Wednesday, June 29, 2011

SUNSET BRIDGE: AUTHOR INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
SUNSET BRIDGE
A Happiness Key Novel
BY EMILIE RICHARDS

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Five very different women find friendship–and unexpected love–on the barrier island known as Happiness Key. 

Former socialite Tracy Deloche has nothing to her name but five ramshackle beach cottages and the unlikely friendships she's formed with her tenants:  Wanda, the wise waitress turned popular pie-shop owner.  Janya, the young Indian wife whose arranged marriage surprises her every day.  Alice, a widow raising her complex tween-age granddaughter.  Maggie, Wanda's daughter, a former Miami cop with a love life as complicated as Tracy's own. 

The new man in Tracy's life hasn't mentioned love or commitment–and suddenly Tracy needs a big dose of both.  Janya longs to be a mother–and inherits two young siblings to care for.  Alice may lose her beloved granddaughter to someone no one expected. Maggie helps out at Wanda's Wonderful Pies, but is the kitchen big enough for both Gray women when one of them is looking for a murderer? 

As a tropical storm brews, the wind carries surprises and secrets over the bridge to Happiness Key.  Now, more than ever, five friends will discover just how much they need one another.
CHECK OUT MY REVIEW AND BONUS ENTRIES NOW UP HERE!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA TODAY bestselling author Emilie Richards fondly recalls the year she served as a VISTA volunteer in the Arkansas Ozarks. Although conditions were primitive and resources scarce, by the end of her time there, the 20-year-old college student had gathered a richness of experience that would forever change her life and ultimately inspire a series of novels for MIRA Books about the age-old craft of quilting.
  
Richards went on to finish her undergraduate degree in American studies from Florida State University, and her master’s in family development from Virginia Tech. She subsequently served as a therapist in a mental health center, as a parent services coordinator for Head Start families and in several pastoral counseling centers before she began writing full-time. 

Richards says that in every social service position she held, she gained more than she gave. “I set out to help people and ended up learning so much more about myself.” 

A full-time writer, Richards has drawn on those experiences while writing more than 60 novels. As her star has risen in the publishing world, she has appeared on national television and has been quoted in Reader’s Digest, right between Oprah and Thomas Jefferson. Additionally her novels are now being filmed in New Zealand to air on German television. Although in recent years she has broadened the scope of her writing to women’s fiction, she was awarded a prestigious RITA® Award, romance publishing’s Oscar®, for her earlier work in the genre. Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine has presented her with numerous awards, including one for career achievement. 

No doubt Richards’s background as a relationship counselor is partly responsible for the award-winning nature of her novels. This background enables her to consistently deliver richly textured family dramas that explore the human condition. In HAPPINESS KEY, FORTUNATE HARBOR and SUNSET BRIDGE she explores the unlikely friendship that develops between four very different women who become neighbors on a rundown spit of Florida. Drawn together by their search to uncover the past of their late neighbor, they begin sharing their own doubts and triumphs, forming bonds that will ultimately heal and inspire. In SUNSET BRIDGE, the final book of the trilogy, the women welcome the ex-cop daughter of one of their own, who finds she hasn’t left the job or her lover behind, after all. When she is recruited to find the truth behind a tragic murder-suicide, her actions and discoveries will ultimately affect each of the neighbors. In the rousing conclusion, as sunset falls, exactly who will be left to appreciate it?

Richards is married to her college sweetheart, a Unitarian Universalist minister. They have three grown sons and a daughter. Born in Bethesda, Maryland, and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Richards has lived with her family not only in Virginia but in Louisiana, California, Arkansas, Ohio and Pennsylvania. They also spent two four-month sabbaticals in Australia.

When not writing or engaging in her other passion, quilting, Richards enjoys traveling and turning her suburban yard into a country garden. She is currently working on a new series for Mira Books.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
1.    Welcome, and thank you for agreeing to an interview for BOOKIN‘ WITH BINGO. Is there any personal information you would like to start out with today?
Sixty-something books later I still love what I chose to do with my life professionally.  Four children, two grandchildren, a great husband and one crazy beagle later, I’m still happy with those choices, too.

2.    Where did you get the inspiration or idea for this book?
I grew up on the Florida Gulf Coast yet I never really set any books there.  So this seemed like the right moment, particularly since we’re strongly considering a move there next year.

3.    How did the title of your book come about?
Sunset Bridge is the third of three related books.  Happiness Key was the first, and I loved the idea of playing with words that expressed the theme and gave a geographic clue to the story, as well.  Sunset Bridge is the last of the series, the “sunset” of the three, but it’s also a bridge to the next stage in my characters’ lives.

4.    Do you see yourself in your characters? Which characters are easiest or more difficult to write?
I think no matter how much we deny it or are unable to pin it down, there are parts of us in each character we write.  These women are all going through major transitions and adjustments, and that’s fun to explore because it’s always true no matter who we are or at what stage of our lives. 

5.    What books would you say have made the biggest impression on you, especially starting out? What are you currently reading?
Currently I’m reading Diane Mott Davidson’s Crunch Time because she gave it to me as a gift and because I love Goldy the caterer.  I’m also listening to TheTin Roof Blowdown by James Lee Burke who is a fabulous author. The book takes place in New Orleans after Katrina, and I used to live in the city. I lean toward mysteries and thrillers because they can sweep me away and it’s easier to get caught up without noticing technique.

6.    What is the next or current book/project you are working on?
The first book of a series set in Asheville, NC, which will debut next summer.

7.    Do you own an eReader of any kind and how do you feel about their impact on books, as well as you as an author?
I’m delighted with ebooks, have an old Sony eReader I use constantly and am hoping for an iPad for my birthday. We’ve come a long way since stories were delivered by storytellers around campfires, and I think storytelling will evolve in new and fascinating ways in the future.  No reason here to run screaming into the night with a paper book clutched against our chests.  This is a time to celebrate yet another wonderful delivery method.

8.    What is your advice to anyone, including young people, who want to be writers?
Hate to quote Nike, but “Just Do It!”  And really, that’s how all of us start.  We say “What the heck,” and dive right in.


GIVEAWAY
THANKS TO SARAH AND FRIENDS AT
PLANNED TELEVISION ARTS/A DIVISION OF
RUDER-FINN, I HAVE ONE COPY OF THIS
FABULOUS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY
 
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
 

COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT YOU READ ABOVE ABOUT SUNSET BRIDGE AND DON'T FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING ABOUT AUTHOR EMILIE RICHARDS FROM READING HER INTERVIEW ABOVE OR BY VISITING HER WEBSITE HERE


+1 MORE ENTRY:
BLOG AND/OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK HERE AND LEAVE ME YOUR LINK

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT IF YOU HAVE ENTERED THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE AMERICAN HEIRESS AUDIO BOOK  WHICH HAS LOW ENTRIES AND GOOD CHANCES TO WIN. IF YOU HAVE NOT, YOU STILL CAN HERE AND THEN COME BACK AND ENTER FOR THIS EXTRA ENTRY


+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE WAY THAT YOU FOLLOW MY BLOG. IF YOU FOLLOW MORE THAN ONE WAY, COMMENT ON EACH WAY SEPARATELY.

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, JULY 16

91 comments:

~Enamored Soul~ said...

I find it interesting that this novel is a "Happiness Key Novel" - and is really about five women trying to find the key to their own happiness, and find it in each other's company. I think this will be an immensely interesting book,and I'd love a chance to win/read it! :D

~Hira~
GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

~Enamored Soul~ said...

After reading author Emilie Richards bio, I found it extremely interesting that she adopted a daughter all the way from India, and that is her only daughter. I have immense respect for those who adopt children, and treat them and love them like their own. I found this about the author extremely interesting.

~Hira~
GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

~Enamored Soul~ said...

I tweeted the giveaway:

http://twitter.com/#!/inluvwithbookz/status/85986121808478208

~Hira~
GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

~Enamored Soul~ said...

I'm a GFC Follower.

~Hira~
GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

~Enamored Soul~ said...

I'm a Twitter Follower.

~Hira~
GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

~Enamored Soul~ said...

I'm a confirmed email subscriber.

~Hira~
GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

~Enamored Soul~ said...

I'm a Facebook Fan: Hira Hasnain

~Hira~
GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

~Enamored Soul~ said...

I'm a Networked Blogs Follower: Hira Hasnain

~Hira~
GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

~Enamored Soul~ said...

I follow via RSS Feed: Hira Hasnain.

~Hira~
GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz

debbie said...

I would like to see how the women each find what they want, and I would really like to read about Pie War I.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I am a email subscriber.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I am a gfc follower
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered the american heiress audiobook giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

holdenj said...

I like the idea of this cottage housing a woman the others can help. Love the cover too!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered American Heiress.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I subscribe via RSS feed.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I think it's interesting that she has a cozy mystery series about the ministry!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Pat L. said...

patoct at yahoo dot com

any book about friendships grabs me.

Pat L. said...

I find it interesting that Emilie has a huge garden at home home. Must be very pretty.

patoct at yahoo dot com

CMash said...

I just retweeted @ https://twitter.com/#!/CherylMash
Mash1195 at aol dot com

CMash said...

I follow via GFC
CMash
Mash1195 at aol dot com

CMash said...

I follow via email newsletter
CMash
Mash1195 at aol dot com

CMash said...

I loved her response regarding how the world of publishing is changing.
CMash
Mash1195 at aol dot com

CMash said...

I have read her books of past and really enjoy how she develops her characters so have fingers crossed on this book.
CMash
Mash1195 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. About 5 women trying to find happiness. Tore923@aol.com

traveler said...

This book sounds captivating and would be a treasure. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered American Heiress. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I am interested in her next book taking place in Asheville, N.C. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Reading said...

Thanks for the giveaway. I think a "Happiness Key Novel" sounds like a great read for the summer.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Connie said...

I would love to read this book because it centers around friendships and takes place on the Florida coast. Thank you for a wonderful giveaway! :)

aliasgirl1976@yahoo.com

Connie said...

I am a loyal GFC follower. :)

aliasgirl1976@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love Emilie Richard's books. I would love to win it to complete my collection of her books.
gardnerad@juno.com

lag123 said...

I live on the Gulf Coast and love to read books which have the coast as a setting. I would love to read this one.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

I read that she is considering a move to the FL coast. She should! We live in paradise!

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/lag32583/status/86192060377477120

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

I did enter the THE AMERICAN HEIRESS AUDIO Book giveaway. I love audiobooks!

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

I subscribe via email.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

I subscribe via google reader.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

I follow via networked blogs.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

I follow on FB: Lisa Holmes Garrett

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

I follow on twitter: @lag3253

lag110 at mchsi dot com

ann said...

How 5 women find happiness in different ways



amhengstATverizonDOTnet

ann said...

parts of her in every character in her books


amhengstATverizonDOTnet

ann said...

i subscribe and follow by email


amhengstATverizonDOTnet

misskallie2000 said...

She served a year as a VISTA volunteer in the Arkansas Ozarks.
Sunset Bridge sounds like a great book. Sunset could be for the time the sun sets or the sunset of your life.?

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Following the lives of 5 women as in this book will be very interesting.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Karen B said...

Unlikely friendships are always the most interesting!

kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Karen B said...

I like you on FB

kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

misskallie2000 said...

Tweeted giveaway
http://twitter.com/#!/misskallie2000/status/86605655481384960

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I entered THE AMERICAN HEIRESS AUDIO BOOK

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Karen B said...

+5 JUNE FACEBOOK BONUS - entry #2

kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

misskallie2000 said...

I am an old GFC follower and email subscriber

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I am a twitter follower(@misskallie2000)

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

mamabunny13 said...

It sounds like an interesting mix of ladies.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I find it interesting that she was a VISTA volunteer in the Ozarks.
mambunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I follow via gfc
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

email subscriber
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I follow twitter @mamabunny13
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I follow on fb-mamabunny shelor
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I follow on networkedblogs-mamabunny shelor
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

Carol N Wong said...

I like that the author has mother nature reflecting the storm between the women. Also a hurrican adds excitement. Great to read about a fictional one instead of a real hurriane.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I would love to read "Happiness Key" since I already have the middle book. Want to know how the women meet and stayed together.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I tweeted, my Twitter name is Carolee888:


http://t.co/JzsqwOtGiveaway of 'Sunset Bridge'

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I follow your blog with an e-mail subscription.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I follow your blog with an RSS feed on my IGoogle Page.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I follow your blog with Twitter.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

bison61 said...

I love to read about women and their friendships

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Linda Kish said...

I'd like to know more about the surprises and secrets as well as these friendships.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I am an email subscriber

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I am a GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

She has some lovely quilts shown along with a free quilt pattern if you are handy (not me, unfortunately).

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Colleen Turner said...

This sounds like a great summer read! I love stories about the intricacies of womens relationships and how they often help (and sometimes hinder) each other's growth.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a Facebook follower (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com

Reading said...

Entered the American Heiress giveaway

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Misusedinnocence said...

I love stories that focus on friendship and this sounds great.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I subscribe via email.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I follow on gfc.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

mamabunny13 said...

#2 +5 July FB Bonus
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

#3 +5 July FB Bonus
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

#4 +5 July FB Bonus
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

#5 +5 July FB Bonus
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

mamabunny13 said...

I ENTERED THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE AMERICAN HEIRESS AUDIO BOOK
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

Mona said...

The premise sounds really interesting. I love stories about relationships between women. I am also Intrigued with Janya's story b/c I can relate.

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

I read the interview and admit that I'm one of those people who run screaming into the night with a paper book clutched to my chest :)

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/Kulmona/status/92350463231541248

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

GFC(MonaG)

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

FB(Mona Garg)

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

Email subscriber

monagarg@yahoo.com

Nancye said...

This sounds like a very intriguing book with interesting characters and unexpected turns and twists. I definitely want to read this book now!!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I learned that Emilie Richards has written "Sixty plus novels: (from her website).
WOW!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis

http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/92349240436723712

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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