WHERE WILDFLOWERS BLOOM - Ann Shorey - Free Book

Welcome, Ann. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

History and research are my passions. I have a collection of family memoirs dating back to the American Revolution, and became interested in fiction when I realized all the memoirs were written by men. In order to learn what women’s lives were like, I turned the stories into novels.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? 

When I was baptized. In my church, we baptize by immersion. I’ll never forget the joy I felt when I came up out of the water. It’s been thirty-some years, but whenever I think about that occasion, I feel the joy anew.

How has being published changed your life?

Being published has made my life much busier! No one tells you ahead of time how many things other than writing there are to do once you have books out there. The marketing, which includes blogging, social networking, book signings, and more, takes so much time—as you well know. I love what I do, so it’s all good, but there are days when I wish I had a few hours to just kick back and read a book all afternoon. J

I know what you mean, but I love connecting with readers. What are you reading right now?

Liz Curtis Higgs’ Mine is the Night. I’m loving it. Along with the first book in the series, Here Burns my Candle, it’s a fascinating re-telling of the story of Ruth and Naomi.

What is your current work in progress?

A novel for Revell titled When the Heart Heals. It’s Book 2 in the Sisters At Heart series, and continues the stories of Faith, Rosemary, and Cassie.

What would be your dream vacation?

My dream is to have the time and the money to tour every one of the lower 48 states (I’ve already been to Alaska twice). My husband and I have visited a number of states, both for research and pleasure, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the regional differences in our beautiful country. Oh, to visit them all! I can dream, can’t I?

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My series have been inspired by the lives of my female ancestors, so the settings are chosen from family history.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Franklin Graham. I’d love to talk with him about the origins of Samaritan’s Purse.

James and I have followed Franklin's ministry for years. We were very active in the Christmas Box program. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I collect antique kitchen and laundry implements, and also keep an eye out for unusual Vaseline glass pieces when I go antiquing. I enjoy trying new recipes, puttering in my flower garden, and riding dirt bikes. (The dirt bike part isn’t true—I just realized I sound kind of boring, so thought I’d add something with a little spark. J)

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Staying away from email and Facebook requires a ton of discipline when I’m writing. The other obstacle is interruptions. Some days are shattered by multiple phone calls. Aargh.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

This is so basic, but “don’t quit” is the best advice I can give. Perseverance is the key to being published. Constantly improve your craft with each rejection and then resubmit.

Tell us about the featured book.

The War Between the States stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg—as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns, Faith allows herself to hope that she and Royal will finally wed. But does he truly love her? Or will another man claim her heart?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Noble Springs, Missouri, March 1866

               “You can do this,” Faith Lindberg told herself as she gazed into the hall mirror and straightened her bonnet. “After all, it’s only for a short time.” Once she gathered the courage to talk to Grandpa about her plans, she knew they’d be leaving Noble Springs.

               She slipped her well-worn copy of Randolph Marcy’s The Prairie Traveler into her carryall. Her grandfather said he wanted her to take over managing the store. He hadn’t said she couldn’t spend time reading when there were no customers.

               The onyx mantel clock in their parlor chimed the half hour. Grandpa had been very specific—meet him at eight o’clock and he’d show her what to do before Lindberg’s Mercantile opened for the day’s business.

               Faith hurried out the door, grateful that the morning sun promised a pleasant day after a week of rain. Maybe she wouldn’t have to bother with lighting the store’s cranky wood-burning stove. Its warmth drew elderly gossipers the way a freshly iced cake drew bees.

I'll love reading this book. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.annshorey.com; on Facebook, please visit my Ann Shorey Author page, https://www.facebook.com/AnnShorey; and on Twitter, I’m Ann_Shorey. When you find me, please let me know you read this on Lena’s blog!


Thank you, Ann, for spending this time with us on a busy day.


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Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Novel (Sisters at Heart)


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