Christine Ashworth's
Christmas Star
I have had the pleasure of reviewing this book by Christine, and not even on Christmas! I found this book to be a hopeless romantic story. However, I think the book in itself, as Christine herself even stated to me, is something you can read anytime, not just at Christmas.
However, the story does take place Christmas Eve, Elle Houston has the dream wedding to a gorgeous Movie star, the man of her dreams. Everything she ever wanted and more.
This novella includes some tasty reading too, so make sure you have snacks nearby, or that you aren't on a diet. I was intrigued, and enjoying myself in so many ways as I read through this book.
I also like the fact, that because I have lived in San Diego, that I could picture it too. I love putting myself in the scene as I read, but then again, I love using my imagination, it's the best part about reading.
The sexy was steamy, the cooking was delightful, and romance was perfection. Everything you could want and more!
I give this beautiful book five stars, and think that Christine is an excellent author. I love to read anything she writes. She just pulls you in, and puts you right at the scene. She knows what she is doing.
Thank you for thinking of me, Christine! I'm glad you did! I loved this book!
Here are my questions for Christine:
1. What made you write the "Christmas Star"?
I
was in contract negotiations with Boroughs Publishing Group for the
first two StarTide Agency series books. We were all in San Antonio for
the Romance Writers of America National Conference last July, an. I had
been invited to the Boroughs dinner for their authors, and to the Booze
& Schmooze party after the Rita awards celebration on the last night
of the conference. I knew their schedule was full through the first
quarter of 2015 for full-length novels, but they also publish LunchBox
Romances - romances that take about the average lunch hour to read, and I
was intrigued.
It
was night, and we were sitting on the balcony of the Boroughs suite.
The warm wind was blowing, and I was with Chris Keeslar, Boroughs Editor
in Chief, and Megan Frampton, a wonderful author and the creator of
Heroes & Heartbreakers. We were all chatting, and I turned to Chris
and said, "So, if I manage to write a Christmas LunchBox Romance, would
there be room in the lineup for this holiday season?" He said to me,
"Get it to me, and I'll see what I can do."
I
started writing this story in the airport in San Antonio, while waiting
to board my plane home to Los Angeles. Within two weeks, I had a
contract for three novels, and a separate contract for Christmas Star.
2. Is Elle Houston derived from anybody in particular? How about the handsome, sexy, Movie star?
Hm.
Interesting question. Romance, of course; I do love my paranormals, and
hope to get back to them someday; but right now I'm working on the
StarTide series, which is contemporary, multicultural, and the next 3
books will also have same sex couples as well.I
read it all. Love it all. My go-to favorites tend to be historical
romances, though I always try to read my friends' works first.Nope. I grew up in San Diego, and the rest is all pure imagination, lol.My
fabulous editor, Chris Keeslar. He also designed the next three covers
in my StarTide series. He's definitely multi-talented!Lucky Stars Box Set: I look forward to seeing you!
Elle
is a tribute to all the hard working people behind the scenes on a
movie set. She's smart, talented, intuitive, and kind of amazed that
this gorgeous actor wants to marry her.
Taylor Collins is an amalgam of all the people I know who consider everyone else in their life to be window-dressing.
3. The delicious food, where and what made you do that?
I
love cooking. I love feeding other people, and when I'm not writing,
I'm happiest in the kitchen. The Decadent Hot Chocolate in the book is a
real recipe that my husband and I found while vacationing one winter in
Paris. We'd gone to the Isle St. Louis, one of the two islands in the
middle of the Seine, and found this wonderful chocolatier who served
this drink. Luckily, the recipe was hand-printed and posted. Tom copied
it, and we still make it every year
4. How long did it take you to write this?
Six weeks, total. It held together pretty much from the beginning, to my relief.
5. What is your favorite type of book to write?
Hm. Interesting question. Romance, of course; I do love my paranormals, and hope to get back to them someday; but right now I'm working on the StarTide series, which is contemporary, multicultural, and the next 3 books will also have same sex couples as well.
6. What is your favorite type of book to read?
I read it all. Love it all. My go-to favorites tend to be historical romances, though I always try to read my friends' works first.
7. Did you do any special research for this book?
Nope. I grew up in San Diego, and the rest is all pure imagination, lol.
8. Who designed the beautiful cover for this book?
My fabulous editor, Chris Keeslar. He also designed the next three covers in my StarTide series. He's definitely multi-talented!
9. How long have you been writing?
Are
we counting the Lord Peter Wimsey FanFic I wrote in the 1980s? If not,
then seriously, and for publication, since 2000. My first published
novel was Demon Soul, in 2011, by Crescent Moon Press.
10. Please provide for us links to your work and social sites:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/
Website: http://christine-
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.
Pinterest: https://www.
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.
Guarded Star: http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
11. Anything special you'd like to add?
I
love meeting people! If you're in New York in late July, I'll be
signing books at the Literacy Book Signing that is held at the New York
City Marriott Marquis Hotel, on July 22nd, 5:30 to 8pm...more detail is here: https://www.rwa.org/p/
As well, I'll be at the Book Obsessed Chicks Beach BBQ on Sunday, July 26th; more detail here: https://www.facebook.
AND, I'll be at Hot Mojave Knights in October, 2015...more detail here: http://www.
Thanks, Deneale my dear, for having me. Hugs, hon!
