Dec
2014
Derrick Knight’s Miracle On Mistletoe Lane
I’m very excited to have Derrick here today and to talk about his latest book Miracle On Mistletoe Lane. I really enjoyed the book when I read it. If you haven’t read it yet I suggest you do. Below the interview, read all about the book along with an interview that make you want to keep reading to see what happens next. At the very bottom enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.
Amanda C. Stone: Good morning Derrick! I’m so excited to have you here today. Was it hard to write about a family losing their home and becoming homeless?
Derrick Knight: Surprising it wasn’t hard writing about a family becoming homeless. The reason being, in these hard economic times we all know someone or a family who have a significant financial downturn. Also, watching the prevalence of news programs and specials discussing the number of families who are homeless is shocking. Unfortunately, I think too many of us are living paycheck to paycheck and if we suddenly lost our jobs we could find ourselves in the same predicament as Joe.
ACS: It’s heartbreaking thinking about so many people losing their jobs, homes, and livelihood through no fault of their own. Throughout the book Emily is constantly showing her magical side. I won’t spoil it for those that haven’t read it yet who Emily is. But where did you get the idea for Emily to be a part of the story?
DK: Originally, I was going to have the character of Emily be a retired nurse coordinating a food pantry at a local church. But soon in the story development, Emily told me her true identity and that is when the story took a pivotal change. I really enjoyed getting to know Emily.
ACS: Emily was so fun to read. I loved reading about her in the book. You left it open for a sequel at the end of the book. Are you planning on writing another story? (Please say yes!)
DK: Yes, I have another story idea that would be considered a sequel. Emily will help another family in crisis. Right know I’m working on the 3rd book in the Innkeeper’s Series. I hope to begin writing a sequel to Miracle on Mistletoe Lane early in 2015.
ACS: Hooray! I can’t wait to read the next in the series when it comes out. Alright fun question time. If you could get anything you want for a holiday present, what would you want? No limits on gift requests.
DK: Remodel my kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, granite countertops, while at the same time, keeping the Art & Crafts motif. Also, remodel both of my bathrooms.
ACS: Oh a home remodel would be amazing. Somehow I think our landlord would have an issue with that. However I like how your Art & Crafts motif in the kitchen sounds. You should post pictures of it!
DK: Spending Christmas and New Years in Puerto Vallarta. Last Christmas I vacationed there it was the best Christmas ever! The best Christmas for me is sitting on a beach with a cocktail in hand reading a favorite book.
ACS: I might just hide in your suitcase because that sounds heavenly!
DK: Finally, win the lottery so that I’m able to write full-time.
ACS: The best holiday present ever! You’re going to a tacky holiday sweater party. Show us your tackiest, craziest, holiday sweater.
DK: Unfortunately, I don’t have a tacky, crazy, holiday sweater. Thank God! That would be an unwanted Facebook picture.
ACS: You are lucky to not have an ugly holiday sweater. There are too many pictures out there for my liking of me in one from a few years ago. Thank you for letting me interview you Derrick. I loved having you here!
Blurb:
Joe Koehler and his six-year old son, Joey, are down on their luck. Currently, Joe is unemployed due to a bad economy and taking care of a medically complex son. Recently father and son become homeless due to their apartment catching on fire and Joe being without any insurance. They are forced to live in Joe’s old red pick-up truck. Eventually father and son take refuge at Hope House, a local homeless shelter, which is run by a kindly, yet mysterious, elderly woman named Emily.
Sidney Maier recently inherited his grandparents home but the house is in desperate need of repair. Skills Sidney greatly lacks. He befriends a fellow church member Emily who is the Interim Director at Hope House. Sidney tells Emily that he needs help with remodeling his new home. Also, he confides in her, that he is lonely and wishes he could meet someone special.
Emily and her assistants orchestrate for Joe and Sidney to meet where an instant attraction forms between both men. Joe and Sidney embark on a journey of courtship, but soon a negative force learns of their budding romance and wants to stop it at any cost. Emily and her assistants must all use their special talents if Joe and Sidney are meant to live happily ever after.
Excerpt:
When Joe lifted his head, he saw the man he had been fantasizing about since Joey was discharged from the hospital. He quickly stood up then nervously swayed back and forth. Partly because he was nervous seeing the man whom he secretly desired, but also because he did not want Sidney to know that he was living here at a homeless shelter. He did not want Sidney’s pity.
“Oh, I…” Joe struggled to find the right words.
“The church hired Mr. Koehler to finish remodeling our library,” Emily said smoothly. “We needed someone right away and by the Lord’s work Mr. Koehler was available. My assistants and I think he is a Godsend.” Emily’s cell phone began to ring. “I need to take this call. It’s my husband.” She looked at Joe. “Would you be willing to give Mr. Maier a tour of Hope House while I take this call?”
Before Joe could respond, Sidney interjected.
“I would like that very much.”
The excitement in Sidney’s voice did not go unnoticed by either Joe or Emily.
“Good,” Emily said, taking her husband’s call as she walked away.
For a few moments Joe and Sidney just stared at each other, both men wanting to say something but too afraid. Finally, Joe mustered up the courage to start the conversation.
About Derrick:
Derrick Knight was born and grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin. Derrick earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. For the last seventeen years, Derrick has been employed as a neonatal nutritionist in a neonatal intensive care unit at the largest teaching hospital in Illinois outside of Chicago.
Growing up Derrick was an avid reader of mystery novels. Agatha Christie was his favorite author. Ever since childhood Derrick dreamed of becoming a writer. He planned on writing mystery novels until a couple of years ago he read his first gay romance novel and he became hooked on the genre.
When Derrick is not writing, he is working on restoring his Arts & Crafts home, tending to his garden, and being an advocate for improving infant nutrition. Currently. Derrick resides in Peoria, Illinois with his two cats Iris and Madison Grace.
Facebook: https://twitter.com/derrknight
Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/derrick.knight.9883
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Mistletoe-Lane-Derrick-Knight-ebook/dp/B00P2GNXCY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414961124&sr=8-1&keywords=miracle+on+mistletoe+lane
Tour Stops:
28-Nov: MM Good Book Reviews
1-Dec: Amanda C. Stone
2-Dec: Cate Ashwood
3-Dec: Hearts on Fire
3-Dec: Inked Rainbow Reads
4-Dec: Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
5-Dec: Molly Lolly
8-Dec: Parker Williams
9-Dec: Multitasking Mommas
10-Dec: 3 Chicks After Dark
11-Dec: Wake Up Your Wild Side
12-Dec: The Hat Party
15-Dec: Because Two Men Are Better Than One
15-Dec: Prism Book Alliance
16-Dec: Kimi-Chan
16-Dec: Jade Crystal
17-Dec: Queer Town Abbey
18-Dec: Iyana Jenna
19-Dec: Love Bytes
22-Dec: Book Reviews and More by Kathy
23-Dec: Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves
24-Dec: My Fiction Nook
25-Dec: BFD Book Blog
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