Danny Callahan is the hero of three novels for Abingdon Press, written by award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud fiction, Sandra D. Bricker. Sandie agreed to let us spend some time with Danny today.
Thanks for being with us, Danny. Can you give us a quick overview of Book 3: From Bags to Riches?
Sure. Here’s a slice of the Amazon summary for you: Jessie’s hard work is finally paying off. But amid award shows and photo shoots, Jessie’s beloved grandfather is diagnosed with cancer and she’s nudged back to the Louisiana roots she worked so hard to escape. Now, in her quest to find the success, true love, and faith that has always eluded her, will God really lead her right back home?
Why do you think the author chose YOU to be the romantic hero of her three Jessie Stanton novels?
I’m pretty sure it has something to do with the fact that I look a lot like Josh Holloway, an actor she really loves. So our relationship may have started because I’m so pretty, but she fortunately took a shine to me over the course of the books and gave me some great and interesting things to do.
You’re a true California boy. Would you ever consider living somewhere else?
Sure! I might live in Hawaii. Australia. Anywhere the sand is white and the waves are rolling. [He grins] The truth is I’d go anywhere Jessie goes.
Even if it’s inland?
Definitely. That’s why God made road trips, right?
Will readers be happy with the wrap-up in this final book of the series?
I think so. There are lots of happily ever afters for everyone involved. I mean, that’s what this author does. She writes the happily ever afters.
So Danny, exactly what is it about Jessie that appeals to you so much? What made you fall in love with her?
What’s not to love? She’s beautiful and smart and determined, and she’s virtually unsinkable. What I mean by that is that, with all the adversity that woman has faced in the last few years, it’s a miracle she’s still standing. Yet somehow she’s found the strength to keep going. I don’t think there’s another human I admire more.
It’s interesting that Jessie has grown and changed so much over the course of the three books, but many readers think the reason she was able to do that is your steadfastness. What do you think about that?
About being steadfast? I guess that’s a high compliment, isn’t it? Thank you. But I think Jessie’s arc has as much to do with her grandfather, her best friend Piper, even her business partner Amber as it does with me. I’m a firm believer that the good Lord builds a foundation support beneath every one of us that eventually makes complete sense. Jessie has been able to come into her own because of a whole lot of people who love her, not just me.
Where do you think your love story will go over the next five years?
Still living on Santa Monica beach, I’m sure. Chasing our kids and my dog Frank around. More in love than ever. The perfect life, right?
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Sandra D. Bricker was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for 15+ years where she attended school to learn screenwriting and eventually taught the craft for several semesters. When she put Hollywood in the rearview mirror and headed across the country to take care of her mom until she passed away, she traded her scripts for books, and a best-selling, award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud fiction for the inspirational market was born.
Sandie is best known for her Another Emma Rae Creation and Jessie Stanton series for Abingdon Press, and she was also recently named ACFW’s Editor of the Year for her work as managing editor of Bling!, an edgy romance imprint for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. As an ovarian cancer survivor, Sandie also gears time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics, and a cure.
