COOKING UP LOVE - Cynthia Hickey - One Free Book

Bio:

Multi-published author Cynthia Hickey had three cozy mysteries published through Barbour Publishing, with a novella releasing in March 2013. Her first mystery, Fudge-Laced Felonies, won first place in the inspirational category of the Great Expectations contest in 2007. Her third cozy, Chocolate-Covered Crime, received a four-star review from Romantic Times. All three cozies have been re-released as ebooks through the MacGregor Literary Agency, along with a new cozy series. She has several historical romances releasing in 2013 and 2014 through Harlequin’s Heartsong Presents. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs and two cats. She has five grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer.”

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write books that depict real characters in real circumstances, but that allow God’s mercy and grace to shine through the trials the characters face. I hope my stories will help readers deal with their own situations.

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

Oh, I have so many. I’ve been truly blessed. The birth of my daughter, marriage to my husband, the adoption of my son, the birth of my grandchildren…my list goes on.

How has being published changed your life?

Publishing has set me on a roller-coaster ride that I wouldn’t give up for almost anything. It’s hard, you need discipline, and I’m having a blast.

What are you reading right now?

A novella collection called Sugar and Grits

I love that collection. What is your current work in progress?

The book I’m working on now is the second in the series to Cooking Up Love, Finding Love the Harvey Girl way. Book two is titled Guiding Love. There will be four Harvey Girl books in all.

Cool! I love Harvey Girl stories. What would be your dream vacation?

A cruise with the entire family. Maybe to Alaska.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Most of my books take place in the Ozarks, but this particular series is set in different Harvey restaurants along the Santa Fe railroad.

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

Since my parents are getting up in years, it would have to be one of them.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love crocheting afghans for my family. Nothing makes me happier than when they redecorate and ask for a new afghan.

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

Distraction. I have to turn off Facebook.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Never give up. If you are meant to write, then write, and let God handle the outcome. Sometimes, we are only called to write for One.

Tell us about the featured book.

TABITHA IS IN SEARCH OF ADVENTURE

Tabitha McClelland knows accepting a job as a Harvey House waitress can be risky. Traveling alone to the rough-and-tumble West just isn't done by young ladies of good breeding. But far more dangerous is her powerful attraction to Adam Foster. Family means everything to the widowed chef, but the selfsufficient Tabitha cherishes her freedom above all else.

Adam is captivated by the fiercely independent Tabitha. Fraternizing with the female employees is strictly forbidden, but the Harvey Girl awakens feelings too compelling to ignore. Can Adam convince Tabby to share his dream of a future in California—together.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

1876 St. Louis, Missouri

Tabitha McClelland twisted her apron, the fabric so soiled she believed it could stand up on its own. She straightened her shoulders as the first train of the day screeched to a halt, and wished for something nicer to wear. The least her new employer could do was to give her something clean on her first day. Obviously, a previous employee left in a hurry and no one thought to do laundry.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward to open the door. Her heart leaped into her throat. Black smoke belched from the engine and drifted inside the dining room, mixing with the odor of burned bacon and sour grease. Within minutes a crowd of passengers surged inside.

On the first morning at her new job, she’d expected more than the dirty eatery with a scuffed wooden floor and the soiled aprons she and the other woman wore over their equally stained grey uniforms. She needed to look past the filth and muddle through because she sorely needed the work. Aprons could be washed.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.cynthiahickey.com, Facebook, and twitter.

Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing your new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Cooking Up Love - Christianbook.com
Cooking Up Love (Heartsong Presents) - Amazon.com
Cooking Up Love (Heartsong Presents) - Kindle

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