Title: Bound by Grace
Publisher: Barbour Publishing / Heartsong Presents
Cover blurb: While young ladies happily attend parties, gossip, and pursue eligible gentleman, Charlotte would rather run her bookshop and discuss great literature with her customers. But when her parents pressure her to agree to an advantageous match, Charlotte fears she'll be trapped in a loveless marriage. Richard Baxton feels pressure at every turn. The accidental deaths of his brother and sister-in-law leave him responsible for the family business and his niece Grace, who is unable to walk. When Grace's love for books leads him to Charlotte's bookshop, Richard is drawn to Charlotte's sweet spirit. But endless problems leave Richard unable to afford the surgery that may allow Grace to walk again and to assure Charlotte's parents that he could provide for their daughter. Time is running out before Grace is permanently paralyzed, Charlotte is forced to marry a man she barely knows, and Richard will lose the woman he loves. Will God's grace bind them together as they confront their challenges?
1) How did this story come to you?
I wrote a series that released in 2008, set in Delaware during the Colonial era. Many of my readers asked if I was going to continue that family’s story at some point. So, when my editor asked me for another 3-book series, I jumped forward a little over 100 years and continued the family a few generations down the line, using a book that figured prominently in the first book of the previous series to tie the couples together in each of the 3 books of the new series. It proved quite a challenge—albeit an enjoyable one—to research the area over 100 years into the future and map out the family lineage from where I left off to where I began with this book.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
There isn’t much to say, to be honest. Since I had already sold 8 books to my publisher, I didn’t have to do anything more than pitch a paragraph or two about this series to my editor. She loved the premise and sent me a contract from a 2-page synopsis.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) Before I married, I was the only living female Miller in my family (except my mother who married into the name).
2) My grandfather’s cousin married President Woodrow Wilson while he was president, so I’m somewhat related to “American Royalty.” :)
3) I work for international celebrity Jane Seymour, handling her fan mail and managing her web site.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently writing book 2 in this series (Stealing Hearts), and it’s due in January. My next book releases in May 2012, and it’s a novella (Colonial Courtships) with 3 other authors. I’m also working on a 3-book series for Harvest House Publishers, and there’s a possibility of another book for an ongoing series partnering multiple authors from a single literary agency working in collaboration. That’s a relatively new development, so nothing is confirmed yet.
5) Parting comments?
I’d like to thank K. Dawn for having me here today, and you for stopping by to read this interview.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Look me up anytime at http://www.amberstockton.com/. There, you will find links to my blog, Facebook fan page, and Twitter account. I love to hear from my readers, and anyone who follows or is interested in my writing career. Drop a note. I always respond within 48-72 hours, unless one of my 2 little ones interrupts my nicely made plans. :)
