Good Morning, Booklovers!
Winter has arrived in the Midwest with our first snowfall, so we’re gathered around the fireplace this morning. If everyone has your coffee, tea, hot chocolate or whatever, please join me in welcoming this week’s guest author, Reggi Allder, featuring the first book in her Sierra Creek romance series, Her Country Heart.
Welcome, Reggi. How do you take your coffee?
RA: Hi Ally, thank you for having me on the Coffee Chat. I love coffee, caffeinated or decaf. Every morning, I have two cups of the real thing and after dinner, I look forward to a strong cup of decaf with cream. I do occasionally have a cup of chai tea, but coffee is my go-to drink.
Ally: White I pour, please introduce yourself to readers.
Winter has arrived in the Midwest with our first snowfall, so we’re gathered around the fireplace this morning. If everyone has your coffee, tea, hot chocolate or whatever, please join me in welcoming this week’s guest author, Reggi Allder, featuring the first book in her Sierra Creek romance series, Her Country Heart.
Welcome, Reggi. How do you take your coffee?
RA: Hi Ally, thank you for having me on the Coffee Chat. I love coffee, caffeinated or decaf. Every morning, I have two cups of the real thing and after dinner, I look forward to a strong cup of decaf with cream. I do occasionally have a cup of chai tea, but coffee is my go-to drink.
Ally: White I pour, please introduce yourself to readers.
Bio:
“Reggi Allder will hold you on the edge of your seat as you follow her real-to-life characters. Grab one of her books. You won’t be disappointed.” NL reviews
Reggi writes compelling romantic suspense and small-town contemporary novels. Whatever their situation, her characters are determined to overcome obstacles and control their future. She has two series as well as other books. Dangerous Web is the first in the Dangerous Series. The Sierra Creek Series starts with Her Country Heart. Whether in a series or not, each book is a complete standalone read. Reggi has also contributed to two cookbooks.
She has lived in rural towns and large cities and appreciates the pros and cons of both. Her experiences have proven helpful when writing her novels.
When not writing, she likes to take long walks, often stopping to take photos of whatever catches her eye. She lives with her hubby and a rescue dog who barks too much, and a pure-bred dog who doesn’t. 😊 Her hobbies, movie buff and gardener, are sometimes reflected in her books by way of her character’s interests.
Reggi studied creative writing and screen writing at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). She enjoys hearing from readers.
Something unique/unusual that isn’t in your regular bio: “Dogs are amazing animals. I raised a Labrador puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind and the dog went on to guide for a woman in Southern California. Smart, gentle and caring, these canines spend their lives in service to people. I have also done foster care for the Humane Society. When it makes sense, I try to add animals, of all kinds, to my books.”
Please follow her on:
Her website.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Reggi-Allder/e/B00G05PJRS/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/reggi-allder
Allauthor: https://allauthor.com/author/reggiallder/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reggi.allder
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reggiallder
“Reggi Allder will hold you on the edge of your seat as you follow her real-to-life characters. Grab one of her books. You won’t be disappointed.” NL reviews
Reggi writes compelling romantic suspense and small-town contemporary novels. Whatever their situation, her characters are determined to overcome obstacles and control their future. She has two series as well as other books. Dangerous Web is the first in the Dangerous Series. The Sierra Creek Series starts with Her Country Heart. Whether in a series or not, each book is a complete standalone read. Reggi has also contributed to two cookbooks.
She has lived in rural towns and large cities and appreciates the pros and cons of both. Her experiences have proven helpful when writing her novels.
When not writing, she likes to take long walks, often stopping to take photos of whatever catches her eye. She lives with her hubby and a rescue dog who barks too much, and a pure-bred dog who doesn’t. 😊 Her hobbies, movie buff and gardener, are sometimes reflected in her books by way of her character’s interests.
Reggi studied creative writing and screen writing at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). She enjoys hearing from readers.
Something unique/unusual that isn’t in your regular bio: “Dogs are amazing animals. I raised a Labrador puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind and the dog went on to guide for a woman in Southern California. Smart, gentle and caring, these canines spend their lives in service to people. I have also done foster care for the Humane Society. When it makes sense, I try to add animals, of all kinds, to my books.”
Please follow her on:
Her website.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Reggi-Allder/e/B00G05PJRS/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/reggi-allder
Allauthor: https://allauthor.com/author/reggiallder/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reggi.allder
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reggiallder
INTERVIEW:
Ally: Who or what inspired your featured book?
RA: While in Los Angeles, I heard many associates talk about moving to the country and living off the land. For most people, it was only a sweet daydream that helped them cope with the smog, traffic, and noise. What if a young woman, in need of a home, moved back to a small town where she could be self-sufficient? With no faming experience, would she succeed?
Ally: Do you use critique groups or beta readers? Do you find them valuable?
RA: Writing can be a lonely business. When I first started, I didn’t have a critique group, but was lucky to join a local writer’s organization. I met several authors who were planning to start a critique group, and I was asked to join them. That was about eight years ago. They have become not only writing partners, but great friends. If asked to give advice to an author starting out, I’d suggest they try to find a critique group. Even if there isn’t one close by, there may be one online. The group can be very valuable.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
RA: My work in progress is called Dangerous Vacation, with a proposed release date of fall 2023. It is book four in my Dangerous Series; the first book is Dangerous Web. These are standalone romantic suspense novels. They are very different from book four in the Sierra Creek Series, My Country Heart, which I have just finished writing. I like to alternate my series from small town romance to romantic suspense books.
Dangerous Vacation Blurb:
Do you need a vacation? Marty Costello does. A workaholic, her life has been spent working toward a goal, whether it was as an Olympic Gymnast or as a member of the US government’s Rapid Response Team. She isn’t good at letting go and relaxing. But when she is injured, her boss tells her to take time off.
She is in San Francisco, with the idea of walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, riding the cable cars, and picnicking in Golden Gate Park. Her plans are stalled when a purse snatcher waylays her.
Hudson Blake, a tall, handsome, and mysterious man, helps her chase the robbers away. Is he the ordinary guy he appears to be or does he have another more hazardous agenda?
Ally: What book setting/location have you never forgotten?
RA: Three of my favorite settings are San Francisco, Carmel by the Sea and Lake Tahoe, California. I’ve used these locations in several of my books, including three suspense and a couple of western contemporary novels. It’s great to go online and check out locations, but nothing can compare with meeting the people of an area. I prefer to experience the food, weather, and atmosphere, things not available online.
I’m looking for another place to visit–any ideas?
Ally: How important do you think writing and reading are in today’s world?
RA: Too often, kids get their information from a screen. They watch and respond with a key stroke. But this limits their ability to communicate. If they don’t read printing or cursive writing, they are cut out of much of the written world. Not only could it make learning and research difficult for a student, but imagine being unable to read books in a library and also never knowing the joy of being entertained by an author’s work?
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose?
RA:
Ally: Who or what inspired your featured book?
RA: While in Los Angeles, I heard many associates talk about moving to the country and living off the land. For most people, it was only a sweet daydream that helped them cope with the smog, traffic, and noise. What if a young woman, in need of a home, moved back to a small town where she could be self-sufficient? With no faming experience, would she succeed?
Ally: Do you use critique groups or beta readers? Do you find them valuable?
RA: Writing can be a lonely business. When I first started, I didn’t have a critique group, but was lucky to join a local writer’s organization. I met several authors who were planning to start a critique group, and I was asked to join them. That was about eight years ago. They have become not only writing partners, but great friends. If asked to give advice to an author starting out, I’d suggest they try to find a critique group. Even if there isn’t one close by, there may be one online. The group can be very valuable.
Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?
RA: My work in progress is called Dangerous Vacation, with a proposed release date of fall 2023. It is book four in my Dangerous Series; the first book is Dangerous Web. These are standalone romantic suspense novels. They are very different from book four in the Sierra Creek Series, My Country Heart, which I have just finished writing. I like to alternate my series from small town romance to romantic suspense books.
Dangerous Vacation Blurb:
Do you need a vacation? Marty Costello does. A workaholic, her life has been spent working toward a goal, whether it was as an Olympic Gymnast or as a member of the US government’s Rapid Response Team. She isn’t good at letting go and relaxing. But when she is injured, her boss tells her to take time off.
She is in San Francisco, with the idea of walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, riding the cable cars, and picnicking in Golden Gate Park. Her plans are stalled when a purse snatcher waylays her.
Hudson Blake, a tall, handsome, and mysterious man, helps her chase the robbers away. Is he the ordinary guy he appears to be or does he have another more hazardous agenda?
Ally: What book setting/location have you never forgotten?
RA: Three of my favorite settings are San Francisco, Carmel by the Sea and Lake Tahoe, California. I’ve used these locations in several of my books, including three suspense and a couple of western contemporary novels. It’s great to go online and check out locations, but nothing can compare with meeting the people of an area. I prefer to experience the food, weather, and atmosphere, things not available online.
I’m looking for another place to visit–any ideas?
Ally: How important do you think writing and reading are in today’s world?
RA: Too often, kids get their information from a screen. They watch and respond with a key stroke. But this limits their ability to communicate. If they don’t read printing or cursive writing, they are cut out of much of the written world. Not only could it make learning and research difficult for a student, but imagine being unable to read books in a library and also never knowing the joy of being entertained by an author’s work?
Ally: Which of the trivia questions did you choose?
RA:
- eBook or print? Both. I have used them at different times. At the beach I like print, no worry if it gets wet. 😊
- Favorite quote: “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” Jack London
- Favorite comfort food: Potato Chips
- An item on your bucket list: See the northern lights (aurora borealis)
- Color of nail polish you have on: Clear with a French tip
Ally: It was a pleasure to chat with you on this snowy day, Reggi. Before we finish, please show us your featured novel, Her Country Heart.
Her Country Heart (Sierra Creek Series Book One)
Genre: mainstream/feel-good romance
5 Stars- “Great Characters, I’m hooked!! It’s been a long time since I’ve been engaged with a book’s characters. But this story, and the people in it, got to me. I loved it and didn’t want the book to end!”
Amy Long needs a forever home. Out of work, she lost her apartment in the city and returns to the small town of Sierra Creek to find a fresh start. Her plan is to work the land on her grandmother’s organic apple farm and be self-reliant. Does she belong in the small town?
Cowboy Wyatt Cameron doesn’t think so. He is concentrating on his career and, at this point in his life, wants no female entanglements or other responsibilities. Amy is in the way of his plans. As half owner, he promises to sell the farm and send Amy packing back to the city where she belongs.
What can she offer to change his mind?
Will sparks fly when opposites attract?
“If you like sexy cowboys and feisty women, this book is for you.”
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B012U5UTGW/