Bio: Kimberly
Rose Johnson holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University .
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her
husband, two teenage sons, and their yellow lab. She writes sweet Christian
romance for Heartsong Presents and is a member of American Christian Fiction
Writers. She enjoys taking long walks with her husband and dog, reading, dark
chocolate and time with friends.
Welcome back, Kimberley . Why do you
write the kind of books you do?
Since the seventh grade when I discovered romance books, I
have been addicted to reading them. I know sweet romance, so that is what I
write.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
I know I should say the day I was married, or the day my
kids were born, but I think the happiest day of my life to date was the day my
oldest son got his first job. He’s eighteen and has been looking for a job
since last summer. I told my mom I was happier for him when he got hired than I
was when I received my first book contract, and I was ecstatic about that. J
Incidentally the same day he was hired, I found out my editor planned to
contract two more books with me. So it was a doubly wonderful day.
We don’t get many
days like that. I had one when I received an offer for a book contract one
morning and another that afternoon. How has being published changed your life?
I used to teach piano lessons, but this past year my husband
encouraged me to write full time. Now my days are filled with writing, social
networking, marketing, and all the fun stuff writers get to do. I’m a little
more stressed now that I used to be, but I’m living my dream.
What are you reading
right now?
I’m currently reading No
one to Trust, by Lynette Eason.
Actually, I’m reading
a Lynette Eason romantic suspense on my Kindle right now. I love her books. What
is your current work in progress?
I’m writing a newly contracted book for Heartsong Presents.
My working title is Valentine’s Day
Blues. This book will release in March of next year.
I would love to schedule this book on my blog. What would be your
dream vacation?
This past year I had the opportunity to go on my dream
vacation. My husband and I went to Orlando
Florida the first week in
December and visited Disney World. It was a much needed break after the release
of my Debut novel The Christmas Promise,
last November.
It was the trip of a lifetime and something I’d wanted to do
since I was a little girl.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
I like reading books set in small towns, so the setting for
my current series in Leavenworth ,
Washington . Leavenworth is nestled in the Washington
Cascades and is a themed Bavarian village that tourists flock to. It just so
happens my husband has family there, so I was able to visit with them and it a
true feel for the area.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
This is a tough question because choosing just one person is
a challenge. J
I really admire Debbie Macomber, so I think I’ll pick her. I would love to pick
her brain and just visit with her. She seems like such a nice lady.
I started reading
Debbie when her first Christian romance book came out in 1984, and I got to
meet her the last time the American Christian Fiction Writers conference was in
Denver. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I love talking long walks with my husband and our dog every
evening. It’s possibly the highlight of my day.
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Creating conflict in my stories has been my most difficult
challenge. I like everything to be smooth and happy, but that doesn’t work well
in a story.
My critique partners are great at pointing this out to me
and commenting when something needs more conflict.
I was like you when I
started writing, but I did learn to add conflict. What advice would you give to
a beginning author?
First of all only write if it’s your passion. Writers face a
ton of rejection and criticism and if you’re not passionate about what you are
doing, it won’t be worth the pain.
Assuming, writing is your passion then I recommend getting
involved in a writers group. Attend writers’ conferences and read a few books
on the craft.
Tell us about the
featured book.
A Romance Rekindled is the second book in my Leavenworth , WA
series, however it stands alone.
Here is the back cover blurb.
Susan Hill Isn’t Ready To Forgive.
The small-town CPA can't forget how Blake Mitchell jilted
her and left their hometown without an explanation. But when her first love
returns to Leavenworth ,
the ruggedly handsome writer evokes conflicting emotions, especially when Susan
meets the child she assumes is his daughter.
Since his parents’ deaths six years ago, Blake’s been
raising his little sister on his own. But he’s never forgotten the woman he
left behind. Now, he can’t undo the past, but maybe he can change the future … if
he can convince Susan to give him one more chance.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Susan Hill waved goodbye to her best friend, Keira, as she
walked out the door of Keira’s candy shop. “See you.” She laughed at the silly
look on her friend’s face then turned and smacked into a hard body. Oof.
Strong fingers gripped her arm and a masculine voice close
to her ear held remorse. “Susan, you okay?”
She jerked free of his touch, yet her skin tingled where his
fingers had held her arms. She let her breath out slowly then braced herself to
look into the deep mocha eyes that still haunted her dreams. “Blake.” Why had
he returned to Leavenworth ?
She took a step back. “Um. What are you doing here?”
“Katie wanted candy.” A corner of his mouth lifted, lighting
a smile in his eyes. “You look good. I see you’re still into Goth. The purple
streaks are cool.”
The young girl standing beside him couldn’t be more than
eight or nine, but Susan was never good at guessing ages. A sick feeling
gripped her stomach as she counted the years since she had last seen him. He
wouldn’t—it’s not possible.
I can’t wait until my
copy arrives. How can readers find you on the Internet?
The best place to connect with me is my website. I have
links to all my social networking sites as well as a newsletter signup. http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/
Thank you, Kimberley, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Romance Rekindled - Christianbook.comA Romance Rekindled (Heartsong Presents) - Amazon
A Romance Rekindled (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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, 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
Hi Lena, thanks for hosting me on your blog!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great story. I would love to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteSusan in Texas
Thanks, Susan.
ReplyDeletePortsmouth, VA
ReplyDeleteLoved the interview. I live in Indiana
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
great interview! I live in Mississippi! shelia hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletewould love to win Angela from KY
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteCalifornia
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Hi Diana. it's great to see you here.
ReplyDeleteHi Sheila, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, I hope you are able to read it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Kimberly's lovely interview and the chance to win a copy of A ROMANCE REKINDLED!
ReplyDeleteBritney Adams, TX
I do love stories with second chances for love.
ReplyDeleteMary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I've been to Leavenworth, WA a couple of times when I visit my aunt in Seattle. We enjoy the good food and quaint feeling of the town. I would love to win and read a novel set in Leavenworth. sharon, CA wileygreen1)at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, I too enjoy reading Lynette Eason's books. A romance rekindled sounds like a great story.
ReplyDeleteLourdes Long Island, NY
Sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway
sydney
harries
ga
Please enter me. Sounds like a really good book!
ReplyDeleteTonja S. From Virginia
Sharon, I know what you mean about the food. I'm heading to Leavenworth next month and my husband and I are already talking about where we want to eat when we are there. :)
ReplyDeleteEnter me!!
ReplyDeleteSharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
I enjoy second chance at love stories, A Romance Rekindled sounds like a sweet read.
ReplyDeleteMerry in MN