Author Spotlight + 2014 Favorite GIVEAWAY: Becky Wade

I have enjoyed everything Becky Wade has written and am honored that she would visit us this week. If you're a romance fan and haven't tried one of Becky's books, I promise you won't be disappointed. Her stories are filled with humor, lively banter, and great chemistry, as well as spiritual themes that are gently woven into the narrative. Please click on the title, Meant to Be Mine, to see my review.

Only a romantic like Becky could write such entertaining stories. And just from looking at Becky's photo, I suspect that she has a mischievous streak as well! From these words on Becky's blog, I believe almost everyone can relate to her in some way:  "These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband."

Now enjoy visiting with Becky and enter to win a copy of Meant to Be Mine at the end of this interview . . .


Q:  Please share briefly about yourself, Becky. Married with kids? Full-time or part-time writer?

        I'm a southern California girl who went to Texas for college, met a Texas boy there, married him, and now live in Texas.  We have three kids (ages 13, 11, 5).
        I'd classify myself as a part-time writer because my writing day ends at either 1:45 or 3, depending on when I have to pick my kids up from school.  However, during certain times of the year (like the two months before a deadline) writing can definitely feel like a full time plus overtime job!


Q:  It's obvious from your writing that you're a romantic at heart. How did your love affair with romance begin, Becky?

        In middle school, I discovered YA romances along the lines of the Sweet Valley High books.  I devoured them!  I remember being far more interested in the love storyline than in whatever external plotline might have been happening.
        From there, I graduated to romantic movies, TV shows, and full-length fiction for adults.  Romance has always been my 'cup of tea'.  I adore it and I adore writing about it.


Q:  When you have time to simply read for pleasure, do you favor another genre, or does romance still draw you?

Romance, all the way.  When I read another genre it's because: 1) I'm in need of a quick dose of something different to mix things up or 2) I've heard so much about a book that I've become intrigued and want to give it a try.

Q:  Tell us about the novel that we're featuring today, Meant to Be Mine. What is the inspiration behind it?

I've always enjoyed a classic romantic premise that we writers call "the secret baby".  (By secret, I mean a baby whose existence is hidden from his/her father.)  That idea, the secret baby idea, was the inspiration behind Meant to Be Mine.


Q:  Describe Meant to Be Mine in five words.

Romantic.  Funny.  Modern.  Fast-paced.  Emotional.


Q:  What will draw readers to Ty and Celia?

        I hope that readers will be drawn to Ty because he's charming and witty and generous and because, despite his mistakes, he's striving to be honorable.
        I hope readers will be drawn to Celia because she's a spunky single mom with a sense of humor and unswerving devotion to her child.


Q:  What faith elements did you weave into this story?

The book's theme is forgiveness.  Meant to Be Mine gave me a chance to  explore the awe-inspiring grace that God's extended to us as well as the joys and challenges we face when trying to forgive one another.


Q:  How would you describe your writing style, Becky?

Heartwarming and humorous.  I write about imperfect people who are nonetheless loved by a perfect God.  Thus, my books all have a strong faith storyline.  I strive to write authentic characters.  I like to laugh.  At least one of my two main characters is always ‘larger than life’ in some way.  My books are love stories.  My readers can count on a hunky hero who’s going to fall madly in love with the heroine.


Q:  What stories can we look forward to from you in the days ahead?

Meant to Be Mine is the second book in my Porter Family series.  Undeniably Yours was the first.  A Love Like Ours (which stars Jake Porter) will hit shelves in May.  And the final book in the series (about Dru Porter) will follow a year after.  I'm working on Dru's book now!


Q:  How can we support and/or pray for you?

        What a lovely question!  Thank you for asking, Carole.
        You can pray that God would meet me during my writing time and guide me to write the story that He intends.  I'd love prayer that God will continue to renew and refresh my love for my job (a necessity -- otherwise the writing can begin to feel like homework).  And, finally, like most working moms, I'm constantly trying to balance my work responsibilities with my family responsibilities.  I'd love God's wisdom with that.

Thank you so much for interviewing me here on your blog!  I really appreciate your support.  Warmly, Becky

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Becky, I know it takes valuable time to do interviews like this, but you are very much appreciated. And readers, be sure to connect with Becky online at beckywade.com, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for Meant to Be Mine, use the questions below for ideas and then express your feelings about romance stories. (No need to answer every question!)

Question:

Are you a romantic like Becky?

Do you prefer contemporary or historical - or both?

Full length or novella? Favorite authors?

What is it about a good romance that pulls you in?

Please remember that e-mail addresses are required for the drawing and be sure to leave them in a safe format - [at] and [dot]. If you're willing, it's also helpful to share about this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter.

"Likes" on my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews, are greatly appreciated, as are followers on Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, and this blog.

• Contest ends at midnight PST on Sunday, January 11.
• Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.
• Eligibility: US residents

Shared at Friendship Friday and Booknificent Thursday.