Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Today's Special - - Heather McGovern


It's my pleasure to welcome debut author Heather McGovern to the Dish today. I first met Heather at a regional romance conference a few years ago (you may not be familiar with her face but you've probably drooled over photos of her gorgeous shoes here more than once) and have been following her journey to publication with anticipation since then. Today, all her hard work comes to fruition with the publication of A Moment of Bliss, the first book in her debut Honeywilde series, about siblings struggling to keep a family inn afloat in the beautiful and soul-stirring mountains of western North Carolina.

Heather has a BS in Biology from the College of Charleston. She lives in the beautiful Upstate of South Carolina with her husband and son where she has a corporate job by day and writes sexy, heart-tugging romances by night. And she likes glitter. Lots of glitter! 


Welcome, Heather! Congratulations on today’s release of your debut novel, A Moment of Bliss. How will you be celebrating this milestone? 

Thank you! I have no idea! I think my husband is taking me to dinner tonight. Tomorrow, I'll have lunch with a couple of local writer friends. I celebrated a lot at RWA in San Diego, so today's events will be low key in comparison.

What’s been the most exciting part of your debut journey? The most challenging? The most surprising? 

Finally being able to share my stories with readers is easily the most exciting. I know how attached I am to certain books, what they mean to me. If I can reach just one reader and bring them the kind of joy romance has brought me, I’ll consider myself a success. The challenging part is balancing the promotional part of writing with the actual writing. I’m surprised, daily, by how many helpful people there are out there. I’ve had so many questions, and still do, but there are tons of other authors, bloggers, readers, librarians, editors, artists, etc. who are eager to share their experience and knowledge. I’m humbled by the romance community’s generosity.

I’m fascinated by the following statement from your bio: “Mild mannered corporate employee by day, glitter throwing author by night, Heather McGovern grew up thinking she'd either be a swamp wading herpetologist - frog scientist to be exact - or Wonder Woman.” What roles (if any) do frogs and superheroes play in your life today? 

I still love frogs and Wonder Woman! J I majored in Biology in college, and my love of nature persists. Nowadays, my relationship with amphibians and reptiles is relegated to catching them in our yard and doing impromptu show and tell for my son. I like to think he's amazed and impressed that his mother can not only catch a frog, but remember its scientific name. I also collect frogs - the cute kind you buy at gift shops. There are little frogs all over my house and yard. As for superheroes, I remain a huge fangirl. Captain America, X-Men, Deadpool, Wonder Woman – I go see these movies opening weekend and I’ve been known to wear the occasional superhero themed dress to writer conferences.

They say we always remember our first. What book (or
author) was your gateway into the world of romance fiction? Who do you enjoy reading today? 

The very first romance I picked up was Sabrina Jefferies' One Night With A Prince. That beautiful red cover jumped off the center circular at Barnes & Noble and landed in my hands. My life hasn't been the same since. I devoured romance after that, especially historical. Then I found contemporary romance, and knew I had stories to share. I still love to read Sabrina Jefferies and Lisa Kleypas. I love JR Ward and Tessa Bailey, and I love to read my friends' novels.

The chef at your Honeywilde Inn turns out some drool-worthy treats, such as the Pumpkin Pleasure cookies you alluded to in your post. Are you a baker? Do you have a signature dish? Will you be sharing any of the Honeywilde Inn recipes with readers? 

My mother is the exceptional chef in our family. My love of food mostly comes from eating her creations. I do love to bake though, particularly in the fall and winter. I make some Killer Chocolate Brownies (that’s what I call them), Makers Mark Bourbon Balls, Monkey Bread…okay, now I’m hungry. I'll definitely be sharing recipes with readers.

Where can readers find you online? 

I’m on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The best place is my website: www.heathermcgovernnovels.com



What’s next? 

Next up is Devlin Bradley’s book. A DATE WITH DESIRE comes out December 20th! The story of Dev and Anna holds a special place in my heart. I can’t wait!

Thanks so much for visiting with us, Heather! Would you like to ask our readers a question today?

Thank you for having me!






You’ve read about how much I love fall. What’s your favorite season of the year? Or your favorite holiday, and why? From the commenters, I’ll randomly draw one name to receive an Enthrill code for a free copy of A MOMENT OF BLISS.



Nestled in the lush green mountains of North Carolina, the Honeywilde Inn will be a romantic’s dream getaway—if only the Bradley siblings can keep it running. It will take a combination of hard work, good luck, and the kind of love that dreams are made of…
 
Roark Bradley is no stranger to responsibility. Growing up, he practically raised his younger siblings while his parents threw themselves into working the inn—and arguing with each other. Determined to make the Honeywilde shine once more, Roark jumps at the chance to conduct business with a no-nonsense event planner who approaches him about celebrity nuptials that could put the inn back on the map. If only it wasn’t so tempting to discuss some no-strings attached pleasure with her instead…
 
Madison Kline is done with weddings—at least personally. Her own youthful mistake is a well-guarded secret, and one she refuses to repeat. But as she and bold, broad-shouldered Roark work together to make a rock star couple’s wedding a reality, she finds herself wishing romance didn’t feel like a four-letter word. Can either of them surrender their hard-won independence and workaholic ways for something sweeter—and even more rewarding?...


29 comments:

  1. Autumn!!!! And I cannot wait. Looking forward to this book, sounds amazing. And ahem, anything with pumpkin in it I must have. Pumpkin cookies! Yum

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    1. Someone brought homemade Pumpkin Donuts to work today! It's taking all the restraint I have not to eat two! Thx for commenting and I hope you enjoy the book!

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    2. I saw the photo you posted of those pumpkin donuts. I was drooling all over my keyboard!

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  2. We have cooler weather here in Europe, so I like the summer, because it's the only moment where you can go out in a Tshirt (that would be a tank top to you?) and short trousers (capri pants?) without worrying about taking a jacket...

    All the best with the book, it sounds good!

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    1. My husband is from Ireland and I love Summer the best there as well. :)

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    2. Ahhh....Ireland. It's resting with Scotland at the top of my "must see" travel list!

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    3. Me too! I still haven't been to Scotland, despite all the adverts I post for my friend's guest house in Skye (Taigh Ailean in Carbost!!!)

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  3. I love the fall here in northern California. The days are warm and the nights are cool. Unlike now, when the days are Hot and the nights are Warm (80F at midnight, ugh).

    LauraR

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    1. It's been the same here in North Carolina, Laura. Hot, hot, hot.

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    2. Sounds delightful! July in southern California was beautiful too. 75 and sunny with a cool breeze. A lot better than our 105 degree heat index and 80% humidity. :P

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  4. Fall is my favorite season with the colors, the smells, and the cooler temperatures.

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    1. Mine too, Debbie. I love all the reasons you stated plus...football. I do love me some college football! :)

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  5. My favorite holiday is Mardi Gras. Where I'm from (south Louisiana, medium-sized city,) it's very much a family holiday. In fact, at parades, children are the ones who'll get the "best" throws, because it's mostly about them. Good food, entertainment, family fun...and typically, good weather, too. It's so much fun. Thanks for the post. Good to meet you, Heather.

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    1. I love that your city makes Mardi Gras a family affair. My parents and two other couples went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras when I was a teen but the kids stayed home. I'm pretty sure it was one of those "what happens in NO, stays in NO" vacations. ;-)

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    2. Mardi Gras in your hometown sounds great! Do you still do King cakes?

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  6. love Christmas stories. COngrats on your book release

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  7. Fall is absolutely my favorite season! It doesn't hurt that my birthday is also in October. :)

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  8. Spring is my favorite season. Leaves on the tress sprouting and flowers blooming.

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    1. Spring is very pretty, especially after a hard winter but fall is still my fave.

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    2. I do love spring when it arrives. I love that break in the weather when you don't have to run the heat or AC. Everything is just right, and the daffodils are in full bloom. :)

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  9. I love autumn! The cool nights, the leaves changing, the smells, being able to sit outside and read without the heat.

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    1. I am so looking forward to being able to read on my patio again. We've had a really hot summer!

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  10. Autumn is my favorite season. The light is beautiful and it appears that the entire outdoors is part of a
    Woody Allen movie.

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  11. Autumn! I love the spicy scents of of Fall, colors of leaves, wearing sweaters, and there's always my birthday, Halloween, and Thanksgiving!

    denise

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  12. Best wishes with your first novel. Love Christmas stories and my bday is end of Oct.
    ladbookfan

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    1. Thank you! And Happy almost Birthday! :)

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  13. Fall has always been my favorite season. I am not a big fan of summer heat and look forward to it being gone. The changing color of the leaves, crisp air, smell of wood and leaf smoke, and fall harvest produce all make it an exciting time. I grew up in the middle of apple orchards and love the crisp, fresh apples and cider that come with the season.

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