Carol here! When I first started writing seriously, like for publication, I started reading again. A. Lot. And one of the first authors I discovered was a lovely lady named Candace Calvert. She quickly became a dear friend who is a constant champion and – as 
a former ER nurse – occasional medical consultant for both fictional and very real maladies. So, when we started this blog, I knew I wanted to feature some of my favorite contemporary romance authors (who aren’t already here!) – at least until I have books of my own ;).
Since I knew Candy had a book due out about now, she was first on my list to call… er, email. ;) And since I‘m one of her influencers… lookee what I got in the mail Monday!!!
So now… without listening to me prattle on any longer, Candace Calvert and Lauren Barclay!
What happens when a character spotlight gets turned upside down, all caddywhompus and completely whopperjawed? A Texas story heroine interviews her California author!
ER nurse Lauren Barclay of LIFE SUPPORT has some burning questions for me, Candace Calvert. She has not read the end of her story. Here’s the teaser from the back cover:
Nurse Lauren Barclay puts life on hold to keep a watchful eye on her troubled sister. It’s why she’s back in Houston. But that means confronting the brooding Physician Assistant who caused painful turmoil in her family–and left Lauren with memories her heart can’t forget.
PA and single parent Elijah Landry is no stranger to stormy relationships, including his father, who is threatening him with a restraining order. It won’t stop Eli from protecting his disabled brother—or making peace with Lauren. He wants that and so much more.
But as Lauren and Eli draw closer, a powerful hurricane roars toward Houston. Survival instincts take priority and everything changes. Can hope weather the storm?
Lauren Barclay (eager, iPad in her lap): Can we start now?
Candace Calvert: Sure. But I’m thinking we need to limit this to four questions. Sort of fast and furious. Are you okay with that?
Lauren (smiling): I’m an ER nurse. Fast and Furious is my middle name. I’m prepared to cite references from the unedited galley of Life Support.
Candace (brows raised): You are? Okay then. First burning question?
Lauren: What’s with my hair?
“Another speck of humidity and I swear I’m going to shave my head.” Lauren peered across the hospital picnic table at ER tech Varina Viette—Vee for short—while trying to lift her heavy hair away from her neck. There wasn’t a merciful wisp of a breeze and more clouds were gathering.
Candace: It’s July in Houston and a tropical storm’s brewing. Your hair is going to frizz a little, Lauren. Is there perhaps . . . a meatier question?
Lauren: My parents’ dog. I have more than enough to deal with in this story. Did you have to give me a neurotic animal?
“Yes, Mom,” Lauren assured, trying to both grip the cell phone and prevent the growling shih tzu from twining her leash around the park bench enough to strangle herself. “I’m doing exactly what the therapist said. Giving Hannah Leigh the opportunity to socialize, but protecting her from aggressive encounters.” She grimaced as the dog made a sound like something from The Exorcist. “I think she’s really enjoying herself.”
Candace: Hmmm. I could say something in author-speak about theme and analogies. But maybe I should just admit that Hannah Leigh is my cousin’s dog.
Lauren (sighing): And then there’s Eli Landry. I start the relationship with my fists raised because of my sister. But I can’t help but admire his compassion in the ER. Plus, there are those romantic moments:
“I should have said less about all those other things,” Eli continued, “and a lot more about how special I think you are.”
“You said I was the music in your day.” Lauren’s eyes met his. “No one has ever told me anything as wonderful. In my whole life.”
Eli took her face in both of his hands. “Well then, be prepared. I have a plan to do that sort of thing a lot more. Starting right now. . . . ”
He bent low, watched her eyes flutter to a close, and kissed her lips very lightly. Then he kissed her forehead, her cheek, her eyelid, and the tip of her nose—before claiming her mouth a second time . . .
Candace: You’re complaining about that scene?
Lauren (blushing): No, ma’am.
Candace: Then what’s your third question?
Lauren: There are so many painful complications after that night. How does it end between us?
Candace: Um . . . LIFE SUPPORT releases March 1st. That’s not long to wait.
Lauren (fingers tapping on iPad): Easy for you to say.
Candace: We’re down to our last question, Lauren.
Lauren: What about that ugly hurricane you’re sending our way?
Candace (squirming): You need to remember that I’m called the author of medical “hope opera,” and I absolutely believe in happy endings, so—
Lauren: You’re hedging, Candace. I asked if the hurricane hits Houston.
Candace: Fill the sandbags.
Thank you again for your hospitality, Inspy Romance! And do come visit me online.
Carol again! So glad to have you with us today, Candy!!!! If you, dear reader, don’t follow Candace on Facebook, you should! She posts the best foodie pics of any writer I know!
Oh – and see how I have my own copy? You can win one here today! Leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for a copy from Candace!
Candace Calvert
When she's not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband and four kids in the big yard of their southwest Missouri home, teaching American Government at a community college, reading, or watching NCIS. She's a member of ACFW and RWA, President and founding member for the MozArks ACFW group, and a category coordinator for ACFW's First Impressions.
G’day Carol, Candace!
Great interview. :) I usually don’t like medical romance of any sort, but I ALWAYS make an exception for Candace’s book. I love her stories. :)
I’d love to be entered in the giveaway, but seeing as I’m from Australia I understand if I’m ineligible.
All the best as you write for His glory,
Lucy
Loved this interview, Candace:) I was already waiting to read this one, now I’m itching to. I always enjoy your books:)
Love this interview with Lauren’s character, can’t wait to read this one! I have enjoyed all of your books, and my husband has even read a few!! Thanks Inspy Romance for the great posts and giveaways!
Carol and Candace: Thanks so much for the entertaining interview. GREAT job!
Yes now I am intreged by this interview to want to read your books !!! But that was the goal right !
Thank you Inspy Romance for a great site to come read and learn from.
Linda Finn
faithfulacresbooks @ gmail.com
I like medical stories. This looks like a good one.
susanmsj at msn dot com
Wish I could win this one. :) It will have to go on my wish list. Nice interview.
I absolutely cannot wait to read this story!!
Jordan
onewritergirl at yahoo dot come
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Candy! What a great interview! I can’t wait to get to this one in my to-be-read stack!
What a fun idea, having Lauren interview Candace – great fun!
I don’t knot that I’ve read any medical romanceand I know I haven’t read anything by Candace. Thanks for the interview and chance to win!
Candace, you’ve intrigued me. I want to read Life Support now! Best wishes for the release of it and everything. :)
Andrea Cox
andrearenee2004@yahoo.com
I can’t wait to read this one! Want to see what happens with Lauren! I just found you in January and have read 5 of your books already!!
I absolutely loved this interview, hysterical! Congratulations on the new release Candace!! Your books are great.
I love Candace’s writing’s and look forwad to this one as well, Great interview! :-D silygoos at gmail dot com
I love Candace Calvert. Have been reading her for years.
Fun interview! I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it. Thanks for the giveaway.
I always enjoy these sorts of character interviews. It’s a creative way to get to know the book, the main character and the author. Thanks!
I love Candace’s books! I’ve read all of them…and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Life Support! Great interview and thanks for the chance to win!
Oh, what a fun interview! Looks like a really fun book. Thanks for the giveaway as well!!
Great and fun interview! My friend LOVES Candace’s books, so I’ve heard great things about them. This one looks really good! Thanks for the chance to win. =)
Oh, how awesome! I haven’t read any of Candace’s books, but they look like a lot of fun!
Medical dramas sound really good! I haven’t read any, but I’ve been intrigued with them since first hearing about Candace’s books. =)
I enjoyed the interview – now looking forward to the book release :) Thank you for the chance to win…
Can’t wait for the book to get here!! Love your books, Candace… I have read them all… most on my Kindle… Keep writing those wonderful stories for the glory of God!!
I’m having such a fail trying to enter the rafflecopeter thing… but the book sounds quite fun! Hope to read it soon.
Enjoyed the format of the interview, with the character doing the interview. Fun!
How fun! Can’t wait to read it! :)
Hello everyone. I guess my earlier comment didn’t post. Thank you, Carol, for hosting me–this is such FUN! I’m honored (tickled pink!) by the kind and enthusiastic comments. I love mingling with friends AND meeting new readers–it’s my great joy to share these hopeful stories. Can’t wait to sign a copy for one of you!
I love the interview and excerpts and would love to win a copy of LIFE SUPPORT! I can’t wait to find out more about the painful complications Lauren mentioned. Thank you so much for the chance to win!
texaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Hi Candace & Carol, I loved this interview! So fun to read :)
What a cute interview loved it. Sounds like a good book. Love chance to win.
Blessings
Diana
joeym11(at)frontier(dot)com
What a fun interview! I was just telling someone how fun it is to interview your characters – and how you just never know what they’re going to say. Great post, Carol and Candace (and Lauren)!
Candace, that was such a cute interview!! I am ready and waiting to get hold of your new book! Thanks for the hours of reading you have given me! Again, it is so refreshing to read a great story, but without all the “nastiness” that some think must be in a book for it to be a good read.
Fun interview would love to win.
Great interview. I would really like to win a copy of Life Support.
Absolutely loved this interview! It was great hearing Lauren ask the questions. :)
Can’t wait to read it when it comes out!
admurphy(dot)musician(at)gmail(dot)com