Monday, December 19, 2011

Angela Ruth's "Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho"


Title: Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho
Publisher: Summerside Press, an imprint of Guidepost

Cover blurb: Actress Emily Van Arsdale has finally returned to her home state—with an entire film crew in tow! With stunning scenery and a reputation for hosting celebrities, Sun Valley is the perfect setting for Emily’s newest romantic comedy. Tracen Lake is happy to work as a stunt consultant for the movie but not as thrilled to deal with a bunch of high-maintenance Hollywood types. Tracen is surprised, however, to discover in Emily a down-to-earth Idaho girl who does all her own stunts and loves the outdoors. As filming wraps up and Emily heads off to her next gig, will she be able to leave Sun Valley—and Tracen—behind?

1) How did this story come to you?
The story actually started out as Love Finds You in Sweet Home, Oregon—an area with a lot of water and known for outdoor adventures. This inspired Tracen’s background and the whole theme of “home sweet home” versus “home is where the heart is.” When the publisher asked me to move the location to Sun Valley (they already had quite a few stories set in Oregon), the swanky culture fit Emily’s celebrity status perfectly.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Man, I wish publishing books was always as easy as this one turned out to be. Before selling the Sun Valley story, I had written three complete novels that couldn’t find a home. All Summerside requested for their new romance line was a proposal including three chapters. I banged it out in a day. When my agent called with the good news, I was sure it would be for one of my other books that I’d slaved years over. But I’m so glad I sold this story, because I absolutely loved getting to know the characters.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. My husband left me in the middle of the writing/publication process, and I haven’t finished reading a romance novel since.
2. I moved in with some neighbors who supported me through the divorce, and I dedicated the book to them for showing me what love was again.
3. God brought Prince Charming into my life, and being married to him is so much better than any romance novel. For our wedding, my publisher let us design a mock “Love Finds You” book cover with our own photo on it to put on display (left)

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently writing a prayer book (similar to Stormie Omartian’s series) for abandoned wives. God romanced me in such a sweet way after my divorce that I want to share that fulfillment with all unloved wives.

5) Parting comments?
Publishing my first book was an amazing experience, and it’s eye-opening to learn how different readers perceive it. Be forewarned that this story is considered larger than life and includes romance scenes that will awaken your senses. But I’m proud to claim that even those who had complaints admit to finishing the whole book in one day!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I’ve just recently started a blog primarily for women forced to move on after their husband moves out. I’d love to have readers visit, but I’d especially love it if they passed on the blog site to anyone they know struggling with infidelity and/or divorce: www.angelaruthstrong.blogspot.com.

18 comments:

  1. Would love to read this book! God blessed you through your struggles and has already used you to help others who have gone through a similar experience. I'm so happy to hear that He brought you your Prince Charming and has turned to good what satan meant for evil. ♥♥

    Cassie
    go2him@insightbb.com

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  2. What a testimony that you have to share and how G-d really blessed you with your neighbors and your husband now. I would love to read your Love Finds You book. I really enjoy reading them.

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

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  3. Angela, I really do know what you have gone through. My husband left me after 25 years of marriage. Just upped and walked away. I hung on to God like I had never had before. My faith, family, and friends helped me through the divorce. After an 8 year marriage to my second husband who died of a brain tumor, God brought my present husband into my life. Can you believe I married my Adult Sunday School teacher? God is good, but most of all God is faithful. I pray God continues to bless you over and over.

    I would love to win a copy of LFY in Sun Valley, Idaho.

    God Bless and Merry Christmas!

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  4. I got carried away in my posting and forgot to add my email address:

    judyjohn2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  5. i love the LFY series, and am looking forward to this one. Thanks, Dawn and Angela for the great post and giveaway.

    mitzi[underscore]wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  6. This sounds like a great story! I really enjoy reading the LFY series, and I'm looking forwarding to reading this one. Thanks for giving one away!

    Randi
    wpd_2(at)hotmail(.)com

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  7. I absolutely love this series. Thank you so much for the chance to win this. I would love to read this. Thanks again.

    agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  8. Wow you definatly went through alot but isn't good to know that God never leaves us.

    Thank you for sharing and a chance to win.

    Lourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com

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  9. Please enter me...would love to win and read this book...thanks....jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

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  10. It's sad when we take our vows so seriously and then they are trampled on. God is good and uplifts us during those times. I too was blessed with a wonderful man after my divorce. I would love to win a copy of your book.
    skstiles612[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  11. The breakup of a marriage is always a sad thing. God bless the neighbors who helped you through!
    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  12. I know very little about stunt work for movies. Reading "Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho" would be a lovely way to learn more.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  13. love the LFY series thanks for chance to win

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  14. thanks for the chance to read this wonderful novel :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  15. It sounds like the author's personal story is just as intriguing as a novel. It's wonderful you are using your pain to help others and for God's glory.

    I'd love to read this book.

    laurelprincess12 at gmail dot com

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  16. I would love to win this awesome book. Thanks for the chance.
    ibjoy1953@yahoo(dot)com

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  17. This book sounds like a really good book! I would love to win a copy! Thank you for sharing your heart in this interview.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  18. Your personal story, how you felt love again and was able to love again after your husband left you is such an inspiration - 'unloved wives' is a sad reality! I'd enjoy reading any book you've written. Thank you for the free book offer. Merry Christmas!!!
    Dawn
    daisyflower.adams@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

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