This week for Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, we’re exploring romance stories. These books are either written by diverse authors or feature diverse characters. Have you read any of these or are any on your to-be-read list?
You can join the conversation at That Artsy Reader Girl or tell us in the comments what are your favorite romance stories by diverse authors or ones with diverse characters.
Happy Wednesday! I have some exciting news to share with you today!
Today’s spotlight features a book by Belle Calhoune that will air as a movie on UPtv! Look for Love, Alaska (based on An Alaskan Christmas) this Saturday (October 26th) at 7:00pm eastern.
Her Christmas Match
After inheriting a gift shop in Love, Alaska, single mom Maggie Richards is ready for a new beginning—while her little boy is ready for a new daddy! But Maggie has no time for love—she wants to open the shop in time for Christmas, something she’ll do with help from childhood friend Finn O’Rourke.
Finn’s on board to help Maggie—but not with the romance rumors that swirl around them like snow. Like Maggie, he’s hiding too many secrets to ever wed.
So why do Maggie and her little boy make him dream of finding an unusual gift under the tree—a ready-made family?
Belle Calhoune is a Publisher’s Weekly best-selling author of inspirational and heartwarming romance. Raised in a small town in Massachusetts, Belle had the pleasure of growing up right across the street from a public library. Married to her college sweetheart, Belle has two lovely daughters and two very spoiled dogs. She is a member of the RWA Honor Roll and a recipient of the Angeline Bishop award for multicultural series. She’s published 40 novels with four additional books being released in 2020 and 2021 from Harlequin Love Inspired.
Connect with Belle: website | Facebook | Twitter
What about you? Will you be tuning in to Love, Alaska? Have you read An Alaskan Christmas?
Happy Friday! I hope you’re finding some place cool to read in this summer heat! Is it Fall yet???
Today, I’m excited to bring you a review of “Free to Love” by Terri J. Haynes. It’s one of the novellas in The Underground Railroad Brides Collection from Barbour.
Love Guides Hearts Along the Road to Freedom
Nine historical couples walk the road to love even as they dare to escape and help others break free from the injustices of slavery between 1849 and 1860. From Southern states of Georgia and South Carolina to above the Mason-Dixon Line in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they work within the network known as the Underground Railroad.
Free to Love by Terri J. Haynes
East Towson, Maryland—1850
Winnie is hiding a secret—Hiram, a fugitive. Their lives cross at an Underground Railroad station. Can they overcome danger and find freedom in love?
BUY THIS BOOK: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Barbour
“Love had never been as valuable as strength and freedom. Until now.”
I absolutely loved this story!
Despite being limited to a short novella-length word count, the author has packed the riveting plot with heart-in-your-throat moments of life or death… and a sweet romance that lightens the emotion a bit when needed. Layered and well-defined characters will quickly settle in your heart, and you’ll be rooting for them every step of the way.
Additionally, the author’s writing style is very engaging as well as entertaining. Every page makes you eager to read the next one & I would love to see a follow-up novel with these characters – specifically related to the escaped slaves’ stories Winnie has recorded in her notebook.
Winnie’s revelation about her owners will also linger with me for a while – how many similar things in modern times have we passed off as well-meaning or kind when in fact it’s sin? And once we realize that, what are we willing to do about it?
A sobering but simultaneously encouraging story of the power of love and the pull of freedom – and the people who risked their lives to give others the chance at both. Perfect for your weekend reading list. I’m off to catch up on the author’s backlist 🙂
Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband).
She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She is a storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers into the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.
Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Vista Devotional, Urbanfaith.com and Publisher’s Weekly.
Terri and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.
Follow Terri online: Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Happy Wednesday, reader friends!
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on “Legacy of Love” by Terri J. Haynes.
About the book (story collection):
The Runaway Brides Collection: 7 Historical Brides Get Cold Feet at the Altar …
What is a woman of the 1800s to do when she feels powerless to choose her own spouse and marry for love—run!
Amy’s home is at stake if she doesn’t marry her neighbor. Delia’s father wants her to marry into a political family. Georgiana is posing as a wealthy man’s wife in order to hide from her groom. Callie is fleeing one wedding and racing to marry a stranger.
Emily flees her wedding with the help of a mysterious coachman. Josey’s best friend leaves a letter proposing marriage unanswered in order to elope. Bernadine becomes the ward and pawn of her evil uncle. Where will each turn when they have only God to trust?
Seven women facing the marriage altar make the decision to flee, but who can they now trust?
Buy this book online: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Barbour Books
About the Author:
Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband).
She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She is a storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers into the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.
Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Vista Devotional, Urbanfaith.com and Publisher’s Weekly.
Terri and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.
Follow Terri online: Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Happy Wednesday, reader friends!
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the story “Free to Love” by Terri J. Haynes.
About the Book (story collection), The Underground Railroad Brides Collection: 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom before the Civil War
Love Guides Hearts Along the Road to Freedom
Nine historical couples walk the road to love even as they dare to escape and help others break free from the injustices of slavery between 1849 and 1860. From Southern states of Georgia and South Carolina to above the Mason-Dixon Line in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they work within the network known as the Underground Railroad.
About Terri’s story “Free to Love” in the story collection: East Towson, Maryland—1850
Winnie is hiding a secret—Hiram, a fugitive. Their lives cross at an Underground Railroad station. Can they overcome danger and find freedom in love?
Buy this book online: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Barbour Books
About the Author:
Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband).
She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She is a storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers into the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.
Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Vista Devotional, Urbanfaith.com and Publisher’s Weekly.
Terri and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.
Follow Terri online: Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Good Monday Morning, reader friends!
Today, we’re talking with Terri about her story “Legacy of Love.”
Enjoy the interview!
Interview with Terri J. Haynes about her story, “Legacy of Love” published in the Runaway Brides story collection:
Alexis: Why did you write this story?
Terri: Research. I am often amazed at how inspiring research can be. It is a great idea generator. I was researching another book when I came across an article about newly freed slaves that actually did well during Reconstruction. Well is relative, of course. The article also detailed classism between some freed Blacks and poorer freed blacks. I was amazed at how this could even happen given the horrible conditions slaves had just come out of. Often I see stories about classism in stories set in countries with ruling classes and I wanted to explore that notion.
Alexis: What is the significance behind your story’s “Legacy of Love” title?
Terri: The story features characters who are getting a fresh start in a way. They were slaves but now their situation had changed. They had the hope of starting something new. While I was researching this story, I came across an article detailing how many Black couples made their marriages legal during Reconstruction. Many went to the Freedman’s Bureau to legally start their lives together. That is a powerful thing.
Alexis: Who is the heroine of your story? Describe her looks, personality, character flaws and greatest strength.
Terri: Delia is a curious, intelligent woman with a great mind to build things. With all her intelligence, she’s a little oblivious about some things happening right in front of her. She also has a big heart and does all she can to help the less fortunate.
Alexis: Who is the hero of your story? Describe his looks, personality, strengths and weaknesses.
Terri: Josiah is a hard-working, honest, caring man. He loves horses and animals in general. He is also gentle and supportive. He has, however, deep wounds from his past.
Alexis: What draws the hero and heroine of your story together?
Terri: Delia and Josiah were friends for many years. Their relationship started when Josiah arrived to Burtonsville with his little sister, needing work and a place to live. Delia, kind-hearted as she is, helped him find a place. They are drawn together by their care for others and the fact that they both have dreams beyond their current circumstances.
Alexis: What threatens to tear the hero and heroine apart forever?
Terri: Delia’s desire to make her father proud and Josiah’s feelings of insufficiency cause problems for the relationship.
Alexis: How do your hero and heroine survive life’s challenges? Does faith play a role?
Terri: They both survive by putting other’s needs first. Josiah is caring for his sister and Delia is caring for the poor in the town. They both have faith that they will be able to build a legacy.
Alexis: Why did you choose to set this story in the 1800s?
Terri: Research, again! I had done some research for another project and had way more information than I needed. I think all historical writers have too much research (if that’s such a thing). What better way to use it?
Alexis: Paint a picture of your story’s setting, with words.
Terri: Burtonsville is a small town with stone buildings and wrought-iron fences on one side of town and wooden houses on the other. The town is dusty with poorly built houses. Horses and carriages are not uncommon and Main Street is lined with stores with colorful awnings.
Alexis: What were the unique challenges for brides of that day that made them want to run away?
Terri: I think the biggest challenge was actually making it to where they were going. Reconstruction was not the utopia newly freed blacks though it would be. Yes, they were free to go, but where? What kind of work would they do? Also, there were groups that were actively trying to stop Blacks from building a better life and those groups used threats and violence to do so. The danger of living and the danger of running held the same risks.
Alexis: What is the racial background of your hero and heroine?
Terri: Both my characters are freed Blacks.
Alexis: What do you want people to remember most about your story?
Terri: That there is always someone less fortunate than you and to recognize the responsibility of taking care of them.
Alexis: Would you like to see more stories that feature diverse main characters, published by CBA? Why or why not?
Terri: I would love to see more stories featuring diverse main characters in CBA. Representation is so important. And of course, there are stories in Black history that don’t make it to the front page…stories of love and success.
Alexis: What can CBA do to help authors of color tell their stories about characters of color and skyrocket their book sales?
Terri: That is a big task. I think that the main thing CBA can do is validate the stories featuring or written by people of color is to create an appetite for these stories by heavily marketing these stories. Publishing books with people of color and give them the marketing support that they need.
Alexis: What was your most memorable moment while writing this story?
Terri: Part of my research came from the National Archives, which is a researcher’s dream! Archives house several very cool interactive exhibits that a full of information. It was hard not to go down a rabbit hole because everything was so interesting.
Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Terri!
*Interview conducted by Alexis A. Goring, contributor
About the book (story collection):
The Runaway Brides Collection: 7 Historical Brides Get Cold Feet at the Altar …
What is a woman of the 1800s to do when she feels powerless to choose her own spouse and marry for love—run!
Amy’s home is at stake if she doesn’t marry her neighbor. Delia’s father wants her to marry into a political family. Georgiana is posing as a wealthy man’s wife in order to hide from her groom. Callie is fleeing one wedding and racing to marry a stranger.
Emily flees her wedding with the help of a mysterious coachman. Josey’s best friend leaves a letter proposing marriage unanswered in order to elope. Bernadine becomes the ward and pawn of her evil uncle. Where will each turn when they have only God to trust?
Seven women facing the marriage altar make the decision to flee, but who can they now trust?
Buy this book online: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Barbour Books
About the Author:
Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband).
She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She is a storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers into the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.
Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Vista Devotional, Urbanfaith.com and Publisher’s Weekly.
Terri and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.
Follow Terri online: Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Good Monday Morning, reader friends!
Today, we’re talking with Terri J. Haynes about her story “Free to Love.”
Enjoy the interview!
Interview with Terri J. Haynes about her story, “Free to Love” in the Underground Railroad Brides story collection:
Alexis: Why did you agree to write this story “Free to Love” for Barbour Books as part of their collection of stories titled, “The Underground Railroad Brides Collection: 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom before the Civil War?”
Terri: This story was originally a part of a proposal but in a different time periods. That proposal was modified so that all the storied happened before the Civil War. Even though it wasn’t our original proposal, all the ladies in the collection had worked so hard on our stories.
Alexis: What is your story “Free to Love” about?
Terri: It is the story of Hiram and Winnie, two slaves in Maryland. Hiram has run from the south and Winnie’s church is a part of the Underground Railroad. Hiram ends up wounded near Winnie’s church and she helps nurse him back to health. But there is a storm brewing around them and it threatens their freedom and their lives.
Alexis: Who are the main characters in your story? Briefly describe the hero and heroine’s looks, personality, hopes, fears and outlook on life.
Terri: Winnie is a slave but she and her parents assist with the Underground Railroad. Winnie is strong, loyal and caring, but fears being on the run. Hiram has run from the south and his brave but gentle. He fears he will be captured before he can reach freedom.
Alexis: What is it about the hero that the heroine loves? Explain.
Terri: Winnie loves that Hiram is so gentle despite his size. She also loves that he enjoys growing things. She also loves his courage to run from his slave masters to freedom.
Alexis: What is the hero’s greatest skill and his most troublesome weakness?
Terri: Hiram’s greatest skill is his ability to make people feel at ease. His most troublesome weakness is that he is afraid of being caught and sent back to the south.
Alexis: What is it about the heroine that makes the hero want to protect her?
Terri: Winnie is one of the most caring, hardworking woman Hiram has ever met. She also is sacrificing for the people she loves. Winnie is also working toward her freedom, just in a very different way than Hiram and Hiram wants her freedom as much as he wants his own.
Alexis: How are your hero and heroine involved in the Underground Railroad?
Terri: Hiram is a runaway slave and Winnie is a conductress.
Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story? Why?
Terri: That love can bloom in the darkest of places. I feel that many stories about the Underground Railroad focus on the pain, tragedy and abuse, but not taking into account that there were families, couples and children who loved each other. In my research for this novella, I found instances of runaway slaves risking a return to their slaveholders to free their families. Working so they could purchase the freedom of their spouses and children. Slaves were not an unfeeling mass. They had families, dreams and love.
Alexis: Would you like to see more stories like these that feature main characters of color, published by CBA? Why or why not?
Terri: I would. I would love to see more stories because I am a person of color. There is power in representation. Of course, I can connect with stories featuring other races, but I would love to read about my own. We have stories to tell that will further the Kingdom.
Alexis: What would you say is the greatest challenge in being an author of color writing stories about characters of color to be published by CBA?
Terri: The greatest challenge is that CBA, at the moment, publishes very few authors of color. It is heartbreaking to see it. It feels like there isn’t a place for me, even though I am a Christian and a consumer of Christian fiction. It’s hard to see a whole segment of literature devoid of people who look and write like me.
Alexis: Would you say that it’s easier for authors of color who write books about characters of color to become indie authors to get their stories out there? Why or why not?
Terri: This question has a hard answer. Yes, I think it is easier for authors of color to become indie authors. In the indie world, there is no “gatekeeper.” Authors of color are free to tell the stories they want how they want. Unfortunately, this has a downside. There is a lot of work in indie publishing, espically if you plan to succeed. You basically become a publishing house. I am thankful that we can indie publish, but I would like it to be one of my options, not my only option.
Alexis: What advice would you give the Marketing and Sales Department of traditional Christian publishing houses to help them reach readers of color and effectively sell books by authors of color whose stories feature characters of color?
Terri: Now I have to put on another hat I’ve worn in the past: bookseller. I used to work for a major bookstore so I understand that world. The truth is simple. All publishing houses need to do is publishing authors of color.
There were many days where people from all races came into the bookstore where I was working and ask specifically for books by authors of color. Christian authors of color. The demand is there. The problem is the books aren’t. Put the books out there and they will sell.
When we start taking about how to reach readers of color, there is the suggestion that readers of color are somewhere buried way under a rock and never set foot into a bookstore or library. Like there is some different process on how to reach us than readers of other races. I have been told several times that publishers don’t know how to market to readers of color and this statement makes it seem like readers of color are foreign and “other.”
There isn’t a different way. Christian readers of color find new reads the same way everyone else does. We browse bookstores. We get book recommendations from our friends. We read book reviews. Readers of color have been purchasing CBA books for years. If we found those books, have a little faith that we’ll find books featuring characters of color. Have more than a little faith, because we want to see ourselves in books and on covers.
Alexis: If you were not an author, what would you be?
Terri: Unhappy. I love to write and can’t imagine my life without it.
Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Terri! Do you have closing comments?
Terri: Thank you for interviewing me. I hope that this interview will broaden the conversation about authors of color in Christian fiction.
*Interview conducted by Alexis A. Goring, contributor
About the Book (story collection), The Underground Railroad Brides Collection: 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom before the Civil War
Love Guides Hearts Along the Road to Freedom
Nine historical couples walk the road to love even as they dare to escape and help others break free from the injustices of slavery between 1849 and 1860. From Southern states of Georgia and South Carolina to above the Mason-Dixon Line in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they work within the network known as the Underground Railroad.
About Terri’s story “Free to Love” in the story collection: East Towson, Maryland—1850
Winnie is hiding a secret—Hiram, a fugitive. Their lives cross at an Underground Railroad station. Can they overcome danger and find freedom in love?
Buy this book online: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Barbour Books
About the Author:
Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband).
She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She is a storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers into the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.
Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Vista Devotional, Urbanfaith.com and Publisher’s Weekly.
Terri and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.
Follow Terri online: Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Happy Wednesday, reader friends!
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on A Treasure of Gold by Piper Huguley.
About the Book:
When you follow your heart, never count the cost.
Trusting in the One who orders her steps, Nettie Bledsoe is determined not to deviate from her route to the charity kitchen. Don’t stop for anything, her sisters say.
Pittsburgh isn’t like Georgia, they warn. Yet when low moans of unholy suffering drift from an alley, she can’t help but investigate. It’s a man. The most beautiful man she’s ever seen.
Despite his scandalous reputation, something within her responds to his sinfully rich voice. Jay Evans is trying hard to stay on the straight and narrow, and doesn’t want help from any church do-gooder.
But until his wound heals, he needs help caring for his young daughter, Goldie. Especially since Nettie saw fit to fire Goldie’s barely competent nanny.
Despite their mismatched backgrounds, Nettie and Jay fight a losing battle against their growing attraction. But it’s only when Nettie is kidnapped that Jay realizes that if he doesn’t get her back safe and sound, his heart will shatter into uncountable pieces.
Buy A Treasure of Gold on Amazon
About the Author:
Piper G. Huguley is a two-time Golden Heart ®finalist and is the author of “Migrations of the Heart,” a three-book series of historical romances set in the early 20thcentury featuring African American characters. Book #1 in the series, A Virtuous Ruby, won Best Historical of 2015 in the Swirl Awards. Book #3 in the series, A Treasure of Gold, was named by Romance Novels in Color as a Best Book of 2015, received 4 ½ stars from RT Magazine, and won an Emma Award for best historical romance in 2017.
Huguley is also the author of the “Home to Milford College” series. The series follows the building of a college from its founding in 1866. Book #1 in the series, The Preacher’s Promise was named a top ten Historical Romance in Publisher’s Weekly by the esteemed historical romance author, Beverly Jenkins and received Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest Contest of Self-Published e-books in 2015.
Her new series “Born to Win Men” starts with A Champion’s Heart as Book #1. A Champion’s Heart was named by Sarah MacLean of The Washington Post as a best romance novel selection for December 2016.
She blogs about the history behind her novels at http://piperhuguley.com. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.
Good Monday Morning, reader friends!
Today, we’re talking with Piper Huguley about her book, A Treasure of Gold.
Enjoy!
Interview with Piper Huguley about her book, A Treasure of Gold:
Alexis: Describe the heart of your story, A Treasure of Gold.
Piper: It’s a Black Damon Runyon story of the nanny falls for the father of her charge, who is kind of like Robin Hood.
Alexis: What do readers need to know about Book One and Book Two in your Migrations of the Heart series?
Piper: Book One, A Virtuous Ruby, is about Nettie’s oldest sister. Book Two, A Most Precious Pearl, is about Nettie’s next older sister. If people care about their love stories, then they can read them. They all standalone on their own.
Alexis: What role does faith in God play in the lives of your characters in this book?
Piper: Nettie was a middle child who felt that she was always overlooked in her family. When she recovered from an illness when she was a child, she became intent on pastoring to show her gratitude to Him.
Alexis: Tell us about your story’s heroine Nettie Bledsoe. What’s she like?
Piper: Nettie is a very spiritual person who is intent on helping others, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness. She has to learn how to seek that for herself.
Alexis: Tell is about your story’s hero Jay Evans. What’s he like?
Piper: Jay Evans works on the wrong side of the law because racism prevents him from obtaining a well-paying job that would permit him to make good money, as well as have a sense of dignity. So, even though he is a numbers kingpin, he uses his money to help everyone in the neighborhood improve their lives. Helping people is what they both have in common.
Alexis: Why does Nettie think that Jay is the “most beautiful man she’s ever seen?”
Piper: Cause he is, lol! Think Idris Elba with hazel eyes.
Alexis: Beyond his beautiful looks, what is it about Jay that makes Nettie want to know him more?
Piper: At first she doesn’t! She cares for his motherless child. Then when she sees how similar they are in wanting to help people, she falls for his beautiful heart as well as his beautiful face.
Alexis: What is the core conflict between Jay and Nettie and why does he think she’s a “church do-gooder?”
Piper: Because she is! They think their core conflict has to do with Jay being on the wrong side of the law and Nettie as a church worker. The conflict really has to do with Jay’s estrangement from God and Nettie’s repeated attempts to bring him closer to God.
Alexis: What role does Jay’s daughter Goldie play in this story?
Piper: She helps Nettie and Jay realize their attraction to one another sooner than they would if she wasn’t there. Kids can be brutally honest in that way.
Alexis: What is it about Nettie that makes Jay’s heart break just by the very thought of losing her (after she’s kidnapped)?
Piper: He realizes that his life on the wrong side of the law has cost Nettie her safety. He also realizes that he loves her and that if he wants a life with her, he will have to leave the criminal life behind forever.
Alexis: Paint a picture of your story’s setting, with words. What makes it special?
Piper: The good girl and bad boy is a trope that happens a lot in romance, but I’ve not seen it in a story like this before. I enjoyed writing it and setting it in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA—where I was able to draw on lessons of Black history and incorporate them into the story.
Alexis: What’s lacking in CBA and how can you as an #ownvoices author help fill that void?
Piper: The CBA is rigid in terms of what it publishes and that is a problem. Diversity in all kinds of stories would help with that. I’m not sure that I could help the CBA unless they were less rigid.
Alexis: In what ways could ABA and CBA work harder to effectively market books and sell stories written by #ownvoices authors.
Piper: I’ve spoken to the CBA situation. The ABA seems as if they are willing to try, at least. Hopefully, they will be more creative with their marketing and reach non-traditional audiences in new ways to help sell #ownvoices authors.
Alexis: Are you happy with the currents state of affairs in the publishing industry?
Piper: No. I’m glad that the ABA seems to be trying to rectify the situation, but really, it’s been disgraceful for a very long time. I hope that they are in it for the long haul.
Alexis: What advice do you have for authors of color who want to write their #ownvoices stories and seek representation from a literary agent?
Piper: Learn your craft and write the best story that you can. If you chose to seek representation from an agent, know that they are not looking for innovation, but they are looking for the “sure thing.” Get an agent you can reach out to, and talk to. I don’t care who the agent is, if you feel afraid to send an e-mail or call, that agent is not for you. Remember that you are hiring the agent, not the other way around.
Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Piper! Do you have closing comments?
Piper: Thank you for this generous opportunity to appear on Diversity Between the Pages!
*Interview conducted by Alexis A. Goring, contributor
About the Author:
Piper G. Huguley is a two-time Golden Heart ®finalist and is the author of “Migrations of the Heart,” a three-book series of historical romances set in the early 20thcentury featuring African American characters. Book #1 in the series, A Virtuous Ruby, won Best Historical of 2015 in the Swirl Awards. Book #3 in the series, A Treasure of Gold, was named by Romance Novels in Color as a Best Book of 2015, received 4 ½ stars from RT Magazine, and won an Emma Award for best historical romance in 2017.
Huguley is also the author of the “Home to Milford College” series. The series follows the building of a college from its founding in 1866. Book #1 in the series, The Preacher’s Promise was named a top ten Historical Romance in Publisher’s Weekly by the esteemed historical romance author, Beverly Jenkins and received Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest Contest of Self-Published e-books in 2015.
Her new series “Born to Win Men” starts with A Champion’s Heart as Book #1. A Champion’s Heart was named by Sarah MacLean of The Washington Post as a best romance novel selection for December 2016.
She blogs about the history behind her novels at http://piperhuguley.com. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.
Follow Piper on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Blog
About the Book:
When you follow your heart, never count the cost.
Trusting in the One who orders her steps, Nettie Bledsoe is determined not to deviate from her route to the charity kitchen. Don’t stop for anything, her sisters say.
Pittsburgh isn’t like Georgia, they warn. Yet when low moans of unholy suffering drift from an alley, she can’t help but investigate. It’s a man. The most beautiful man she’s ever seen.
Despite his scandalous reputation, something within her responds to his sinfully rich voice. Jay Evans is trying hard to stay on the straight and narrow, and doesn’t want help from any church do-gooder.
But until his wound heals, he needs help caring for his young daughter, Goldie. Especially since Nettie saw fit to fire Goldie’s barely competent nanny.
Despite their mismatched backgrounds, Nettie and Jay fight a losing battle against their growing attraction. But it’s only when Nettie is kidnapped that Jay realizes that if he doesn’t get her back safe and sound, his heart will shatter into uncountable pieces.
Buy A Treasure of Gold on Amazon
Happy Wednesday, readers!
Today, I’m spotlighting The Texan’s Secret Daughter by Jolene Navarro, which releases on June 1st from Love Inspired. I love the cover!
Can this rancher make up for his past?
A Cowboys of Diamondback Ranch romance
Turning his life around was the hardest thing Elijah De La Rosa ever had to do—until his ex-wife, Jazmine Daniels, returns with their young daughter he didn’t know existed.
Now this successful rancher will do anything to be a good father.
But can he forgive himself for the past…and turn their second chance into a family for always?
Best selling author, seventh generation Texan, Jolene’s life, much like her stories, is filled with faith, family, laughter, dirty dishes and all of life’s wonderful messiness. She knows that, as much as the world changes, people stay the same. Good and evil. Vow-keepers and heart breakers. Jolene married a vow-keeper who showed her that holding hands and dancing in the rain never gets old. When not creating strong heroines and wounded heroes, she teaches art at an inner city high school. She shows her students the world and they teach her about life. Writer of romance. Mother of four. Teacher of art. Jolene is a lover of life.
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST
What about you? What interests you about this book?
Diversity Between the Pages 