Check out the tour for The Ack Ack Girl by Chris Karlsen (Interview & #Giveaway) #historicalfiction #historicalromance @prismbooktours

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Author Interview

What inspired you to write The Ack Ack Girl?

Two of my favorite HBO series are Band of Brothers and The Pacific. I enjoy really well-done war stories, whether fiction or nonfiction. Both HBO series were based on American characters, for the most part. Some of the British WW2 shows I really enjoyed were: Land GirlsBletchley Circle, and Home Fires. I also like some of the shows on The History Channel. I was watching the footage on that channel of the Battle of Britain. It was so inspiring and interesting, I thought I’d like to write a romance involving an RAF pilot who fought in the Battle. I wanted the heroine to be one of British women who worked traditional men’s jobs as part of the war effort, like our Rosie the Riveter ladies.

In my research for a job to give my heroine, Ava, I read about the Ack Ack girls. They were a new unit formed by the War Office to work anti-aircraft teams in order to free up more pilots. The Ack Ack term refers to the sound the anti-aircraft guns make. I thought an Ack Ack girl is a natural romantic partner for a Spitfire pilot.

What do you love the most about this story?

I love the hero and heroine. I wanted to show their courage, determination, patriotism and strength of character to continue the fight and carry on, despite the challenges.

What challenged you about writing it?

My biggest challenge writing the story was the research. There was so much available and all very interesting. Choosing what to include, what I felt would connect the most with the reader was difficult. I had to sift through and try to select information that exemplified the bravery and humanity of a nation, its military and its people under constant attack.

Which character do you most relate to and why?

I relate to Ava the most. I visualized everything that was happening to her as happening to me. I stayed closely attached to her emotionally and intellectually throughout the story.

What do you hope readers will take with them after they’ve read it?

I hope that readers of the story feel a deep appreciation for the people, both civilian and non-civilian and what they endured. I hope the reader shares the respect I do their ability to maintain courage in a long, hard fight.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

I used to travel extensively. It was a great joy for me but personal issues keep me from traveling now. I am not good at it but I like tending to my flower garden when the weather is nice. I read a lot and usually have two books going at the same time. One is research and the other is for pleasure. I also love simple things like lunch and conversation with friends and the occasional dinner party.

The Ack Ack Girl
By Chris Karlsen
Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 221 Pages
February 14, 2021

Love and War

A country under attack and the story of one woman's fight to protect England and her heart.

1941. The German war machine has crushed all of Europe-only England holds fast. To force a surrender, the German Luftwaffe bombs cities and villages the length of the country. As the battle rages, Britain is in desperate need to put more pilots in the air.

To free up more men a new unit is formed: The Ack Ack Girls. These special teams of courageous women will now fight in the anti-aircraft stations. Determined to be part of the effort, Ava Armstrong, volunteers for one of the special teams.

Her unit just happens to be located near an RAF airfield teaming with pilots. Sparks fly, and not just from artillery, When Ava crosses paths with Chris Fairfield, a handsome and cocky pilot stationed there. But nothing is easy in time of war, not even love.

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About the Author


I was raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor, and my mother, a voracious reader who passed on a love of history and books to me along with a love of travel.

I am a retired police detective. After twenty-five years in law enforcement, I decided to pursue my dream of writing. I write a historical-time travel romance series called Knights in Time and a historical suspense called The Bloodstone Series.

I also have a historical romance series called Love & War. A free copy of the first book in this series is available through my newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Moonlight_Serenade.


Tour Giveaway


Two winners will each receive a $20 USD Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

Ends May 19, 2021

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