A Christmas Coffee ~ Laura J Marshall
Sarah is stuck in that moment, the moment her life changed forever and she lost the one who she put her faith in. She receives a gift from her parents to help her heal, a trip to Palermo, Sicily to cook with a renowned chef and relax during a season that usually causes her great pain. Can she put aside the past and grasp at a lovely future, or will she settle for a mediocre future to avoid the hurt love can bring?
Laura Marshall is a full-time mom of five boys. When not on active duty, she is a best-selling author of Christian Romance.
Laura, thank you for joining me today!
This is the perfect book to review right before Christmas. I enjoyed that this book was full of everything a longer book has, but in a small enough package that I could enjoy it in one afternoon. I find that I am so stressed and my time is so precious during this season that this book hit the proverbial spot.
This book is mostly set internationally, have you had the opportunity to travel to Sicily? If not, how did you research the setting, you set it up so beautifully? If you have, can you share with us something you enjoyed about it?
Thanks for having me on your blog and reading A Christmas Coffee, Kari. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
I’ve never traveled to Sicily, but my father’s side of the family is from there originally. It will continue to be a place I dream of visiting. I researched the setting online and created a folder of resources. A lot of my inspiration comes from looking at pictures and placing myself in the scene as the character I’m writing. I thoroughly enjoyed being in Sicily for the brief time I was there and plan on visiting Italy again soon. (I’m currently writing a historical series with another author and am enjoying Scotland immensely!)
Part of the beauty of the Novella is getting to imagine what comes next, or even what comes in between. In the case of A Christmas Coffee, I love how you left it completely open how many years (or year) happened between the final chapter and the epilogue. To someone who has an imagination, this is pure gold. I love a story where I don’t want the relationship with the characters to end and you have done that with this story. Do you do that consciously when you write? I mean, are you slightly vague on purpose to let the reader make of it what they will, but keep the reader who does not do that satisfied?
I’m an avid reader of Christian romance. I think this aids me in how I write the ending of a story. I do tend to not tie things up in a neat little package, but leave some of the characters present life open to the imagination while trying to leave the reader happily satisfied. So, yes…your assessment is spot on.
Is there anyone in your life who inspired you to write or who cheers you on?
My husband is a great cheerleader, as well as my friend and fellow author Suzanne D. Williams. I have to say also that the Christian writing community is extremely generous in their advice and encouragement.
What is your favorite flavor of gelato?
Confession time! I’ve never had gelato! It’s on the proverbial “bucket list”, but truthfully, I think I’m waiting to try it for the first time in Italy.
As a mom to boys, was it reminiscent of your own past to write the scenes with the twins?
It was! When I pictured Parker, I could not stop seeing him with these little boys hanging all over his legs. I’ve witnessed that so many times with my own husband and children (not that any of mine are twins but my top two and then bottom three are close together in age). Precious moments. Thank you so much for having me!
You can find out more about this book and others on Laura’s website, www.LauraJMarshall.com where you can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.