Sandra Ardoin and Free Books!

Will Joanna and Kit conquer their mutual distrust to hear the love song playing in their hearts before it’s silenced by another’s hand?

Before we address today's featured author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Chapel Springs Survival, by Ane Mulligan, is:

crystalwriter@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you for your address today and we'll get your book right out to you.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's visit with novelist Sandra Ardoin, author of the Inspirational historical romance, A Reluctant Melody (Heritage Beacon Fiction, an imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, January 2016).

Before turning to writing inspirational historical romance, Sandra Ardoin’s publishing credits included short pieces for denominational publications, as well as greeting cards and posters. Her debut book was the 2014 Christmas novella The Yuletide Angel. Now, she’s celebrating the release of her first novel, A Reluctant Melody.

A wife and mom, she’s also a reader, football fan, NASCAR watcher, garden planter, country music listener, antique store prowler. She lives in a North Carolina town that takes its history seriously.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

-- I once rode my pony in a parade—fun, but long day.

-- I became a mother for the first time at thirty-five.

-- I prefer the mountains to the beach.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of A Reluctant Melody.

A Reluctant Melody is a story of redemption and forgiveness. It asks the question “Are we ever too bad to receive God’s forgiveness if we seek it through Christ?”

Here is a short summary:

Kit's alcoholism ruined more lives than his own. Now sober, he wants to make amends by opening a mission for drunkards. But the most suitable location belongs to Joanna Cranston Stewart, a love from his sordid past.

Friends of her late husband blame Joanna for his death. Although eager to flee from the rumors, she will let the walls of her rundown property crumble around her before she allows Kit back into her life.

When a blackmailer threatens to reveal Joanna’s long-held secret, will she risk losing everything she owns to Kit … including her heart?

What is it about Joanna and Kit that will make your readers care about them?

I have two main characters, Joanna Stewart and Kit Barnes. For me, Joanna takes center stage. Her story has the most emotional depth. They both must come to grips with the mistakes of their pasts, but Joanna was dealt a harder blow. It affected her circumstances and attitude for years. We have a tendency to relive past sins and the guilt over and over, so I hope Kit’s and Joanna’s experiences will help readers remember that God does forgive and forget.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

When I wrote the Christmas novella, The Yuletide Angel, I added the secondary character of Kit Barnes. At the time, I saw Chris Pine as a physical representative of the character.


When I began this book, I chose Kristen Bell to represent my vision of Joanna.



In the same vein, if your novel were made into a film, what’s one song you’d love to feature in it?

That’s easy. It would be Arthur Sullivan’s “Let Me Dream Again.” It’s mentioned in the book—first and last pages, actually. Sadly, I’ve scoured the internet for a recording with no luck. But when I read the words and remember the composer of the music is the Sullivan half of Gilbert and Sullivan, I can’t imagine it’s not wonderful and romantic.

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I recommend novels all the time on my blog where I review books. So, let’s go with highly recommend. That would be The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz. It’s a historical I couldn’t wait to add to our church library. (I assist there, recommending fiction purchases.) It’s a beautiful book, filled with gothic touches reminiscent of Jane Eyre or Rebecca, two of my all-time favorites.

What are you working on now?

I’m writing the first book in what I hope will be a contracted, three-book, historical romance series set in Texas in 1886-1887. I’m also brainstorming a series of three historical romance novellas about three women whose travels take them on romantic adventures.

Where else can readers find you online?

Visit me at www.sandraardoin.com and on the Seriously Write blog. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I’d love to have you join my email community to receive occasional updates and a free short story.

The books, A Reluctant Melody and The Yuletide Angel can be purchased online via the following buttons:







Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

It’s rare that I don’t finish reading a book. It’s almost like an obligation, so if I start one, I feel guilty if I don’t finish. Besides being bored with it, what is one thing that will keep you from finishing a book?

Thanks, Sandra, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel.

Readers, Sandra has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, January 18. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Sandra's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com. 

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE.