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Welcome, Katy!

Tell us how your characters celebrate the holidays

April’s family is very close, so they all gather at her parents’ house for a big meal, exchanging of gifts, and eating Christmas cookies. Except maybe this year, as her dad is battling cancer and cookies are the last thing on their minds. Jake’s celebrations are more low-key since his dad retired to Florida. If he isn’t able to travel for the holidays, he celebrates with his sister and friends.

Does your hero have a favorite Christmas carol or movie? Does your heroine?

None featured in the novella, but Jake is like a big, innocent kid so he’d probably like Home Alone. I would peg April as a fan of It’s a Wonderful Life.

What is the theme of this book?

The theme is to persevere through the challenges we face and not to shut out those trying to help in the process. There is often nothing we can do to change our circumstances, but we do have a choice about how we respond. Rely on the help of others and take our worries to God!

Why do you write this genre? What inspired this story? Do you write any other genres?

I write Christian romance because I think it’s the perfect mix of inspiration and innocent entertainment. There’s nothing like getting wrapped up in a sweet story that has you rooting for the hero and heroine while also being encouraged in your faith. I don’t recall where I came up with the plot for this story, but my dad had cancer when I was about April’s age, so it was easy to write about the feelings and events she faced in the story.  

Any tips to share with fellow authors/aspiring authors? What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

Continue to do what you love! But do it for the joy of writing – don’t expect to get rich off of it 🙂 That said, establishing a core group of readers that will help you promote your book is helpful, as you can only reach so many people through your own network and social media channels.

What is your favorite Christmas tradition and/or memory?

I have two sons, ages 11 and 14. Ever since they were old enough, we’ve had an annual tradition of baking various kinds of Christmas cookies with my mom, my sister, and my nieces. We look forward to it every year, and we’re constantly on the lookout for new recipes to add to our stash!

Finally! Real Christmas tree? Or fake?

Real – love the smell! And each year you get a slightly different look.