Anne Mateer – Real Life & Fictional Romantic Interview – Part 3 of 3

Shannon here: Historical romance author, Anne Mateer shares insight into her real life romance and her characters’ fictional romance plus a chance to win a copy of her latest release, At Every Turn. Comment on any post dated Sept 17 – 21 to get your name in the drawing. Deadline: Sept 29th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Anne:

•   Do you and your spouse have a favorite song? 

            I’m not sure I’d classify these as “our” songs, but I would say that we have a couple of songs that when we hear them, we both think of the summer we met. “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen played everywhere that summer, as did “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves. Can you guess which song was more “his” song and which one was mine? 

• Do you and your spouse have a favorite romantic vacation destination?

             There are so many places in the world we want to visit that we rarely go back to the same place twice. And honestly, almost every place we’ve visited becomes our new favorite! But this past year, Jeff had a business conference on a cruise. Neither of us had ever desired to do that. We didn’t think we’d enjoy it. But we knew he needed to go. And if he was going, I was going.
            Oh my! Sitting on our balcony or the upper deck watching the ocean at sunrise or sunset, having no responsibilities and few decisions that had to be made, stops at interesting places without having to unpack or repack—it was simply heavenly. We would do it again in a heartbeat! 

• Who is most romantic, you or your spouse? 

            When I was younger, I would have said me. But while I envision lots of romantic ideas, I rarely follow through. My husband is the one who tends to not only think of something, but make it happen! He is by far the most romantic do-er, though I might still be the most romantic thinker. 🙂 

• What simple gesture does your spouse do that melts you every time? 

            Anytime he does a task I hate to do (you pick–laundry, dishes, cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning, etc.) either before I get up in the morning (he’s the early riser) or while I’m in the middle of another task, I melt. Mostly, I think, because in the early years of our marriage, those things didn’t happen. 

• What’s the most romantic present your spouse ever bought for you? 

            My grandmother and I both have February birthdays, which mean an amethyst birthstone. When my grandmother passed away, I inherited her amethyst necklace. While I loved and wore it, I once lamented that I didn’t have any matching earrings. Without me knowing, he took my necklace to a jeweler and bought a pair of amethyst earrings that most closely matched the necklace and gave them to me that Christmas. I was completely surprised–and so delighted! It was a doubly romantic gesture because jewelry is not his thing. (He’d probably say the most romantic gift he ever gave me was my macbook!)
 Interview with Alyce Benson, heroine of At Every Turn

• What’s the number one quality you require in a mate?

             My number one requirement for a husband is that he love the Lord with all his heart. I don’t care about his money or his profession, although my parents care about those things a great deal. I only want to know that my husband and I can serve the Lord together, doing whatever He calls us to do. 

• What is the best place you can think of to find a mate? 

            Given my previous answer, I guess it won’t surprise you that I imagine I’ll find my mate in church. It seems the most obvious choice since it immediately lets me know he meets my number one requirement for a husband. 

• What’s the one habit or lifestyle that would make you run the other way? 

            Selfishness. I can’t abide a person who can’t think of others. I could never be with a man who put his own comfort above another person’s needs.

•  What type of character traits are you attracted to? 

            Kindness. Compassion. Generosity. Consistency of character. A sense of humor and a sense of adventure. 

• Where do you dream of getting married? 

            I’d love to be married at my home church in Indiana, where as a child I first acknowledged Jesus as my Savior. If I could have a simple wedding there, I’d let Mother throw the biggest reception she wanted at our home afterward.
About Anne: Anne Mateer is passionate about history and historical fiction. She and her husband, Jeff, live in the Dallas area and are the proud parents of three young adults. At Every Turn is Anne’s second published novel. Connect with Anne on her blog, http://www.annemateer.com/, facebook www.facebook.com/AuthorAnneMateer or twitter www.twitter.com/annemateer. 
About the book – At Every Turn:
A Heartwarming Historical Sure to Delight
Caught up in a whirlwind of religious fervor when two missionaries speak at her church, Alyce Benson impetuously pledges three thousand dollars to mission work in Africa. She’s certain her wealthy father will simply hand her the money. But when he refuses, she must either stand up in front of the congregation and admit failure, or raise the money herself.
Alyce harbors a secret passion for speed and automobiles. It’s 1916, and the latest advancements in car engines allow some to post speeds upwards of seventy miles per hour! When she discovers her father’s company has sponsored a racing car that will compete in several upcoming events–races in which the driver will be paid and could win as much as five thousand dollars in prize money–she conspires with her father’s mechanic, Webster, to secretly train and compete.
But as Alyce comes across needs in her own community, money slips through her fingers faster than she can earn it. And when her friends cast aspersions on Webster’s past, she believes she might have trusted the wrong man with her secret. Will Alyce come up with the money in time, or will she have to choose between her promise and the man who holds a piece of her heart?