Shannon here: Carol McClain shares insight into her real-life romance and her characters’ romance from her Women’s Fiction title, Honeymoon Over. Comment or answer the question in this post to get in Friday’s drawing. Deadline: Nov 16th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Carol:
Real-Life Interview:
- What’s the most romantic thing your spouse has ever done for you?
We married in our fifties—had grown kids, full-time jobs, crazy lives. You know the drill. As our wedding approached, I had hoped to write our vows. However, in the chaos of living, I couldn’t formulate a coherent thought, let alone a romantic promise. I begged my husband to use the standard vows. He protested, so I carved out time, wrote what I had noodled in my head.
Our wedding arrived. Focused on not falling as I walked down the aisle, and avoiding the eyes focused on me, I arrived at the altar. The ceremony proceeded.
Then the fateful moment arrived. I read my vows, and Neil’s turn arrived. He picked up a guitar I never noticed by the altar railing, and he sang an original song he composed.
I was flabbergasted. Tears flooded my eyes and the eyes of everyone in our church. Never had I been serenaded!
- What’s the most romantic present your spouse ever bought for you?
We were dating for about a month. I barely knew Neil. A few days before my birthday, he arrived at my house with a package barely wrapped in plain brown paper. Shifting from foot to foot like a child eager to delight you with his handmade creation, he handed me my gift.
I gulped. This surely wasn’t a velvet Elvis? Not dogs playing poker?
Gingerly, I schooled my smile and unwrapped this prize from a man I hardly knew.
Wrapped in the plain brown paper was a beautiful photograph of Camelback Mountain in Vermont. The focus and colors gave the image a painterly quality. This man actually shared my love of art.
To this day, the photo hangs in our living room and is a testimony to me that God knows how to join two souls together.
- How soon after meeting your spouse did you know he/she was the one?
I met Neil online. He didn’t post a picture—in truth, he didn’t think his post went through. Being too trusting and knowing he was a pastor, I had him pick me up at home. Throughout the week, I worried. Was he ugly? Too short? Did he sport a comb-over? No teeth?
My doorbell rang. I opened the door to a smiling man with gorgeous gray hair and the straightest teeth. The date only got better.
I knew.
Neil and I would marry.
- Who is most romantic, you or your spouse?
If you’ve read this far, the answer is obvious.
Not me.
- Where did you and your spouse go for your honeymoon?
Moosehead Lake, Maine. If you read Honeymoon’s Over, you’ll get a glimpse of our journey.
Character Interview:
- What is your hero’s favorite romantic vacation destination?
Charlie loves to camp and fish and run and play football.
Chantel loves cruises and spas a pools.
Hmmm— can you smell a problem?
- If your hero and heroine end up married, where will they go on their honeymoon?
One chooses an Amazon adventure— the other a Caribbean cruise. Guess who wants what?
Question for Readers: Have you ever had adult children or friends or parents move in with you? How did it work out?
About Carol: Carol McClain is the author of six novels dealing with real people facing real problems. She’s a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith looks like, you will find humor, compassion, and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work. Aside from writing, she’s a stained glass artist, a Bible study teacher, and a youth group leader. Learn more & connect:
Carol’s Website Carol’s Facebook
About the book – Honeymoon’s Over:
For Better or Worse
Easy vows for newlyweds Chantel and Charlie. Having been widowed, they knew the worst of love was years away. Furthermore, at fifty, they, wouldn’t live long enough for the bad to blossom.
Then they came home from their honeymoon.
Chantel’s pregnant daughter Sissy, living with them during her husband’s deployment, must remain on bed rest. Histrionic and bored, she’s … a challenge.
Chantel’s vegetarian son Graham moves in for a few weeks to help with his sister, but something doesn’t seem right. He never got along with his military-loving, meat-eating sibling. He didn’t have ulterior motives for coming to help, did he?
Charlie’s married daughter, Margo, could certainly enumerate the issues these adult children of her father’s new wife. On top of everything, how could her father have chosen that woman?
Then there’s Charlie’s father—lost in old-age absentmindedness. Certainly, he was only forgetful.
Thank heavens for jobs they love and get them out of the house.
Except … Should they have vowed for worse or better?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Interested in Carol’s other titles? Get your copy/copies now!
Come back Nov 8th for June Foster!
Have you ever had adult children or friends or parents move in with you? We still have adult children with us and we are loving every minute of it 🙂
When friends stayed over for a prolonged period of time – it wasn’t easy!