An Interview with Roxanne Rustand - and a giveaway of her new book

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Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I love writing about family relationships, as well as romance, suspense and mystery. I was able to use these elements through sixteen secular books, but truly came to the genre that touched my heart when I switched over to the inspirational market. Being able to include a faith element adds greater depth, gives me the chance to explore issues of faith with my characters, and really speaks to who I am.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

When each of our children were born!

How has being published changed your life?

It certainly made life busier! Before being published, I imagined there was just one peak to reach--a first sale. But beyond that moment are the stages of revision and editing, along with many deadlines. I have now left my day job, and look forward to having more time to devote to my writing. But beyond the fun and satisfaction of the writing process, writing has brought many new friends, the enrichment of constant study while researching details, travel, the opportunity to continually try to grow as a writer, and even the chance to evolve as a person. Throughout high school and college I was the most timid person you've ever seen, but now I've given many workshops at the national and regional level for RWA, and I really enjoy doing them! I've also taught quite a few classes online and have found that I really enjoy teaching--though with a deadline schedule that's often tight, it can be hard to find the time to do that as often as I’d like.

What are you reading right now?

Finished ROOM last night, DEAD AS A DOORNAIL last week, and THE HELP before that. I've got several books that I'm reading on my Kindle at any given time, which I can pick up in spare moments--my purchase of books increased exponentially when I bought that Kindle!

What is your current work in progress?

I have a book due in January for the six-author Love Inspired Rocky Mountain Heirs series. My book, #5 in the series, will be out November, 2011. As soon as its done, I will need to get busy on a book in my Big Sky Secrets series, which will be out 12/11.

What would be your dream vacation?

I adore the Rockies, and the scenic northwoods of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and these places often provide settings for my books. It woud fun to have a few weeks in Hawaii, though!


If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Frankly, my biggest joy is when I can spend time with our three children, who are all now in their twenties, and our two grandchidlren--and they would be my choice over anyone who might be famous.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

We have horses--I've had one horse or another since I was six years old, and can't imagine looking out of our windows and not seeing them in the pasture.
I love walking our dogs with my husband, on our quiet country roads. Photography is another joy--I've been having a lot of fun with a new 18-270 mm IS lens this fall! I love to travel. And finally, I love cookng for lots of company--the best times are when all the kids are home, with a host of their friends!

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

The Internet is a huge distraction. If I have trouble with a scene, I can easily find myself over on Craigslist looking for horses. A program call Mac Freedom has been a great help, because it totally locks me off the Internet for whatever length of time I set!

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Work hard, develop a tough skin, enter lots of contests and listen to advice. And never give up--because you'll never know if success might have been just around a corner!

Tell us about the book.

I've written seven romantic suspense novels for Steeple Hill's Love Inspired Suspense line. WINTER REUNION is my very first for Love Inspired. What a treat (and an exciting new challenge!) it was to write a story without a strong external suspense plot!

WINTER REUNION involves an emotionally and physically wounded Marine who left his marriage long ago, and is now back in his home town on medical leave. He comes back to Aspen Creek to meet the stipulations of his mother's will and finds he must not only work with his ex-wife, but must face a whole new set of challenges. Facing enemy fire is something he understands. But helping a houseful of elderly people--who were his late mother's final mission in life--truly tests his mettle! Winter Reunion is the first book in my Aspen Creek Crossroads series, and will be followed by SECOND CHANCE DAD in June, 2011.

What do you want readers to take away from the book?

I always hope that readers will take away an affirmation on the power of faith, as they follow the growth and healing of the hero and heroine during their journeys in the story.

My review:
Title: WINTER REUNION
Author: Roxanne Rustand
Publisher: Love Inspired
November 2010
ISBN: 978-0-373-87633-4
Genre: Inspirational/romance

Beth Carrigan has struggled to make a life of her own after her husband filed for divorce and marched off to serve with the military, unhampered by a wife. Now Beth runs a bookshop/coffee house, and all is good until she learns that her mother is planning to visit about the time that Dev is coming home on medical leave.

Then the lawyer calls, claiming Beth needs to be present for the reading of her ex-mother-in-law’s will. Just a formality… or is it? Suddenly, Beth is shocked to discover that she and Dev are forced to work together for six-months in order for Dev to inherit the family estate. And for her to own her bookstore, free and clear. If they refuse to work together, then the entire estate goes to a money-hungry uncle who already plans to raze the buildings and build condos.

Beth desperately wanted to keep her building, but Dev isn’t so sure about his portion—until he learns about the uncle. But after a messy divorce, is it even possible for Beth and Dev to make a cordial business relationship? Or is this an invitation for open warfare?

WINTER REUNION is Ms. Rustand’s first Love Inspired romance, but she is a romantic suspense writer with a huge fan base.

Beth is a realistic heroine, hurting and caring, and desperate to do what is right, even when it stretches her own schedule to the limits. Dev has devoted his life to the military, thwarting all his parents’ plans for him, determined to be his own person. The tension between them is high as neither want to bring up the past, but the past is something they must work through to achieve their goals. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book.

If this is the first time you’ve picked up a book by Ms. Rustand, you’re in for a treat. If you are already a fan of her suspense, check out WINTER REUNION. You won’t be disappointed. $5.50. 213 pages.