Friday, August 12, 2011

ALWAYS THE WEDDING PLANNER, NEVER THE BRIDE - Sandra D Bricker - Free Book

Welcome back, Sandie. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
I had the wonderful good fortune to write a book called Always the Baker, Never the Bride, which was published in the fall of 2010 by Abingdon Press. In the first two weeks of its release, the book went into its third printing. Something about that book, about those characters, about the premise…it just appealed to readers. Consequently, Abingdon came back to me and said, “You know those other two books we’ve contracted? How about we push those out a couple of years and you do another three books to follow up Baker?” It was a dream-come-true! I loved the characters in the first book, and I hadn’t been ready to say good-bye to them, so getting to continue their stories was such a blessing! So this book, Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride, takes my readers further into the story.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Lena, what a rockin question!! Let’s see. Narrowing it down to six is a challenge! But I’d have to start with Debby Mayne because she’s my partner in crime here in Florida. And Kristin Billerbeck because she TOTALLY GETS ME. Trish Perry, for the same reason; we have such a great connnection. And the funny and wonderful Diann Hunt would have to be there, too. She’s such a sweetheart, and we’ve shared an awful lot in the couple of years that we’ve known each other. A couple of historical authors also come to mind, but you said contemporary, right? I think I’d add Jenny B. Jones and Camy Tang because I just adore the two of them and the books they write. Hey, that’s a pretty good group for a party, huh? I need to send out those invitations!

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Oh good! My historical buddies aren’t left out! Loree Lough and Andrea Boeshaar are at the top of that list. And you, Lena! And I think I’d add my former agent and historical author, Tamela Hancock Murray. Ooh, and how about Rita Gerlach and Miralee Ferrell? Only six? Okay, there’s my six.

That is a fun group. I’d love to come to that party. 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?
Yes, I think the question I’m most often asked is, “So now you can quit your day job, right?” I usually reply that I enjoy eating and having electricity and not living under a bridge, so I think I’ll keep the day job a little longer.  J  That’s the greatest challenge at the moment. Writing all these books and meeting my deadlines and staying creatively charged.

Tell us about the featured book.
Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride is the second of four books in this series that Abingdon has dubbed “Another Emma Rae Creation.” It revolves around a Type A personality named Sherilyn, Emma’s best friend from childhood, and her doctor boyfriend Andy. The two of them met, fell in love, and decided to move back to Atlanta and get married in a very small space of time. Their funny and tender-hearted story revolves around making all those adjustments that come when you rush into something, even when you know it’s right.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Sherilyn hadn’t been to Roswell in years, but its rustic southern charm hadn’t waned in the least.

Barrington Hall stood proudly at the highest point in the small town, on the south side of the town square, looking every bit the plantation home of its youth with its stately white columns.  The shops at Roswell Mill bustled with people, and the crisp scent of fall clung to the sweet breeze wafting over the nearby Chattahoochee River. Leaves had only begun to turn with glimpses of what was to come. Sherilyn knew that, by next month this time, the greens and golds and burnt reds of Georgia autumn would be welcoming her home at full mast.

Not that Georgia was technically her home. She’d lived there for five years while attending Emory University and carving out the beginnings of her career, but it hadn’t taken long for her to make her way back to Chicago. What were the odds that she’d meet the man of her dreams there, and that he would hail from Atlanta, Georgia?

Her ties to the place, albeit temporary, had been strong ones just the same, and something had always whispered that she would one day return. But to marry, rebuild a career, and settle in for the rest of her life? That, she never could have imagined.

However, if there was one sure thing in Sherilyn’s future, Andrew Drummond IV was certainly it. She’d known him just seven weeks when Andy proposed, and Sherilyn couldn’t have accepted any faster.
Sherilyn Caine-Drummond.
Mrs. Andrew John Drummond, The Fourth.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
On Facebook: Sandie Bricker

Once again, this was a lot of fun, Sandie, but then our visits always are.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 4 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 if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

24 comments:

Judy said...

Lena, I enjoyed your interview with Sandra. She is a new author to me and I can't wait to read her books. I would love to win a copy of "Always The Wedding Planner, Never The Bride". I especially love the name of one of the main characters, Sherilyn. That is the name of my cousin! You don't see many people with that name.

Blessings!

Judy B from Indiana

Deborah said...

yay that's awesome when we get to revisit with characters!

Deborah in VA

Author and Editor Sandra D. Bricker said...

Thanks so much for visiting! I love spending time at Lena's place, and I really love the idea that you've never read my books, Judy. New readers are awesome! (I hope you win the book!) Thanks again...Sandie

Unknown said...

Lena...you always come up with such great authors! and new ones to me. i count on you to bring me the best everytime. Thanks so much for the time you put into your blogs. Thanks to you and Sandra for the interview and the giveaway. i would love to win. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country, Alberta

Anonymous said...

This book sounds lovely! I would love to read the first book in the series. I'll have to look for it! Thank you for the chance to win.
Blessings,
Kelly Y. in Virginia

Coolestmommy said...

Love this series. Can't wait to read it and laugh!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

fredamans said...

I was lucky enough to get the first book on Amazon for free and would love to continue the series. Please enter this gal from Ontario, Canada. Thank you!

scottsgal said...

thanks for the chance to read this - sounds like a wonderful book
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Anonymous said...

I Love the title of this book! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank You!!!!
Angela from KY

cynthia said...

I loved the first book in the series. Such an interesting plot. I can't wait to read the stories of the other characters. Looking forward to your latest book coming out. :)

Rebecca said...

I would love to win this.

I am from Oklahoma.

agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

I love the title. Can't wait to read the book.

California.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Bakersdozen said...

This book sounds like one I would really enjoy. I live in S. CA.

holdenj said...

What a great interview and great news! I'm glad to get more of this story!
Thanks!
Julie in MN

CarlybirdH said...

I love Sandra's books and I enjoyed this very entertaining interview. thank you.
Carly in NC

Wendy said...

I would love to read this book. I have always enjoyed Sandra's writings.
wendy
Buffalo, MN

Sarah said...

I read Always the Baker never the Bride, and I loved it!

Would love to win this one!

Sarah H
Oklahoma

Patty said...

I'm relatively new to your blog and am really enjoying the author interviews! Would love to win a copy of the book.

Patty in SC

Unknown said...

Enjoyable interview with Sandra. I am sure this will be a fun story to read. Thank you for the giveaway and the chance to win.

Blessings,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
Arlington, TX

Anonymous said...

Great interview! Please enter me!
I'm a subscriber by email.

dancealert at aol dot com

Brenda from Michigan

Kristie said...

Your series sounds refreshing. I'm glad it's a series and not just a stand-alone. Can't wait to read it. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Casey said...

I would love to be entered please! I live in Oregon.

Sharon Richmond said...

Sounds very interesting. Please enter me in the drawing.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

apple blossom said...

oh, yes please enter me love to win Sandra's book

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com