Tuesday, November 12, 2013

THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE - Kimberly Rose Johnson - One Free Book

Welcome Kimberly. Rose is my middle name, too. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I don’t set out to write myself into my characters, but there is a piece of me or aspect of my personality in each of them. For example, Keira in The Christmas Promise, is terrified of driving in winter weather. I’m not quite as bad as her (at least most of the time) but my fear inspired hers.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Hmm, I’m not really a quirky person, but once when I was a kid a friend had this birthday party where she went to each of the guests houses and “kidnapped” us from our beds. Of course my mom was in on it.

We weren’t allowed to change from our nightclothes! Then we all went out to breakfast in our nightgowns and PJ’s.  Being a rather quiet and shy girl, I was mortified, but I eventually got into the spirit.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I enjoyed creative writing in high school but failed miserably at it in college, according to my writing professor. Fortunately, I didn’t let her opinion stop me forever from writing, and in 2006 I made the decision I was going to write. LOL I am a little impulsive, but I had a story in my head that I couldn’t stop thinking about. I’ve been writing ever since.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I tend to stick to Christian books because I know they are clean. As far as genre goes, I love romance and romantic suspense. That being said, I also read mysteries and thrillers if they seem to have a romantic thread. Generally I don’t enjoy a book unless there is at least a little romance in the story. I also enjoy reading Young Adult every now and then. Now here is an odd quirk—I prefer contemporary in all genre’s except YA.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
LOL, good question! I have a wonderful husband who helps with cooking, cleaning, and running the kids where they need to be. For the most part, I’m good at organizing my time and not over-committing. I know what I can handle, and I’m careful to stick to my boundaries.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
First I figure out how old my character is, then I look up popular names for the year he/she was born. From there I have to know my character’s personality a little to know what name would suit. I always try to pick strong names.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Today I’m most proud of getting traditionally published. It was a long time coming. J

Many of us had a long learning curve before we were traditionally published, myself included. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
A dog because I’m loyal.

What is your favorite food?
My favorite meal is probably lasagna, but I can’t turn down pie, especially berry pie.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I tried to get published in romantic suspense for years and even made it to committee, but never made it beyond that.

My agent and a good writer friend suggested I try writing straight romance. I finally listened and wrote The Christmas Promise. I guess I overcame the obstacle of publication by changing my approach.

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Tell us about the featured book.
The Christmas Promise takes place in Leavenworth, Washington, a quaint Bavarian village nestled in the Cascade Mountain Range. Here is the back cover blurb:

DR. PETE HARDING DOESN'T DATE SINGLE MOMS

No matter how lovely Keira Noble's smile, or how adorable her four-year-old son. He's been down that road before and knows it can lead to a broken heart. But that doesn't mean he can't help the pretty widow find a puppy to put under the Christmas tree for her son….

Pete claims he only wants to help her find the perfect gift for Cody. Yet Keira can't deny the tender feelings in his eyes whenever he looks at her. Could this handsome Scrooge have a change of heart, and create a new family for Christmas?

Please share the first page for my reader.
(This is the first two pages.)
Keira Noble peered out her apartment window at the first snow of the season, and a shiver ran through her. Snow set her on edge. Winter in the quaint Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington, always meant snow, but it was only the middle of October—much too early. Taking a sip of her morning coffee, she tucked her feet under her legs and snuggled deeper into the quilt. She closed her eyes, unwilling to gaze at the one thing that tortured her every winter.

“Momma.” Four-and-a-half-year-old Cody padded out from his room and climbed into her lap. He nestled his head against her chest. “What’s for breakfast?”

“How about oatmeal with blueberries?” She didn’t open the candy shop until ten on weekdays, and treasured this time with her son.

“No.”

“Really? I thought you loved blueberries.”

He shook his head. “I like gummy worms. Can I have them in my oatmeal?”

“Eww. I don’t think so.” She gave him a squeeze and stood, setting him on the chaise. “Maybe after lunch you can pick out a few gummy worms from the bin.” She smiled to herself, imagining he’d be the most popular kid in school someday with his access to candy.

She heard footsteps on the stairs that led to the alley. Right on time. Her best friend, Susan, had a way of showing up a couple of mornings a week for breakfast. She especially appreciated the visit today considering the weather. Susan knew the fear snow brought on. Just the thought of driving now… She shuddered. A rap on the door sounded and Keira flung the door open. “Morning.” She gave Susan a quick hug and stepped back.

“Brrr. It’s freezing out there.” Susan unwound her scarf, pulled off her boots and hung her coat on a hook by the door. “Where’s my little buddy?” She tiptoed over to the chaise. “Boo.”

Cody squealed and laughed. “Aunt Susan, you always do that.”

Sitting beside him, Susan wrapped an arm around Cody. “And you always laugh.” She poked his belly. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Oatmeal, but Mom said no gummy worms.”

Susan snapped her fingers. “Bummer, but I’m sure she’ll let us have brown sugar.” Susan got up and walked into the kitchen. “I have a surprise for you.”

Keira looked over her shoulder and raised a brow at her eccentric friend with the purple streaks in her long black hair. “I’m not a fan of surprises.”

“You might like this one.”

“Might?” She measured out the water and poured it into a saucepan. “I don’t like the sound of this. Spill.”

“Sorry.” Susan pulled a card from her pocket. “Be at this address tonight at six and look hot.”

“Huh?” Her friend had never told her to look hot. She turned around and took the card. “Visconti’s?” She narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. “What’s going on? I’m not going to show up someplace unless I know why.”

“Oh, all right. But you have to hear me out without interrupting.”

“Su-san!”

“We set you up on a blind date.” The words tumbled from her lips. “Pete is great. He’s a veterinarian. Josh knows him from church and got to talking with him when he took his dog in the other day and realized the man has no social life—”

“And he immediately thought of me. I need to have a few words with your brother.”

“You’re interrupting.”

“The two of you set me up? Why don’t you go out with him?” It had to be an all-time low when her friends thought they needed to find her a man.

“He’s not my type.” Susan grinned and batted her lashes.

“Don’t try that on me, missy.” She’d date again when she was ready. “I’m not going.” Keira turned her back on Susan and measured out the oats.

“But you have to. Josh already told him you’d be there.”

“He will have to un-tell him. What kind of person agrees to a blind date at the last minute?”

“Actually Pete’s known about it for a week.” She ducked her head. “I didn’t know how to tell you, and then time got away from me and…” She shrugged. “You can’t cancel now. It’s too late.”

Her friend knew her well. Of course she would’ve canceled. Keira bit her lip. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to meet the man. Besides it would be rude to back out at the last minute and she had always wanted to try the food at Visconti’s, one of the best Italian restaurants around. Considering how small the village was, it was crazy she’d never been there before.

But there was one problem—Cody. Who would take care of her son and what would she tell him? Since her husband was killed four years ago in a car accident, she had gone out only once. Keira didn’t want him to get confused or attached to a man who wasn’t going to stick around. Ack! She was getting ahead of herself. It was only one date.

Susan touched her arm and lowered her voice. “You need this. It doesn’t have to be anything serious, but it’s time you started getting out there again. You keep yourself holed up in this apartment or the candy shop all the time. Live a little. And don’t worry about Cody. I’ll take care of him.”

“Will you come here to watch him?”


Susan nodded. “Whatever you want.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?
WWW.kimberlyrjohnson.com from there you can follow me on Twitter or Facebook, check out my blog, or send me an email.

Thanks for having me!

It’s my pleasure, Kimberly. I read Christmas books in November and December. I read yours and loved it.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Christmas Promise - Christianbook.com
The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents) -Amazon.com
The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents) - Kindle



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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

26 comments:

Kimberly said...

Thanks for having me, Lena. :)

Faithful Acres Books said...

I so would love to win this book...I wanted to read and review it for Kim and this would give me the chance to do that. I wanted to add more seasonal reviews to my blog. http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com I live in Central NY , its snowing here today ! Waiting for the new one next year is killing me...smile Wonderful interview. Blessings, Linda Finn
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

Kimberly said...

Hi, Linda. It's great to see you over here. I hope you win!
Kimberly

Britney Adams said...

Thank you for sharing the lovely interview. Christmas stories are some of my very favorites and THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE sounds delightful! I would love to read more about Keira and her precious son. Thank you for the opportunity to win!

Britney Adams, TX

Anonymous said...

Would love to win a copy. Angela in KY

Brittany said...

Your book sounds so good. Thank you for the chance to win.
Brittany McEuen (TX)

scottsgal said...

I love Christmas and holiday books - one of my faves. I agree I would be a dog too - my fave animals.

What a beautiful cover - thanks for the chance

cheryl in IL

Kimberly Rose said...

Hi, Cheryl. I'm glad you like the cover. I love that it's an actual photo of Leavenworth at Christmas. :)

Melanie Backus said...

Another great interview, Lena. Thank you for introducing Kimberly Rose and her beautiful book. I am sure keeping my fingers crossed!

Melanie Backus, TX

Linda Kish said...

This sounds like a wonderful story. I look forward to reading it.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Lourdes said...

Sounds good would love to win.

Lourdes Long Island NY

Mary Preston said...

THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE promises to be a wonderful read.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Cynthia Lovely said...

Love Christmas stories!
cllyrics@gmail.com
Pattersonville, NY

Merry said...

The Christmas Promise sounds like a sweet read, please add me!
Merry in MN

Unknown said...

The Christmas Promise looks like a good Christmas story.
reading the part about not driving in snow hit such a cord with me I start fretting about snow in Oct to , I know that is irrational but it really stays in my mind. I am praying to get past that as I live in Ohio and we get snow. We have it Now!
Thank you
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

Vera Godley said...

This sounds like a sweet read and already I love little Cody. He promises to be a sweetie & incident maker. I'd love to win.

Just drop my North Carolina name in the hat and make it a winner!

I just love Lena's interviews & reviews.

Patty said...

Sounds like a sweet story! thanks for the interview and chance to win.

Patty in SC

Kimberly Rose said...

Jackie, It must be very difficult living in Ohio and not like to drive in snow. I feel the same way, but we get very little snow where I live and I can avoid driving on those days.
Kimberly

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

It looks and sounds interesting!!!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway and God Bless!
Sarah
NC

Unknown said...

Sounds intriguing! Sign me up.
Kandra in OK

Unknown said...

Enjoyed the great interview. Book sounds fantastic. Would love to win it. Thank you for the chance to enter this giveaway and please enter my name.

Barbara Thompson (West Monroe, LA)
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jackie Tessnair said...

Would love to win this book.Thanks for the chance.Jackie Tessnair from N.C.

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

sm said...

I've visited Leavenworth, WA and enjoyed a nice lunch there in one of the Bavarian restaurants. Love to win and read your book. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Roanna said...

Sounds like a good read! I would like to be entered in the giveaway.

Thanks for hosting!

Roanna from Ohio

Unknown said...

Would love to win a copy of this book! Sounds like a heartwarming Christmas read!
Tonja (VA)