Happy Monday!
Today we’ve invited the awesome Ann Marie Bryan to join us here and talk about her latest book, Hearts over the Line. Grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and chat with us!
About the Book
A STAND-ALONE NOVEL: From #1 Amazon bestselling author Ann Marie Bryan comes the highly anticipated final installment in the Encounters of the Heart series—a riveting story about rising from the ashes, unlocking love, and learning to create and maintain an atmosphere of faith.
Chandler Peynard has it all—family, fame, fortune, and salvation. This A-list celebrity has come a long way from his philandering days. That’s no longer his style. He’s head-over-heels in love with Sabrina, his wife, and in full pursuit of God’s calling on his life. But when shadows of the past beckon, he panics. Eventually, he has no choice but to face his previous indiscretions, but will Chandler’s past activities be more than his wife can handle?
Larry and Rozene Kanate have moved beyond the consequences of their mirrored sin. The birth of twin daughters helped to seal their happily-ever-after. Life is wonderful, until it’s not. After the beaded curtain falls, Rozene scrambles to put the pieces together and avoid public humiliation. As the past crosses paths with the present, will their marriage survive?
Madison Bradshaw has moved past her inability to trust and love. But when Tyler, her husband, makes a special request, she hides the truth from him. What could go wrong?
In this captivating conclusion to the bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, unresolved issues make unwelcomed visits to test the resiliency of love. Will the characters learn to reset the atmosphere in which they live? Will they live in a place where God finds it easy to bless them? In a season that brings many challenges, they must summon the courage to forgive, heal and fall in love again.
Interview
Toni: Thank you so much for joining us today at Diversity Between the Pages. I’m so excited to talk about your latest release, Hearts Over the Line. You’ve got a few couples featured in this book. Tell us a little bit about Chandler and Sabrina?
Ann Marie: Chandler and Sabrina Peynard are a power couple. Their love story can be described as an emotionally gripping account of a most unexpected love, and a marvelous reflection of God’s grace. Book 3 – A Place for My Heart in the “Encounters of the Heart” series, gives a detail account of how the relationship developed between Chandler and Sabrina.
When Chandler literally staggered into Sabrina Benjamin’s life, he was desperate for an escape route. Battling feelings of isolation, he had erected barriers around his heart, often times leaving a trail of broken dreams behind him. During that time, Sabrina was also struggling emotionally. Her happily-ever-after had been ripped away, but she hadn’t given up on finding love. Still, she was caught off guard by her feelings for Chandler, a man whom she could hardly describe as a model man of God. Nevertheless, an unexpected bond developed between them.
Touched by Sabrina’s kindness and faith, Chandler makes a life-changing choice; but complication occurred when the past he’d thought was long buried, pushed him to confront matters he would have given anything to forget. As Chandler struggled to release himself from his past and embrace the future, he offered Sabrina a place in his heart, but she demanded all of it. That was a lot more than Chandler was prepared to give, because falling in love and putting down roots were not in his plan.
But love fines a way. With the help of the Lord, Chandler and Sabrina found the strength to take a chance at life and love.
In Book 5 – Hearts over the Line, we witnessed life with Chandler and Sabrina, eleven years later. They have a family and they’re in full pursuit of God’s calling on their lives. Again, shadows of the past beckoned and Chandler had no choice but to face his previous indiscretions. As unresolved issues made unwelcome visits, Chandler and Sabrina must weather the storms of life and learn to create and maintain an atmosphere of faith. Above all, they must summon the courage to forgive, heal and fall in love again.
Toni: Do you have a favorite couple from the Encounters of the Heart series? Who are they and why?
Ann Marie: At first, my favorite couple in the series was Blake and Gabrielle Montgomery (Book 1 – Shades of the Heart). However, as the series continued, I developed a special love for Chandler and Sabrina Peynard (Book 3 – A Place for My Heart).
Initially, Chandler and Sabrina seemed to be total opposites. They had to come out of their comfort zones and be open enough to understand each other. The lessons learned were priceless.
Witnessing the development of the relationship between Chandler and Sabrina was precious. I enjoyed so many things about them—the growth in their personal relationships with Jesus Christ, the love they shared, and their friendship. They were two souls ideally suited for each other. Oh, watch out for their playfulness and compassion for each other.
Getting to know Chandler was like peeling back an onion. Even though he was seemingly living the good life, he had a gaping hole in his heart—one that could not be filled by his fleeting relationships or any of his earthly possessions.
Sabrina was a dedicated woman of God, but when Chandler entered her life, that devotion was put to the test. Rooted in her faith, she was resolute in the things she stood for, refusing to bend because of Chandler’s foolishness.
In the end, they were able to create a love for all times.
Toni: How does your own ethnicity influence your writing?
Ann Marie: I am sure my ethnicity has influenced my writing. However, I attempt to write for a world-wide audience. I’m not just writing a great love story; I am writing to inspire and empower readers, hoping that they will see the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. It is my desire to write many inspirational, life-changing books. I want my words to encourage hope, change, forgiveness, healing, restoration and new beginnings.
Toni: Beautifully stated. If you could explain your writing style to a reader, what would you say?
Ann Marie: I would use the words—emotional, inspirational, fluid, compelling, romantic—to describe my writing style. I like to put readers in the heart of the story—to pick a side, a team, a couple, or a cause—and give them a chance to think how they would react in a similar situation.
Toni: Nice! Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?
Ann Marie: I love both. I am an early riser, but I love sunsets.
Toni: Susnets are pretty. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Ann Marie: Vanilla.
Toni: I’m the same. Old school music or current hits?
Ann Marie: This is a hard decision. I’ll go with old school music.
Toni: Books or movies?
Ann Marie: I love both, but I’ll go with books.
Toni: Yay, books! Describe your dream writing spot.
Ann Marie: I don’t think I have a dream writing spot. I like to write in the morning… early mornings, when it is quiet. My favorite writing spot—in bed, propped against pillows.
Toni: And last but not least, how can readers help you on your writing journey?
Ann Marie: I am extremely excited about my writing journey, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share with readers. Consequently, I would love to hear from readers. I would like to know how my stories impacted them, and of course, I want to hear their testimonies about God’s faithfulness. I am available for book club or group meetings.
Toni: Readers, do y’all have any questions for Ann Marie?
About the Author
Ann Marie Bryan is a dedicated multi-talented leader with a passion for excellence. She is the CEO and Founder of Victorious By Design, an organization committed to providing top quality professional writing services, comprehensive personal and professional development programs and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique needs of individuals and organizations.
A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blend faith and romance that test the resiliency of love.
Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord.
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Post by contributor Toni Shiloh
Diversity Between the Pages 