Monday, November 28, 2011

Rhonda Gibson's "A Biltmore Christmas"

Title: A Biltmore Christmas
Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Cover blurb:Explore the luxuries of America’s largest home through the eyes of the fiction Bradford sisters. Having been orphaned, they each secure work and lodging at the Biltmore estate. Charity, a laundress; Peggy, an assistant cook, Selma, a chambermaid; and Melissa, a stable "boy" each experience adventures in employment and romance that culminate at Christmastime when the Vanderbilts’ hospitality is at its grandest level.

1) How did this story come to you?
Sylvia Barnes approached me about joining this collection. Peggy is the oldest sister and I just knew she’d be a wonderful cook but I also knew she’d be allergic to bees. The Biltmore house fascinated me from the beginning and Peggy’s story simply unfolded as I researched this wonderful piece of history.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I am very lucky to have a support group called The Bards Of Faith. We like to brainstorm and help each other get published. This book started with the Bards and has been a wonderful adventure. One of our members pitched the story at the ACFW conference to Rebecca Germany. She liked the idea and from there we researched and wrote our stories.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. The older I get the more recluse I become.
2. I love to read fantasy fiction
3. I have moved out of my writing cottage and into an office, if you’ve been following me for long, you know I LOVED my writing cottage.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now I’m working on a mail order bride historical romance. My next release will be in May and is a Love Inspired Historical titled, The Marshal’s Promise. I’m thrilled to be a part of the LIH family!

5) Parting comments?
I love writing and would enjoy hearing from readers. Feel free to email me at rgib2001@yahoo.com Thank you for having me. This has been fun!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
www.rhondagibson.com or visit my blog at http://rhondagibson.blogspot.com 

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48 comments:

  1. Kathi MaciasNovember 28, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    Thanks for the great interview! I look forward to reading this book.

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  2. Patty Smith HallNovember 28, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    Great interview! And I love the Biltmore! It's just about two hours up the road from me since I moved back to Georgia.

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  3. Janet Lee BartonNovember 28, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Great interview! I love the idea behind this collection! Makes me really want to visit the Biltmore!

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  4. Carol CoxNovember 28, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Sounds delightful, Rhonda! And I love the cover!

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  5. Sherri ShackelfordNovember 28, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    What a wonderful concept! I love the idea of using the Biltmore Estates :)

    Sherri Shackelford

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  6. mrst72443November 28, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    Another wonderful book! I love to come here for books. I love to read about the authors the books are so great. My passion is reading, so I always hope that I win!!!
    Thanks and Blessing's.
    Judi. mrst72443@yahoo. Com

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  7. Aaron McCarverNovember 28, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    Hey Rhonda,
    Thanks for the mention of the Bards. We wouldn't be the same without you and your support!

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  8. Cheryl St.JohnNovember 28, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    Great interview, Rhonda!

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  9. Jan KernNovember 28, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Anything Christmas piques my interest but especially the beauty of the Biltmore Estates at Christmastime, so it was fun to read your interview and hear of your book. I bet this was a fun story for you to write.

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  10. Debby MayneNovember 28, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    The book looks wonderful! Can't wait to read it!

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  11. Marty McConnellNovember 28, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    I love love love this book! Perfect time of year to read it too!

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  12. Robin BayneNovember 28, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Thanks for sharing! Every time I see the word "Biltmore" I think it says "Baltimore." LOL
    rlbayne(at)nbayne.com

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  13. Carla GadeNovember 28, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Nice interview. I liked learning more about Rhonda and this book sounds like my cup of tea!

    Please enter me in the drawing. carlagade [at] gmail [dot] com

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  14. AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    Hi Rhonda. I enjoyed meeting all the sisters int he books. I'm looking forward to your LIH book in the spring.

    Lori Beatty

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  15. Carrie TuranskyNovember 28, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Hi Rhonda! So fun to read more about you and this Christmas collection. I love Christmas novellas. This one looks like a treasure.
    Blessings,
    Carrie
    carrie (at) Turansky (dot) com

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  16. Kathleen Y'BarboNovember 28, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    Can't wait to read it!

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  17. Linda Farmer HarrisNovember 28, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Hi Rhonda, congratulations on the delightful interview. The Biltmore is one of my dream visits. I'm looking forward to seeing it through Peggy's eyes. Lin

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  18. Linore Rose Burkard, NovelistNovember 28, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    Love the title and the premise of the book, Rhonda. What can beat Christmas, luxury and LOVE all mixed together? : )
    Thanks,

    Linore
    http://www.LinoreBurkard.com

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  19. AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Hi, Rhonda,
    I admit I knew very little about the estate before reading the book. Now I want to go visit it! Really proud of what you all accomplished in this lovely book.

    Jacqueline Wheelock

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  20. Marilyn TurkkNovember 28, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    The book sounds great. I love the Biltmore House and think it is a great setting for stories. I'm looking forward to reading this. Thanks for the interview.

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  21. Martha W. RogersNovember 28, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    I missed seeing the Biltmore because it wasn't open and we had to leave early the next day. I've always been fascinated by the pictures I've seen of it and it makes for a lovely Christmas setting. I'm looking forward to reading it.
    marthalrogers(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  22. karenkNovember 28, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    thanks for the chance to read this beautiful story :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  23. CarlybirdHNovember 28, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    What a wonderful place to set a novel. I love everything about the Biltmore. I would love to win this book. Thank you very much. I already subscribe to the emails.
    carlyberd[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Books Are A BlessingNovember 28, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    What a great interview...and I love Christmas books and would love this one to read!
    Blessings....Joy
    ibjoy1953(@)yahoo(dot)com

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  25. Connie StevensNovember 28, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    I've driven by the Biltmore House at least a dozen times and have never had the opportunity to see it, but have always wanted to tour the place. After I read A Biltmore Christmas, (an absolutely delightful book!!) I'm making reservations to see this magical house that I've always wanted to see.

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  26. nylnestillNovember 28, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    thanks for giving fans a chance to win one of your books!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Margaret DaleyNovember 28, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Rhonda, you are doing so great. I'll thrilled for you.

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  28. Virginia VaughanNovember 28, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Rhonda,
    Congratulations on the book and the interview!

    ReplyDelete
  29. apple blossomNovember 28, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    oh, yes please enter me I love Christmas books.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  30. JoNovember 28, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    I love reading Christmas stories and want to read this. Please enter me.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Megan DiMariaNovember 28, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    Fun interview. A novel set in that mansion sounds intriguing!

    mdimaria3 (at) comcast (dot) net

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  32. Bonnie LeonNovember 28, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    What a grand idea for story writing. I'd love to read this book.

    Grace and peace to you, Rhonda and K. Dawn.

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownNovember 29, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    I would love to read this book. I have always enjoyed reading about the time in history, of the real life "mail order brides". It is amazing how women were willing to leave their families to marry someone that they did not know.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Lady DragonKeeperNovember 29, 2011 at 1:40 AM

    Sounds like a neat story --I haven't read many books set in Biltmore. Thanks for the chance to win!

    jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

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  35. Mary PrestonNovember 29, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    I know I will thoroughly enjoy learning more about the Bradford sisters.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  36. Dora HiersNovember 29, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    Rhonda, A Biltmore Christmas sounds like a great read. Congrats!!

    I'm with you, Rhonda. The older I get, the more I prefer to stay at home, especially on a cold winter night. Nothing sweeter than snuggling in front of the fireplace sipping hot chocolate. Mmmm...

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  37. AnonymousNovember 29, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Rhonda, Yea for you!! You are amazing. And thanks for even mentioning me. I loved writing this with you, my chocolate buddy.
    Sylvia Barnes

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  38. Diane AshleyNovember 29, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Hi Rhonda, Sorry to be so late chiming in. I didn't realize you had this interview until this morning. I'm so glad the Biltmore collection came together and that others are so interested in reading about that historic place. Can't wait to read The Marshal's Promise and The Midwife's Legacy. Keep up the good work!

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  39. Rhonda GibsonNovember 29, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    Thanks everyone for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Vickie McDonoughNovember 29, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Hey, Rhonda! I'm so glad to see this book is finally out.

    And I'd never think of you as a recluse. You're too bubbly and friendly.

    I'm looking forward to reading your LIH book.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Literary ChanteuseNovember 29, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    Sounds like a wonderful book! Thank you for the giveaway!

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. MerryNovember 29, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    The Biltmore sounds like a magical place and to have a Christmas setting for romance, what could be better!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousNovember 29, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    I love Christmas stories and A Biltmore Christmas sounds like a great story. I can just see it in my mind.
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. JanetNovember 29, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    I visited the Biltmore about 10 yrs ago when hubby & I were working the summer at a campground near Cherokee,NC. I can imagine this as a great setting for your book! Thanks for writing books that inspire us to love the Lord! Would sure enjoy a copy! workamper2530@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Dawn AdamsNovember 30, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    I love the thought of you having a Writing Cottage - I've always dreamed of a special Studio to paint and do crafts in. :O) Hope your office is as quaint and comfortable as your Writing Cottage must have been. I also dream of going to the Biltmore Estate. Especially to see the gardens. How lovely the interior must be now all decorated for Christmas. Your book sounds charming and one that I would be most interested in reading. Thank you! Please enter me in the free drawing.
    Dawn Adams
    daisyflower.adams@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Carol N WongNovember 30, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    I would love to see the Biltmore mansion but through this book, I could visit it in another time. What a wonderful twist on a Christmas story!

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Susan HollawayNovember 30, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    Sounds like a great story!

    shollaway2008(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  48. heelfanDecember 6, 2011 at 12:32 AM

    I would love to win this book. I am interested in this book because I live near Asheville, NC where Biltmore House is located. Thanks!
    heelfan91@att.net (Sherry D.)

    ReplyDelete

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