Friday, January 2, 2015

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


____________________

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

41 comments:

  1. Thank you for interviewing me here on your blog, Carole! Best of luck with the giveaway, everyone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Becky, I enjoy you and your books both, so I hope this is the first of many visits here! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.

      Delete
  2. Carole and Becky, I enjoyed the interview and learning more about Becky's life and her latest book. It's always fun to get to know the author behind the story. To answer a question--I prefer full-length books, but do read an occasional novella, when I need a little break in my reading. I also enjoy Christmas novellas. Becky, I will pray for you.
    may_dayzee (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Historical, definitely! I enjoy the research the authors do, so much more than we might have learned in school, placing their characters within the happenings/events of the time period. Ellis Island and orphan trains stories, as well as diaries left that tell a two-generation story of now and then, and the Love that drew them, are favorites. Growth in the characters learning to lean on the Lord with their actions, more than words, that draw others to Him showing how their lives have changed. I have read Becky's book one, Undeniably Yours, and would like to continue a win of book two! Thank you for this review and offering. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kate, I was looking back over my 2014 reads last night and discovered that historicals were the majority. But there are a few contemporary writers who stand out, and Becky is certainly one of those. I've enjoyed almost all of the authors you mentioned and am eager to try Lori Bention very soon. Thanks for sharing, Kate!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I enjoy historical romance. I also prefer full length books. Although a shorter is nice too.
    dkstevensne AT outlook DOtcOM

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like full length books better because I get to know the characters better. I also like sequels to books.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  7. I enjoy both, contemporary and historical full length novels. Novellas, although are nice, leave me feeling cheated.
    I must admit that I have not read any of Becky's books yet. I guess it's time that I do.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oops. I forgot to leave my email address
    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I lean more toward historical but have read some great contemporary books too. I have not read anything by Becky but have read some great contemporary books by Beth Vogt, Katie Ganshert, Rachel Hauck, Mary Jane Hathaway, just to name a few.
    Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm a romantic at heart. I like contemporary novels with love and depth of characters woven together. I like your books, Becky, and I'm looking forward to more from you and from Katie Ganshert. Also like Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury. kgpetty[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Carole and Becky. Enjoyed the interview. I do love clean Romances, Temporary or Historicals. I like novellas for times when don't have much time. But, I prefer Novels. I like series except when they make you wait so long for the next. A year is way too long. I would love to win Becky's book. Thanks for the chance.
    Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have two sides. I'm both a romantic and a realist. I love to read Christian romance, and I enjoy both historical and contemporary, but if I had to choose just one it would be historical. I definately like full-length novels over novellas. I like for the book to have time to develop the characters and the romance.
    wandrnlady(at)aol(dot)com

    Full length or novella? Favorite authors?
    What is it about a good romance that pulls you in?

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the full length books best!!Shelia Hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think I would classify myself as a romantic. I like both contemporary and historical romances and I recently I've been leaning toward the romantic suspense genre. I prefer full length novels over short stories and I really like humor to play a part in the story. Becky's book sounds like a good read. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Loraine
    momrain (AT) aol (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I mostly enjoy contemporary stories but do like ones set around the WWII era also. I think what draws me to romance is the chance to explore so many different ways people connect to each other but don't have to live it!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am definitely a romantic. I loved that the author loved Sweet Valley High books because I did, too. I love contemporary fiction, both novellas and full-length books, but I occasionally I will read historical books. I would love to read Becky Wade ' s new novel. Please enter me in the contest.
    donvelma@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Full length books are my favorites. I enjoy Christian romance such as Francine Rivers.

    psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like both historical and contemporary books with romance. As for the length I usually don't care about the pages if it is a good read! I would say my favorite romances usually also involve some actual suspense or mystery intertwined into the story. My favorite authors to read right now are probably Dani Pettrey and Dee Henderson.
    pooh_1334(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like both contemporary and historical romance. What pulls me into the story are strong characters, a great plot, nice if the male character is swoon worthy and an interesting setting or location.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Maryann

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm a Historical gal, but I love Becky's Contemporary love stories! And yes, I'm a romantic too. :-)

    gwen(dot)gage(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love contemporary romance the best, though when I read historical romances, I always enjoy them as well. I prefer full length novels but never turn down a good novella!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oops my email is brookeaheaton {at} hotma il (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I don't know that I would consider myself a romantic, and didn't have much romance in my life until this past year... and now I'm getting married in April! Any my fiance' is very much a romantic, so much fun to have finally have romance in my life.

    If asked to pick a favorite genre, I would say historical romance, by with 'My Stubborn Heart' Becky introduced me to contemporary romance, and I've read quite a few this past year.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Regarding a good romance, it's the relationship itself that is so attractive - watching two people fall in love for who they are and build a solid relationship that will last. Seeing that success (even in fiction) builds hope for our own relationships.

    rachaeldalquist(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am definitely a romantic like Becky and I love both contemporary and historical!
    Danajeweler at y mail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wow, lots of historical faves! But I'm a contemporary fan al the way, & almost solely read them. I have read all three of Becky's novels within the past couple months. After the first one, I had to buy the other two! Keep it up Becky! I also love, love Susan May Warren's Deep Haven and Christiansen Family series'- so I guess I'm a sucker for small town romances!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love historical. And I am not very much of a romantic. A little is ok though, I just dont go for the really mushy stuff. :-)
    I follow you in every way possible.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love historicals, but am rather picky about wich Bibilical authors I'll read. Contemporary is my first choice. Romantic? Only in books. I've never er re

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oops..I was saying I've never read a Becky Wade novel I didn't love, though I don't have a lot of favorites. Thank for the chance to win

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love historical and contemporary and especially Christian Romance!!! Some of favorite Authors are Robin Jones Gunn, Lori Wick, Laurainne Snelling and some others!!! I just always love romantic stories! Your books all look very awesome Becky and I would love the chance to read one of your books!!! Thank you for the amazing giveaway and God Bless you!!!
    Sarah Rebekah Richmond
    sarahrichmond(dot)12(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I prefer full length over novellas, but The Lost Loves of World War II Collection by Bruce Judisch and Sharon Bernash Smith is fantastic. And I prefer historicals, although it depends on the era.
    tlw131 [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love both contemporary and historical genres and love Christian. But I am happy there is always a nice variety to choose from. sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Definitely full length! Novella's are nice but novel's provide a richer experience. Some of my favorite Romance authors are Kristen Heitzmann, Julie Klassen, Lorna Seilstad, Melanie Dickerson, Lori Wick, Lisa T. Bergren, Dani Pettrey, Sarah Sundin, Lynn Austin, Katherine Reay, Jenny B. Jones, and Francine Rivers.

    Obviously, I'm a romantic! :) And I've been wanting try out one of Becky Wade's for awhile.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love any good Christian fiction!! I have never read any of your books but would love to if I win!! Lori Wick, Vickie Mcdonough, Jenneatte Oak and Margaret Daley are some of my favorites but I have a lot more too.
    Sharon Bryant
    Conway, SC.
    sharonruth126(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am a romantic. I love happy endings and I have to say I love a full length novel rather than a short story

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love all types, any type romance is right for me! megan tilley countrycamogirl89@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love all king of Chistian fiction. Dependig on the day it's romantic suspense, contemporary, historic or romantic novells. I prefer full lenght novells to novellas. Since I started to read the books also in English I am discovering so many excellent authors which are not awailable or known in Germany, so it's hard to say which are my favorite athors, though I love to read the books from Karen Kingsbury, Lynn Austen, Jannet Oke, Robin Jones Gunn, Lori Wick, Melody Carlson, Deann Gist, Tracie Peterson, Denise Hunter T. Davis Bunn, and recently also Irene Hannon, Terri Blackstock, Dee Henderson. I don't know Becky Wade's book's yet but this one sounds extremly intresting and I've already set it on my to read shelf at goodreads and my wishlist at amazon.
    Agnieszka
    Agnieszka7775(at)web(dot)de

    ReplyDelete
  38. I like to read a good funny romantic story and then a suspense book and then romance again. I like to change then up. I read contemporary mostly but their r a few historical authors that I like to. Becky's books r fun to read and I enjoy Denise Hunter as well. Carol J. Post, Irene Hannon, Dee Henderson, Colleen coble, Janette Oke, Susan Sleeman ,Lynette Eason r some of my favorites. As u can see I like full length books and I prefer a real book instead of an electronic devise. There is just something about a holding a real book that I love.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Yes, a romantic. I like Christian romance.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I've been hearing great things about this author but haven't yet had a chance to read one of her books. Thanks for sharing this fun interview at Booknificent Thursday.
    Tina

    ReplyDelete