Interview: Kristi Ann Hunter

I recently posted my review for "A Noble Masquerade" (which is still holding first place for my favourite read of 2015!) and now I have the pleasure of hosting the artist behind the story, Kristi Ann Hunter!

Welcome to the blog, Kristi!

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Well, I’m an aquarius who likes long walks on the beach, and, wait, no. That’s not right at all. I was born in September and have a definite affinity for sitting on my couch not to mention the fact that the beach and I have a very hi-bye relationship.

I’m a wife, a mom, a writer, a youth church leader, and a few other titles that I’ve picked up here and there. I started adulthood as a computer programmer before realizing that God had given me way more passion for stories than for code. I did a brief stint as an independent filmmaker doing illustration videos for churches. From there I stumbled into writing books and I’ve been there ever since.



 

What got you interested in writing & why the regency era?

I love stories. Stories have always been an essential element of my life from my very earliest memories. I read constantly. In elementary school, we had a visiting author that said his first book began as a class writing project. The idea of writing a book of my own planted in the back of my brain and never let go, even if it did take a few years to bloom.

As for the Regency era, I simply find it fascinating. It’s a completely different world with horses and dresses and balls and calling cards, but at the same time there is something very familiar and relatable. Life was in such a period of fluctuation then. Religion, technology, social classes, everything was changing, which makes a very lively world that even a modern day reader can connect with.

 

I agree with what you say about the Regency era seeming familiar and relatable. It's my favourite to read, because it's the easiest to relate to, while maintaining a historical charm.

What is your favorite thing about writing?

The stories actually get out of my head. I constantly walk around with stories filling my brain. Everything sparks a story and by writing it down, fleshing it out, and giving it life, it leaves my head and frees up space for other things like remembering dentist appointments. Where I shall people watch in the waiting room and leave with three more ideas.

What was your favorite scene to write about in A Noble Masquerade?

That is a cruel, cruel question and, fair warning, I cannot answer it without minor spoilers.

I love the scenes between Colin and Ryland but I think I had the most fun writing the scenes with Miranda in Ryland’s study. I went into those scenes without really knowing what I was going to do there. Complete seat of the pants writing for those scenes and it was fun to discover where it was going to go as I wrote. The scene in Trent’s study is a particular favorite as well. It was fun to get all philosophical during the discussion about apologies. Then, of course, there is the fight/rescue scenes that ended up being completely rewritten and originally included a great deal of rope, sliding in puddles, and a wagon with some smelly sheep. Basically, I cannot answer this question.

It really isn't a fair question because all of it was the best. Haha ;)

Which was your favorite character to work on developing?

Ryland. Who doesn't love a golden-hearted bad boy? I'd done a lot of work on Miranda while writing the novella, A Lady of Esteem, so Ryland was an entirely new character and that was a lot of fun.

What was the most interesting thing you learned while researching the historical setting of your novel?

The recovery of the body of King Charles was a very interesting thing to me. I don’t know why, but I’m astounded at the idea that you could just forget where you buried a king. Particularly when you stuck him in the tomb with another king. You can read more about this event here: http://www.kristiannhunter.com/#!Where-do-you-find-a-dead-body-In-a-grave-of-course/cczm/55f0f9df0cf2de902a82802a



 

Tell us a little about your current writing project:

I’m working on edits for the next book in the series. It actually overlaps A Noble Masquerade a bit, so you’ll get to see a few of these events through someone else’s eyes. Georgina’s been making life a little difficult for her family, but it turns out she’s got her reasons and some interesting motivations for what she’s doing.



I am SO excited about this project and cannot wait to read it!!! And I absolutely love the cover. :)

 



Random fact about yourself:

I collect squishy stress toys. They are awesome.



Coffee or tea?

Um, neither? Please don’t throw me out of the author club.

Kind of makes me curious to know your secret for functioning! ;)



 

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I want to go back to the UK for a research trip soon, but my someday dream vacation is Australia. I’d really like to see Australia and New Zealand.



What is your favorite BBC period film?

From my high school days it’s been the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice. In retrospect I can say that love affair is entirely the fault of Colin Firth. His portrayal of Mr. Darcy made me see that story in an entirely different way and is, I think, why so many people have a fascination with that character.



In my more mature days, I really enjoyed the 2009 Emma, again because the way the characters were portrayed gave me new insight into them. Romola Garai actually made me like Emma – a feat I didn’t think was possible – and Jonny Lee Miller’s Mr. Knightley might have actually dethroned Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy as my fictional Austen boyfriend.





I'm happy to discover you're a Garai/Miller fan too! :) <3

Thanks, again, so much, for participating in this interview and for all the time and effort you put into your novels for your readers! It was great to have the opportunity to get to know you some. :)

 

If you haven't had a chance to read "A Noble Masquerade" yet, be sure to pick up a copy as soon as possible- you won't be able to put it down!

Sincerely,

 

 

If You Find This Letter

What an outstanding memoir! Hannah Brencher has a magical way with words that draws you in and captivates from beginning to end. Even when I finished this book I didn't feel like it had really ended; Hannah leaves a part of herself through inspiration with each reader who picks up her book. I laughed and cried and reread paragraphs that were just too beautiful, over and over.
I didn't totally agree with all of what she said (specifically regarding spiritual beliefs), but her heart is golden and I was encouraged to pray for her, that she will use the amazing talents and gift with words she has been given solely for the Lord. She has a powerful voice that demands to be heard.
I underlined and marked up and quoted this book enough to nearly wear out my brand new copy in just over a month!
I highly recommend this to anyone needing a reminder that there are quiet ways to change the world.

Sincerely,

A Noble Masquerade

 



Dear Reader,
From eight-year-old Mirandas' cheesecake landing in the dirt, to the exploding tomatoes - no, even farther than that - through the entertaining acknowledgements, "A Noble Masquerade" held me captivated! Riveted. Laughing. In suspense & yelling at various characters. Enchanted.
Only once before have I read an author's debut novel and couldn't believe it was their first venture into the world of publication. Kriti's novel is jam-packed. Armed. Overflowing. Oozing with genius and talent. It's been awhile since I have read a book so fast simply because I could.not.put.it.down! I had to keep going and reach the climax (even while not wanting it to end). I read by the time clock at work, waiting for my shift; I read while I walked to my car after my shift. Constant intrigue and suspenseful developments of the mystery, with parties and history woven throughout, were delightfully balanced. Everything was revealed with perfect taste and timing- always either surprising me, or gratifying my suspicions. (So many times after I read one of the many -but never repetitive- punch or cliff-hanger lines, I would glance into the middle distance and quietly say "Well done, Kristi." I was so proud to be reading such a brilliant and witty masterpiece! Haha!) I felt completely in tune with the setting and plot, and drawn more and more to the characters, page by page. As a lover of written words, the theme of letters and journal-like correspondence was a brilliant ingredient and added novelty and depth to Hunter's characters.
I can't say enough about how wonderful this book was or how eager I am for book two. Reading this was like watching a movie. I could vividly see every facial expression and feel every silent implication as scene transferred to scene. Some of my favorite moments -mainly for the hilarious narration- were those including Miranda's brothers, Griffith and Trent, as well as Colin- Marshlands buddy. (I made several collages for my mental images of the characters faces that have been shared to my pinterest board here.)Ryland and Miranda were seriously one of the best fictional couples ever.
Movie makers- you had better hurry up and get writing this screenplay, and do it right! Everything about this masquerade (and it truly was one! from plot to characters, this title was symbolic.) was noble and epic.
If you enjoy it even half as much as I love it, you will be more than satisfied. One of the most fabulous releases of 2015.
Exhilarated,

 

p.s. I could go on and on about the plot and characters, but...a lady never reveals the outcome of a recommended novel.

Irish Meadows

Written in an engaging style, Irish Meadows is a fast-paced and well-developed read. Entertainging. I could vividly imagine the setting, and also could envision it as a BBC mini series. :)
The story of two girls transformation into sisters was sweet. Their individual tales, a bit different...
*spoilers ahead*
Colleen O'Leary's tale of redemption and complete turn-around was heartwarming and enjoyable. It could have been a novel all of it's own!
Brianna's tale of seeming injustice and independence was a bit disappointing. I kind of felt like she was a high-school drama queen, treated as a mature young woman, and no one- especially not herself- could see or acknowledge the errors in her character. Young she may be, but I couldn't really grow fond of a heroine so morose and irritatingly naive. I felt like some of the characters were constantly making mountains out of mole hills, and the real contention was continuous with no breathe-easy-fun-scenes. 
Also- frustrating as he was- both girls had an attitude towards their father that was disrespectful. (Colleen's turn-around brought more respect and daughterly submission, while Brianna felt light and free when in defiance- even in the end I didn't detect much change. I hate to harp on a character so much, but she was so immature.) 
I am not able to support the spiritual aspect of this book, which was also a negative for me. 
I just felt that some of the viewpoints of the characters and their beliefs were rather shallow or unworthy, and made to seem normal. One line in particular really soured my favorite character in my sight, said about a girl he doesn't even like: "How could he ask for her hand in marriage when he hadn't even kissed her yet?" ...getting things backwards here, aren't we? :/ Besides, he's in love with someone else, so lines like this made what was supposed to be the hero seem like a fickle and physical-attraction-focused guy; this whole "if she's good to kiss she's good to marry" mentality is ridiculously ungentlemanly.
My favorite thing about this book was Kathleen O'Leary; the girls mother and a minor character, but the most sensible and respectable. The author also did a good job at setting up for book 2 with just enough hints that, near to the beginning, I was already intrigued by Adam and wondering about his story.
The ending of Irish Meadows came together well - many issues were resolved and things left on the right track with the O'Leary clan - but, unfortunately, the getting there was rough and I wasn't entirely thrilled, though I did enjoy the story. 

Sincerely,

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award!

 

My fabulous friend, Aery (Expressions of Me) nominated me for this award! Thanks, love! :)

 

Here are the questions posed by my nominator (and my answers):

 

1. Are you a movie/book quoter?

For sure. (Btw, that was a Newsies reference. ;))



2. Would you say you’re an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert, and by no means shy.

3. Are you sarcastic?

4. What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Chocolate chip cookie dough!

5. Do you play any musical instruments?

I play piano by ear but not much.

(Get it? Piano...earrings....? Never mind.)

6. Do you schedule your blog posts or post whenever you can?

Whenever I can, which isn't as often as I would like!

 

7. If you could travel to any place on earth, where would you go?

Flam, Norway.

8. What is your favorite princess movie?

Ever After.

These are fun too...

9. Who is your favorite author? (you can list more than one)

Nicole Sager, Sandra Byrd, Jen Turano, Sheri Cobb South, Elizabeth Camden, Katherine Reay Blackburn, Julianne Donaldson. (And many more!)

10. What book(s) are you currently reading?

"Irish Meadows", by Susan Anne Miller. Also studying Psalms in the Bible, and reading a daily devotional called "The Names of Our Lord".

 

 

Thanks, again, Aery! :)

 

Sincerely,

 



Suddenly Mrs. Darcy

Suddenly Mrs. Darcy was surprising in it's dazzling originality! I have only read several authors of Jane Austen fan fiction that I enjoyed, as I appreciate a writer who adds TO the story rather than take away and whose retellings are realistic and believable; Janetta James writes a novel with the same atmosphere and characters as the original classic, simply adding in a plausible twist that I was much impressed with in it's emotional depth and natural unfolding. The few characters that were added in made brilliant additions and it is obvious the author knows her Austen and approaches her variation with authentic respect.

My one caution is- as the story does begin with the marriage of the main couple- this book does contain quite a few references to mature topics (though not overly detailed), and I would not recommend for young readers.

I look forward to experiencing more of Janetta's step-into-the-past style!

Sincerely,

In Good Company

Wow. What to say? Jen turano has a wellspring of talent and captivating wit that is hard to convey in a mere review! Reading along, the plot itself in this novel seemed a bit on the lighter side and not a big deal; the book consists mainly of Everetts relationship with his young wards and Millies trials and error through her nannying career, while trying to discover her worth and purpose. Don't get me wrong- this story was in no ways slow paced or lagging. It had me laughing and saying "aw" all the way through. And, in typical Turano fashion, the plot burst into last minute life with a quickly developed and crescending climax, including a completely unexpected plot twist at the very end! A befuddled and geeky heroine, a classy but oblivious hero, a slimy and infuriating villain, along with many hilarious and memorable friends and loveable children along the way. One of the most adorable Darcy/Lizzie duos in modern literature. Highly satisfying. I am beyond stoked for book 3.

Sincerely,

Inspired by Grace Winner!!!

Congratulations, Deborah C., on winning a copy of

Inspired by Grace!!!

Happy reading!

You will be receiving an email from me shortly to acquire your mailing address.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to

Jeanna Ellsworth, for hosting this giveaway!

 

Sincerely,

Five Days in Skye

Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Reviewed by Alice, at Reading with Alice

Radiant Lit Blog Tours

Genre: Romance

Publisher: David C. Cook

Date: June 10, 2013

Hospitality consultant Andrea Sullivan has one last chance to snag a high-profile client or she'll have to kiss her dreams of promotion good-bye. When she's sent to meet Scottish celebrity chef James MacDonald on the Isle of Skye, she just wants to finish her work as efficiently as possible. Yet her client is not the opportunistic womanizer he portrays himself to be, and her attraction to him soon dredges up memories she'd rather leave buried. For James, renovating the family hotel is a fulfillment of his late father's dreams. When his hired consultant turns out to be beautiful, intelligent, and completely unimpressed by his public persona, he makes it his mission to win her over. He just never expects to fall under her spell.

Soon, both Andrea and James must face the reality that God may have a far different purpose for their lives—and that five days in Skye will forever change their outlook on life and love.

Delightfully captivating and utterly Scottish - Five Days in Skye is a heartwarming inspirational romance. A story of love, forgiveness, and growth. Unforgettable characters and a breathtaking backdrop will leave readers clamoring for books 2 and 3 of the MacDonald trilogy.

Laureano truly has an incredible way with words - my favorite aspect of this novel was (surprisingly) the narration. You feel what the characters feel, you hear what they hear, and -best of all- take a trip to Scotland and experience the sights, sounds and even the weather of the gorgeous Isle of Skye. I was much impressed. (And when you read about the hot chocolate, I dare you not to make some of your own.)

I did feel the story could have done with a few less kisses and not quite so much pondering about each other - but this is a romance so I can't complain or make a fuss over my preferences when it's not my normal genre. Just be aware that there are some mature themes (I would not recommend for younger readers).

Be further warned - this book will make you hungry. :)
 

Carla Laureano is the author of the RITA® award-winning romance Five Days in Skye as well as London Tides and the Celtic fantasy series The Song of Seare (as C. E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons.

Five Days in Skye is available for purchase through Amazon.com.

Note: I received this book as part of the Five Days in Skye  blog tour from Radiant Lit.  I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes.
 Review copy provided by the publisher.

Happy reading!



Inspired by Grace

“She was never the demure lady who was afraid of getting her petticoat dirty. He was never the calm and collected lad who coddled her..."

 

This inspirational regency romance will make you laugh and cry throughout! Swiftly paced from start to finish, the story is well thought out and intriguing, while remaining sweet and lighthearted in traditional regency style.

Inspired by Grace possesses a charming cast of characters that Jeanna writes in such a way that you feel as if you've known forever. Both hero and heroine were remarkable! and remarkably human; which I always appreciate in a novel. It is so much harder to enjoy a book with surface and/or perfect characters that no one can relate to.

Ms. Ellsworth's style is so comfortable and she has such a way with the regency era that I sometimes wonder if time travel is real and we have an 1800's authoress  in our midst. (Perhaps a good friend of Jane Austen, herself.)

I loved that (even though this is not a Jane Austen fan fiction novel as some of the authors other stories are) one of Austen's stories was still incorporated into Inspired by Grace. It added a certain charm and air to the story that I can't quite explain. Read and see for yourself!

I always look forward to your new releases, my friend. (Even if they do cause me to lose sleep and to sometimes detach from reality. ^_^)

 

Sincerely,

 

Inspired by Grace (Blog tour: Jeanna Ellsworth)

Visiting today I have my lovely and talented friend, Jeanna Ellsworth, to share some fun insight and intrigue into her latest-published novel, Inspired by Grace (which I am currently devouring and assure you you.do.not.want.to.miss.out.on!)

Welcome, Jeanna!!! :D

 

Thanks Alice for having me on your blog to share with everyone Inspired by Grace, published in May.  I have chosen to have a theme to the blog tour and so for those of you who do not know what my theme is, I’ll tell you. But first, here is the back cover intrigue:

 

 

“She was never the demure lady who was afraid of getting her petticoat dirty. He was never the calm and collected lad who coddled her. What had started as friendship had evolved into something quite tangible . . .”

A lady always hopes that the man she falls in love with will sweep her off her feet in a dramatic and graceful way. Well, for Grace Iverson, at least it was dramatic. Her childhood best friend, Gavin Kingston—now His Grace, the Duke of Huntsman—is still just as clumsy as ever.

Despite their painful separation as children, a chance encounter has offered them a second opportunity for happiness. But after ten years apart, they both carry hidden scars. Trust takes time. And soon, forces from the past threaten to destroy the love they both have hoped for all of their lives.

Can Grace’s best friend break down her emotional fortress and prove his love before she disappears from his life a second time?

This lovely Regency romance started well before either of them knew what they wished for in a partner; but it will surely be one that stands the test of time.

 

As you can see, the book is not based off of Jane Austen’s writing but it would be dishonest to say that Austen did not inspire my writing.  One of the best things that Jane Austen is known for is her characterization and lovable characters.  In the TV world, there is a term for this. It is called TV tropes.  TV tropes are only called TV tropes because that is where it started but it correlates to writing, movies, and any other form of media. I bet if I said Phoebe, you would all think of the character from Friends who was a dumb blonde who would now be termed a hipster and new age wanderer. You could think of several people in your life that were just like her. You could probably put her into a certain scene or event and predict exactly how she would behave.  Phoebe is a very classic TV trope called Adorkable because she is naïve and ditzy and friendly.  She is also a Cloudcuckoolander who has no basis for logic and is a dreamer. She fits several other tropes but you get the point.  She fits a mold, if you will, where it is easy to imagine what she will say in a certain situation and you learn to love her quickly and bond with her because you associate her with these characteristics.

Well I am here to introduce you to a character in Inspired by Grace that fits the TV trope called “The Agent” which is basically a meddling parent. Meet Duchess Kingston, Gavin Kingston’s mother, who wants nothing more than to see her son get married.  She has opinions like Lady Catherine and never holds them back, but she is kinder when she delivers them. She will do anything to lovingly manipulate her son toward the course of marriage.  

So here is an excerpt for you where Duchess Kinston is at her finest. In this scene, she offers to sponsor Grace in the season and that included, of course, the chance to live under the same roof as her bachelor son, Gavin. It is broken up in two sections, the first is from Grace’s perspective and then it switches to Gavin’s. Here is the excerpt:

“And how is your family?” the duchess inquired. “Your mother and sisters?”

“I am sorry to say, Your Grace, that my mother passed away three years ago, just as I came of age.”

“Oh dear! I am so sorry. How terrible for you to be left to London society without a sponsor! Is that why your last name is still Iverson? Have you not found a match yet?”

The audacity of this woman! She had always been a little bold, but this was unbelievable. Although the duchess’s guess had been correct. Grace had left the season early when her mother passed and had been living very quietly with her sister and her sister’s husband in East Sussex for the last three years. She fumbled in her attempt to answer the duchess, “Your Grace . . . after my mother’s death, I . . .”

The older woman gently put her hand on hers. “I, too, have lost loved ones, my dear. My husband and Spencer have gone to the other side.” The pain in the woman’s eyes was fresh, unlike Grace’s own that was years old. The duchess was wearing all black, a detail that had escaped Grace’s notice until then. She chided herself for being so quick to judge. This woman had been like a second mother to her for years. She had known the Kingston family as well as her own back then.

“It is hard to lose those we love,” Grace said. “How long has it been?”

“Oh, let us not talk about that now. I remember one afternoon, years before your family left Suffolk, when your mother and I swore an oath. We said that if anything ever happened to one of us, then the survivor would step in and help the other’s children if they were ever in need. And from the quality of your muslin, dear, you are in need. I insist on sponsoring you this season! How splendid is that?”

Grace looked down uncomfortably and tried to think of an excuse, but she knew that if either of her sisters ever found out that she had refused such an offer from the duchess, she would never be forgiven. They had both found matches in their first season. Reluctantly she said, “I would like that very much. Although the duke may like it a bit less.”

“Oh, nonsense! When can you move in?”

A loud crash was heard outside the door, and a distinct male voice let out an oath that even Grace had never used. But then again, Grace enjoyed thinking up ridiculous words to shock people while maintaining her ladylike behavior. Standard, unimaginative curses weren’t really her style.

*****

Gavin placed a smile on his face, leaned his head into the parlor, and said, “The doctor is on his way. Mother, could I have a word?”

“Whatever happened? That was not my tea set, was it? Good gracious, Gavin! We just replaced it!”

“Mother, please, a word. You can chide me out here just as well as in there.”

“Very well.” His mother followed him out the door.

The servants had already started to clean up the spilled tea and broken china that lay scattered all over the foyer. Gavin guided his mother to a corner out of earshot. “My apologies, Mother. I took the tray from the servant and was just bringing in the tea when I thought I heard you invite Grace to stay here. Pray tell me you have not offered such a thing.”

“Whyever not?”

“Well . . . ,” he flustered, “as you are so fond of telling me, this is my home now. And I am a single gentleman.”

“Nonsense, I live here too. There is nothing improper about it. She will be my pupil, and I shall find her a husband by the time the season is up. Mark my word.”

Gavin felt his throat tighten ever so slightly with anxiety. “But,” he stammered, “we know so little about her. What if she has a past that would taint us by association?” He had his own reasons for hesitating, but he had no intention of discussing them with his mother.

“Really, Gavin, how much more can our names be tainted? There are already enough rumors floating around about Spencer and your father that we cannot go unnoticed.”

“Precisely. That is exactly why she cannot stay under my roof.”

His mother pressed her lips together and placed her hand on his face and said, “It is done. I cannot take back the invitation, nor will I.”

He groaned inwardly and prayed that at least Gigi had the sense to decline the offer.  

Hope you enjoyed learning about tropes and can imagine a mother just like Duchess  Kingston who has good intentions but will do anything to get her way. She has a big heart but, she can’t help but be “The Agent” in her son’s life.

 



I am giving away a copy of Inspired by Grace to a lucky commenter.  You can either choose an eBook (internationally) or a paperback (U.S. only) if you win.  Thanks again Alice for having me on your blog!

Thank you so much for stopping by today, Jeanna!