Return to Love by Betsy St. Amant

Betsy and I have been friends since we both were published with White Rose Publishing a couple of years ago. She's a fun person and a serious author.

Recently, she released her first book with Steeple Hill Love Inspired: Return to Love. I asked if she'd like to participate in an interview and she graciously agreed.

But first, the summary:

"I'm Not The Man I Used To Be!"

If only Gracie Broussard could believe that! Years ago, Carter Alexander broke her heart and betrayed her. Now, just when she needs him most, he's back—asking her to believe he's changed. But this time, it's not just Gracie who'll be hurt if he disappears. A penguin keeper, Gracie urgently needs to find a new home for her beloved birds. Carter is the only one who can help. He promises that she can trust him, that he's not the rebel he once was. And that he needs Gracie as much as her birds do.

And now, our interview:

What inspired Return to Love?

I just wanted to write a love story between two best friends. I really like the childhood-friends-turned-lovers concept...it's so romantic! And I believe love often develops from friendship. I know it did for me and my hubby! After that, the rest of the details just fell into place!

How long have you wanted to write for Steeple Hill?

I never started out wanting to write for any particular publisher, really - just wanted to go where God led and where He opened doors. I was thrilled to get the chance to write for Steeple Hill, though, as they are such a well respected publisher and I've always loved their books growing up. What a blessing!

What was it like seeing your book on a store shelf for the first time?

Such a rush! We took pictures. Then another day, I was grocery shopping and decided to push my cart by and wave at my book. Yes, I admit it. Well, there was a youn woman standing there and she was reading the different paperbacks in that section, and I saked if she ever read Love Inspired. She said "yes, me and my mother love those!" so I pointed mine out, and lo and behold, she scoops the last copy off the shelf and adds it to her buggy. Woohoo! She was so excited, as was I. =)

What are your upcoming projects?

I'm currently working on turning in my western manuscript for Steeple Hill - RODEO SWEETHEART - before deadline, which is rapidly approaching. Yikes! Back to work! =) Look for RODEO SWEETHEART on shelves April 2010!

What are your dreams in writing?

My dreams? For a nap! Haha! =) No, seriously, I hope to continue to contract with Steeple Hill for as long as possible, but also one day write for a house that publishes full-length titles and not just category romance. I truly enjoy writing for Love Inspired, but I have other stories in me begging for release!! =)

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers group. Betsy is multi-published/contracted with Steeple Hill and has been published in Christian Communicator magazine and Praise Reports: Inspiring Real Life Stories of How God Answers Prayer. One of her short stories, 'Kickboxing or Chocolate', appears in a Tyndale compilation book, and she is also multi-published through The Wild Rose Press. Betsy has a BA in Christian Communications and regularly contributes articles to Crosswalk.com. She is a wife, author, new mother and an avid reader who enjoys sharing the wonders of God's grace through her stories. You may contact Betsy at betsystamant@yahoo.com or visit her websites at www.betsystamant.com or www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com. Her first novel RETURN TO LOVE with Steeple Hill Love Inspired is available now through Amazon - click here! And be sure to watch for the sequel A VALENTINE'S WISH coming February 2010.

Thanks for visiting, Betsy! Wishing you all the best!

And readers, I have begun reading this one. It moves fast, gets you right into the romance. Can't wait to have more time and get back to it.