Santa, Bring My Baby Back
by Cheryl Harper
Genre: New Adult Romance
Published December 17th 2013 by Avon Impulse
Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | IndieBound
A bride abandoned at the altar . . . just in time for Christmas? 'Tis the season for second chances at Cheryl Harper's Elvis-themed Rock'n'Rolla Hotel.
After trying and failing at acting, modeling, dog grooming, and a dozen other jobs, Grace Andersen thought for sure she'd nail marrying a rich man. But dumped in a hotel chapel and strapped for cash, Grace needs a miracle—and a job.
If it were up to Charlie McMinn, Grace would be a married lady by now. Officiating weddings in gold lamé and a rock star pompadour may not have been his idea of getting into the holiday spirit, but with a gorgeous bride asking for his help, Charlie doesn't mind sticking around his mother's hotel a few more days. Especially if it means getting Grace settled …
Grace isn't sure what to think of sexy, rugged Charlie, except that she can't deny the attraction between them, or how good it feels to finally fit in somewhere. Is she ready to give a certain place—and a certain someone—a real chance? Or will she abandon a true Christmas miracle?
Hello, readers! Author Moments is a feature on my blog wherein we'll be having a chitchat interview with an author, discuss her works, her life, her favorites, and so much more! I hope you'll enjoy reading :)
Today, we'll be having a moment with the author Cheryl Harper!
Q&A WITH CHERYL HARPER
1. SANTA, BRING MY BABY BACK is a great holiday read! How did you first get into writing?
I’m pretty sure it all started with an addiction to the library. I remember devouring the Little House books and falling in love for the first time with Almanzo Wilder. That love of Manly and of reading led to many library trips and used book store expeditions. I studied English in college, and still remember the thrill and terror of my creative writing class. I’ve made up a million different stories in my head. Almost five years ago I made a New Year’s resolution to stop saying I wanted to write and just do it.
2. Why did you choose to write romance?
Whether it’s movies or books, I need a happy ending. Life is hard. When I pick up a story, I want to trust in the happy ending. To me, romance is about a wonderful gift for ordinary people, something we can believe in and hope for. No matter how black the black moment, romance is still about optimism and hope and that’s the kind of reading I want. If I can give another reader that feeling, leave a smile on his or her face, then I feel good about this job.
3. How did you come up with the idea for the Rock ‘n’ Rolla Hotel Series?
Avon called for novella submissions, and I had this idea but I needed just the right place, one that would be entertaining because those are the kinds of stories I want to tell, the ones that make you smile. Then my editor asked if I had any more stories. I did not, but I came up with three very quickly! When I started to ask who would visit such a place and, even better, who would work there, I met all kinds of interesting characters.
4. Describe Grace—what do you love most about her? And Charlie?
Grace is a free spirit, a rolling stone who doesn’t let today’s disappointment ruin tomorrow. She’s old enough now to understand that her dreams of being a star might not come true, but her failed attempt at marrying a rich man reminds her that she’s always only believed in herself anyway. I love most the fact that she’s lived her life as an adventure instead of clinging to the safe route. And Charlie’s the guy who likes to plan for emergencies. He’s made a horrible mistake and regrets it but can’t quite figure out how to get over it, so he lives with guilt and it makes him suspicious and careful. Except with Grace. I love most that he’s the kind of guy who would do anything for his family, no matter how hard or embarrassing or the cost. And I totally identify with his inability to forgive himself even after everyone else has.
5. What significance does Elvis play in the book? And our favorite dog, Misty?
Elvis isn’t really a part of any of the books except that his style is everywhere. Owner Willodean Jackson is a huge fan and, more important than that, she lives to create an atmosphere where his fans and non-fans alike are family. She’s created hotel rooms themed according to his movies, the halls are decorated with album covers, and all of his favorite foods are on the menu, but the stories are really about one woman’s attempt to share the things she loves with anyone in need. But Misty…she’s the hotel mascot. She spends her time stretched out in the lobby, snoring her welcome. And it’s a universal fact that anyone who loves dogs can’t be bad. Tony and Randa in Can’t Help Falling in Love bonded over their love for her, and Charlie in Santa, Bring My Baby Back appreciates her easy ways.
6. Have you ever been to Memphis? If so, what did you enjoy most?
Yes, I’ve spent a lot of time in Memphis, shopping mostly. And eating. Those are two of my favorite pastimes most places, but they’re both pretty darn good in Memphis.
7. Is there a particular author or book that has influenced your writing?
I love Jayne Ann Krentz in all her forms because she has such great heroes. They’re often kind of everyday guys (with maybe a little psychic talent), but they are quietly capable of doing anything that’s needed and that’s hot. Susan Elizabeth Phillips does humor the way I’d like to be able to do it. I love writers that can make me smile as I go.
8. What advice would you give aspiring writers looking to get into the publishing industry?
Make good friends. It’s so easy to feel like the only person in the whole world who’s struggling to get something besides a rejection letter. Your family will love you, but they probably won’t understand. To talk to someone who gets what you’re working toward and the discouragement that can come, you need friends on the same path.
9. What do you do to gear up for the festive, holiday season?
I mentioned I loved shopping and eating, right? Nothing combines those two pastimes like the holiday season!
10. What can fans of SANTA, BRING MY BABY BACK and the Rock ‘n’ Rolla Hotel Series look forward to next?
This is the last of this series. My next book will be available from Harlequin Heartwarming. A Minute on the Lips is the story of a small-town sheriff, the charming newspaper editor who’s always in her way, and a case she has to solve while she figures out if she really can go home again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cheryl Harper
Whether she's writing, reading, or just checking the items off of her daily to-do list, Cheryl Harper loves her romance mixed with a little laughter. When she's not working, you will find her ignoring housework, cursing yard work, and spending way too much time with a television remote in her hand.
Author Links:
Website // Twitter
