Melanie Campbell – Romantic Character Interview – Part 1of 1

Shannon here: Melanie Campbell shares insight into her characters’ romance from her latest Women’s Fiction title, One Last Stand. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of One Woman Falling, book 1 of the Whispers of Grace series. US only. Deadline: Jan 25th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Melanie:

This interview features Cassie Peterson, the heroine of One Last Stand. Cassie is engaged to Matt, whom she first met in One Woman Falling, the debut novel in the Whispers of Grace series.

• What’s the most romantic thing Matt has ever done for you?

The way Matt proposed still makes my heart flutter. He knows how much I love waterfalls, so he planned everything perfectly. At sunset, after a fantastic dinner at a restaurant we’d never been to, he brought me to a waterfall not far from where we first met—when he was my Nannie’s pastor at a small church in Stayton, Oregon. It was breathtaking. What made it even more special was that he included my mom and my daughter, Renee. He kept the entire thing a surprise, which is no small feat with my family. That moment was pure magic, a memory I’ll treasure forever.

• Do you or Matt have a favorite romantic restaurant?

This question makes me laugh because Matt is such a foodie! He loves discovering new places to eat, but let’s just say his youth pastor salary doesn’t always accommodate his culinary adventures. I wouldn’t call any restaurant our favorite yet…. I think we are still exploring all our options.

• What’s the most romantic gift Matt has ever given you?

This might not sound romantic in the usual sense, but to me, it’s everything. The day Matt proposed, he gave Renee a necklace with a heart pendant. He told her it was a symbol of his commitment to her too, that he wanted to be her dad. For a single mom like me, who’s seen her daughter hurt by rejection, that gesture spoke volumes. Renee’s father—my ex-husband—hasn’t been in her life since he got out of jail. His absence has left a wound she’s too young to understand, and his behavior isn’t safe for her. Watching Matt love her so genuinely fills my heart in ways words can’t express.

• How soon after meeting Matt did you know he was the one?

It took a while! I first met Matt when I started attending church with Nannie after my divorce. I was terrified. I felt ashamed, like I had a flashing sign above my head saying “failure.” At the time, I saw God as a harsh judge, ready to condemn me for my mistakes. But Nannie insisted I come, and that’s when I met Matt.

I’ll admit, I noticed how cute and charming he was right away, and my heart went out to him knowing he’d lost his wife so young.  But dating him? That felt impossible. I can’t help but wonder if Nannie had a hunch about us, though. I can still see how her eyes twinkled when she introduced us. I wish she could have been there to see us get engaged. I hope there is a window between earth and heaven for such moments.

I never expected to see Matt again after Nannie’s funeral, but about a year later, he showed up as the youth pastor at the church I was attending. It felt like fate—or maybe divine intervention. Matt became a friend to me and my family long before we started dating. The first time he kissed me, it was like all the walls I’d built to protect myself came crashing down. Deep down, I think I knew then. Maybe even sooner. I just struggled to believe something so beautiful could really happen to me.

• When you and Matt get married, where will you go on your honeymoon?

Oh, that’s a great question! I’ve hardly had a moment to think about the honeymoon since the proposal. Life has been a whirlwind between working full-time, taking college classes, and raising Renee. Matt is hoping for a promotion at church and has applied for an unexpected opening, but something seems off with him lately. I think it must be all the stress. Plus, there’s Renee to consider. Speaking of which, she just received a letter from her absentee father . . . that wasn’t something any of us were expecting. There’s so much up in the air right now. I dream about somewhere peaceful, where we can breathe and enjoy being together. But the reality is, with our budget and everything going on, we’ll probably keep it simple. And honestly? As long as I’m with Matt, it’ll be perfect.

Giveaway

Question for Readers: If you could design your dream marriage proposal, what would it look like?

About Melanie: Melanie Campbell wrote her first story when she was eight years old and has been in love with the power of storytelling ever since. Her debut novel, One Woman Falling, won the 2020 Oregon Christian Writer’s Cascade Award for contemporary fiction. Melanie is passionate about social issues and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, which she obtained during her stint as a single mom. She’s now married and recently moved to Texas with her family and several spoiled pets. When not writing, Melanie enjoys hiking, sightseeing, and finding great places to eat. In less-than-favorable weather conditions, you’ll find her enjoying an intriguing book and a cup of good coffee.

Melanie’s Website           Melanie’s Facebook           Melanie’s Instagram

About the book – One Last Stand (Whisper of Grace Series – Book 3:

Cassie’s reclaimed her life and Sharon has recovered from alcoholism.

They can finally rebuild their lives. . .or can they?

Cassie Peterson is a busy single mom excited about her future. She feels confident at work, her seven-year-old daughter is thriving, and the college education she longs for is on the horizon. Then there’s Matt, the youth pastor of her church, where both Cassie and her mother attend. Matt and Cassie have been dating for nearly a year, and he’s more than she ever hoped for in a man. It looks like all her dreams are coming true—until a startling letter arrives in the mail.

Cassie’s mom, Sharon, never thought she’d be a ministry leader, but that’s exactly what she’s doing at her church. Frank, her co-leader in the Higher Focus Recovery group, is passionate about his faith, recovery and helping others—he might even help Sharon forget about the man she can’t stop loving no matter how hard she tries.

When a scandal rocks their church leadership, Cassie and Sharon are caught up in the middle of the collateral damage. Can their family stand against the forces intent on destroying them? Or will their dreams crumble, piece by piece?

Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in the Melanie’s other titles?

Get your copy/copies now!

One Last Stand                  Whispers of Grace series

Come back Jan 15th for Ruth Wong!