Shannon here: Gail Pallotta shares insight into her real-life romance and her characters’ romance from her Contemporary Romance, Treading Water. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Sept 1st – 29th to enter the drawing for a Kindle copy plus 4 other titles. Deadline: Oct 10th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Gail:
Real Life Interview
- Where is the most romantic place you and your spouse have ever been?
St. Thomas. The happy songs, warm breeze, beautiful foliage and views from the mountain overlooking the sea put me in a fairytale world, which got even better when we ate by a window at Blackbeard’s Castle at night. The stars twinkled above us, almost next to us, it seemed.
What’s the most romantic present you ever bought your spouse?
To say anything with a University of Georgia insignia doesn’t sound too romantic, but nothing thrills my husband more than his “Dawgs.” If he could he’d wallpaper the house in Bulldog paper. Probably his favorite UGA gift is a puffy red vest with the Georgia insignia. I watched for it to go on sale in the summer, so I could afford it.
- How soon after meeting your spouse did you know he was the one?
Not right away. We dated from February until August the year we met, and I enjoyed going out with him. Then, he went to Vietnam, and I really missed him. By the time he returned, I knew he was the one.
- How soon after meeting you did your spouse know you were the one?
I’d never thought about this question, so I asked him. He said, “After I talked with you for a few minutes.” I don’t recall what I said when we met, but I’m glad I said it, whatever it was.
- What is the most caring thing your spouse has ever done for you?
Recently, when I broke my arm at my shoulder and had to keep my left arm completely immobile, he washed my hair in the kitchen sink. I gained a greater appreciation for his charge ahead and keep going forward no-matter-what attitude, because the water was pouring over the sink onto the floor, and it never phased him. He just kept washing, then cleaned up the floor.
Hero and Heroine Interview
- What is the most romantic place your hero and heroine have ever been?
They’re in Destin, Florida, so anywhere by the beach is romantic, but Matt, the hero, takes Suzie, the heroine, to a restaurant where they sit on a patio with soft lighting. As they dine beside the ocean, soft waves washing ashore lull Suzie into a starry-eyed mood.
- How soon after meeting the heroine did the hero know she was the one?
Matt was quite taken with Suzie as soon as they met, but he had vowed not to get serious about anyone because of a past bad romance. As the days went by, when he saw Suzie at work and got to know her, deep down he knew he cared for her. Yet, he still didn’t admit it for quite a while.
- Who is most romantic, your hero or your heroine?
Matt, hands down. While Suzie is attracted to Matt, she works hard to stay focused on recovering from a mysterious illness above all else.
- What is the most caring thing your hero has ever done for your heroine?
Matt wants nothing to do with a serious relationship because the woman would try to drag him shopping, to plays and worst of all—church, but he wants to spend time with Suzie. He rationalizes asking Suzie out by telling himself he needs to compensate her because she’s underpaid. When he asks her where she wants to go, she says church. He’s taken aback, but is determined to honor her request.
- What is the most caring thing your heroine has done for your hero?
In high school Matt dreamed of playing professional football, but he got hurt. He believes with enough therapy he could’ve played in college. His girlfriend at the time and his father insisted he put football aside and get a business degree. Now, he misses the sport terribly. Suzie is determined to make him realize he can still use his skills.
Reader Question: What is the most romantic or caring thing your spouse or boyfriend has done for you? Or have you ever broken any bones? If so, what challenges did you face?
September 2026 Book Bundle
Braving Red Waters by Sarah Hanks, Time-Travel Science Fiction, e-book
Treading Water: Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta, Contemporary Romance, Kindle e-book
One Last Stand by Melanie Campbell, Contemporary Women’s Fiction, print.
Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M. Britton, Contemporary Romance, print
Waterfall by Linda Rodante, Romantic Mystery Suspense, print
About Gail: Gail Pallotta is a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A 2013 Grace Awards finalist, she’s a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner, a TopShelf 2020 Book Awards Finalist and a Top Author Pick. She’s published ten books, short stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. A people person, she loves to connect with readers. Learn more and connect:
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About the book – Treading Water:
Suzie Morris suffers a sense of isolation and loneliness when she’s struck with an illness her physician can’t diagnose. Without family, she’s on her own. To make matters worse, her boyfriend dumps her. Relying on her Christian faith, she moves to Destin, Florida, to get treatment from an alternative doctor. After she lands a temporary job coaching a fun, county-sponsored rag-tag swim team, her handsome boss, Matt Combs, renews her belief in love.
However, when Matt learns of Suzie’s medical problem, he cuts romantic ties. Recently saddened by the illness and death of his mother, he fears he couldn’t face another loss. Later he regrets his decision and tries to make amends. Hope for healing flickers inside Suzie when she hears of new remedies, but will the latest discoveries work for her? If she recovers, can Matt regain her trust?
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