Title: Yesterday’s Stardust
Publisher: Barbour
Cover blurb: Journalist Dani Gallagher’s zeal to make a difference hinders her objectivity. While trying to help a teen gang member, her lack of “street smarts” angers Nicky Fiorini, chef and manager of Bracciano Restaurant. Ignoring Nicky’s warnings, Dani is intent on writing a story about gang activity in his neighborhood.
In an alley near the restaurant, Dani finds a tattered journal. The diary, written in the 1920s by a girl caught in the web of organized crime, mentions Bracciano—and a hidden treasure. In spite of their explosive meeting, Dani convinces Nicky to help her uncover what happened to the girl and her secret.
Attraction ignites as they work together, but both are hiding secrets of their own. Nicky isn’t ready to talk about the incident that hardened his heart toward God. When a fight erupts and Dani is caught in the middle, Nicky is furious to find Dani’s been learning about teen gangs by joining one.
The diary leads to a hidden room, and the secret, but have they missed the most valuable treasure?
1) How did this story come to you?
The seeds of this story began many years ago. I was writing with my dear friend and writing partner Cathy Wienke at the time. I was working in a ministry with at-risk teens and we brainstormed a story about a reporter who gets overly involved with a teen gang and a handsome Italian chef who thinks she’s crazy. We had a few chapters written when we decided to abandon the project for another story. When the opportunity for a full-length series came my way, Cathy gave her blessing. I created new characters and plot lines and developed the historical thread, but this story wouldn’t be what it is without her input.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I was blessed to be asked by Barbour, for whom I’d been writing since 1994, to develop a proposal for a full-length series. I’m so grateful they liked the concept for the Lost Sanctuary Series.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I had a near-death experience when I was 26.
2. I wish I owned an ATV.
3. I’ve backpacked in the Tetons, Rockies, and Smokeys.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m currently between contracts and working on a proposal for a three-book contemporary series. Each story will also include a second plot thread going back to the nineteen-forties, -fifties, and –sixties. I’m also working with three other amazing authors on a proposal for a novella collection. This compilation will include both contemporary and historical stories.
5) Parting comments? Thank you so much for inviting me!
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.beckymelby.com/
