Cynthia Hickey – Romantic Interview – Part 1 of 2

Shannon here: Heartsong Presents Mysteries author, Cynthia Hickey shares a glimpse into her real life romance today. She’s giving away a copy of her book: Fudge-Laced Felonies. Leave a comment for a chance to win by July 30, 8:00 PM Central. Here’s Cynthia:

What was the most romantic thing your spouse has ever done for you?

At our tenth Christmas together, I opened a present. Clearly a book, I was pleased since I love to read. I didn’t recognize the title on the massive, obviously thrift-store bought book, but pasted a smile on my face and tried to act enthused. I opened the book to see whether my husband had inscribed anything. What I found was a hole cut through the center of the book and a jewelry box stuffed inside. Inside the box was the first diamond wedding ring I’ve ever owned. When we married, because we were short on cash, we bought simple bands. I started crying. This was the most romantic thing I’ve ever had happen to me.

Who is more romantic, you or your husband?

Easily, my husband. He does way more than his fifty percent in this marriage.

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve done for your spouse?

I usually fall short in this department at being original. Usually, it’s the candles and dinner thing, but once, when we were dating, I found out he wasn’t going to have a Christmas tree at his apartment for when his children came over. I went to the store, bought a tree and decorations and left them on his doorstep to find when he came home.

Plus, occasionally, I sent him “sexy” stick people pictures through the mail to his work. This never fails to elicit a laugh from him. And we spend a lot of time flirting through email and instant messaging. 

Where did you and your spouse go on your honeymoon?

We took a three day cruise out of Los Angeles to San Diego, Catalina Island, and Encenada, Mexico. We rode horses, walked the beach, and enjoyed one of the only times, since we’re a blended family, that we were truly alone. 

Having started attending church together a couple of years after our marriage, my husband and I know the importance of a strong, spiritual foundation in a healthy marriage. Even when angry with each other, we don’t sleep apart and we say, “I love you,” before going to sleep. To me, that is the basis of true romance.

About Cynthia: I am the mother of seven! Three step-children, one birth child, and three adopted children. I have five
grandchildren. My husband and I live in Arizona, surrounded by our children. My husband and I did foster care for nine years. In that time, we had twenty-three children in and out of our home. Three of these, we adopted. I currently work as the ISS Monitor (In School Suspension) at my children’s elementary school. I am an army brat having grown up in many parts of the United States and Germany with most of my childhood spent
in the foothills of the Ozark mountains in Arkansas.

I grew up in a family of story tellers. For years I sat around and listened to my grandmother or an aunt or uncle tell me stories of my family’s history. As I grew, I learned some of the stories were true, while others were just that, stories. Story telling is in my blood. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I have made up stories since I was a child. It is my desire to write novels that are exciting, yet clean. Novels that portray characters that are real, yet flawed. Characters who know the Lord or come to know the Lord through the adventures and trials they go through. I strive to write novels that are clean enough for my children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews to pick up and read without me having to tell them to wait until they are older.

Come back July 30th for a glimpse into the romance of Cynthia’s fictional characters and an excerpt from Fudge-Laced Felonies.