Return To Love

For my first official post on Grace for a Traveller, I have the honor of interviewing the vivacious main character of my friend Betsy St. Amant's newest release Return To Love. Before I introduce Gracie, let me tell you a little about the story:

“I’m Not The Man I Used To Be!” If only Gracie Broussard could believe that! Years ago, Carter Alexander broke her heart and betrayed her. Now, just when she needs him most, he’s back—asking her to believe he’s changed. But this time, it’s not just Gracie who’ll be hurt if he disappears. A penguin keeper, Gracie urgently needs to find a new home for her beloved birds. Carter is the only one who can help. He promises that she can trust him, that he’s not the rebel he once was. And that he needs Gracie as much as her birds do.

My take: Excellent storytelling! Betsy gives us characters to care about, a setting as cool as New Orleans jazz, and an ending you'll want to read over again. :) (I especially like Lori's character, and the dust bunny named George that Gracie finds in her room. It reminds me of something, but I can't think of what...) As always, Betsy writes with humor and heart! 

L: Gracie, thank you so much for stopping by my new blog. I loved Betsy's book and you are one of the main reasons. I think everybody should rush out and read your story. But I do have a few questions. First of all, (tell the truth!) do you ever just want to tuck one of your penguins under your jacket and take him home with you?

G: Whoops! You caught me, Lori! Haha. I have had such thoughts a time or two. But then Huey or Gumbo splashes me and I remember how messy a penguin in a townhouse would be...

L: True. Which of your penguins is most like you, and why?

G: I think Huey. We both have our feisty moments for sure!! Just ask Carter. Haha!

L: What is your most embarrassing moment? (I had to ask!)

G: My most embarrassing moment? Hmmm. Or let's see, maybe rephrase to most embarrassing moment I am willing to admit in a blog interview...ha! That was probably back in college. I had stayed up too late studying and my brain was just glazed over. I dozed off in the campus library and apparently snored so loud that I drew a crowd. The next day a video of the incident was on youtube!!

L: Nice! Gotta love youtube. I heard you knew Carter way back when. What was he like as a boy?

G: Carter as a boy? Well he never really grew up at all so are we talking age or maturity level? Ha! Okay, that was a dig, couldn't resist. Carter was a sweetheart. Then he realized he was good on a guitar and had a voice like melted, drizzled chocolate over a warm homemade brownie...wait, where was I? Oh yes. He was a good kid but he had his moments in highschool. Ohhhh he had his moments. But before adolescence, he was the kid who brought his mom flowers and didn't think it was girlie to bake cookies with me. We had more than one cookie dough fight, believe me! And ignore him when he says he won...never happened.

L: LOL Melted chocolate, hmm? Since we're talking about Carter... what is your favorite kind of music? 

G: I love classical music. Sinatra, especially. Its so romantic and relaxing after a hard day at work.

L: Favorite Bible verse? 

G: Oh I have several! I suppose it comes down to what I am going through at the time but one verse that always encourages me is hebrews 11:1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. It helps me remember how big God is and how I might not understand things now, but I don't always have to.

L: Guilty pleasure: a beignet, freshly powdered, or a mocha with extra whip? 

G: Definitely a beignet! I moved to New Orleans for my job, supposedly, but it was really for the beignets. Ssshhhh. Hehe.

Thanks for having me, Lori!

L: Anytime Gracie. And Betsy, if you're reading this, you can feel free to stop by any time too.

The rest of you, please go get a copy of Gracie and Carter's story. (All of my KC friends: I know for a fact they have copies available at the Antioch Rd. Wal-Mart!) Everybody else, there's always Amazon!