WAYWARD HEARTS - Susan Anne Mason - One Free Book

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

I’ve always loved anything to do with romance. Even as a child reading Nancy Drew mysteries, I was more interested in her getting together with Ned. So writing my own stories of romance came quite naturally. It wasn’t until I got introduced to Christian romance that I knew I wanted to incorporate a faith element into my stories.

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

The birth of my first child was the happiest! My husband and I had a hard time conceiving, so when our daughter was born, it was like a dream come true!

How has being published changed your life?

Getting published was the fulfillment of a dream dear to my heart. Holding that first book in my hands was one of the most amazing feelings ever. It is also has made me feel like I belong with all my fellow authors. It’s like being part of the cool crowd! LOL.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund. An excellent read!

What is your current work in progress?

I am currently working on my second historical romance for Bethany House. Irish Meadows, the story of two O’Leary sisters, releases next August, and now I’m writing their brother’s story (currently untitled) which comes out in 2016.

What would be your dream vacation?

Anywhere by the ocean. I especially love New Jersey and Florida!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I set my Rainbow Falls series in a fictional small town in North Dakota, mainly because it had some similarities to my home province of Ontario in Canada. For my Love Inspired book, Healing the Widower’s Heart, coming out in February, I chose the finger lakes region of New York because it resembled the Muskoka cottage country in Northern Ontario where the Wyndermere Resort was situated. For my historical series, I based it somewhat loosely on my own Irish ancestors who settled in Brooklyn, New York, but after some research, I chose Long Island as the place where the O’Learys’ horse farm, Irish Meadows, was situated. So, in answer to your question, I guess each case is different!

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

Tough one. Either Oprah Winfrey or Katie Couric because they are both women I admire who have accomplished so much and have met so many interesting people over the course of their careers. It would be a fascinating evening!

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I don’t have much time for other hobbies, but I do enjoy scrapbooking. Back when my kids were young, I spent a lot of time making books of their baby pictures. I also love researching our family history and have solved some family mysteries with my online research through www.Ancestry.com .

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

Learning to plot a story from beginning to end was a major obstacle for me. The other was writing consistently. Many times I’d just stop writing for months at a time. I finally realized that to be a good writer, I had to keep at it! Practice does make perfect.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I would advise a beginner to join a writer’s group if at all possible and study, study, study the craft of writing. The second thing I would advise is to enter writing contests. This is great for getting feedback on your work, and in my case, two of my contracts were a direct result of contests I entered. A good critique partner and/or mentor is also another great way to boost your confidence as a writer.

Tell us about the featured book.

Wayward Hearts is the story of Maxi North, who always dreamed of being a famous hairstylist in New York City. She is living the life she loves, until the unexpected death of her father brings her back to her hometown of Rainbow Falls where she is forced to confront a tragedy from her past, as well as her unrequited feelings for Jason Hanley, her former best friend.

Please give us the first page of the book.

 “Ninth floor penthouse.” The musical voice oozed from the speakers as the elevator slid to a smooth stop.

The doors whispered open, and Maxi North stepped out into the magnificent lobby of Baronne’s Salon. She paused, latte in hand, and smiled at the sheer luxury on display. The ornate crystal chandelier glittered above the mahogany reception desk that housed a striking array of orchids. Sometimes Maxi had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming—that this former farm girl from Rainbow Falls, North Dakota, now worked as a junior stylist in one of the top salons in New York City.

She hiked her purse farther onto the shoulder of her satin jacket as she strode into the heart and soul of the salon—the chrome and glass stylist stations, where the employees worked their magic for a pampered clientele. The familiar scents of floral shampoos, coconut conditioner, and hair spray swirled around her.

Coming in for the afternoon shift meant that most of the stations already bustled with activity. On the way to her own station, second chair from the back, she waved to her friend Cherise. With a contented sigh, Maxi set down her latte, threw her purse in the bottom drawer, and plugged in her curling irons.

“You’re early today.” Cherise stood on tiptoes, stretching to reach one of the sliding cupboards at Maxi’s right. She grabbed some towels and blew her pink-tinted corkscrews off her forehead before flashing a dazzling smile.

“Nothing to do at home. My Internet connection died, so I figured I might as well come in and get a head start on my shift.” Maxi fished her cell phone out of her jacket pocket and deposited it on the counter in front of the huge beveled mirror. “Mrs. Rothman’s my first customer. You know how picky she is.”

Cherise snickered. “Uh-huh. Better you than me.” She swung back toward her customer, then pivoted, her ebony eyes twinkling. “Rumors are flying today. Philippe and the other partners have been in a meeting all morning.”

The numerous cups of coffee Maxi had already consumed churned in her stomach. “Good news or bad, do you think?” She hadn’t dared heed the latest gossip that the Baronnes might be considering taking on another partner.

“Hard to tell.” Cherise nodded toward the hall leading to Philippe Baronne’s private office. “Guess we’ll know soon enough.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me on Facebook or on my website www.susanannemason.com .

They can find my books at the Pelican Book group site www.pelicanbookgroup.com or at Amazon.com

           

Thank you for having me here again, Lena!How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me on Facebook or on my website www.susanannemason.com .

They can find my books at the Pelican Book group site www.pelicanbookgroup.com or at Amazon.com

           

Thank you for having me here again, Lena!

It's my pleasure to host you. One of my daughters is a hairdresser. I know she would love to read this book when I get finished.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Wayward Hearts - Christianbook.com
Wayward Hearts - Amazon

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