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Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Spotlight on Amanda Cabot and Scattered Petals

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

AMANDA CABOT has always been a dreamer, and so it’s no coincidence that her first books for the CBA market are called Texas Dreams. Set in the Hill Country beginning in 1856, these deeply emotional historical romances showcase God’s love as well as that between a man and a woman. The first in the trilogy, Paper Roses, is in its second printing, and Scattered Petals was a March 1 release.

A former director of Information Technology, Amanda has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages. She’s delighted to now be a full-time writer living in Cheyenne, WY with her high school sweetheart/ husband of many years.

SCATTERED PETALS
by Amanda Cabot
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston in 1856 and heads for the Texas Hill Country, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks could have heartbreaking consequences. Although attracted to her, ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows Priscilla deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who’s haunted by memories of his mistakes. When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life filled with promise. But then the past intrudes.

Book 2 of the Texas Dreams series, Scattered Petals, weaves a tale of drama, love and second chances as beautiful as the Hill Country itself.

Readers, buy your copy of Scattered Petals today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I knew I wanted Zach, who was introduced in Paper Roses, to have his own story, so I asked myself who would be the perfect woman for him. The answer came as a bit of a surprise. Who would have thought that a quintessential Texas cowboy like Zach would need a sophisticated East Coast lady? And who would have thought that Priscilla’s craving for adventure would bring her first tragedy, then healing and happiness?

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Fortunately, I’ve never endured the tragedies that marked both Priscilla and Zach’s lives, so it’s safe to say that my own experiences played little or no part in developing their stories. However, like most authors, I know that part of me creeps into each book. While my characters are never based on real people (including myself), my heroes and heroines frequently embody my personal values. Because I believe in justice and happy endings, readers will find that my protagonists do, too. They’ll also find the recurring theme of the healing power of love, since that’s something I believe in. As for my villains, they tend to be the antithesis of the heroes and heroines, and I’d certainly like to think they’re not based on me.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Zach would be fudge mocha, a strong flavor with unexpected undertones. As for Priscilla, she’s strawberry sorbet – light, sweet but with a flavor you don’t soon forget.

4. Are there any themes in Scattered Petals that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

All of my books seem to have an underlying theme of the healing power of love. I don’t always have that in mind when I begin the book, but since I believe in love (and justice, but that’s another story), there’s usually at least a hint of healing. Scattered Petals, however, was designed as a healing story. Priscilla, who’s been attacked by a bandit, needs to heal both physically and emotionally, while Zach’s healing is internal.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The first scene was an extremely difficult one for me to write. It was also a critical one, since it forms the foundation for my heroine’s journey to love and healing, and so – as painful as it was to research and ultimately write – I did it. That scene and the rest of the first chapter are available as an excerpt on my web site.

This is the second book in the series, and for me it was great fun to return to Ladreville, the fictional town I’d created in Paper Roses. I had gotten to know – and love – the people of Ladreville (most of them, that is), and so it was a pleasure to watch the next chapter of their lives unfold. For me, writing the second and third books in a series is a bit like returning to a dear friend’s home – more comfortable the second time around. (Oh, dear, that sounds like a line from a song, doesn’t it?) Anyway, I hope my readers feel the same way and that they enjoy this second Texas Dreams adventure.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

The third of the Texas Dreams books, Tomorrow’s Garden, is due out next March. It continues the story of Ladreville and its inhabitants. Readers will recognize the hero, who’s introduced in Scattered Petals, but the heroine is new to the town. Here’s the two sentence blurb I wrote for my publisher.

Though Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming Ladreville’s schoolteacher is just what she needs – an opportunity to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a bright tomorrow – she hasn’t counted on the presence of all too handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood, a man who’s trying to forget his own past. And then there’s her rejected suitor.

* * * * *

Thank you, Amanda, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Scattered Petals.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when the winners are announced each time.

This week, the contest is open to U.S. residents only.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

thanks for the opportunity to read this wonderful book

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com

Edna said...

I would love to win this book, I will even do a review if you like. I follow you blog and here is mine

http://edna-myfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Anonymous said...

Sounds like my kind of book....please enter me! Thanks!!!
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Linda said...

Sounds like a super read. Going West in the 1850s takes stamina for a woman. Hard times. Please enter me.
desertrsose5173 at gmail dot com

Sandi Rog said...

I would love to win a copy of this book! I know Amanda personally. Not only is she a wonderful person and a great encourager, she's a fabulous writer! Please enter me!

sandirog7 at aol dot com.

Hugs in Him,

Sandi

Bobbe Brooks-Fischle said...

Following Amanda's interviews with delight because she's a tremendous writer/person and Mentor to other writers--including me. :)
Thank you both & please enter my name.

adge said...

I read the first book and liked it. Please include me in the giveaway. gasweetheart211[at]netscape[dot]net

Carole said...

I enjoy books with a physical/spiritual healing theme and look forward to reading Priscilla and Zach's story. And what a beautiful cover! Thank you for the interview and chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

A J Hawke said...

Hi Amanda,

The Texas Hill country is one of my favorite parts of Texas, and yet I know very little about its history. Thanks for the opportunity to win a of Scattered Petals. The cover is lovely.

Blessings on you and yours,
A J Hawke
ajhawkeauthor[at]aol[dot]com

Michelle said...

Thank you for entering me!

Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Amanda Cabot said...

I hope all of you enjoy Scattered Petals. As I said in my interview, parts of it -- especially the first chapter -- were difficult to write, but overall, it was a joy to tell Priscilla and Zach's story.

Rosalie Patience said...

It sounds excellent!! Please enter me in the drawing.

~Abby

abster . rose @ yahoo . com

Cherie J said...

Please enter me in the drawing for this wonderful book. Thank you!

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Carolynn said...

Sounds like a great book, I loved Paper Roses! Thanks for the chance to win!
carolynnwald at hotmail dot com

Nancye said...

Sounds like a wonderful book! Please include me.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Emma said...

Scattered Petals sounds wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you.

windycindy said...

What a lovely cover on this book and
I loved her book Paper Roses.
Many thanks to you!
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner from this drawing and that is:

A J HAWKE

Congratulations! I have emailed you for your mailing address so Amanda can send out your book.

As always, thanks to everyone for your continued support.