Shannon here: Harvest House author, Mary Ellis shares a glimpse into her real life romance and that of her characters from Sarah’s Christmas Miracle. Comment on any post dated Nov 29 – Dec 3 for a chance to win a copy. Deadline midnight Dec 4, Central time. Here’s Mary:
Real Life Romantic Interview
1. What’s the most romantic thing your spouse has ever done for you?
He tried to surprise me with a new convertible car—something I’ve wanted for years.
2. What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for your spouse?
After a particularly grueling construction project, I scheduled a getaway to the charming Balsam Mountain Inn in the Smoky Mountains, NC. for a one-week respite.
3. Where is the most romantic place you and your spouse have ever been?
The Hotel Chateau Fronternac in historic, romantic Old Quebec, Canada.
4. Do you and your spouse have a favorite romantic restaurant?
Yes, it’s called The Oaks in southern Medina County, Ohio. It’s a rambling old mansion and garden—think the Great Gatsby era.
5. Do you and your spouse have a favorite song?
Of course, Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden. Every time I read an article on how to improve fiction writing, they always advise to reduce adverbs. I think about that song…and smile!
6. What’s the most romantic present your spouse ever bought for you?
A big fat diamond ring, since my engagement ring was purchased during college and is quite miniscule (but I loved it anyway!)
7. What’s the most romantic present you ever bought your spouse?
Oh dear, I can’t think of anything more romantic than his gasoline powered leaf-blower. I promise to try harder.
Fictional Romantic Interview:
1. What’s the most romantic thing your hero ever did for your heroine?
A horse-drawn sleigh ride on a starry, starry night.
2. What’s the most romantic thing your heroine ever did for your hero?
She writes him a letter.
3. Where is the most romantic place your hero and heroine have ever been?
A vine covered ancient gristmill, with doves nesting in the eaves and wildflowers growing everywhere. The sound of rushing water soothes the soul.
4. Do your hero and heroine have as favorite romantic restaurant?
Yes, the charming bed and breakfast where the heroine works.
5. What’s the most romantic present your hero ever bought your heroine?
A sweater.
6. What’s the most romantic present your heroine ever bought your hero?
Sorry, my heroine isn’t any better buying romantic presents than the author who created her.
7. What simple gesture does your hero do that melts your heroine every time?
He eats everything she bakes and raves, even though her cooking is nothing to write home about.
8. What simple gesture does your heroine do that melts your hero every time?
She is patient and gentle to his nieces and nephews.
9. How soon after meeting the hero did the heroine know he was the one?
Not until absence had a chance to work on her heart. She didn’t appreciate what she had until she almost lost him.
10. How soon after meeting the heroine did the hero know she was the one?
He seems to have always known, since they were little children.
11. Who is most romantic, your hero or your heroine?
My hero is more romantic because he has a better grasp on what he wants in life.
12. What is the most caring thing your hero has ever done for your heroine?
He granted her the unconditional love and freedom to “find herself” before committing to him.
13. What is the most caring thing your heroine has ever done for your hero?
She admitted she had been wrong.
14. Who said, “I love you” first, your hero or your heroine?
Our hero.
15. If your hero and heroine end up married, where will they go on their honeymoon?
They will go to Cleveland, Ohio and see the beaches of Lake Erie, the Art Museum, and the Cleveland Zoo.
About Mary: Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community of Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farmers’ markets and woodworking fairs. She and her husband now live within the largest population of Amish in the country–a four-county area in central Ohio. They love to take weekend getaways to purchase farm produce and other goodies, stay with Amish families in bed and breakfasts, attend country auctions and enjoy the simpler way of life. This is her first series of novels set in the Amish community. Learn more at: http://maryeellis.wordpress.com/
Come back for a great December Lineup of Real life romance & Christmas book giveaways:
Dec 1 & 3 – Barbour/Summerside Press author, Anita Higman & Thomas Nelson/Zondervan/Fleming Revell/Love Inspired/Barbour/Summerside Press author, Irene Brand share their real life and fictional romances and a chance to win their book: Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe.
Dec 6, 8, & 10 – WordVessel author, Cathy Bryant shares her real life romance, an excerpt, and a chance to win her book: A Path Less Traveled.
Dec 13, 15, 17, & 20 – Barbour authors, Cynthia Ruchti, Rachael Phillips, Eileen Key, & Becky Melby share their real life romances and a chance to win their novella collection: A Door County Christmas.
Dec 22 – Barbour author, Lynette Sowell shares her real life romance.
Dec 24 – Barbour author, Vickie McDonough shares her son’s real life romance and a chance to win her book: Christmas Mail-Order Brides.
Dec 27 & 29 – Barbour author, Myra Johnson shares her real life romance and a chance to win her book: One Imperfect Christmas.
Dec 31 – Petit Jean Press author, Linda Fulkerson shares her real life romance.
I think the lesson to learn is that romance is in the eyes of the beholder, and even the little things we do for each other can be romantic!
I have one of Mary’s books on my TBR list and would really like to read her Christmas one. She doesn’t live too far from me as I live in the mid-Michigan area.
Romance is in the eyes of the beholder. Well said, Kim! What one couple find romantic, another will not. I myself find coming home to a dinner already started and the vacuuming done very romantic! Happy Monday!
I agree with the comment about romance. Very rarely do you hear of two seperate people doing or calling the same thing romantic. Because everyone is different. However, I am avery big romantic, and I get lost in my books. They come alive for me. And I truely LOVE Amish books. I like Christian romance alot but I love all Amish books. I read every amish book i can get my hands on. I would love to win Mary’s book Sarah’s Christmas Miracle. I was going to order it but it would be great to win it….
I love when my husband brings me a cup of coffee. To me, that’s romance. It definitely has a different definition for everyone.