Delia Latham's "Destiny's Dream"

We're happy to have Delia Latham with us today talking about her book Destiny's Dream. To learn more about Delia and her book, read on!

Title: Destiny’s Dream
Publisher: White Rose Publishing, the first book in the Solomon’s Gate Series.

Cover blurb:
Is a little respect too much to ask at a parent’s funeral?
Apparently it is for Destiny May. Clay Gallagher is built like a small mountain and far more vocal than is fitting when he shows up late to her mother’s “going away party.” When it turns out he’s not even at the right funeral, Destiny demands retribution in the form of an escape from the day’s dreary proceedings. Spending time with a handsome stranger who makes her laugh is more therapeutic than fighting with her overbearing family.
Clay finds Destiny beautiful, charming...and intelligent. So why is she stubbornly determined to open a Christian dating service? Clay has little respect for such a frivolous profession, and doesn’t think the small, conservative town of Castle Creek will welcome such a progressive business. But when Destiny is threatened by an anonymous caller who deeply resents her and what she does for a living, Clay makes it his business to keep the saucy redhead out of harm’s way.
Trouble is, spending time in her company weakens his defenses, and Destiny may be the one thing Clay can’t escape...if he even wants to.

1) How did this story come to you?
I read a book about a woman who operated a dating agency several years ago…well, actually, it’s been a decade or more—before dating agencies became commonplace. The concept intrigued me, and I couldn’t help thinking how fun it would be to write a book about a Christian dating agency. From that, the storyline just evolved and grew and became Solomon’s Gate.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I submitted the manuscript to two other publishers. The first one wanted either pure romance, or a heavier dose of intrigue. The second wanted some changes I wasn’t thrilled about making—I would have, of course, had that been my only option. But I decided to send it to one more publisher first, and pray that they would love it as it was. White Rose Publishing did love it, and asked for information on the two follow-up storylines as well. I wound up with contracts on all three books, which was so much more than I had dared to hope for.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I used to sing in a Country and Western band, and actually made a couple of recordings during that time. I still love to sing, although an episode of asthma and pneumonia stole my breath and made it harder for me to sing for extended periods of time.
2. I married at age 16 and, thirty-seven years later, my husband and I still love each other.
3. Even though I write in the inspirational market, I do not read only inspirational books. Actually, my favorite book ever is Swan Song, by Robert R. McCammon. I also particularly enjoyed The Stand, by Stephen King. Neither book is inspirational, but both are epic tales of good vs. evil.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m currently working on Gypsy’s Game, the third book in the Solomon’s Gate Series. The second book (Kylie’s Kiss) is in the hands of the editors. I’ve already seen the first galleys, and am expecting 2nd round edits any time.

5) Parting comments?
Along with my blog tour, I’m conducting a big, fun contest. I’m encouraging readers to check out the details and find out how to earn plenty of entries into the Daughters of Destiny Contest.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Lots of places, the most obvious, of course, being my website. I also have a blog, where I conduct interviews with other authors and post reviews of books I’ve read.
Then there’s my bi-monthly newsletter, Facebook, Bebo, Twitter, and a bunch of other networking sites. I love hearing from my readers, so be sure to pop in and say hello!