AN ENCORE FOR ESTELLE - Kimberly Rose Johnson - One Free Book

Welcome back, Kimberly. Why did you become an author?

I became an author because I love to write. After writing a short novel, I was encouraged by friends and family to pursue publication. It took six years of learning how to write and writing multiple stories before I was offered my first book contract in 2012, but I reached my goal.

I don't know if I've ever told you that my middle name is Rose. I was Lena Rose Nelson before I married. If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

As a young person I had three things I wanted to do, be a famous singer, teach piano, and be a spy. Lol. I ended up teaching piano lessons for most of my adult life.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

I wish I could leap through time and visit several time periods! Perhaps the roaring 20’s would be a good place to start. I loved the clothes and music of that time.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

There are so many places I would like to see. I’ll start New York City at Christmas because I want to see all the window displays and Broadway shows. I’d also love to go to Main in the summer or fall because it looks so beautiful there. I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon and would enjoy seeing that as well. There are quite a few more places, but I don’t want to bore you. J

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Again, there are quite a few but to make it simple I’d like to pretty much see all of Europe. My husband and I are tossing around the idea of taking a river cruise there someday.

I love watching the river cruise in Europe ads. That does look like a wonderful vacation. What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

I was stressing over my work in progress not long ago. He reminded me to trust Him, and that I will know the words to write when I need them.

Tell us about the featured book.

An Encore for Estelle is the second book in my Melodies of Love series. Each of the books in this series focuses on one form of the arts. Estelle is an actress and volunteers at the children’s theater.

A former A-list actress seeks to redeem herself in the most unlikely of places—a children’s theater. A guilt-ridden writer/director didn’t anticipate a famous actress would ever show interest in his musical, much less him. Will their pasts pull them apart or join them together?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Estelle Rogers willed her galloping heart to slow. Why had she come back to Oak Knoll, Oregon? It wasn’t like the people here had welcomed her with open arms six years ago. But that was then. Things were different now. Helen Wood had invited her for a visit over the summer, and she could never say no to the one woman who’d accepted her in spite of her flaws. Besides, she needed time away to think about her future. Estelle squared her shoulders, raised a hand, and pressed the doorbell beside the farmhouse door.

The door flung open. “You’re here!” Helen’s smile lit her eyes.

Estelle blinked. Helen looked like a young Mary Tyler Moore—she looked amazing. Could this be the same woman she’d grown close to all those years ago? Granted when she’d last seen Helen, she’d been recovering from a stroke, but a different woman stood before her now. The rosy-cheeked brunette looked fifteen years younger than her fifty-five years. “You look amazing.”

Helen blushed and waved a hand in front of her face. “Derek sent me on a spa vacation. You should try one. You’d love it.”

The mention of her one-time boyfriend didn’t affect her like it used to. Helen’s son was now happily married, and she adored his wife, Kayla. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re hinting that I need a makeover.”

The older woman shrugged. “Not at all. You look lovely as usual.” She stepped back, opening the door wider. “Come in. I can’t believe you’re actually here. I was afraid you might change your mind.”

“How silly would I be to do something like that?” If Helen only knew how many times she had almost cancelled the trip. But she would never reveal that to her dear friend. 

Helen looped her arm through Estelle’s. “I prepared lunch for us in the garden.”

“I love your garden. It’s so serene. I’m glad the weather is cooperating today. I’ve noticed you’ve had a lot of rain lately.”

“We have, but summer doesn’t usually start here until July. Welcome back to Oregon.” She chuckled. “I remember how much you enjoyed my garden the last time you were here, so I’ve been praying the weather would cooperate.”

Of course she had. Helen was like that—she had no qualms about asking the Lord for a sunny day.

“You’ll be staying in the guest cottage while you’re here.”

Estelle stilled. “I thought your . . .” What does one call a man who works around the farm doing odd jobs? “handyman—”

“His name is Blake, and he moved into the barn so you could have the cottage.”

I’m eager to read the rest of the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
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Amazon buy links:

An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love) (Volume 2) - Paperback
An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love Book 2) - Kindle

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