Shannon here: Romantic Suspense author, Annslee Urban shares insight into her real life romance and a chance to win a copy of her latest release, Smoky Mountain Investigation. Comment on any post dated July 7 – 9 to enter the drawing. Deadline: July 19th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Annslee:
- Do you and your spouse have a favorite romantic vacation destination?
Not really one destination, but we love to go on cruises. It’s such a relaxing fun time, whether it is just the two of us or with the whole family.
- Who is most romantic, you or your spouse?
That’s an easy question! Definitely me. I guess that’s why I love to read and write sweet romance 😉 My husband on the other hand, may show up with occasional flowers, but he’s more about practical gifts and silly cards. Even after he reads one of my books, he skips talking about the romance and focuses on the suspense. Definitely not a chick flick kind of guy.
- What is the most caring thing your spouse has ever done for you?
It was not only caring but a leap of faith. One of those, “Don’t ever say I don’t do anything for you kind of moments.” We are avid travelers, haven’t met a beach or really any destination we hadn’t enjoyed…that is until we arrived in Iquitos, Peru. Iquitos is the largest city on the Amazon River and also the birth city of our third daughter, Olivia. Being in the rainforest, it is hot and humid with year round 90 degree temperatures. Life in Iquitos twenty-four years ago was rugged at best. Transportation consisted of moto-cars (motorcycles with two seats on the back) or maybe a VW Beetle taxi. While we were there my husband came down with dysentery. High fever, severe dehydration. That along with an airline strike and delays getting home, he vowed never to return to Peru or any other third world country. But God is gracious and time is healing. Several years later I brought up the idea of visiting missionaries we supported in Guatemala. After a “you’ve to be kidding look,” and a lot of prayer, he agreed to go…for me. So with four kids in tow, we made our way to another developing country. And by the way, he loved it.
- What is the most caring thing you’ve ever done for your spouse?
During our early years of marriage my husband was an aspiring airline pilot. The closer he got to graduation, the more concerned he became about finding a job. So, with a little hope and a lot of prayer, I typed up dozens of resumes (typewriter era) and started sending them to major airlines, commuters and charter service across the country. One month after my husband graduated he was called by the airline carrier he still flies for. He was thrilled. He actually presented me with cute little a diploma for a “PHT” degree—Putting Hubby Through—his interpretation. Praying Hubby Through was mine.
- Who said, “I love you” first, you or your spouse?
My husband, we were fourteen. We met the end of our freshman year in high school. He came around a lot that summer. I thought he was nice, but really wasn’t interested, but he told me he loved me. He even told my mother that one day he’d be her son-in-law. I thought he was a bit presumptuous. Then after we graduated we met again and his presumption proved right. We married two years later.
- Where did you and your spouse go for your honeymoon?
We went to the Grand Canyon. We are from Tucson, Arizona and were attending college in Northern Arizona. The Grand Canyon was a few hours away. We had a slim budget so we stayed two nights in a hotel and camped two nights more.
About Anslee: Annslee Urban grew up watching old-time romance movies, which she attributes to her passion for sweet romance, true love and happy endings. A daydreamer at heart, Annslee began her writing journey when the youngest of her five children started school. For several years she worked as a freelance writer for newspapers in her community and has written for magazines and online publications.
Raised in the foothills of Arizona, she survived temperature shock when she moved to Western Pennsylvania, before settling in North Carolina with her husband and children. Aside from writing, Annslee works part-time as a Registered Nurse in the Behavioral Health field. She is a member of ACFW, and has served on the board of Carolina Christian Writers.
When she isn’t writing, Annslee enjoys cooking, traveling to faraway places, playing with grandbabies and all things chocolate!
You can reach Annslee at: maryannsleeurban@gmail.com. Learn more and connect: maryurban.blogspot.com, http://www.facebook.com/mary.a.urban.9, http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008HRODHE
About the book – Smoky Mountain Investigation: A mysterious caller taunts journalist Kylie Harper with details about a decade-old death, leading her to a new trail of murder. Who is this deranged person…and what does he want from her?
Ex-Delta Force captain and Kylie’s former love Nick Bentley fled their Smoky Mountain hometown after the murder of their classmate. When family duty calls him back, Nick comes face-to-face with Kylie…and the past he’s tried to forget. Now Nick must put everything on the line to save Kylie before she becomes the next victim of a madman.
Come back July 9th for Annslee’s Perfect French Toast recipe!
Love this interview – I love cruises, we went to the Grand Canyon for our honeymoon, and I love dark chocolate!! The book sounds awesome and I really would like.
I grew up in AZ and have visited the Grand Canyon a lot. It is especially beautiful with the winter snow on the ground.
Your book sounds intriguing
Great interview Annslee! love anything chocolate too!
I really enjoy that you have picked some where that you like to be to write about. I think this would be a good thing for me to journal on places that my husband and I visit. Thanks for sharing.
Love the Smoky Mountains but haven’t been in awhile.
I grew up with her and boy could I tell you some fun stories. Shes a wonderful person as is her husband. I also was in their wedding. I would love to win the contest. I now know a few famous peps now.
Loved the romantic stories in your post!! “Smoky Mountain Investigation” sounds like an exciting book – thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I enjoyed reading this real life romance! Thank you for sharing and for the opportunity to be a winner!
Love this interview! How cool that your hubby made that diploma for you. 🙂 Can’t wait to read your latest book!
Loved this interview especially the questions & answers…they gave a much more personal view in getting to know the author…..The book sounds very intriguing and I’d love to read it.
Thanks for letting us get to know this author and the giveaway!
Fun interview. I’ve never been on a cruise. I’ve always wanted to. Now with all the weird stuff that keeps happening on cruises (I know it isn’t all cruises) I kind of freak out. 🙂
How dear of Annslee to type up all those resumes for her husband too. That is a sweet wife. I remember those typewriter days!
I live in Arizona now…up a mile high though in Prescott.
This book sounds thrilling! I look forward to learning more!
Thanks for the chance to know Annslee better, and her husband too. 🙂
KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com