Heroine Interview from Silent Night Standoff by Susan Sleeman with a Giveaway

» Posted on Nov 18, 2014 in Blog | 18 comments

This week I’m hosting  Susan Sleeman with Silent Night Standoff (US only) and Jan Watson with Buttermilk Sky. If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on your post 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 (Nov. 23rd) evening.

Silent Night Standoff by Susan SleemanInterview with the heroine from Silent Night Standoff by Susan Sleeman:

1. Skyler Brennan, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I’m a negotiator on the First Response Squad, which means when the squad is called to a crisis situation, it’s my job to convince hostage takers or other threatening persons to surrender without violence. I love my job and feel a real sense of fulfillment through it. The stakes are so high and the stress unbelievable, but when I succeed in saving lives, the sense of accomplishment outweighs it all.

2. What do you do for fun?

Garden. I like nothing more than getting my hands dirty, smelling my flowers, and adding new ones to my wonderful garden space. I find the vibrant flower colors that God had put on this earth remind me of Him like no other place. Plus the quiet and solitude gives me time to communicate with and reflect on what He’s doing in my life. And, of course, when I’m frustrated, taking my pruning shears to stems that need to be snipped off, helps get rid of the frustration, too. J

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Laundry. Doesn’t everyone put that off? I mean, who wants to wash and fold clothes? Certainly not me.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

I have to say my fears revolve around not doing the best I can in a hostage situation. Others are depending on me and one false move could cost innocent people their lives. I have to trust that God will give me the words to say and the actions to perform. Otherwise, I suspect I might make a real mess in those situations.

5. What do you want out of life?

Peace. Simple as that. I grew up with parents who bickered and fought all the time. They were so focused on their careers and not on family. When you put all your focus on a job, you’re bound to place more importance on it that you should and when things don’t go according to plan, life can be bitter and frustrating. Growing up under that, all I wanted was peace, and I struggled for years to find it. Fortunately, I found God and my relationship with Him brings that peace I long for. Sure, I have my moments when I make a mess of things, but God is always waiting to help me regain my peace.

6. What is the most important thing to you?

Like I said, I respond to crisis situations day after day and my actions along with the coordinated efforts of the First Response Squad save lives. What a wonderful blessing to be able to step forward and help others at the very worst times in their lives. If I do my job well, it can make all the difference for other people and help them get back on the right track.

7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?

I do read and I like nothing better than a good romance novel. But no suspense or mystery in the books for me. I have enough of that in my life. I love pure, fun and simple romances. The guaranteed happy ending helps me to let go of my daily stresses.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’m kind of pushy. At times that’s good, but at other times, I need to learn to lean back and let others take control.

9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

No pet. Not yet anyway. I always wanted a pet growing up, but my parents wouldn’t go for it. I’ll eventually get that pet I’ve longed for. Specifically a dog. A white fluffy one, I hope, but not quite yet. I live on the upper floor of an amazing old firehouse that has been converted into condos for the FRS members. We have a garden in the back, but it’s not really pet friendly. I want to wait until I live in a house with a yard with lots of room for a dog to run before I find that perfect little dog.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I’d go back to my teenage years. Crazy, I know, but I’d like a second chance at helping my parents learn about God’s love and for a chance for the three of us to live as a strong family unit. I’m still encouraging them to explore a life of faith, but they’re pretty set in their ways now and I think it would’ve been easier back then. Of course, God can change their hearts at any age so I will keep praying and doing my best to set a good example.

18 Comments

  1. This new series sounds awesome! I love Skyler’s interview & can’t wait to read this book! Thanks for the fun interview!

    • Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise. I had such fun writing Skyler’s character and I’m glad you found her interesting.

  2. Sounds like a good series. Thanks for a chance to win and for doing the interview.

    • Thanks for the comment, Kim. I’m thrilled about this new series and I’m glad it sounds interesting to you!

  3. I’ve read the first section somewhere and can’t wait to read the whole thing now.

    • Thanks for the comment, Shannon. Glad you are looking forward to the book.

  4. Looking forward to reading it!

    • Thanks for stopping my and commenting Tina. Best wishes in winning the book!

  5. I would love to win this book. I am so looking forward to this series!

    • So glad you stopped by Cindy and I’m thrilled that you are looking forward to the series as I am excited to share these brave men and women with readers!!

  6. Love inspired books have provided many hours of great wedding. Looking forward to reading yours.

    • Thanks for the comment, Charlyn. Glad you have enjoyed the Love Inspired books!!

  7. I love Susan Sleeman and I’m so excited to start reading The First Responders series! Although I love to read too and don’t mind a little romance, I do prefer suspense and mystery books. (Maybe because I have had so little romance in my life, being 38 and still single, that I tend to get a little bummed reading them?)
    kam110476 at gmail dot com

    • Thanks for stopping by Kristen. Glad you are excited to start reading the First Responder series.

  8. Susan is a wonderful author. Thank you for the interview. I really enjoyed it.

  9. Thank you for your sweet comment, Shirley and thank you for stopping by to leave a comment!

  10. Interesting character

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

  11. Sounds like a great series! Thanks for entering me for Silent Night Standoff.

    mo1202007@yahoo.com

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