I came across Anita through ACFW. She was looking for reviewers for A Marriage in Middlebury. I read the first few pages and knew right away I would enjoy it. Her writing style is delightful – I was grinning at the first line. I’m glad I signed up to review her book. And now you have a chance to get your own signed copy.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of A Marriage in Middlebury. Commenting will close February 24 at noon.
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A Marriage in Middlebury.
Charlotte Rose Hill, who loves serving up country delicacies and uniquely blended teas, discovers that while she’s been faithfully caring for her tearoom customers, she’d also been quietly turning into an old maid. Charlotte did fall in love with a young man, Sam Wilder, when she was 18, but his family forced her to walk away from their relationship. Now, more than a decade later, Charlotte finds that she still has feelings for her first love. Initially thrilled to learn that Sam has come home to Middlebury, Texas, Charlotte is then devastated to learn that he’s brought someone with him: his fiancée. But all is not lost when one of the loveable but meddlesome townsfolk decides to get involved. Will the next marriage in Middlebury be for Sam and Charlotte? Get your copy at Amazon~ ~ ~
About the author:
A best selling and award-winning author, Anita has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’t been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech and communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Connect with Anita at http://anitahigman.com
Interview with Anita
What was your inspiration for A Marriage in Middlebury? The idea for this book came from my absolute love of tearooms in Texas. In fact, here’s my note to readers on that very subject:
More than a decade ago I met a woman named Linda Becker who opened a tearoom in the Houston burbs called, Tea for Two. Her eatery and gift shop did so well, she opened a second shop. Over the years I’ve enjoyed her wonderful tearoom fare as well as the quaint ambiance. Linda’s tearoom isn’t just a café—it’s a gathering place for friends, a place to eat home cooked food, and a place so cozy you don’t want to leave.
As a writer I thought it might be fun to create a heroine who owns a tearoom similar to Linda’s and set her shop in a small town on the gulf coast of Texas. So, that’s how the novel, A Marriage in Middlebury, was born. Even though my story, the characters, and the town are fictional, Linda’s tearooms are real places you can visit and enjoy. Thank you, Linda, for the great food, and the fellowship, and the inspiration.
Everything was going smoothly for the main character when suddenly everything changes with the return of her ex. What advice do you have when life throws a curveball? As a Christian we should trust in the One who made us, the One who’s known us from the first day when we were being knit together in our mother’s womb, the One who loves us best. Trusting in Him during life’s storms is the only answer, and it’s more than enough.
Charlotte was pressured into breaking off her relationship with Sam by Sam’s father – how should we react to family pressures and difficult relatives? Bathe the situation in prayer and then talk things through no matter how painful. But once the air is clear, forgive and move on. Don’t keep going back over and over. Forgiveness is not easy, but it’s the only way to live free. It helps to remember that forgiveness is what God offered us when we sinned against Him.
Is there a certain Bible passage or verse that goes along with the theme of A Marriage in Middlebury? Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Are any of the characters or events in A Marriage in Middlebury based on your own experiences? Well, I love art, flowers, quirky characters, and tearooms. And somehow I managed to put them all into the novel. It was a fun ride!
Do you find yourself returning to similar themes in your novels (i.e. forgiveness, trust, etc.) or do you have a new message with each release? Yes, I tend to go back to the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. These are not only good themes for a story, but they are paramount in living the Christian life.
What do you hope readers will walk away with after they turn the last page of A Marriage in Middlebury? That with God all things are possible!
Like several of your other books, A Marriage in Middlebury is set in your home state of Texas – what are some of your favorite things about Texas? Overall, Texas is an inexpensive place to live, it’s a great place to raise a family, and it’s one of the friendliest places on earth. I’ve lived here for about thirty years, and I’m proud to call Texas my home.
Before becoming a writer, you had number of interesting jobs – what was it about writing that drew you in? I had an incredible need to tell stories. I don’t think I had a choice in becoming a writer—the profession sort of chose me. But I’m content in that truth.
Would you like to win a copy of A Marriage Made in Middlebury? Two commenters will be chosen to receive a signed copy of Anita’s book.
The bits and pieces I've gleaned from reading about the author and her book heightens my desire to win even more than when I first read about the book on Angela Meyers Facebook page. Thanks for the contest and possibility of wiinning and of course, for the prize!
Cheri – it is a delightful book. If you win, I know you will enjoy it. I'm looking forward to reading her other books as well! Blessings!
Thanks for this review and the chance to win, Angela! I love a story full of relationships among interesting people, and this one seems to promise that.
I loved Winter in Full Bloom! Can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com
I have read this book – it was a good read and I would love to win a copy for one of my friends.
Angela, Thanks for your review of this book. It looks like a good read!
Looking forward to throwing all the names in a hat and choosing a winner 🙂
I'm happy to find Anita here. I read her book, Winter in Full Bloom, last year and would love to dive into another story of reconciliation from her pen/computer. It's such a strong theme, and most of us can use all the hope-filled reminders we can get.
Per my earlier comment: I should have left an easier way to reach me: kathysheldondavis (at) gmail (dot) com.
Love stories including tearooms…
cllyrics (at)gmail (dot)com
I apologize for my delay – I have been out of town. The winners have been chosen and will be contacted via email.