooth as velvet. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so dreamy! Talk about handsome!)

Johnny, you’ve been asked to fill in for Bobby Conrad at the Laguna Beach fundraiser. Can you tell us how you’re feeling as you look forward to the big day?

I don’t mind admitting I’m a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Thousands of girls from Orange County and beyond are looking forward to seeing Bobby Conrad in person. Now I’ve been asked to fill in for him. I’ll be lucky if they don’t boo me off the stage or toss rotten tomatoes at me! Hopefully my new love song—the one I wrote for the gorgeous Debbie Carmichael—will win them over. I hope so, anyway!

Bobby, many Christians have a hard time hanging onto their faith once they achieve stardom. You seem so grounded. What’s your secret?

I always try to honor God in everything I do—whether it’s movies or songs for the radio. There’s a verse that I love, and it’s one I try to live by: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The way I look at it, if I make a choice to put God first, He’s going to bless me above and beyond anything I could ever ask for, anyway. Even if He didn’t bless me, though, I would still serve Him. It’s really the only way to live a fulfilling life. (And trust me when I say that people out here in L.A. are looking for ways to live a fulfilling life!)

Sal, we were sorry to hear about your husband’s health problems. How is he doing now?

Praise the Lord, Frankie seems to be doing a little better. His heart attack several months ago really shook us up. And we got behind on the mortgage, which has made me a little nervous. Still, I choose to trust God. And now that everyone in town is banding together to put on the fundraiser to save the soda shop, I’m feeling more hopeful than ever!

Debbie, is there anything you’d like Hollywood Heartthrob readers to know as we end this interview?

Yes, I would like people to know that it is possible to live in Hollywood—to be a big star, even—and still be a person of faith. I’ve witnessed it in Bobby Conrad’s life, and in Johnny’s, too. I’d also like to share that putting your trust in God is really the only way to go. Some problems are just too big for us to handle on our own. When my dad got really sick, I made up my mind to try to “fix” the situation. What I’ve learned is this—only God can truly “fix” anything. And trust me when I say that His “fix” is far greater than anything we could ever dream up!

Thanks so much, folks! It’s been a great interview.

Well, there you have it, Hollywood Heartthrob fans. This is Sunset Sam, signing off for this week. See you next time!



Book can be purchased on my site at www.janicehannathompson.com or at www.amazon.com.


GIVEAWAY INFO: Janice Hanna Thompson is hosting a giveaway on her facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson). To enter, leave a comment on her page with the name of your favorite ‘50s star (movies or music) and explain why you liked him/her. The drawing to win the Be-Boppin’ ‘50s Basket (filled with great ‘50s memorabilia) will take place on the weekend of October 29th – 31st. Why? Because that’s the same weekend Janice is directing a local (Houston) production of JOHNNY BE GOOD the musical comedy that served as inspiration for LOVE ME TENDER.

Thank you, Janice, for introducing us to your characters this way.
 
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

35 comments:

G.R.I.T.S. said...

Please enter me for the book!!!

Crazy enough..I have a poodle skirt just like that in my closet froma 50's drive in we did @ my church....

LOVED the interview!!

Rae

Wendy said...

Sounds like a fun book.

Jodie Wolfe said...

Sounds like a great read.

Blessings,
Jodie Wolfe

Merry said...

Love Janice and love the 50's! Please include me, thanks.

Laney4 said...

I just Googled for the lyrics of LOVE ME TENDER and was I ever surprised. The words could be a love song for the Bible or books in general. I can just imagine hugging the Book close to my chest and singing these words:

Love me tender,
Love me sweet,
Never let me go.
You have made my life complete,
And I love you so.

Love me tender,
Love me true,
All my dreams fulfilled.
For my darlin I love you,
And I always will.

Sylvia said...

Oh, I've been wanting to read this book. I loved the Weddings by Bella series that she wrote and have heard good things about this book too.

nina4sm[at]gmail[dot]com

Michelle said...

I've read wonderful things about this book, and look forward to reading it!

Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

fredamans said...

I haven't stopped singing Elvis since reading the title! I would love a chance at winning, thanks!

freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

Cindy W. said...

I so enjoyed the video. It brings back a lot of memories...so Thanks for the Memories! I would love to win a copy of Love Me Tender. Thank you for the chance!

Many Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me!!! angelac@mchsi.com

Linda Kish said...

I loved the flashback to the 50s. I remember the simplicity of the times. The video made me smile throughout. I'd love to read the book.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

Hehehe I was just telling anohter blogger the other day that this book reminds me of when I was in Bye Bye Birdie in high school! This looks so cute!

XOXO~ Renee

Cherie J said...

Great interview! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

Unknown said...

Please enter me!
Thanks!
Kim

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

Oooh, I wanna read this one! Please drop my name in the hat!

Michelle said...

This book sounds great! Please enter me.

mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net

Unknown said...

Hi Lena (and everyone)! I would have posted sooner, but I spent most of the day at a rehearsal for "Johnny Be Good" (the musical that inspired "Love Me Tender"). Seems like everything in my life is '50s themed right now. (Hey, I'm even in my 50's now, so that fits!) I wanted to say thanks to all of you for the encouraging words! Congrats in advance to the winner of the book. Hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it!

Patsy said...

This sounds like a fun book. Love the cover. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for giving away a copy.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

MaureenT said...

Down Memory Lane with this one. Please enter me!

holdenj said...

This looks like great fun, from the cover right into the story! Thanks!

Kristen said...

What a cute interview!! Sounds like a great read. Please enter me:):)

rbooth43 said...

A hip-hip hoppin’, be-be-boppin’ time reading about the characters down at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach. Boy does this bring back memories of the 50's and 60's with Elvis as my favorite singer, actor and King. I was a teenager in this era and you can guess what fun we had back then.
Love Me Tender will be on my TBR list and I would love to win a copy.
rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Oh, nostalgia is biting me hard! I can feel the aura all over me. Those were my days of high school crushes, Friday night Sock Hops, dreamy prom dates and oh, those dresses...yummy! What isn't to like about the 50's?? Janice I would enjoy reading your book intensely....I'm from Kansas, by the way, not far from where Johnny is from - Topeka. Thanks for the giveaway; and Lena I appreciate the chance to win this dreamy book. I hope I do!!

Blessings,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at txdot rr dot com

Edna said...

I would love to win this book just the name of it makes me remember Elvis, I follow you

I also follow Janice


mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Nancye said...

This sounds like a fun book! Please count me in.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Would love to read the book, the cover art is great!

dancealert at aol dot com

Coolestmommy said...

What a fun video! Thanks for sharing.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

rubynreba said...

I enjoy reading about the 50's! Sounds good.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

misskallie2000 said...

Janice, I love this book. I was a teen in the mid 50's and this book takes me back with lots of good memories.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Judylynn said...

Please enter me in this giveaway - Thanks!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Sweet! Thank you for all of the wonderful comments! Can't wait to see who wins!

Lydia M. said...

I am excited to read another book by this author.

lindawn/at/hotmail/com

Carman said...

I love Janice's books! Please enter me! :D

Cynthia A. Lovely said...

Wow, please enter my name to
this long list for this obviously
popular author!
-Lovely

Megan said...

What a fun and different interview! Thank so much Janice & Lena!

Meg