This week I’m hosting Marta Perry with Lydia’s Hope (US and Canada only, Allie Pleiter with The Fireman’s Homecoming (US only) and Miralee Ferrell with Blowing on Dandelions (US and Canada only). If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (June 23rd) evening.
Heroine Interview from The Fireman’s Homecoming by Allie Pleiter:
1. Melba, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I grew up in Gordon Falls on a resort my parents ran. That was a fun place to call home. Now that my mom has passed and my dad is sick, I’ve come back home to take care of him.
2. What do you do for fun?
With Dad needing a lot of care, I don’t have much time for fun, but I do love to knit. I’m involved in the Prayer Shawl Ministry at the Gordon Falls Community Church, and that’s been wonderful. Those ladies are some amazing women!
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
Dealing with what will happen when Dad’s Alzheimer’s becomes too much for me to handle alone. I treasure every moment I have left with him, and I want him to stay home and comfortable as much as possible.
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
I’ve uncovered a very disturbing family secret, and I’m afraid of the fallout. I had no idea my “perfect” parents were part of such a mess.
5. What do you want out of life?
I want Dad to have peaceful final years. I want to feel in more control of my life. I want Gordon Falls to feel like home again.
6. What is the most important thing to you?
It’s my family right now, and all that has come under such fire with this secret that I don’t know how to keep it a priority. How do you love people who have hurt you so badly?
7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?
I love travel books. I was planning on a big trip before Mom got sick–I thought I’d have so much time to travel the world. Now I wonder if I’ll ever be able to see some of the places I’ve wanted to experience.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish things didn’t throw me for such a loop. It’s so hard to cope with all the stresses in my life right now. I wish I could feel more brave about my ability to make all this work.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
One of the best parts about coming home is my cat Pinocchio. He’s a great comfort. We had sheep grazing on the resort pastures back when I was little, and they were sort of like pets to me, too.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I’d go back to the time when my parents met and were married, because then I’d be able to unravel this mess of secrets that’s been dumped in my lap.
This is a story that is going to hit very close to home for me. My Father had Alzheimers. He eventually needed full time care in a home. He passed away fairly recently.
Mary, I’m so sorry for your loss. I learned so much about this cruel disease while researching this book. While it close to home for many readers, there is also lots of hope, love, and laughter–because we all need more of that!
What a touching interview. Yes it seems the ones left behind are the ones who pick up the pieces. This story looks very interesting.
I am so sorry for your loss Mary Preston. I currently live with my father and believe he suffers from Alzheimers. He refuses to go to the doctor. But I have put me foot down and have told him, the minute he doesn’t know who I am or who he is … It is time for help.
nancycinnc@windstream.net
Good Luck Everyone
Nancy–the hardest part of eldercare is the stubborn non-compliance, isn’t it? It takes great grace to care for an aging loved one. You are to be commended for your faithfulness.
Please enter me! Sounds like a heartwarming story and I love the cover with the lights streaming overhead. Very romantic! 😛
dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com
This is one of favorite covers–the Love Inspired art department is top-notch! yes, the story has been called “very heartwarming,” and I think that’s one of my favorite compliments. I really do seek to warm hearts and lift spirits with my books.
Cute pet name
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
It was funny–I knew Melba’s cat’s name almost from the moment she popped into my imagination. That’s the most fun of writing for me, when characters show up with all the details in place.
Very good interview Melba! Good luck with taking care of your dad! I hope you can make Gordon Falls feel like home again, even after you found out a secret about your parents. Good luck with every thing. God bless you.
Norma S. n38stanforth@yahoo.com
Melba sends her heartfelt thanks 😉
My Grandpa had Alzheimers. He passed away last August.
Sounds like a good book…and I like your pets name. 🙂
superstarsarah94(at)gmail(dot)com
This theme of Alzheimer’s seems to be creeping up in a few books this year. I think it is great because of the prevelance in our society and people will see they are not alone in dealing with this. Would love to read!