Guest Author: Anita Higman

I'm excited today to welcome writing friend Anita Higman to Net's Book Notes. She is such a gracious woman of God, and I appreciate her taking the time to answer some interview questions. We're featuring her book Love Finds You in Humble, Texas.

Here's the back cover copy:

Trudie Abernathy is a little inelegant, and she's never had much luck in love. To make matters worse, her thirtieth birthday is fast approaching and her sister, Lane, has decided to treat her to a makeover and a few blind dates. Trudie is about to protest, but then she meets the kind and handsome Mason Williamson. In spite of her humble manner, Mason finds her attractive, funny and smart. But Lane inexplicably pushes Trudie away from Mason and toward the other willing suitors. The makeover has transformed Trudie from ordinary into stunning, but she isn't sure how she feels about all the attention from men. Can Trudie stay true to her humble self and find her heart's desire in the process?

Here are some Q&A's with Anita:

~ How long have you been writing?
About 25 years. It's been a long journey, but a good one.

~ You've written romances and mysteries. What other genres have you explored? What is your favorite?
I've written books of one-act plays, books for kids, Texas books, gift books, and nonfiction for women. I like writing love stories the best.

~ What's next for you?
Well, it looks like I will be fortunate enough to write for Summerside Press again. They are a great publisher.

~ What inspired your Humble story? :-)
Well, the creative process is a mystery to me. Characters like Wiley and Kat and Cyrus start showing up in my head and talking. Sometimes I’m not sure where they come from. As far as plot for Love Finds You in Humble, Texas, I started with a premise...two very different sisters—one an image coach and the other in desperate need of an image coach. But I thought, "What if both sisters fall in love with the same man?" I wrote an opening scene, and then my fingers began to fly. Even though I generally know where the novel is going, many times the story reveals itself to me as I go along. So, the process of creating a novel is part mystery, but I still have to put in my time. Lots and lots of time.

~ That’s so interesting and so true. My characters sometimes do the same thing! Thank you for visiting today. How can readers contact you?
I'm at www.anitahigman.com. I have a book trailer on my site in case you'd like to learn a bit more about my novel.

Anita's bio:

Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-four books published (several coauthored) for adults and children, and she has been honored as a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston. Anita has a B.A. degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Some of her favorite things are exotic teas, going to the movies, and all things Jane Austen. She’d love for you to visit her website at www.anitahigman.com.

And now for my review:

Anita's Summerside offering is one of my favorites to date. Her characters were charming, believable and relatable. This story involves a bit of a love triangle which compelled me to keep reading, that and the way Anita unfolded the romance. I was hooked immediately and eagerly committed to finish this book quickly. I loved how Anita portrayed humility, contrasting it with low self-esteem. There's a difference (humility recognizes one's value but sees him/herself as the same as others; low self-esteem belittles self, failing to recognize one's true value, masquerading as humility). Her heroine, Trudie, experienced both aspects, oftentimes mistaking the truth for a lie. I believe many women will relate with this challenge. That and Trudie blamed herself for a past mistake which she didn't quite interpret accurately. I believe many readers will relate with that as well. Forgiving herself was key to her freedom. That will resonate. I'm excited Anita will write for Summerside again! Congratulations to her and I look forward to reading her next book.