Publisher: Whimsical Publications
Cover blurb: Justin Reeves is a man who has it all: a good job, a loving wife and children who are the center of his universe - or so it seems. Justin also has a secret he's hidden from everyone his entire life or so he thought. Quite innocently his small daughter, Debby, stumbles upon his secret and is shocked by what she finds. She confronts her father with the awful truth, and together they embark upon a journey which takes her father from the darkness of shame into the light of victory.
Drawing from true events in her own childhood, Diane Craver captivates the reader from page one to a stunning climax which will touch your heart and impact your life forever in this must-read story of love’s triumph over adversity.
1) How did this story come to you?
I had thought of writing a story about my father for a long time. His life was hard with his mother’s rejection and being raised by various relatives. Even though both parents deserted him, he had a deep faith in God, and was able to be a good father to me and my siblings.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
A Christmas Gift was formerly published under the title, The Christmas of 1957. When I decided to make it longer and to change the title, I submitted it to a new publisher. The story has also been revised throughout the book. By the way, the main character, Debby, is a 60 year-old woman in the prologue and epilogue. Debby is a child in the rest of the story.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I was a carhop at a root beer stand for 3 years during high school. I’d love to learn how to play drums and be in a band. I met my husband while both of us were teaching at an orphanage.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on a story about a father and daughter, both teach at the same college in Virginia. The father is anxious for his daughter, Lexi, to get married and give him a grandchild. Lexi thinks her father needs to move on with his life. Her mother died three years ago on the way to the bridal shop to pick up Lexi’s wedding dress. I have two releases on November 15, A Christmas Gift and a sweet story, “The Proposal”, which is in A Christmas Collection. Both will be available in print and ebook format.
5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for having me on your fantastic blog. Readers, if you haven’t read any of my books, I hope you do! I’m published through a variety of houses, including Desert Breeze, Whimsical Publications, Samhain, Victory Tales Press, and Booklocker.com. I write inspiring stories filled with memorable characters. I’m giving a signed print copy of A Christmas Gift to one lucky winner! If the winner should live outside of U.S., I’ll substitute the ebook format instead.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.dianecraver.com Blog: http://www.dianecraver.com/blog and my wonderful Jewels of the Quill group: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/jewelsofthequill.html
I’m also on Facebook! A Christmas Gift can be purchased at http://www.whimsicalpublications.com/ or other online places.
