Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Mountain Refuge by Laurel Blount, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Her Mountain Refuge
Author: Laurel Blount
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Release Date: May 24, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christian
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Q: What was the inspiration behind Her Mountain Refuge?
Laurel: My books almost always start with a character, and this one started with Sheriff Logan Carter. I was intrigued by the idea of a good-hearted man so deeply wounded by lies and betrayal in his childhood that he became single-mindedly dedicated to the principles of truth and loyalty. I was interested by what problems that might cause in his life--when you can’t even bring yourself to tell a “white lie” does that cause problems in relationships? I was also curious about how a straight-arrow man like that would react when his old high school best friend (and secret crush) was in deep trouble--but keeping a painful secret. How far would he go to help her?
Q: How long did it take you to write this story?
Laurel: My Love Inspired books usually take about three or four months for me to write. Of course, about half of that is writing, and half is rewriting! 😉
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this book?
Laurel: I love it when Ruby Sawyer, Logan’s plainspoken foster mom, remarks ruefully, “I’ve been praying, and praying is dangerous business.” It really can be! A favorite theme in my writing is how God often answers us in unexpected ways. In my experience, often He will upend our lives in response to our prayers, intent on getting to the root of our problem. Sometimes those roots can run pretty deep, but the end result is always worth it.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from Her Mountain Refuge?
Laurel: I hope my readers leave this book with a sense of renewed hope and optimism, reminded that even when our lives seem bleak, we are never out of God’s reach. I also hope this story showcases the world-changing importance of ordinary folks who are willing to roll up their sleeves and wade into life’s messes in order to help others --like Ruby and Logan.
Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers would not know?
Laurel: Hmm, that’s a toughie because I like to chat, and if folks get my newsletter, they know a LOT about me. How about this: I majored in Spanish in college (I also took French and Latin because I love languages--go figure!) and I taught Spanish for years. Now in addition to my writing, I teach an online Spanish class for homeschoolers twice a week--and I love it.
Q: What are you reading now?
Laurel: I just finished our local book club’s most recent selection The Lost Apothecary, and I am gearing up to start next month’s book, Everything We Didn’t Say. I really enjoy participating in book club. Not only are the ladies tons of fun, but since I don’t pick out the books, it nudges me to read outside my usual genres. I learn a lot as a writer! (And they actually chose to read my own book Strength in the Storm two months ago, which was a dream come true for this bookworm!) I also just preordered Tina Radcliffe’s upcoming Love Inspired Suspense, Sabotaged Mission, and I’m very much looking forward to reading that. Finally, I’m reading a nonfiction book: Decluttering at the Speed of Life. (And if you could see my office right now, you’d know why!)
Q: How many bookcases are in your home?
Laurel: I had to stop and count! Nine at the moment--and my Kindle has hundreds of books on it, too. I do love books!
Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Laurel: Writing is such a solitary activity that I like to balance it by spending time with people I care about--my family and my friends. I love poking through antique shops, visiting new places, having soul-searching chats over cups of tea or during long walks, listening to uplifting music, baking, reading, gardening. It’s a long list! The truth is, I have so many things I love to do that it’s hard to find time for them all. And all of them are so much more fun when I can share them with someone else!
And speaking of that--thanks so much for letting me visit with you! I’ve had a wonderful time!
Thanks for taking time to answer my questions! You are welcome back anytime, Laurel! 💜