Regina Rudd Merrick – Romantic Real Life & Character Interview – Part 1 of 1

Shannon here: Regina Rudd Merrick shares insight into her real-life romance and her characters’ romance in her latest Contemporary Romance, Rebuilding Joy. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for winner’s choice of ebook or signed paperback. Deadline: June 5th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Regina:

Real Life Interview:

• How soon after meeting your spouse did you know he/she was the one?

This is a funny question because I do not remember when I met Todd—we grew up together, our parents are friends, and, since he is nearly 3 years older than me, he remembers more about me than I do about him! In fact, he was a toddler when his family attended my parents’ wedding! Since Todd and I started dating when I was 15 and he 18, I’ll start from then. It wasn’t immediate—but I knew first, probably about a year into our four-year dating life. I won’t say I convinced him, but he did break up with me for a few months, and after that, he knew, too.

• Who said, “I love you” first, you or your spouse?

Oh, it was me. I inadvertently, after a lovely goodnight kiss on our front porch, said “I love you,” and it wasn’t long after that we took a “hiatus” on our courtship. I think I freaked him out a little!

• Where did you and your spouse go for your honeymoon?

You’ve heard of young couples “living on love?” Yeah, that was us. We had no money, but God provides!  I don’t know how many gentlemen palmed money into Todd’s hand as they went through the receiving line. That was the honeymoon fund and made our meager trip first to Kentucky Lake, and then to Nashville, TN, a little nicer. While in Nashville, we went to Opryland, U.S.A.! That dates us, doesn’t it? Now the area where we rode rides and watched shows is a huge outlet mall! We had a great time, and I, the child of missionaries, didn’t own a pair of shorts, so one of our activities was shopping for some for the trip to the theme park! 

Character Interview:

Darcy Emerson Sloan, Rebuilding Joy, RenoVations Book 2

• What simple gesture does your hero do that melts your heroine every time?

I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just tell you one thing Del Reno did that totally melted my heart. At the wedding reception of Del’s sister, Lisa, my four-year-old twins began to feel a little left out when the dancing started, so Del, in his caring wisdom, suggested we split up: me dancing with Benji and he Allie to the dance floor, letting her put her little feet on top of his to match his steps. My imagination went into overdrive that night. I’m a widow, and my twins never knew their dad, so seeing Del dancing with my daughter gave me visions of a distant “father-daughter” dance on her wedding day. I knew Del was special, but that? Oh. My. Goodness.

• Who is most romantic, your hero or your heroine?

Who’s most romantic? Del, by far. I’m busy running a restaurant AND raising two kids, so my romantic muscle has gotten pretty weak. But Del? He takes romance to a completely practical level, which means more to me than all the flowers and candy in the world. Sometimes I can see it in the way he looks at me across the restaurant, or in the middle of a crowd. It’s like time stands still. There were a few times that time really DID seem to stop, but you’ll have to read about that! Oh, and I almost forgot … he really likes my hair down, instead of up (he is definitely not a fancy guy), but you’ll have to read about that, too … Am I blushing?

• What is the most caring thing your hero has ever done for your heroine?

Oh my. All the caring things Del does for me and everybody else rolls into one big bundle of caring! When he offered to take care of my twin terrors while I went on a wedding-shopping expedition with his sister, I was skeptical, but when I got home and found them all asleep in a huddle on the sofa, I knew Del was a good and thoughtful man. Some of the things he does irritate me, but I have to admit, he cares!

About Regina: Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things beachy and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect & learn more:

Regina’s Website           Regina’s Facebook             Regina’s Twitter

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About the book – Rebuilding Joy, RenoVations Book 2:

A waitress, a contractor, and an FBI agent walk into a café …

Single mom Darcy Emerson Sloan has enough to do raising twins and running a restaurant. She’s doing fine on her own and doesn’t need the complications of a man in her life. But when her café turns into a crime scene, putting her and her children in danger, she begins to take interest in the handsome young FBI agent that comes on the scene.

Contractor Del Reno is as even-keeled as they come, but even he has his limits. And Darcy Sloan has pushed him too far. Every time he tries to help, it backfires. But now that Darcy and her kids are in trouble, he has no choice but to come to her aid and to protect her. She’s just going to have to deal with it.

Secret tunnels, organized crime, adorable children, and a wedding.

Just another day in Clementville.

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

Get your copies now!     Mosaic Collection            Scrivenings Press

Question for Readers: Are you a romantic or are you practical? Are you drawn to romantic or practical people?

Come back June 1st for Sara L. Jameson!