Author of Faith-Affirming Fiction
I’m thrilled to have Marianne Evans here today. She’s happily married and lives in Detroit, Michigan. Her wonderful books are published with Kensington and The Wild Rose Press!
Welcome Marianne! Thank you for stopping by. Let’s get started. I know everyone’s interested in learning more about you.
What inspired you to begin writing?
I can’t really say any “one” thing inspired me to begin writing. I’ve simply loved the written word for as long as I can remember. I began writing short stories back in middle school and the rest is history!
What’s your writing schedule?
I tend to do the bulk of my writing at night, after my 9 to 5 job, and on the weekends. I wish I had more time to dedicate to writing – it fills me with such joy!
Marianne, I know you’ve touched many readers with your wonderful inspirational romances. What is one of the most meaningful compliments you have received from a reader?
First of all, thank you for the lovely compliment. I appreciate it! The most meaningful compliment I ever received from a reader came about as the result of my book, Hearts Surrender. Hearts Surrender features the story of a widowed Pastor moving on to a new season in his life with a lovely and gregarious woman. I received an e-mail and amazon review from a reader who had recently lost her spouse, who said this book impacted her tremendously, and gave her hope to hang on for happier times and love to come. I cried, and prayed, after reading her lovely message and review.
How did you and your husband meet? What was it about him that made you know he was “the one”?
We met at a Christmas party at the apartment complex where my Dad was maintenance manager. I didn’t want to go to the party—mom and dad bribed me with dinner at a really great restaurant. My husband attended only because his beloved college basketball team was getting trounced in a game. We met, chatted for the entire party, and the next day we set up our first official date. 
He possesses such a strong, beautiful heart, and such a love for Christ that I knew almost immediately he was the one I wanted to spend my life with.
Tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Hmmm…well…I collect antique salt cellars (Google the topic…they’re such fun!) I have a fondness for collecting pretty autumn leaves, and I run dialogue, aloud, in the car on my way to and from work when I’m in the middle of writing a story.
Where can fans find you on the internet?
There’s my blog: www.marianneevans.blogspot.com and there’s my website: www.marianneevans.com and my Facebook readers page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744
Tell us about your new release.
My new release is Hearts Key, book 4 and the conclusion of my Woodland Series from White Rose Publishing. This series was such a wonderful undertaking for me – I loved every minute of it. Here’s a blurb about Hearts Key:
Once the effervescent leader of the pack, Amy Maxwell’s marriage should have been perfect. Instead, she escaped with nothing but the clothes on her back and her daughter, Pyper.
Tyler Brock is dazzling. The once shy teen has evolved into a powerhouse in Christian music, and when he returns to Woodland for a benefit concert, Amy can’t believe he is as faithful and tender as ever. He even manages to touch the heart of a doubtful Pyper.
But, Amy can’t escape her own self-doubt, and she questions the wisdom of her heart when it comes to the charismatic musician who is so different now, yet so much the same.
Can the key to their hearts unlock a lifetime of love?
Where can readers buy your book?
Through Pelican Book Group, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com and all major on-line book retailers. Here’s the publisher link: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/hearts-key
Click here to purchase from Amazon.com.
Enjoy an excerpt:
The after-concert crowd ebbed and flowed around Tyler like a tide. He stood comfortably amidst it all, his arm looped around his mom’s waist, his father nearby as well. Back home again.
If only it were that easy.
Amy took a deep breath. It was time to move forward, and act like the friend she had always been. She made progress toward approaching Tyler, watching as he shook hands with members of his crew and received enthusiastic hugs of support. Then in came Rebecca. He saw her immediately and grinned while she made a dash for his ready embrace. She gave a happy shout as he lifted her up, and spun her in a full circle.
“You were great,” she enthused, her voice touched by the cadence of the south. “Honestly, what a show!”
“Inspired, wasn’t it, Becs? It feels so good to be home!”
Rebecca pecked both his cheeks and smiled into his eyes. Amy’s heart sank. His dynamic backup singer then greeted others around them and dissolved into the crowd of tour staffers. Amy winced, battling off turmoil, self-doubt, and inadequacy.
It was a battle she lost.
In that instant, her mature, straightforward intentions vaporized. Hiking up her purse and camera strap, Amy kept a tight hold on them both as she turned to leave. She took a few steps toward the exit. She’d beg off tomorrow’s dinner, and bid this entire, world-rocking episode farewell. In the morning, everything would be back to normal. In the morning, she could—
“Seriously?”
Amy froze at the sound of the smooth and deep voice that carried with it just a touch of the South. She closed her eyes, and she trembled. Bad.
“You were seriously gonna leave without sayin’ hello to me?”
She couldn’t pull in a proper breath. Her heart skittered wildly. Red-hot heat crawled up the skin of her neck and ignited her cheeks, melting and burning in one fell swoop.
Bravely she turned around, her lips pressed tight, though she fought through it all to offer a tentative smile. “Hey, Tyler.”
It was the best she could manage. His eyes were unspeakably gentle and tender. His attitude of warmth so typical of the Tyler she had known, once upon a life. Amy welcomed that fact, and at the same time, she was swept away by just looking at him.
“Hey, Amy,” he greeted softly. His smile bloomed when he took her hands. A beat later, he drew her in for a long, tight hug that left her aching. He felt so hard, and strong. So wonderful. A lump formed fast in her throat—a bit of mourning, she supposed, for all she missed.
“I, ah, didn’t want to interfere or anything.” As soon as the words crossed her lips, she realized how lame they sounded.
Tyler kissed her cheek, and Amy went a bit dizzy. A bit weak at the knees. “You couldn’t interfere if you wanted to.” He leaned back and drew a fingertip against her chin; he looked deep look into her eyes. “I’ve missed you.”
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