Spotlight & Giveaway: Holiday Kisses by Anna J Stewart

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Anna J Stewart to HJ!

Hi Anna and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Holiday Kisses!

 
Hi, everyone! Love being back here with you all.
 

To start off, can you please tell us a little bit about this book?:

It’s not often I pay too much attention to tropes when I begin writing a book, but this time, from the opening page, I knew HOLIDAY KISSES would be a definite opposites attract story. Calliope and Xander are about as different as two people can get, at least on the outside and in the way they’ve led their lives, but their love and devotion to family is the bond they share. Xander has arrived in Butterfly Harbor to present his architectural plans for the butterfly sanctuary that’s going to be built, a project he honestly hasn’t given that much attention to. Calliope, Butterfly Harbor’s resident–shall we say–butterfly whisperer has definite feelings about the project and about Xander’s less than inspiring plans. When the town’s mayor decides they should work together to come up with the perfect solution, that’s when the sparks really start to fly.
 

Please share your favorite lines or quote(s) from this book:

The gentle glow of the fairy lamp illuminated her sister’s freckled face. Little-girl snores lightened Calliope’s heart as if magic had tethered the two of them.

Maybe it wasn’t Xander she didn’t trust. She touched a hand to her heart. Maybe she didn’t trust herself.

The insect flittered a moment, scratched its infinitesimal legs against one another and then pushed off into the late-afternoon sky toward Xander’s cabin.

What inspired this book?

Magic. No, seriously, magic inspired this book. From the second Calliope stepped on the page back in book two (I think, LOL), I knew she was going to get a story and I knew it would involve a bit of suspension of disbelief because she’s a little too good to be true. Don’t get me wrong. She has flaws, but she’s more intuitive than most, tends to know things others don’t, and isn’t shy about offering her advice or guidance. I’ve often called her Butterfly Harbor’s answer to The Good Witch (I love that show and character!).

I really wanted to write a book about connecting to nature and taking time to appreciate what nature has built around us. I knew I could do that through Calliope, but I also knew the hero would be even more important because he was the one who would need to slow down enough to see the town–and maybe the world–through Calliope’s eyes.

How did you ‘get to know’ your main characters? Did they ever surprise you?

I always get to know my characters as I write. I have a general plot idea and a general character sketch in my head. As I stated above, Calliope had appeared in previous books and I gave a little more away about her in each one. I had always assumed when the book began, it would be through her eyes, but when I sat down to write, Xander was the one who arrived first. That was a definite surprise. I think also the fact that there was a bit of hostility on Calliope’s part was the biggest revelation about her. She’s always been someone who likes everyone, is kind and compassionate, but from the moment she first sees him, it’s almost as if she’s angry he’s there because she knows her life isn’t going to be the same.

Because I don’t plot, my characters surprise me constantly, which I love. I’m never sure what I’m going to discover about them. For instance, I knew Xander comes from a big Greek family, but I had no idea any of them would end up on the page (spoiler: they all do). Nor did I realize his little sister was going to play a big part in Xander’s transformation (something I need all my characters to do). Xander was a lot more charming than I anticipated him being which was great fun. Most of my heroes turn out that way, I think because it’s just the type of hero I enjoy reading (and writing).

What was your favorite scene to write?

Oh, boy. That’s a tough one. There are a lot of favorites in this story, but I think the ones where Calliope and Xander argue are my favorites. I can remember my fingers just flying over the keyboard as I tried to keep up with everything they were thinking. The fact that they’re both right (and perhaps both wrong?) made it even more fun.

“You sound like you disapprove.” He started to laugh until he saw her strained smile.

“Of competition, yes, usually.” She shifted and directed her attention—and her laser-sharp gaze—on him. “Really? Why?”

“I’ve found pitting people against one another doesn’t necessarily bring out the best in individuals.”

“It’s character-building,” Xander argued and tried to keep his smile in check. He didn’t think she’d appreciate knowing her irritation toward him made her even more appealing.

“Competing against oneself is character-building. Participating in activities that could increase animosity feeds into negativity I’d rather avoid.”

“Gotta disagree with you.” If only because he found arguing with her invigorating. “Win or lose, you learn something. About other people, about yourself. I competed with my older brother constantly when we were growing up. I like to think we turned out okay.”

“Are you friends?”

“Friends?”

“You and your brother. Are you friends?”

“Ah.” Xander had to think about that as an image of his fair-haired brother popped into his head. “Well, yeah, I guess so. We’re brothers. Isn’t that a given?”

“Not always. No.” Calliope’s tone hadn’t changed, but something had. In her stance, in her expression.

“You don’t think my brother and I are friends?”

“I don’t know one way or the other,” Calliope said. “I’ve just found that siblings who grew up trying to one-up each other don’t always share a mutual respect or affection.”

“Funny. I didn’t notice judgment listed on my menu. Maybe you can show me where I missed it.” He pointed to the lunch selections.

“I’m not judging you. Or your brother,” she said. “I’m simply voicing my opinion on competition in general and its possible repercussions. Isn’t there enough conflict in the world without adding a prize at the end?”

What was the most difficult scene to write?

The one with Calliope and her mother. Her mother suffers from severe mental illness, has all her life, and she’s actually living away from Butterfly Harbor with a caregiver (Hildy). Calliope’s sister Stella, who’s only ten, has just left after a heartbreaking visit.

“Ma—” Calliope cleared her throat as Hildy touched her arm. “Emmaline,” she corrected herself.

“Yes?” Emmaline turned her porcelain face and smiled up at her daughter. Her mother had always reminded Calliope of a china doll, fragile and elegantly presented, with soft red curls framing her round face. Her flowing flowered dress with a lace collar gave her an old-fashioned appearance, as if she didn’t belong in this time. There was no trace of the disease that had stolen her away, nothing in her amethyst eyes other than stillness. “Hello. Do I know you?”

“We’re friends.” Calliope walked over slowly and when she reached the chair, she dropped down beside Emmaline. Tears blurred her vision, but beyond her mother, outside the window, she saw Xander stoop to talk to Stella, and motioned for her to help him with what was left of the shed.
Calliope’s heart swelled at the sound of Stella’s laughter. It was a balm of sorts against the bruising she and Stella had been taking for these past years. “What is your name?” Emmaline asked. “Friends have names.”

“Callie.” Calliope purposely chose the nickname her mother had used when she was a child. “I just came to see how you were doing. And to tell you I won’t be by to see you as often.”

“Have you been here before?” Emmaline blinked. “Have we known each other long?”

“I brought Stella to see you. Do you remember Stella?” If Calliope had any doubts as to her mother’s deteriorating state, they vanished under the shadow that crossed Emmaline’s face.

“She’s a trickster. A liar.” Emmaline lurched forward, pointing toward the window and Stella beyond.

“No! That’s not right, she’s—” The sharpness in Calliope’s voice startled even her. A glance outside told her Xander had heard her, but before Stella could look up at the window, he distracted her by pointing to a nearby shrub. Calliope stood up and pulled the window shut. “No, Mama. Enough. Enough,please.” She kneeled in front of her mother, just as she had in front of Stella, and caught her mother’s face in her hands.

Every ounce of energy coursing inside of her, every positive feeling, she pushed out through her palms, willing the madness swirling inside Emmaline to subside. But her mother’s eyes remained vacant. Cold. Closed.

“Calliope.” Hildy moved in behind Emmaline and whispered, “This isn’t going to help. She’s not there.”

“I know.” Calliope nodded and two tears plopped onto her cheeks. “I know. Oh, Mama. I’m sorry.”

Would you say this book showcases your writing style or is it a departure for you?

This probably exemplifies my style. HOLIDAY KISSES, gave me an opportunity to tap a very little bit into the paranormal genre (my first love). Any time I can add a bit of magic to a story makes me very happy. But with this book’s focus on family and community, it’s most definitely reflective of my style. No matter what romance sub-genre I write, it’s always about family, either the ones we’re born to or the ones we create for ourselves.

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

I’ve just finished book seven for the Butterfly Harbor series. That’ll be Frankie Bettencourt’s story, the town’s lead firefighter. Definite sparks fly in that one (pun intended) with Roman Salazar, possibly the most alpha named hero I’ve had yet, LOL.

Book six, SAFE IN HIS ARMS, Kendall Davidson’s story will be out in September from Harlequin Heartwarming as will COLTON ON THE RUN, part of Harlequin Romantic Suspense’s bestselling Colton series. I got to write Skye Colton’s book and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. I’m so excited to have two new Harlequins out in the same month!

In April (on sale today, actually), the first part of a two-part paranormal romance novella (LOST AND MAGIC BOUND) will be featured in Heart’s Kiss Magazine. Part two will be in June’s issue. This is an unofficial continuation of my TOME WARDENS collection I released last year.

In August, I’ll be releasing the prequel novella (YOU BET YOUR VALENTINE) for Christmas Town’s 2020 Valentine’s Boxed set, first, again, in Heart’s Kiss Magazine. It’ll be avaialable to our newsletter subscribers for FREE later this year. For our sixth collection we’ve decided to branch out and celebrate other holidays in Christmas Town, so be on the lookout for BE MY HEARTWARMING VALENTINE early next year.
 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: Five winners–digital copies of ALWAYS THE HERO, book 4 in the Butterfly Harbor series.

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: Earlier I talked about tropes (types of stories) and how HOLIDAY KISSES is an opposites attract romance. What are some of your favorite romance tropes? Marriage of convenience? Secret baby? Fake fiance? I’d love to know!

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Excerpt from Holiday Kisses:

The practical sedan that rounded the corner came as a surprise, and for a moment, Calliope wondered if she was wrong about who the new arrival was. But that thought faded as he climbed out of the car.

Her entire body went from ice-block chilled to volcanic flames, as if her system was resetting itself. He was tall, well over six feet, with jet-black hair that glistened almost blue in the sun. His skin had that rich, olive tone to it, as if his name hadn’t been hint enough of his Greek heritage. As he gathered a suitcase and garment bag out of the car, she noticed how the muscles in his arms strained against the perfectly tailored lines of his clothes.

Nicely made. The clothes and the man.

But when he faced her, and she looked into eyes as deep and clear as the Mediterranean, she found she couldn’t breathe. She trembled, recalling a face that had haunted her dreams not for weeks or even months, but for years. For almost as long as she could remember. He’d grown with her, from a boy to a man, and was oddly and unnervingly familiar.

Stella gripped hold of her dress, ducked behind Calliope and poked her head out as the man—and fate—approached.

“My second welcoming committee.” His voice washed over her like the evening tide. “It was you on the cliffs a while ago, wasn’t it?”

“It was.” Calliope’s voice shook. It wasn’t often she had to look up at people and until now she’d considered her height a bit of a curse. She felt Stella’s fingers clench tighter in her skirt and forced herself to relax. No need to make her sister as anxious as she felt. “Calliope Jones.”

“So Charlie said. The butterfly lady.” He set down his bag and held out his hand. “Xander Costas.”
Calliope looked down at it and considered it a few moments longer than normal before returning the greeting. The second she clasped his hand in hers, she gasped. Pride was the first thing she felt, strong and pulsing, followed closely by the faintest twinge of…nerves. Interesting. Not as confident as he appeared. “Welcome to Butterfly Harbor, Mr. Costas.”

He grinned at her formality but before she could amend her greeting, he shifted his attention to Stella. “And you are?”

“Stella. Stella Jones.” She slipped around Calliope’s side and kept an arm securely around her waist. “My sister,” Calliope said before he jumped to the same conclusion most people did. The almost twenty-year age gap left plenty of room for misconception.

“You’re early,” Stella said. “For your reservation.”

“Yeah, I know.” He shrugged and retrieved his bag. “I had some meetings cancelled so figured I might as well come on out. Given it’s a small town, I’m sure they’ll have a room for me.”

“Are you?” Calliope wasn’t fond of assumptions and leery of those who made them. “Why?”

“Why?” Xander blinked those entrancing eyes of his as if he hadn’t a care in the world. “They could be booked up. Butterfly Harbor is growing more popular every day. It seems to me it would have been appropriate for you to call and at least check before you made the trip out here. In case they don’t have one.”

“I honestly didn’t think it would be an issue.” He looked confused but not at all concerned. “I’m sure a room can be had for the right price.”

“Not everything has a price.” Calliope arched an eyebrow, uncomfortable with the way her thoughts escaped her usual careful control. “We look forward to hearing about your plans for the butterfly sanctuary.” She reached around for Stella’s hand and squeezed. “One thing you might not know about small towns, Mr. Costas, is how involved we are with every aspect of our home. Just a word of caution as you settle in.”

“Okay.” He frowned and Calliope took more pleasure than expected in seeing him knocked down a peg. “Did I do something to offend you? Normally, people take to me right away.”

“Normal and I have never been on speaking terms, Mr. Costas.”

“Xander.” His grin returned and it was then she realized he assumed she was flirting with him. She wasn’t. Was she? He hefted his bag over his shoulder. “I guess I’ll be seeing you around. Small town and all.”

“Yes, you will.”

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

His family’s honor is at stake…
And she holds the key

Calliope Jones, Butterfly Harbor’s free-spirited organic farmer, is the most vocal objector to Xander Costas and his design for the butterfly sanctuary that he hopes will save his family’s architectural firm. Strangely, it’s Calliope who shows him what the town, and he, really need. Calliope makes Xander listen with his heart. And soon his heart may be telling him to stay with this extraordinary woman!

Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Google |
 
 

Meet the Author:

USA Today and national bestselling hybrid author Anna J. Stewart writes sweet to sexy romance for Harlequin’s Heartwarming and Romantic Suspense lines. Early obsessions with Star Wars, Star Trek, and Wonder Woman set her on the path to creating fun, funny, and family-centric romances with happily ever afters for her independent heroines. A former RWA Golden Heart nominee and 2018 Daphne DuMaurier finalist, Anna lives in Northern California where she deals with a serious Supernatural , Sherlock, and Jason Momoa addiction and surrounds herself with friends and family. When she’s not writing, you can find her at fan conventions, at her local movie theater, or building her client list for her content editing services.
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