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?
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?...
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?...
