If you’ve followed the blog for some time now you’ll know I’m a big fan of Christmas related books. From middle grade, young adult, to adult romances any Christmas themed book makes me happy. One holiday themed book that released this month is Mistletoe Season by Michelle Major. Today I want to tell you about the book and share an interview with this author. Keep on reading to find tour more!
Spend the holidays in Magnolia, North Carolina, where two lonely hearts find exactly what they need for Christmas.
Anji Guilardi needs a man for Christmas—at least, according to her mother. What she really needs is to grow her fledgling catering business. Partnering with Magnolia’s Wildflower Inn holds promise, but when her mother falls ill, Anji’s drawn back to the responsibility of the family restaurant. Balancing work and her eight-year-old son, she has no time for romance…until Anji runs into Gabriel Carlyle.
Temporarily helping at his grandmother’s flower shop, Gabriel doesn’t plan to stick around, especially after he bumps into Anji, one of his childhood bullies. Sure, she’s all grown up and gorgeous now, and when they find themselves under the mistletoe, their chemistry is undeniable. But it’ll take more than a Christmas miracle for Anji to break through the defenses of Gabriel’s well-guarded heart and find a love built to last.
Author Interview
What inspired you to start writing romances?
I came to romance later than many avid readers I know. I didn’t pick up my first romance novel until I was 30-years-old (which seems young to me now!). I traveled each week for my job in Human Resources and developed a huge fear of flying. On a whim, I bought a Johanna Lindsey book in an airport bookstore, and the story captivated me so much I forgot to be scared. From there, I had a lot of catching up to do in the genre. The more I read, the more I realized that the stories I’d always told myself in my head were romance plots. I’d worked in journalism and always liked to write, so once I found my passion for romance, it was like coming home.
What is your favorite story with a happy ending? Why is it your favorite?
I feel like to answer this would be like picking my favorite child! But in my heart, my favorite story with a happy ending is my own. I met my husband on a blind date and I’d been told for years (starting with my father) that I was too strong-willed, too independent, “too much” for someone. My now hubby is also a very strong, independent person and from the start he seemed to appreciate the parts of me that made me unique (like my obsession with reading). Our story is my favorite because we had ups and downs but at the core of our relationship we appreciate and respect each other – and that’s most important for any good love story!
What other interests/hobbies do you have besides the love for writing?
I moved to the mountains of Colorado almost thirty years ago and I’m still grateful every day for the beauty of this place. I love hiking and spending time in the outdoors. I like trying new recipes (nothing too complicated) and cooking for big groups of friends and family. We also foster kittens for a local rescue and our older lab is a therapy dog so my furbabies are very important to me.
Describe Mistletoe Season in five words or less.
Sweet, sassy, emotional, heartwarming, Christmas-y
If you were a character in your story, what kind of character would you be?
I do not like to be the center of attention so I’d probably be one of the recurring cast of secondary characters – maybe a bakery or bookstore owner!
What is your favorite quote from Mistletoe Season?
This is a little snippet of a scene I love especially – it references Jerry Maguire. I love using these kind of references to famous lines but making them real for my characters.
His gaze switched to Angi, and the emotion she saw there made her breath catch in her throat. “I’ve wasted too much time already.”
She shook her head, unsure how to respond to that. A twitter of anticipation whispered through the room.
“Oh my gosh, this is just like Jerry Maguire,” the soon-to-be-grandmother said excitedly. “Are you going to tell her she completes you?”
Gabe darted a glance at the older woman with her bottle-blond hair pulled back in a poufy chignon.
“No.” A ripple of disappointment seemed to dash across the baby shower partygoers.
“Although she does,” he quickly added, then looked at Angi helplessly.
When you write a book do you have everything set in place or do your characters take you for a ride?
I try to have as much in place as I can as far as knowing the characters and what makes them unique and also what makes them uniquely perfect for each other. I put together the big emotional turning points and beats but sometimes the little details come to me as I’m writing. That’s such a gift when a small idea turns into something important for the progression of the story.
About the Author
Michelle Major grew up in Ohio but dreamed of living in the mountains. More than twenty years ago, she pointed her car west and settled in Colorado. Today her home includes her husband, their two children, several furry pets, and a couple of well-behaved reptiles. She’s grateful to have found her passion for writing stories with happy endings.
Mistletoe Season sounds like so much fun and I loved learning a bit more about the author behind it. I’ll definitely have my review online really soon, so keep an eye out!
