Blog Tour Interview & Giveaway: Willow Springs by Carolyn Steele

Welcome to my tour stop for Willow Springs by Carolyn Steele! You can read my 4-star review here. Read on down to find out more about the book, the author, and to enter the giveaway!

Willow Springs

by Carolyn Steele

Historical Romance
Paperback, 240 Pages
August 12th 2014 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media

Summary

Discover true love on the Utah frontier! Crissa Engleson is searching for a new life in the town of Willow Springs when she attracts the unwanted attention of a miner—and falls in love with a handsome Express rider. Laugh and cry with Crissa as she escapes her past to find love and helps the townspeople along the way.

    

Interview

Welcome, Carolyn! Thanks so much for letting me ask some questions about your debut historical romance, Willow Springs.

It's nice to (virtually) meet you. I'm so excited for Willow Springs to be published! This novel really has been a labor of love on many levels.

Have you always wanted to write fiction?

I've always had stories playing their way through my head, but as a technical and non-fiction writer, I had never considered writing my ideas down. A friend, a former editor for an LDS publisher, invited me to join the League of Utah writers, and I was hooked! I still write non-fiction marketing materials for my day job, but researching history and turning it into novels helps me unwind in the evenings.

I'm glad you decided to give it a go. :) What did you think about the publishing process? Was it what you expected?

The publishing process was a mixed bag. I knew that finding my first publisher would likely be a long road--which it was, but it has turned out better than I dreamed. I thought that, as a first-time author, I should aim for a small, unknown press. After a handful of rejections over the course of several years, I finally took my daughter's advice and tried Cedar Fort. I really thought they were a longshot because they are such a well-known and respected publisher. Surprise! I can't tell you how honored I am that they accepted Willow Springs.

Cedar Fort has published some favorites of mine, so I'm glad they were your landing spot. Would you give us brief descriptions of the main characters in Willow Springs?

With pleasure! Developing these characters was the most enjoyable part of writing the book.

- Crissa Engleson is a Swedish immigrant who is hiding from an abusive husband. Her parents have acquaintances in Willow Springs (present day Calleo, Utah), so Crissa takes refuge there and just wants to start a quiet life on her own.

- Drake Adams is the son of a prominent gold mine owner in Willow Springs, but he shuns the life he is destined for and takes a job as a Pony Express rider.

- Garth Wight is Drake's rival for Crissa's attentions. He is a ne're-do-well character who seems to always have a hand in whatever mischief is available. He turned out to be my favorite character to write!

I did love these characters! Do you have a favorite scene you can share with us?

Just one? There is a scene with Crissa in a cabin that still makes me laugh and cry when I read it, but that's a surprise, so I won't say too much about it just yet. An early favorite is when Drake is describing how he discovered an extremely large gold deposit. A lot of character development occurs here, and the story is the actual account (minus one character) of how my grandfather discovered gold near Ely.

*sigh* I know what scene you're talking about. Actually the whole part at the cabin with Garth and then Drake... That whole section is rather emotional. Are you working on another book right now and would you be able to share a little bit about it?

My next book is set in Soda Springs, Idaho, in the late 1860s. Soda Springs was a valued layover spot on the Oregon Trail. The story is of a young girl migrating to Oregon with her parents. Due to some unfortunate events, they are forced to remain in Soda Springs for an extended period. A strong romantic element is evolving, as is some surprising intrigue.

Can't wait to read it!! What books are you most looking forward to reading this year?

I'm currently reading Carla Kelly's Borrowed Light, and look forward to reading the sequel, Enduring Light. I also have Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts waiting on my bookshelf. Beyond that, I think I'll look for a new fantasy to read.

I hope you enjoy them all! I love fantasy as well. Using ten words or less, describe Willow Springs.

Intriguing tale of how a pure heart triumphs over deception.

Thanks for reviewing Willow Springs, Tressa. It's been a pleasure to revisit this story with your readers!

It was a pleasure reading Willow Springs. Thanks so much for stopping by, Carolyn! I'm looking forward to reading your next book!!

About the Author

Born and raised in Utah, Carolyn Steele was introduced to western novels at a very young age by her grandfather, the son of a gold miner. She has been writing technical and marketing communications for most of her adult life. Her nonfiction articles have appeared in numerous national magazines. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Utah. Married and living in Salt Lake City, Utah, Carolyn loves researching obscure history then weaving it into stories. She also enjoys family dinners with her children and grandchildren, photography, travel, golf, reading, and all forms of needlework.

Giveaway

One ebook of Willow Springs (PDF, ePub, or Mobi)
Open internationally
Ends September 1st

a Rafflecopter giveaway