A VALENTINE'S WISH



Today I'm soooo excited to present A Valentine's Wish, by Betsy St. Amant! When two long-time friends, Lori and Andy, realize they each want more from their relationship but don't know how to make it known, one of them gets the idea to send secret gifts to reveal his true feelings. But problems abound when Lori thinks her admirer is someone else! It was fun to settle in with characters familiar from Betsy's first book, Return to Love, but it can definitely be enjoyed as a stand alone. This is a perfect read for Valentine's Day and beyond, a book where chocolate, romance, and mishaps abound!

Congratulations, Betsy! You've done it again :D

The best part is, I get to share the joy. Betsy is offering a giveaway, so make sure to leave your name and email address for tomorrow's drawing!

BACK COVER:

Unless youth pastor Andy Stewart finds a suitable wife fast, he'll lose his job. Yet the woman of his dreams is his best friend. And Lori Perkins is still smarting over a failed engagement, so he can't just declare his love. His plan: he'll be her secret admirer and woo her anonymously with flowers and chocolates. And then, when romance is on her mind, Andy will confess his Valentine's wish—to spend his life with her. There's just one little problem. Lori seems to think her secret admirer is someone else!

A MOMENT WITH BETSY

The heroine, Lori, seems to have a penchant for all things chocolate. Please explain how you wrote this so realistically, and exactly how much research on chocolate did you do???

The realistic thing wasn't hard since I also, ahem, enjoy my chocolate. One reader was "upset" that Lori gained a few lbs during the story but no reference to zits, ever. HAHA. That's why it's fiction, folks! =) I did consume a few Hershey Kisses' during the writing of this novel. And longed for more.

I can identify with that longing ;) What was your favorite part of writing A Valentine's Wish?

I would say two scenes - one, Lori and Andy's movie night halfthrough the story. I can't elaborate past that for someone who hasn't read it yet! And secondly, the ending. I had to get creative because Valentine's Day fell on a Sunday this year, and so it took some finagling. My original ending wouldn't work, and I remember the panic that swept across me when I realized that and went scrambling for a new route. lol (I can laugh NOW.)

HAHA, oh the memories! At least you are laughing now that it all worked out. If A Valentine's Wish was a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles? I'm especially curious about Summer :D

Fun question! I'd definitely say Anne Hathaway for Lori, since the real Lori this character is loosely based on also resembles Anne at times. For Andy, I'd say Chris Evans from PUSH, CELLULAR and the NANNY DIARIES, and for Summer, I'd go with Zooey Deschanel from when she was blonde, like in the movie ELF.

I'll admit, I had to look up Chris and Zooey, but WOW--perfect people for the roles. That's exaclty how I pictured Summer. Now, I love that Lori and Andy were friends before becoming romantically involved. Were you and your hubby friends first, and for how long?

Yes, we are, for years actually! That's why I love this story so much. My husband was never an official secret admirer, but I found out after we were dating that he'd liked me for years and was just waiting his turn while I went through boyfriend after boyfriend. So sweet! Every Sunday at church we'd hug and say hey, several times I'd even leave the boyfriend with me on the pew to go chat with my (now) Hubby instead! haha.

That's funny! In fact, I think for your next book I would like to interview your hubby. That'd be a hoot.

What do you want readers to take away from A Valentine's Wish?

I want readers to enjoy a happily-ever-after love story, but also be reminded that no earthly love can possibly live up to the love of our Heavenly Father! And while it's fun to celebrate earthly love on Valentine's Day, we need not ever forsake the True Lover of our souls or his Love Letter to us, The Bible.

What is your favorite Valentine's Day memory?

Hubby always plans good dates. One doesn't really stand out above the rest right now, but I have good memories of all my VDays. Even growing up, my parents got me and my sister little goodie baskets to wake up to that day, with candy and a stuffed animal. I also remember exchanging Vday cards in elementary school among classmates. I always used Carebear or Snoopy cards from Hallmark, and remember having to be very careful which card I gave the not-so-appealing boys in the class so as not to give the wrong idea. HAHA. Ah, the cares of a seven year old. ::sigh::

Thank you, Betsy! I've really enjoyed A Valentine's Wish, from conception to completion. I know everyone else will enjoy it too :D


BIO:

Betsy St. Amant lives in north Louisiana, has a penchant for chocolate and polka dots shoes, and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers group. Betsy is multi-published through Steeple Hill and has been published in Christian Communicator magazine and Praise Reports: Inspiring Real Life Stories of How God Answers Prayer. One of her short stories, ‘Kickboxing or Chocolate’, appears in a Tyndale compilation book, and she is also multi-published through The Wild Rose Press. Betsy has a BA in Christian Communications and regularly contributes articles to Crosswalk.com. She is a wife, new mommy, author, and avid reader who enjoys sharing the wonders of God’s grace through her stories.

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!! Enter your name and email address in the comments section. I will hold the drawing tomorrow. BUT, in case you don't win, click here to get your copy now!