JoAnn Carter's "Paradox"

Title: Paradox
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing

Cover blurb: Lilly Holland’s passion is flowers-not people. All she’s ever dreamed of was a peaceful life surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. The exact opposite of what life is like at the touristy Holland Lodge in the small town of Paradox. So, why does she feel like God is nudging her to go? He, if anyone, should know better than ask this of her.

Ric Walker, Holland Lodge’s grounds keeper, is Lilly’s only link to sanity. His steady presence and strong faith encourages her through this trying situation. However, that sanity is threatened as she realizes her feelings for him are changing into something more, something deeper.

Will Lilly learn that Paradox is more than a town’s name, but rather a divine place where God can reveal His power, bring healing, and love, just when she thinks all hope is gone?

1) How did this story come to you?
We live in Vermont, but our extended families are from in New Jersey. Whenever we go back to visit, we drive through a tiny little town in New York, that if you'd blink—you'd miss it—called Paradox. The name always made me wonder about the town's founders and such.


2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It's was about a year and a half (or more) of a long dry spell. I had submitted many things and receiving lots of rejection slips... so I went back through a list of possible publishers to bug--ah, I mean submit to. :) Then along comes a random e-mail from a dear friend mentioning a publisher I had on that list, Desert Breeze Publishing. Fast forward a month. I decided to query Desert Breeze Pub. That same day I get an e-mail stating not to expect to hear back until July—eight months later. GULP! Looks like another possible dead-end. However, three day's later, an e-mail arrives... they like what I submitted and offered a contract. Needless to say, I was overjoyed. I can't wait to see what God will do next. I can only sit in this roller-coaster seat and enjoy the ride.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I am the wife of a wonderful Youth Pastor who has been in the ministry for 20+years.
2. We have four children—all boys. (One of which is about to get his learners permit!)
3. Although I enjoy being around people, I am an introvert and "recharge" my batteries by walking, reading, listening to music, and spending time alone.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
What's next? A Mission trip to Mexico!
Yes, your read that right. This summer, our family is headed to serve in Mexico. Writing wise, in the middle of our time away, The Floating Palace ~ A Historical Inspirational Romance will be released. (July 15, 2011) You can check it out here~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDcuTF8v9bg
Then in December, Hidden Paths a Young Adult Inspirational Romance will release through Desert Breeze Publishing. What a great way to finish up 2011, huh? God has been so faithful.

5) Parting comments?
Perhaps today, you're feeling stuck in a rut and listening to the lie that you're not worth anything and what you've done in your past defines who you are today. Don't believe it. No matter where you are, what you've done, or who you are, your heavenly Father loves you -- dearly. Some days that feels like such a paradox! I love Merriam-Webster definition of that word, "a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is true"...such is the love of God. Why He loves me so is beyond my comprehension. Yet He does and it is my prayer that each person who reads this book will be challenged to consider that and what it means for your life.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site