Where Wildflowers Bloom by Ann Shorey - FREE book

Tell us about your book.


Where Wildflowers Bloom is the first book in my new Sisters at Heart series for Revell. Wildflowers is set in 1866 Missouri.

In the opening, Faith Lindberg’s grandfather expects her to take over operation of the family mercantile, but forgets to tell her most of what she needs to know to make a success of the business. She’s an example of on-the-job-training at its most challenging.

Secondly, there’s a strong romantic conflict between the person Faith Lindberg thought she wanted to marry, and the new man in town, who intrudes on her careful plans.

Can you give us a sneak peek?

Here’s a look at the back cover:

How far will she go to follow her dreams?

The War Between the States stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg—as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns, Faith allows herself to hope that she and Royal will finally wed. But does he truly love her? Or will another man claim her heart?


What inspired this book?

Ever since my husband and I visited Gettysburg a couple of years ago, I’ve been drawn to the idea of what life would have been like for women in the aftermath of the war. How did they resume their “normal” lives?

Add to that the fact that my great-grandparents moved to Missouri (from Illinois) shortly after their marriage in 1867 made the story a personal one. I could imagine my great-grandmother experiencing some of the things that my characters experienced.

What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?

The biggest challenge is picking up the pieces of a story when my writing is interrupted by a family crisis, or even by a vacation. The longer I’m away, the harder it is to regain my focus. Writing every day, even if only a page or two, is the best way for me to stay connected to my plot and characters.

What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)?

I don’t have one particular topic in mind. Each book develops its own theme as the story progresses. For instance, in Where Wildflowers Bloom, one of the strong points is to bloom where you’re planted, rather than trying to run away from trials.


What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

I hope readers will take a second look at their lives and discover that they have much to be grateful for, right where they are. All of this sounds so serious, but the story in Wildflowers is actually humorous at times, and romantic most of the time.  If readers simply sigh and say they loved the story, I’ll be happy!


What is your favorite color?

I’ve always loved most shades of blue, from light sky blue to deep royal blue.


Do you have a favorite recipe?

Too many to count! One of my top go-to desserts when I need a chocolate fix is a chocolate pudding cake with melted marshmallow sauce. It’s a recipe handed down from one of my mother’s sisters, and I never get tired of it. Just telling you about it makes me hungry!

If you could travel back in time when and where would you go?

I’d like to go back to 1867 in Missouri, to see how my great-grandparents lived. It would be fun and interesting to learn what life was really like for them.

What project are you currently working on?

I’m writing the second book in the Sisters at Heart series. The working title is When the Heart Heals, and tells the story of Faith Lindberg’s “sister at heart,” Rosemary Saxon. I expect the release date will be sometime early in 2013.


Thank you for inviting me to your blog! I’ve enjoyed your questions.

I am so excited you stopped by. The cover is so pretty. I can't wait to read this book!


If you want to learn more about my books, please visit my website, www.annshorey.com. I love to hear from readers!


 
Ann has offered to give away one copy of Where Wildflowers Bloom. At least 10 people need to leave a comment with an email address for there to be a contest. OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest" in the subject line. Be specific about which contest you want to enter. Winner will be announced 1/29/12. Valid in US and Canada ONLY.