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Monday, November 18, 2019

THE TEA CHEST - Heidi Chiavaroli - One Free book

Welcome, Heidi. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I never purposefully write any of myself into my characters, but I inevitably show up in them! My goal is to write authentically of whatever character I’m creating—whether that’s a contemporary character with a painful childhood and a goal of becoming America’s first female Navy SEAL or a historical character in love with a man on the “wrong” side of her family’s political views, I try to keep myself out of their way. To me, having an agenda or purposely trying to insert my views into a character taints the story. Instead, I try to actually put myself in their shoes and leave mine behind. I definitely don’t do this perfectly, but that’s my goal.

That’s what I try to do, too. And I welcome God to insert into the story what He wants there. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
That has to do with writing or just in general? J I’m not sure if this qualifies as quirky, but on a recent research trip, my mom and I stopped for lunch at a café. We were trying to brainstorm story ideas. Before we received our meals, my mom went to the restroom. When she came back, she leaned over and whispered in a conspiratorial manner, “I think you should go to the bathroom.”

“Excuse me?” I asked, thinking I must have heard wrong. But then she explained that there was a sign on the back of the single restroom door that might give me a story idea.

So I brought my phone in the bathroom (this is the quirky part for me, because I’m a big germ freak!) and snapped a picture of the sign. Turns out my mom was right. That sign did give me a story idea (though readers will have to wait until 2021 to find out what it is!).

Quirkier still was contacting the owner of the café and asking for permission to use the wording on the sign!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
Probably right around third grade when I started my debut masterpiece titled I’d Cross the Desert for Milk. Unfortunately, as I grew older, I cast off the idea of writing as impractical. It wasn’t until I became a stay-at-home mom that I revisited the idea.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love reading what I write—women’s fiction, split time, and historical novels. I also love general fiction, both general market and Christian. I always want to venture into psychological thrillers because I’m fascinated by the human brain and psychology and even the weird sometimes, but I end up chickening out before I open the book! Maybe someday . . .

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
Great question, and one I’m not sure I’m qualified to answer! I do know that if I don’t have some quiet time in the morning, I become a useless ball of stress. I also schedule a run or a short hike in the middle of my writing day to help me stretch out and recuperate, both mentally and physically.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
Depending on the time period, I look up the top 100 names that were popular during the period my character was born. By then, I already have a basic idea of who my character is and I wait for a name to jump out at me—one that just seems to “fit” with my character.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
The first one that comes to mind is getting a contract with my dream publisher, but really, that was all God and looking back, a total miracle. I suppose I’m proud of all the hard work and persevering (through many rejections and bad contest scores) I did through it all, though.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Definitely a bird so I could fly! (I’ve been a bit obsessed with the idea of flying since I was a kid.)

What is your favorite food?
Lasagna and homemade chocolate cake with what my family calls “love” frosting. Unfortunately, I’m on a pretty strict food plan right now to combat some autoimmune issues, so I’ve been enjoying other comfort foods—like rice noodles and kale with “breaded” paleo chicken, and once in a while, when I want to splurge, maple-glazed walnuts (super easy to make and super yummy!).

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Definitely finding my writing voice. That was hard! At the beginning, I tried to learn and obey all the rules while also telling my unique story. It took a long time to find that place of honesty and authenticity, that place where I could simply tell a story without worrying how it sounded or what other people would think of it. But once I did, it felt like flying. Like this was what I was meant to do. Total freedom.

I understand. Early on, when someone published told me that I should do it “this” way. I would try and feel in bondage. Now I know what works for me and I teach others to find what works for them.Tell us about the featured book.

The Tea Chest
Boston, 1773
Emma Malcolm’s father is loyal to the crown, but Emma’s heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a Patriot. Her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, forcing her to give up Noah and the friends who are like family to her—as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace.

After Emma is drawn into the Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence condemning each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and marrying Samuel.

Present Day
Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized.

Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom . . .
and discover a heritage of courage and faith.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
HAYLEY
Naval Special Warfare Training Center
Coronado, California
The bell was beautiful.

Brass, harboring a thousand hidden stories, it reminded me of the Liberty Bell in Independence Hall—of the one time, pre–military life, that I’d left my Massachusetts hometown, the only man who’d ever earned my respect beside me.

Somehow, my uncle Joe knew. He knew I’d needed to get away from it all. From the silvery peels of losing scratch tickets and broken rum bottles on the scratched wood of our coffee table, hope transferred to dirty needles, caps off, lying beside them.

My mother, Lena, passed out on the couch, the logo of her Happy Helpers Housekeeping uniform just visible beneath the shiny drool along her chin.

I’d needed to get away from the screaming late at night.

The knife I kept beside my bed in case one of her boyfriends came in . . . again.

The wondering if I’d ever have enough guts to use the knife if it meant protecting myself.

After that trip to Philadelphia, after seeing that cracked, ancient, glorious bell, after listening to the classified stories disguised in fictional form that my uncle Joe used to instill hope, after exploring the exciting beginnings of our country, after knowing he believed in me . . . well, I didn’t wonder anymore.

The first time I pulled the knife on Lena’s boyfriend, he’d slipped into my room, his cheap cologne filling the thick summer air. His steps came heavy as I pretended to sleep, my hand curled around the knife, waiting for the heat of his hand to graze my bare thigh and inch upward. From experience, I knew what would come next. But instead of succumbing to it, instead of praying that it would all just end quickly, this time, Uncle Joe’s stories came to mind. His words.

“Your worth is not in where you come from, Hayley. Your worth is what you already have inside of you—what God put there from the very beginning—the will to live, the will to fight. No one can take that away from you. You have a say in how your life goes.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is probably the best place (http://www.heidichiavaroli.com  ). Stop by and get a free short story! I’m also on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HeidiChiavaroli.Author/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/heidichiavaroli/), Goodreads, and BookBub. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for having me, Lena!

Thank you, Heidi, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read the book. It’s at the top of my to-be-read pile. I always want to read books with characters named Lena in them, but more than that, this story has already drawn me in.

Readers, here are links to the book.
The Tea Chest - Christainbook.com
The Tea Chest - Amazon paperback
The Tea Chest - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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.

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25 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:41 AM

    I love Heidi Chiavaroli’s time split novels because it’s almost like two books in one. She does not hesitate to write about the gritty side of life and I admire that. I can’t say that her books are always easy to read, but they are always incredibly interesting and I suspect that we can all learn something from her writing. It’s a beautiful day here in central Texas with mild, low 70’s.
    perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
    Perrianne Askew

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  2. Anonymous1:34 PM

    I enjoyed the interview with Heidi. The characters in this time slip book sound very interesting. I would love to read this historical story!
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Maryann in New York

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  3. Anonymous3:35 PM

    I can't wait to read this! I've loved Heidi's other books.
    glorybooks (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Suzie Johnson

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  4. I read The Edge of Mercy by Heidi earlier this year and really enjoyed it!

    Patty in SC

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  5. Ooo, this sounds amazing! Jacinta from VA

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  6. This looks so good!
    Abigail in VA

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  7. So glad Heidi has another book out! Thanks for sharing!

    Robin in NC

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  8. Lena, thank you so much for having me on your beautiful blog!

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  9. Although I can't seem to respond to individual comments, I am reading every one and so grateful for all your kind words and excitement for this book!

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  10. Thank you for the interview with Heidi Chiavaroli. Always love reading more about the author whose books I enjoy reading.

    Can't wait for the opportunity to read "THE TEA CHEST". Sounds like an amazing story and one that I would greatly enjoy reading.

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
    Kay Garrett from Mountain View, AR
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  11. I love Historical Fiction. I love America! I love split time books. This sounds like a great read!
    I am currently living in Texas! ~Ashley

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  12. All of Heidi’s books are amazing! I can’t wait to read The Tea Chest!

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  13. Love Heidi's books! Each one has been hard to put down once I started reading!

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  14. I’ve been wanting to read this book. Split time novels are my favorite. Thank you for the chance. Blessings from dreary WV.

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  15. I've read all of Heidi's previous books and really enjoyed them. I'm becoming a big fan of split time novels.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
    Kansas

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  16. I love her books! Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the opportunity!
    Mindy from NJ
    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

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  17. Hello from Wisconsin! I am really looking forward to reading this book!

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  18. Sounds like a great read!
    Melanie Backus, TX

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  19. Dawn from Holland, MI.

    Enjoyed Freedom's Ring and look forward to The Tea Chest!

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  20. Would love to read The Tea Chest. I'm Cheryl from Kansas :)

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  21. Can't wait to read this! Heidi is an amazing writer!
    Jean Costa from Franklin, MA

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  22. Heidi is a master at split-time novels and I love forward to reading this. Thank you for this interview and giveaway.
    Blessings!
    Connie from Kentucky
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. Gorgeous cover. Thanks for the chance. Florida

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  24. I love time-slip novels!

    Caryl K in TEXAS

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  25. Sharon Bryant10:40 AM

    Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
    Conway SC.

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