ISLAND REFUGE - Kimberly Rose Johnson - One Free Book

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

I write contemporary Christian romance because I enjoy reading them and it seems to be the genre I’m best at writing.

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

I really don’t know. One day in particular doesn’t stand out to me. I do remember being pretty excited when I got the phone call about my first writing contract.

How has being published changed your life?

I’m not the same person I used to be. I’m more open and outgoing, not nearly as shy as I used to be, and I now spend copious hours a day on the computer. When I started writing I didn’t even know how to open an email attachment!

What are you reading right now?

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay.

What is your current work in progress?

Island Dreams, the second book in my Wildflower Island Romance series

What would be your dream vacation?

This changes constantly depending on my mood, but right now, I’d really like to go back to Disney World. I also think it would be fun to go to Ireland or Scotland too, but I doubt it will ever happen.

You’re young, and our God loves to fulfill dreams. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I try to choose places that I would want to visit. Wildflower Island doesn’t really exist, but it was inspired by Washington state’s Anderson Island. That island wasn’t quite big enough for me, so I embellished things and changed the name to Wildflower Island.

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

That is such a hard question! I think it be most fun to be able to visit with someone I know, but have never met. I would love to spend an evening with my critique group. I have never met two of them in person, but I suppose that’s cheating. Hmm, I am stumped. I’m really sorry, but no one comes to mind. I wouldn’t want to spend and entire evening with someone I don’t know. That would uncomfortable. So if you will let me cheat, I’d choose my critique group, Miralee Ferrell, Margaret Daley, and Vickie McDonough—I can’t choose between them.

What a great group. I love all three of them. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love playing the piano, talking long walks, riding my bike, watching Hallmark movies, and traveling, although I don’t get to travel often.

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

Coming up with a plot long enough to fill a book before I actually write the book. I’m not sure I’ve actually overcome this. I have a good idea of where my books begin and end, but I’m a seat of the pants writer for the rest. I sometimes get my critique partners to assist me with ideas and other times I do something not related to my book. My mind usually chews on it while I’m otherwise occupied and sooner or later I begin to realized things about my characters and their lives and I take off again.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I’m sure you’ve all heard this before, but it’s so important. Learn the craft of writing. I also think it’s important to make friends with writers.

Tell us about the featured book.

Island Refuge takes place on a small island in the Puget Sound at a B-and-B. Here is the back cover blurb.

Five-Star-Chef Zoe Griffin walked away from her dream job. Did she make a mistake?

Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her.

Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B-and-B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all—to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future ... together. 

Please give us the first page of the book.

Dr. Nick Jackson sat behind the wheel of his Range Rover with the windows lowered, waiting to board the ferry from Wildflower Island, Washington. A red convertible exited the ferry, its top down and radio blaring. The woman behind the wheel ducked her head and swerved in his direction, nearly taking off his paint. He laid on his horn, and the car skidded to a stop.

The woman bolted upright, her vivid green eyes wide. “I’m so sorry!”


“No harm done.”


“I was reaching for my directions.”


Nick glanced forward and noticed traffic maneuvering around the woman’s car. “Perhaps

I can help. I live here.” He’d only been on the island a week, but it was small so he felt safe offering assistance.

She waved a piece of paper. “No need. Again, I’m sorry for nearly hitting you. Maybe I’ll see you around. I start my new job today.” She flashed a nervous smile then eased back into the line of cars and drove off.

Her last words reverberated in his mind. What were the chances the blonde was his new cook and housekeeper at the Wildflower Bed-and-Breakfast? Nick shook his head. Very unlikely. The woman he’d hired was the executive chef of a five-star restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Surely the crazy driver wasn’t Zoe Griffin. Whoever she was, he hoped she’d be long gone by the time he returned on the ferry later tonight. Distracted drivers were a menace— attractive or not.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson

https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh 

https://www.pinterest.com/krose1990/

Thank you for sharing this book with us. And thank you for your patience when I couldn't sit at the computer to upload the interview on time.

Readers, here is a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Island Refuge (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 1)

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