Tuesday, August 10, 2010

LOVE REMAINS - Kaye Dacus - Free Book

This series intrigues me, Kaye. How did you come up with the idea for this story?


The idea for Love Remains originally came to me back in 2002–2003 when I discovered a new coworker (a very handsome new coworker) had been stationed at White Sands Missile Range back in 1988 when he was in the Army. My father had still worked there at that time, so of course my imagination went wild with what-ifs. And because Jane Austen’s Persuasion is my favorite novel, those what-ifs started falling into a very Persuasion-ish kind of storyline, with a modern setting, naturally. I wrote the original draft of the story in 2003, but then set it aside after finishing it when I got the idea for Stand-In Groom. Last year, when looking for story ideas for a new series, I remembered Love Remains and knew it would be perfect to revamp for the new Matchmakers series.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

My six invites would go out to Ronie Kendig, Tamara Leigh, Annalisa Daughety, Jen Stephens, Nicole O’Dell, and Jenny B. Jones. Why this group of people? Well, because I know Ronie, Tamara, Annalisa, and Jen from spending time with them, and I know Nicole from editing her books, and Jenny from being “agent sisters” (we’re both represented by Chip MacGregor) and sitting with her at the famous Clan MacGregor table at the ACFW banquet every year. And while there’s definitely a lot of romance writers in this group, it’s also a group of great individuals who have a lot to say about a lot of different topics. And that’s what makes a party fun.

I've spent time with some of those people. The party should really hop. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

This is so much harder to narrow down, because I know so many more historical fiction authors and wouldn’t want to leave anyone out. But if I could invite only six, I’d have to invite MaryLu Tyndall, Julie Klassen, Julie Lessman, Laura Frantz, Shar MacLaren, and Linda Windsor. Again, lots of romance going on with these authors’ books, but having met all of them (well—all except Laura, whom I’m looking forward to meeting at ACFW next month), I know this would be a great mix of interests and talents that would keep the conversation going until the wee hours of the morning.

Oh, yes. I've spent a lot of time laughing with Shar and Julie Lessman. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

For me, it’s a problem mixed in a blessing. With two publishing houses I’m writing for, each wanting to continue to put my books out (one house wanting to do two each year and the other publishing one each year), that means that I’m committed to writing three books every year. And because as a newer author, I didn’t have much say in negotiating my deadlines, it’s meant that for a couple of my books (this year), I’ve only had about two months to write them after finishing the previous book. And even with putting out three books a year, I’m still not able to be a “full-time writer.” I still have to work about three-quarter time as a freelance editor to pay the bills and have money for conferences and trips to visit my family. I’m actually working harder and more hours now than the few years when I was working full-time, attending college part-time, working as an officer for ACFW, and writing. But I wouldn’t give it up for anything. It’s my dream job, and, once the stress of deadline is over, a job I love having.

Tell us about the featured book.

Nashville native Bobby Patterson has just returned home after many years away to take a position with the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. His new job: lead a task force investigating potential real estate fraud connected with the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Commission. Zarah Mitchell, who’s worked at the Commission for more than a decade, is about to face a piece of history that could ruin the life she’s built in Nashville: Bobby Patterson—her first love and the reason her father kicked her out fourteen years ago. When Bobby realizes Zarah is part of his investigation, he is tempted to use his grandmother’s not-so-subtle setups as a way to learn if Zarah is involved in the fraud. Zarah, at her grandmother’s suggestion, tries to put the pain from the past aside to see if any love remains between her and Bobby. But when she learns he’s been investigating her, will she be able to forgive him a second time?

Oh, I like that. Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

“You’d think she won the lottery or something.” Katrina Breitinger glared at the woman flouncing by, nose in the air.

“She’ll be lording it over all of us until someone else achieves the same feat.” Lindy Patterson crossed her arms and blew a lock of blond hair from her eyes.

“One would think she’d be mortified that it happened when she’s still so young.” Celeste Evans craned her neck to continue watching the woman in question.

Helen Bradley made a derisive raspberry sound. “Young, my foot! You know she’s had work done.”

“The least she could do would be to stop coloring her own hair.” Maureen O’Connor touched her professionally hued auburn tresses. “Hers always looks so brassy.”

Trina clicked her tongue, feeling slightly guilty. “Listen to the five of us. Standing here being catty about someone in church.”

“You’re right. Someone might overhear us and tell her.” Lindy looked over both shoulders.

“We sound just like teenagers. It’s unbecoming of us to speak ill of someone else.” Trina set her lips in a firm line and looked at her four companions.

“To speak ill of her, but not to think ill of her?” Lindy, Trina’s best friend since high school, winked.

“You know what I mean. Honestly. We’re over eighty years old, and we’re still acting like sorority girls.” Trina raised her hand to signal her husband, who’d just entered the back of the sanctuary.

“But what are we going to do about her?” Helen jutted her chin toward the object of their ire.

“There’s nothing we can do. Until one of our grandchildren get married, she’ll keep taunting us with the fact that she’ll have great-grandchildren before we do.”

Lindy grabbed Trina’s arm. “That’s it!”

“What?” Maureen asked.

“All of us have grandkids who’re getting up into their twenties and thirties. High time they should be getting married.” Lindy pulled the rest of the girls into a huddle.

“Don’t remind us,” Helen wailed.

“No, listen. We make a pact. Since each of us prides ourselves on knowing our offspring well, we’re going to be very picky about whom our grandchildren choose. So we narrow the pool.”

Trina stared at Lindy, following the train of thought to the next logical step. “We set our grandkids up with each other’s grandkids.”

“Exactly! We take the guesswork out of finding suitable partners for them.”

“But how—?” Celeste’s question was cut off by the organist beginning the prelude.

“We’ll work that out later—we’ll talk about it at coffee on Thursday.” Lindy stuck her right hand into the middle of the circle. “Who’s with me?”

Trina hesitated only a second before placing her hand on top of Lindy’s. Celeste, Helen, and Maureen quickly followed suit.

Lindy looked around at each of them, beaming. “I hereby dub us the Matchmakers.”

Fun! How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love connecting with readers online! They can find me at:
http://kayedacus.com/
http://www.facebook.com/kayedacus
http://twitter.com/kayedacus

Thank you for this interesting interview, Kaye.
 
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43 comments:

Cindy W. said...

I enjoyed your review and Love Remains sounds like a book I would really enjoy. I would love to be entered into your giveaway for Love Remains.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Katrina said...

I would love to win...looks like a great book!

ykatrina at hotmail dot com

Julie Lessman said...

Hey Lena and Kaye -- great interview, as always!!

And THANK YOU, Kaye, for including me in the party for Christian authors of historical fiction -- WHOO-HOO!!! What a group -- fabulous ladies all and very good friends most!

Don't enter me for the contest because I am already blessed with a signed copy from ICRS, which is at the top of my TBR list ... only two more books before it, so the cover has been taunting me all this time!!

Soooo glad you and I connected at ICRS, Kaye! Looking forward to seeing both you and Lena in Indy.

Hugs,
Julie

grannyvon said...

The author Kaye Dacus sounds like she would be a happy person. I know she ejoys her work. I think I would enjoy it too. Hope to win it. Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

Mozi Esme said...

I love the other book I've read by this author...

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

runner10 said...

Sounds like a great book.
csdsksds[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

Always enjoy your interviews, Lena. Susan's book's first page caused me to laugh...I love it. I will enjoy reading this book. Please add me to the giveaway. I appreciate that opportunity very much. I like winning, as everyone does - and I hope to win this one. Thank you.

Blessed Be in Christ,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Tamara Leigh said...

Great interview! And I'm honored to be included in your party, Kaye. Hope to see you at the next meeting. Blessings!

Merry said...

Love Remains sounds so fun, I'm so ready for Kaye's newest! Thanks for a chance.

Cherie J said...

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

fredamans said...

I've heard amazing things about Kaye's writing. Please count me in.

holdenj said...

Love Remains sounds like a great novel. Thanks for the info and chance to win!

Edna said...

loved your review would love to win the book


mamat2730at)charter(dot)net

Kaye Dacus said...

Hey, all!

So glad you stopped by. I'm really excited about this new book and kicking off The Matchmakers series. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

Brittanie said...

Enter me please. :)
treewaterduchess at yahoo dot com

Nicole O'Dell said...

Thanks so much for the "invite" Kaye!
:)

Linda Kish said...

This sounds like a terrific story.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Annalisa Daughety said...

Great interview! And thanks for including me in the dinner party for contemporary authors! Sounds like it would be a fun time! :)

Lora1967 said...

Awesome interview im sure the book id too

Bakersdozen said...

I would love to read this. I so enjoy visiting this site and discovering new books. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

apple blossom said...

Please include me in this book giveaway. thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Wendy said...

Thanks for offering this book. I have enjoyed Kaye's books in the past.

Coolestmommy said...

Love Remains sounds like a book I'd enjoy reading.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

I'd love to read this one! Please enter me in the giveaway!

Edwina said...

This book sounds great - I would love to read it!

edwina[dot]cowgill[at]yahoo[dot]com

Roanna said...

Please enter me... Thanks!

ohiobuckye91 (at)gmail (dot) com

Kristen said...

Great premise. Can't wait to read it.
Thanks

Jan Marie said...

This book sounds like a lot of fun. In fact, I think I know these ladies who call themeselves "The Matchmakers."

Please enter me for this one!

janmarien[at]embarqm[dot]com

Unknown said...

To be able to read the interviews with authors and read their books is so helpful to me in convincing myself to try that first writing. Thank you, Lena, and other kind authors like you who provide this kind of entertainment/training for us. What an advantage it gives those who want to try writing. Thank you.

Blessed be in Christ,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Carman said...

Please enter me! I can't wait to read this series!

booklovercb[at]yahoo.com

Bluerose said...

Please enter me. I would love to read this series. Thanks! :)

Kameko said...

I'm hooked - it just took reading the excerpt in the interview! "Love Remains" sounds like a fascinating book with romance, a little comedy (the grandmothers), and suspense all rolled into a wonderful novel. I really like the cover, also!

Thanks for the interview, Kaye, and blessings to you both!

Beverly
bgrider2@cox.net

mariska said...

This book sounds so Good ! I would love to win it ! Enter me in please.

uniquas at ymail dot com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Please enter me!

dancealert at aol dot com

Lady Araujo said...

Sounds great. I'd love to read this book. Please, enter me.
Thank you very much for this opportunity.

marta(dot)pereir(at)hotmail(dot)com

Pain SUX said...

Great interview of course ;) ...

~Steph
soklad@hotmail.com

misskallie2000 said...

Great interview Kay and Lena. I can't wait to read this book. I love humor in my books and these grandmothers are definitely funny.

Thanks for this opportunity to enter givewaway.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Nise' said...

Haven't read a book by Kaye that I didn't love! Looking forward to this one. You can't help but laugh with Shar, she is a wonderful lady!

nisethusfarATyahooDOT

Carole said...

Kaye knows how to tell a good story and I love the southern settings in her books. Thank you for the interesting interview and chance to win Love Remains.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

wmmahaney said...

This sounds like a book that I would really enjoy.

Unknown said...

Taking another chance to win this great book. I enjoy giveaways so much and of course, love winning. Maaybe I'll get lucky this time. Thanks for the opportunity.

Sharing His Love,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Molly said...

Would love to win!

Thanks!

Sarah said...

I'm looking forward to reading this one! Please enter me in the drawing!