Inspy Romance

Inspy Romance—Fall in Love With a Good Book

Becky Wade ~ Book of the Year and Giveaway!

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Becky Wade~ Book of the Year and Giveaway!

Today I’m excited to interview award-winning author Becky Wade. Not only did her novel True to You win a Christy Award for Contemporary Romance of 2018, but it also won Book of the Year for 2018.

Welcome Becky!

Thanks, Janet!  It’s a treat to join you here.

What was your favorite part of attending the awards?

I loved the opportunity to share the evening — the gala dinner, the ceremony, the socializing afterward — with the staff from Bethany House as well as writer friends and reader friends.

Can readers attend the award ceremony in Nashville?

Absolutely!  A few of my readers attended the gala this fall and they had a fantastic time.  They’re Christian fiction aficionados, so they really enjoyed chatting with so many authors at one time.  The next Christy Award ceremony will be held in Nashville on November 6th, 2019.  Those of you who like to plan far in advance — (I know you’re out there!) — can mark your calendars now.

OH, I hope I can go!

I think it’s wonderful that a contemporary romance was recognized this year! What are your thoughts on that?

I arrived at the Christy Awards ceremony knowing that True to You had been nominated alongside two terrific books in the Contemporary Romance category.  Its odds of winning were 1 in 3.  Thus, when it received the Christy Award, I felt wildly fortunate.  It never occurred to me think that it might bring home a second award.

At the end of the evening, Charles Martin announced the Book of the Year by its opening line.  He smiled a little and read, “Finding oneself at the mercy of a crazed gunman isn’t all fun and games.”  My opening line!  My jaw dropped.  I gaped at my editor and she gaped at me.  I’d put on my coat because it was chilly in the auditorium, so I walked to the podium in my coat.  The first words out of my mouth were, “I’m flabbergasted!”

And I genuinely was.

I’d already spoken the remarks I’d prepared.  Any of a hundred things could have flown out of my mouth because I was so discombobulated.  By the grace of the Lord, the thing that came out of my mouth was the very thing I would have wanted to articulate had I had time to collect my thoughts.  Namely, how honored and grateful I was that the judges had decided to recognize a book written for women.

Those of us who love to read romance know exactly why we love it.  However, our genre doesn’t always receive the respect in deserves — in part, I suspect, because romance is largely written by women for women.  I think it’s fantastic that a romance took home the Book of the Year Christy Award because it sent the message that every sub-genre of Christian fiction has something valuable and important to offer readers.

Amen! We all believe that here at Inspy Romance! I’ve bought the book now, and I look forward to reading it! What makes this book special compared with your other wonderful novels?

During the writing process, there are certain aspects of every story that give me fits and certain aspects that come together easily.  I rewrite and rewrite and rewrite.  It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to get a novel ready for publication.  By the time one of my manuscripts is finally ready, I’m always just as proud of it as I am all the others.

The aspects of True to You that came together easily for me:

1) The heroine’s personality.  Nora is a middle child and a bookworm.  Immediately, I felt that I knew and understood her.

2) The plot line.  I have first cousins who are adopted, so writing about a hero who’s trying to find his birthmother was both fascinating and informative.

3) The theme of true vs. false.  It was a joy to uncover the false things the characters (and the rest of us) believe and then confront them with the truth of who God says we are, in Him.

So true! True to me, true to you, ha! (I couldn’t resist being corny.) What’s coming up for you next?

My third and final Bradford Sisters romance, Sweet on You, will release April 30th.

We can’t wait! Thank you so much for visiting Inspy Romance!

It was my pleasure!

Connect with Becky

Web Site | Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

True to You

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. However, when John, an adoptee, is diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his ancestry.

John enlists Nora’s help to uncover the identity of his birth mother, and as they work side-by-side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match.  But can their hope for a future survive their wounds from the past?

Available here: Becky’s Web Site | Amazon | Barnes&Noble | iBooks | Audible

Becky mentioned her love of romance in this interview.  Why do you love to read romance? Name one reason in your comment and you’ll be entered to win your choice of Becky’s books.  One winner will receive a signed print copy if she lives in the USA or an eBook copy if she lives outside the USA. Comment by January 5, 2019. (Void where prohibited.) 

Janet W Ferguson (66 Posts)

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the FHL Readers Choice Award winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after. ​Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space. Connect with her at http://www.janetfergusonauthor.com/


Comments

  1. I love to read romance because it reminds me that love is always an option :)
    Enjoyed this interview tremendously; heading over to Amazon to check out Becky’s books!

  3. Hi Janet and Becky. I love this series and cannot wait for Britt’s story!
    I read romance because I like happy endings:)
    Blessings:)

  4. I love to read romance books because of the happy endings..every one gets their true love, their dog and everything..lol
    Patricia Bennett Barber

  5. I love to read romance because of the emotions is stirs inside of you…the hope and the butterflies…. thank you for the chance to win, I have not yet read any of your (Becky’s) books!

  7. I read romance because of the happy endings. This seems to be the reason for many of us. Romance books also remind me of when I first fell in love with my husband.

  8. Hi Janet and Becky! Thanks for the intriguing question. Maybe I am out of the norm, but I read “Inspiring Romance” to be inspired. What insights will be included in the HEA! What lessons learned! What can I gleam as a reader. For example, True to You caught my interest because I also enjoy reading historical romance and as a retiree I have been exploring my family tree and had my DNA tested. Since the cover and blurb caught my interest, I read the beginning of your romance on Amazon. Wow – book is on my wish list. Happy NEW YEAR to All the wonderful authors and readers. God’s Blessings and Best Wishes for 2019.

  9. Love her books; can’t wait for the next one. Don’t enter me for the giveaway cause I have read it! Am an avid reader (164 this year) and love romance settings cause love Happy Endings!
    Happy New Year to all!

  10. I love the happy endings. (Don’t enter me in the drawing – I have read all of Becky’s books.)

  12. Welcome to Inspy Romance, Becky! Fun interview, Janet. :)

    I love reading — and writing — romance because human love is an echo of God’s love for His bride, the church.

  13. Thank you for stopping by Becky!

    I read romance for the hope it brings. So many stories offer hope to those of us of whom true love has been elusive. I offer this hope to my daughters and when all the arguments have failed, I simply point out that the author believes it’s possible that there are men like the characters in romance books and they should too.

    I will keep believing there are good men out there, almost as perfect as those found within the pages of a book. Thank you authors for the hope you bring.

    Have a safe and Happy New Year’s Eve.

  15. Would love to win read and review on Goodreads. I love romance because it reminds me that although life is far from perfect there is love contentment and more waiting out there

  17. Hi Wemble! I’m reading in the Porter series and enjoying it! I have to have a happy ending!

  22. I also love Christian romance so I can be inspired! I want to learn something, too.
    Happy New Year, Renate!

  26. Thanks, Valerie! I enjoyed interviewing Becky! I love your answer! Perfect!
    Happy New Year!

  29. I’m not a rebel in many respects, but I’ve been reading this series out of order–I read Falling for You first, and now have a copy of True to You. Even without having read that, I’m looking forward to the third book! Ha. I love how romances can contain truth that encourages me. That’s something I loved about Falling for You, and the reason I picked up True to You, which I’m looking forward to reading even more now that I’ve read this!

  32. I love to read romance because of the raw emotional connections the characters make, the growth and development of their characters, and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that somehow are overcome so the leading characters can be together.

  34. Romance is a good escape. This genre engages the heart and the emotion and draws you into the story of two characters who want what we all want deep down, meaningful, loving relationships.

  35. I enjoy reading romance because it’s a fun escape that makes me smile. And, I love new beginnings. That moment when two people meet and go on a journey together.

  36. I love romance books, especially Becky Wade’s books because of the happy endings. I love following the journey of two people falling in love.

  37. I am just lucky enough to be living my own happily ever after, and I love reading about other fairy tales come true!

  40. I read romance for the same reason I read any other genre: the stories tug at my heart and speak to me! I love getting to know characters and learning their joys and struggles. The theme of hope usually runs through Christian fiction, which is something we all desperately need.

    Thanks for the chance to win! :-)

  41. The cover of this book looks so beautiful. I would love to read your book. Thank you for letting me participate in the giveaway.

  42. Thank you. I read romance because it takes me away better than Calgon ever did! I also LOVE happy endings.

  48. I love clean Christian fiction books (and romance adds a bit more flare to it). In a world where real true love is replaced with that which is “ungodly”, it’s nice to read promotion of romance and marriage in a Bibilical manner. Thanks for this opportunity to read another great book.

  52. Ive bought all of her books in ebook form. I’ve read all but the Christmas Heirloom.i just love happy endings:-)

  54. I like to read romance because I am happily married and I love to read about other people who fall in love and get married!

  60. I love historical fiction with some romance & mystery in it too. I think the book True to You sounds like it combines all of those elements in it. Going to put it on my list of “to read” books.

  62. I enjoy reading romance novels because I love reading how a man woos a woman, the hearty stopping and jumping at every precious moment unravels for the couple and how even the hardest of hearts can be softened. I’m a true romantic at heart and romance novels always give me something new to have my heart pound.

  63. To escape from the everyday hum-drum routine, plus it is inspirational and uplifting in general! I am fortunate to have been married for many years to my husband, who was a best friend from high school. Becky is a very gifted writer, and I always look forward to her books.

  64. I love Becky’s books, and I can’t believe it, but I’m actually behind on them! What a great problem to have! =) I imagine I’ll be catching up on her books in 2019. I think my favorite of all of her books is still My Stubborn Heart . . . those senior characters just stole every scene! LOVED THEM! I think the Lord gave me a fun romantic story of my own–I’ve always liked reading those kinds of stories, but now I think I enjoy them even more!

  66. I have read all of Becky’s books and love her characters. It’s refreshing to read uplifting stories when things aren’t already so great in real life. Britt’s story should be incredible!!!

  67. I’ve loved happily ever afters from a young age. Cinderella was my favorite fairy tale. I think romances give hope that things can turn out in your favor.

  71. Why do I read romance? That’s a question with so many answers in my mind! I love the escape from reality in a romance book, getting lost in someone else’s world for a while. When an author involves me in their characters lives so thoroughly, that’s a great story in my book (no pun intended). Plus, I’m a hopeless romance and always have been. I KNOW I will find that happily-ever-after at the end, but for me, the journey to get there is where the real adventure is! What twists and turns will the author throw at the hero and heroine? What conflict and obstacles will they have to face or overcome? That’s what I call the “meat” of the story. I love seeing people fall in love! Even though I know the characters aren’t real, except in the authors & readers mind.

    It’s that blissful sigh at the end of the book I crave! Knowing two people will be utterly and completely in love and that love will last forever makes my heart happy ☺

    Happy (almost) New Year Inspy Romance! I haven’t been here in a long time, something I REALLY want to remedy in 2019. I miss you guys! What a wonderful post and author interview with Becky. I have three or so of her books on my shelf and recently read “A Christmas Heirloom” novella collection. I’d love to read more of hers this year, my bookshelves are overflowing with many, many wonderful books….and ALL on my want-to-read list, lol!

  72. As someone who didn’t marry until she was 41, I always enjoyed having good clean Romances to read! To read books with a godly perspective on live and marriage is great.

  73. I love to read romance because of the journey that the couple goes through, life isn’t perfect and I love stories that drive that point home instead of always being a smooth and easy road to happily ever after!

  75. This book was amazing! It was so heart wrenching! Only with God at the center of their lives could they get through the revelations! Thank you Becky for letting God use you!

  77. Hi Angela! You do sound like a true romance fan! I hope you enjoy the book!
    Happy New Year!

  81. I love to read romance books because they show that love isn’t always easy to find but so worth it in the end!

  82. I like to be uplifted, as well! I think all the writers at Inspy Romance have that goal. Becky’s novels are wonderful examples of uplifting!

  83. I love reading romance because of how the couples work through their problems with the help of God and get their happy ending.

  88. Hi Trixi! Yes, don’t be a stranger here! I do love a meaty story, too!
    My Kindle and shelves overflow, too, so I totally get it!
    Happy New Year!

  89. Reading is my most favorite thing to do in the world. As a girl, my dream was to be locked in the library overnight. I own and have read all your books, several read twice and one read three times. I would give anything I would win to an elderly lady at church who is an avid reader at age 86. I give her books all the time.

  90. Hi Patty! Sweet! I’m glad you found your guy! I am the worst at typos, ha, so I knew what you meant!

  92. Exactly, Charity! Can’t do it without Him! And Becky is a super sweet person whom God is using!

  93. That is so sweet, Susan! I used to be a librarian before I started writing, so I totally get it!

  96. Hi.. I just love reading becky wade’s books!! Sitting down with a cup of tea and a book then my evening is complete!! ??

  97. I love reading romance because love is the universal language to which we can all relate! Also, I can’t resist a good HEA! Real life is stressful enough so I prefer books that have a happy ending.

  98. I’ve read all her novels, including True to You, except for Falling for you (which is waiting in my kindle at the moment lol) It was a really great book I agree. And I’m shocked and so proud that such a talented author has won book of the year. I agree, having a romance win is phenomenal because so many don’t see the value in romance. But what I love, is finding romance books that dissect not just romance, but life itself, which is fantastic. Books that leave you contemplative long after you’ve read it. Congratulations again Becky! Thanks for sharing today!

  99. Perfect way to sum it up, Sara Beth! I love your name, too! The heroine in my novel Leaving Oxford is named Sarah Beth :)

  102. I love reading about other people’s love stories – how love can overcome so many things and we finish with a happy ending (the best)!

  103. I love to read Christian Romance because it is clean and sweet! I love Becky’s books! Thanks for the opportunity to own one!

  104. I love to read about the relationship development between the characters in rmamce books. (And because my life is sadly lacking romance… I’ve gotta get my fix somewhere! ;) ) Thanks fo r the opportunity to win! I love Becky Wade’s books.

  106. After a stressful day at work, I need some “happily ever after” . Romance fills that spot. I always have one available.

  107. I already have True to You! Eager to read it soon! I would love to have Falling for you!!!
    Becky Wade is amazing!

  108. I think the thing I most love about reading romance is seeing what each person learns about themselves in the process. In reading their stories, I also have a chance to do some self-eval. Even after 23 1/2 years of wedded bliss, there is always something to learn! <3

  109. I love the happy endings!!! Christian romance writers show real people live real lives…dependant on God. Congratulations on the awards!!! Thanx for the giveaway!!! Happy New Year!!!

  110. The kind of romance novels I read I like to do so for the respect the hero shows the heroine and the little ways he shows her that he loves her.

  115. Love everything Becky has written! True to You is my utmost favorite of hers…and that is saying something when you got hunky cowboys in her other books!

  120. Hi Lori! You’re in for a treat! I’m listening to Her One and Only on Audible right now!

  121. Why do I love romance? In a world filled with difficult choices and depressing news, romance is the epitome of hope – that glimmer of the promise that a happy ending is out there just waiting.

  125. Hi Jennifer! Same here! Happy ending, realistic stories with God as a centerpiece!
    Happy New Year!

  129. Hi Gretchen! I’m the queen of typos, so no worries! We all love romance here at Inspy Romance. You’re welcome!
    Happy New Year!

  133. I think I like to read romance (Christian and clean) because the stories make you feel good. You’re rooting for the character and enjoying things with them.

  137. Hi Tami! I pretty much just read Christian fiction, and of course, that’s what I write!

  139. I love to read Christian romance because it’s like a dream come true every time!! Thanks Becky for sharing your stories with all of us!

  140. I love reading romances because they’re full of happiness (well after getting through the conflict). I love escaping everything going on in this crazy world right now and reading a clean, happy story!

  141. I love reading romance because they are feel-good books and also because it reminds us of our True Lover–the relationship between Christ and the church (His Bride). :) I’d love to read Becky’s books!

  143. Hi Dezi! Yes, we authors have to throw in a bit of conflict so readers don’t get board! I love a good escape, too!

  146. Enjoy reading about romance because of seeing a good Christian relationship develop, and how genuine caring for the person starts, and where it may possibly lead to an honorable marriage. Thanks for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! Would love to win a print copy! God bless and have a Happy New Year!

  147. I love reading romance books because it makes me happy! I’ve read all but one of Becky’s books (The Christmas Heirloom) and hope to read it soon too.

  148. I love reading romance because it makes my heart happy. It makes your imagination comes to life and even though they are stories, it gives you some home that love is possible.

  150. I like reading romance novels( prefer Christian) because it’s fun to see the relationship develop.❤️

  157. Happy New Year Janet! I love romance because…I just love it. I can’t even think of any reasons lol
    The Bradford Sisters series are great, I can’t wait to read the last one.

  158. I like the way a romance lets you escape from your life to draw you into that of the characters! And for me having been a widow for a while I love reading a good Christian love story, something I’m not likely to experience personally. I love romances that honor God instead of focusing on the physical side!!

  161. How exciting. Congratulations!!!
    I’ve read the first two books (plus the prequel) and I’ve been waiting for Sweet on you.
    I love to read Christian romance because of the possibilities of finding yourself in God’s love and helping him guide you to find your partner in life.

  165. I love romance because…sigh…what’s not to love about romance. Plus you almost always get your happily ever after with a romance novel.

  166. I like to read romance because it gives me a way to relax and escape the day to day stress of life. I have read since I was a kid. I would rather have a book to read than anything else.

  169. I like to read romance because there is just something very exciting about two people falling in love and the ups and downs they experience getting there.

  171. I read True to You in three days. I could identify with Nora because I lose myself in books just like she did. I also find the library relaxing. I love the twist towards the end of the book. At the time when most authors are resolving the conflict, a major conflict is presented which kept me up till the wee hours of the morning because I had to see how it ended. Impressed about a lot of things about the book but will save some for my blog review.

  172. I enjoy reading Christian romance because LOVE is the greatest gift that never fails. It reminds me of my Bridegroom’s love and gives me hope. We are whole when we are loved perfectly.

    Janet, thank you for the wonderful interview with Becky!

  173. I love love love romance because of the anticipation. That first kiss…the almost kiss…it has such hope in it. Becky is such a great writer and True to You has been one of my favorites so far.

  174. You’re welcome, Caryl! I love that answer! He is a loving Bridegroom!
    Happy New Year!

  175. Oh I love that first kiss! And the almost kiss! You’re right about the anticipation!
    Becky is a great writer :)
    Happy New Year Sherrinda!

  176. Oh, I get it, Genstacia! I’ve lost many a nights sleep to a great book! What is your blog address? I want to check it out.
    Happy New Year!

  181. Love, love, love the cover of your book— so classy and elegant! Why do I read romance? Hmmm…(rolls eyes heavenward and taps chin thoughtfully.) I think it takes me back to a time when I was a young and in pursuit of my own Prince Charming. Happy to say, I found him, and we are enjoying our 37th year of wedded bliss. If I were to write our story, I’d title it, Love for a Lifetime. Happy endings really are the best!

  185. I love Inspirational romance! Though the characters are fictional, I love being to relate to some of their challenges. The stories can also give me reminders to not take my own love for granted; plus, I love to read happy endings in a world that is too often filled with heart-break.

  186. Thank you Janet for this article about Becky. What an honor and accomplishment. To be chosen from, I don’t know how many authors. Congratulations!
    Oh my, why do I love to read romance? I think just about every woman, loves to read and dream of that perfect one true romance, even if she has mr perfect at home. I mean at 60, I still love to read where someone’s life is changed and full filled through the romance in their life. In my mind, I’m still that 20 year old, with my whole life ahead of me. Looking for the happy ever after. The whole wine and dine experience. And in a world that has changed the whole meaning of romance and marriage, where else do we get to live it, but between the pages of a wonderful book.

  191. I love to read romance because it gives me hope that one day there will be a special someone who will love me and treat me right.

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