Hi, readers! I am pleased to announce a very special post today on ILRB. We’re doing something a little different. This is our nineteenth official author interview on this romance blog! I know in the past, we did character interviews then switched over to the author’s take on it, but this approach is a bit unusual.
We have a real treat for you, readers. Today we get to speak one-on-one with a talented author. Please join me in welcoming Angela Ford to ILRB! 😀
Marie Lavender: Hello, Angela. Please have a seat.
Author Angela Ford: Hi, Marie!
Marie: Hey, such a pleasure to have you here!
I’m going to throw in some standard questions first.
Obviously, we know your occupation as an author, but some writers have other jobs as well. Do you have another occupation? Do you believe you’re any good at it? Do you like what you do?
I know I’m overloading you with questions, but we’re really interested in finding out more about you…
Angela: Numbers by day…Words by night! I work in Accounting during the day and when evening sets in, words come from my heart. I write romance – happily-ever-afters – sometimes sweet…sometimes spicy…sometimes suspenseful.
Great! 😀
So, tell us…what is your family like?
Angela: Loving…supportive and big…strength in numbers! I have six siblings. I’m the second youngest.
Marie: Wow, so many!
Let’s try something else, okay?
If it doesn’t bother you at all, can you let us know what your childhood home looked like?
Angela: Warm and welcoming. A modest three-bedroom bungalow until Dad finished the basement, with an extra bedroom! But back then it felt bigger…must have been all the love in it!
Marie: Nice… 😉
Do you have any hobbies, Angela? What do you enjoy doing?
Angela: Reading…walking…and chasing that sunset! I love crafts, but it’s not one of my better talents. (Laughs.) I do collect seashells while walking the beach and chasing that sunset! Lately I’ve been autographing those seashells and sending them to my readers as a keepsake…remind me to send you one!
Marie: Oh, that would be fantastic! Love the beach! 😀
So, what is your greatest dream?
Angela: I’m living it! Writing from the heart and sharing with my readers 🙂
Marie: Sounds like a plan. ♥
Let’s try another question.
What kind of person do you wish you could be? What is stopping you?
Angela: I like who I am…a kind soul. My mom taught me to treat others the way I want to be treated. Live simply…love generously.
Marie: All right.
Who was your first love?
Angela: My mom. The first to give me warmth and love…the first voice I heard…and the first to show me what love really means.
Marie: Aww! ♥
With the next question, I hope I’m not prying too much, but we are curious…
What’s the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?
Angela: I focus on the positives in life…they keep me a strong and kind soul.
Marie: Okay.
Let’s move on to another topic, shall we?
[Maggie nods.]
What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?
Angela: I’ve always wanted to write…it’s always been in my heart. I have achieved this with over 50 published works and my readers make my heart smile every time we connect.
Marie: Awesome! 😀
Who is your role model, Angela?
Angela: I have two! My parents. They’ve loved, taught, guided and supported me through the years. They’re also my ‘fairytale’ couple and inspire the true love in my romance writing.
Marie: I know what you mean. My parents are a good match, too. 😉
Well, let’s try something else.
Is there someone you pretend to like but really dislike?
Angela: No, not one soul. There may be some whose behaviors I don’t agree with, but that’s what makes us all individuals and unique.
Marie: True!
What is your deepest desire?
Angela: I hope to meet my soul mate in this universe someday and have my own happily-ever-after.
Marie: (Nods.) And, of course, you deserve it! ♥
Let’s go for a different approach now.
Just curious here, but what is your greatest fear?
Angela: The time that will, unfortunately, come without my parents.
Marie: I know. Mine are getting on in age. It is odd sometimes to realize how very short life is.😕
Let’s switch gears for a second.
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what five essentials would you need with you? They don’t have to be practical.
Angela: Well…if there’s basic food, shelter, safety, and those I love are okay…then I’d pick my laptop (so I can write!), wine, chocolate, music…and Kenny Chesney…a girl can dream!
Marie: (Chuckles.) 😀
Okay, readers, let’s get the author’s perspective on one of her characters.
We’ve heard rumors about the heroine of your story, Raine Willows. Quite an interesting character. Can you tell us a little about her?
Angela: Raine is in her mid-twenties as the story begins. She’s a social worker, living the city-life until she receives news of her grandfather’s passing and returns to the farm she lived on with her Gramps. Coming home brings her peace and helps her find the love in her heart, through the wise words left by her Gramp’s letter.
Marie: All right.
And what are Raine’s greatest strengths?
Angela: She’s a strong, caring, gentle soul with self-driven, hard-working ethics.
Marie: Nice!
Any weaknesses of which we should be aware?
Angela: Forgetting who she was and the love she has to offer.
Marie: (Nods.) It is tough to open your heart again once it’s been bruised.
Let’s try something fun, shall we?
What are Raine’s favorite foods?
Angela: She loves and lives for bacon! Also loves pancakes and the dinners Luke makes…he’s the boy-next-door, her childhood best friend and the one who her heart belongs to. At the end of each book, I share a recipe of one of Raine’s favorites..
Marie: Cool!
And bacon with pancakes…yes, please! 😉
How about another question?
What’s a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has?
Angela: Once she’s returned home to the farm and reads her Gramps’s letter…she begins to realize the love in her heart is plenty to share and help other’s hearts heal.
Marie: How admirable!
Will readers like or dislike this character, and why?
Angela: They’ll love Raine…she’s a good soul, down-to-earth, caring individual. She’s had her struggles and heartaches to which we can relate to; and her giving, kind heart that keeps us loving her.
Marie: Happy to hear it! 😀
Now that we have a real taste of Raine, we have a few questions for you as well as the author, about the writing process of your book.
What first gave you the idea for The Letter Left?
Angela: My daughter requested a YA series…one for her age group. One of the sweet romance genre, and most important…a story based around the love of horses and healing hearts.
Marie: It’s fascinating how the muse works, huh? 😀
Let’s try something else.
What is your writing style like, Angela? Are you a pantster or a plotter?
Angela: I consider myself a planster! I plot to a certain point…then I just write!
Marie: Me too! 😉
So, I’m throwing this one in for our aspiring writers. Did you come across any specific challenges in writing The Letter Left or publishing it? What would you do differently the next time?
Angela: The Letter Left was my 25th published single title and even with the experience I’ve gained along the way, I continue to challenge myself to improve my writing and my research to make it realistic. A story, we as readers, can relate to as we enjoy the journey. And I will continue to do so with the next story! And to continue to write from my heart, loving what I do!
Marie: Sounds like a plan!
Well, it was a total pleasure having you here on the I Love Romance Blog! And how apropos is that, considering what a great story The Letter Left appears to be… ♥
Let’s learn more about this series.
Title: The Letter Left (book one of The Healing Hearts Ranch)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western, New Adult, Sweet Romance, Family Saga
Publication date: July 29, 2019
Here is the blurb:
A story of remembrance, a gift, and a love rediscovered through healing hearts.
Angela Ford takes a different direction this time to bring you a new adult series. A story centered around family, horses, true love, and finding your way from the wise words left to you.
Jack Willows was a great man. He always put others first. He’d taught his granddaughter to do the same. Raine Willows left her grandfather’s farm at eighteen to find her way in life. Seven years later, his death brings her back to the farm and her first love–the boy next door.
An empowering story of healing through horses. A farm that introduced her to the boy next door–Luke Daniels. The one she could never forget, no matter how many years and miles came between them. Grief reunites them, horses help heal their hearts, and gives them an idea to help others. An idea that had been her grandfather’s dream for her. The letter he left, changed the direction of her life and her heart.
Angela is giving us a peek at the story…
Raine found Luke in the kitchen cleaning up the breakfast he’d prepared for her. A slight touch of guilt for his gesture crossed her. “Hey.”
Luke kept washing the dishes in the sink. “Just wanted to clean up my mess before I left.”
His tone pulled at her heartstrings. Guilt set in a little deeper. “I’m sorry, too. I didn’t mean to be unappreciative of your nice gesture of breakfast. I was just – shocked to find you here.”
Luke reached for the dishtowel and turned to face her as he dried his hands. “But making light of the situation only came across as me being an ass.” He chuckled. “For that, I’m really sorry.” He walked closer to her. “Jack didn’t want you to know about the farm because he knew you’d keep him here, give up your job in the city and take care of him.”
Raine nodded. “And that, he clearly didn’t want.” She would have done it. She would have done anything for Jack Willows.
Luke leaned against the counter. “He loved you, Raine. More than anything. He knew you loved him and would have taken care of him.”
Raine stood quiet for a moment. She knew Luke was right. She was as stubborn as her grandfather. “But why didn’t he mention you were here? Why are you here, Luke?”
Luke took a deep breath. “Jack is”—he corrected himself—“was a great man. After my father passed, I came back to save the farm, but my dad had let it go along with himself. Jack heard about it and asked if I’d do him a favor.” Luke smiled at Raine.“Who wouldn’t do a favor for Jack Willows?”
Raine nodded in agreement and Luke continued with the reason he’d been there. “Jack wanted to leave the farm to you, Raine; but he didn’t want you to turn down the offer at the hospital to care for him. He told me he always wanted you to find your own way in life.” Luke paused with a smile, “But he also said the farm was a big part of you, and when the day came, you’d know what to do.”
Luke turned and opened a drawer. He pulled out two envelopes. One he opened and showed it to Raine. A letter in her grandfather’s handwriting, dated almost two years ago. It was an agreement signed by him and it reiterated what Luke had just told her. Raine looked at Luke and then pointed to the other envelope in his hand. “What’s that?”
Luke moved closer and handed her the envelope. “Jack wanted me to give this to you after his death.”
Raine felt the moisture build in her eyes. With trembling fingers, she took it from Luke’s hand. She stood for a moment in silence. She didn’t know if she could read the last words from her grandfather.
Luke pulled a chair out from the table and motioned for Raine to take a seat. “I’ll give you some time to read that in private.”
Raine smiled. “Thank you.” She appreciated the respect he offered while she read her grandfather’s letter. He nodded and placed the letter opener on the table and made his way up the back staircase.
Raine reached for the opener and let it slide across the sealed letter. Slowly, she opened the neatly folder paper to find her grandfather’s writing. As she read the words he’d left her with, a solemn tear fell down her cheek. The lump in her throat gave her the sensation it would not be a single tear, but she fought hard against the urge to cry. She needed to relax her tangled thoughts to read his words to her.
Intense! Can’t wait to find out what happens next. 😀
Purchase Links:
Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/b6kq6p
Publisher link: http://bookstogonow.com/books/the-letter-left/
Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46643279-the-letter-left
What are people saying about The Letter Left?
“” – Redrabbit, Amazon
“” – Melissa, Amazon
“” – Victoria Zumbrum, Amazon
Looks fantastic! 😉
Let’s switch to the sequel…
Title: Harvest Homecoming (book two of The Healing Hearts Ranch)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western, New Adult, Sweet Romance, Family Saga
Publication date: September 29, 2019
Here is the blurb:
An empowering story centered around family, horses, love and loss, friendship and betrayal, and finding your way from the wise words left to you. The wholesome family saga continues on a ranch in the Montana mountains in the small town of Crystal Creek.
The lazy-hazy days of summer give way to shorter days and endless views of vibrant colors during the town’s harvest festivities. Crystal Creek High kicks off the season’s opening game while seniors, Cassidy and Kaitlyn prepare for the horse show, a cheating boyfriend, and saddle up for a promposal to the homecoming dance.
Love is in the air as the festivities begin. Equine therapist, Dr. Pam Whitfield, arrives at the ranch on the day of Raine and Luke’s engagement party and meets a local farmer in attendance. Jackson Knox makes an impact and she remembers his name like its been engraved on her heart. With the first guests arriving shortly after the festivities, Trainer Kelly Brannan must deal with a past romantic issue which may affect the opening of the Healing Hearts Ranch and her job.
Angela is giving us a peek at this story as well…
Purchase Links:
Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/mKxqgB
Publisher link: http://bookstogonow.com/books/harvest-homecoming/
Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48152900-harvest-a-homecoming
What are people saying about Harvest Homecoming?
“Crystal Creek felt like home. ” – Redrabbit, Amazon
“Sweet, clean and delightful! ” – Nicole Laverdure, Amazon
“” – Cara C., Amazon
Wow, love these book covers!
We’ll be sure to get a copy of this sweet, new adult modern western romance series, with an occasional YA twist! ♥♥♥
Healing Hearts Ranch – An empowering series centered around family, horses, love and loss, friendship and betrayal, and finding your way from the wise words left.
About Angela Ford
Angela resides in Nova Scotia – Canada’s Ocean Playground. Inspired by sunsets, the ocean, her family, and books! She is never without a book, whether she’s reading or writing. Angela is a bestselling and award-winning author who has been in the Amazon top fifty, Readers’ Choice Awards and ScreenCraft. She has over 50 published works in paperback, eBook, audiobook, and foreign translation. An Award of Distinction sparked the idea for her first book Closure, which hit Bestselling Action & Adventure, Women’s fiction. In between mysteries, Angela writes short contemporary romance. She loves to connect with her readers!
Books:
And, if you want to know how to connect with the fascinating Angela Ford, here are some author links…
Website/Blog: http://www.angelafordauthor.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writerangelaford
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelaFord67
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Angela-Ford/e/B00EAYZBYM/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7213399.Angela_Ford
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angela-ford
Newsletter Sign-up: https://bit.ly/2C8DdeI
Once again, I want to thank Angela Ford, the brilliant author of this new adult, sweet contemporary western romance series, with the backdrop of a family saga, for stopping by! It was a pleasure to have you here! Readers, check out her work! ♥
Books, coffee, and chocolate make up both the heart and body mass that is better known as Amelia Foster. She has been a lifelong lover of the written word, both as a reader and an author, and completed her first manuscript at the ripe old age of five complete with illustrations. Sadly, her art was a medium that never improved over time, although thankfully her writing has.
Karina: Charlee works as a physical therapist at a senior center, where her dad lives. She moonlights as a trainer for her alma mater’s football team. At age 29, she’s still single, quietly holding a torch for her high school sweetheart.
