Hi all! Lindi here.
Today, we are all going to fall in love with a good book! Are you ready?
But first I have a question. Have you ever had a book on your TBR pile for a while? A long while? And then when you read it you want to kick yourself for not reading it sooner?
Okay, that happened to me recently. There was a book that was published in March of 2015. I knew it was published then because I know the author. She’s a friend of mine. I wanted to read her book. But this and that and who knows what happened and I didn’t get around to it. (Hanging my head!)
A couple of weeks ago I had a friend in from out of town and we laid by the pool and I said, “Hmm, I’m going to read that book.”
Wow!
Not only was the story intriguing and really great, the writing was beautiful. The setting came to life, the word images grabbed me. The dialogue was superb. Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this book.
So, what does one do when one has waited this long to read an amazing book? (Besides posting 5 star reviews, of course!) I emailed the author and asked for an interview. We met at IHop and had a blast. (On her husband’s birthday—she met me! How cool is that?—It’s okay though, she went home and made him steak tacos.)
Now, I’m introducing you to contemporary romance author, Brandy Heineman, author of Whispers in the Branches. ( Awesome book!)
Here is a blurb from the book.
Tending a void in her heart that demands to be filled, Abby Wells uproots her life in Ohio to move into the ancestral home in Georgia. Now that her mom is gone, it’s her best chance to connect with the last of her family, and she can’t deny the pull of the supposedly haunted house. The seductive comfort of believing that ghosts could be real drives her search, but Aunt Ruby’s plans for Abby don’t include revealing secrets kept for seventy years. Oh, there’s dirty laundry she’d like to air—just not her own.
Indulging in the attentions of the house’s handsome caretaker helps numb her pain, but Abby’s ex-boyfriend won’t let go of the past. He hounds her about his newfound religion in hopes of reconciling, but why reach for him or the God who couldn’t or wouldn’t spare her mom? In the stillness of the old house, the spirit world feels so close she can almost touch it.
But she doesn’t know yet that there’s more than one way to be haunted.
Lindi: Where did you get the idea for the story?
Brandy: The seed came from my family genealogy. My great grandmother, Orilla, gave up my grandfather for adoption in the 1920’s. She never had any other children, and Grampa’s parentage was kept secret until he was an adult. A line from one of my grandmother’s letters to him really stuck with me. “If anyone knows about not getting what they want, it’s me.” I wanted to write a story about that—finding faith when we don’t get what we want.
Lindi: What prompted you to write about a ghost?
Brandy: I like stories with a creepy factor, but I knew it’d be tricky to write a Christian ghost story. I prayed about it and Whisper in the Branches is the result of that prayer.
Lindi: I was blown away by your writing. Tell me how writing came into your life.
Brandy: I’ve always known that I was a writer. I remember in the 2nd grade I received kudos from a teacher regarding my writing, and I try to pay that forward. It’s so important to encourage kids when they’re doing something well. Another milestone came in the 9th grade when I took a creative writing class. Learning to give and take feedback at an early age was so valuable. During college writing went on the back burner, but when I was hitting 30, the parable of the talents got under my skin. Was I burying my talent in the ground? I started working on my first novel—you know, the one that ends up under the bed! Since then, the journey has been a process of growing in commitment to use the talent God gifted to me.
Lindi: Do you have a goal for readers as you are writing?
Brandy: I pray for my readers, that they’ll receive a blessing and that God will use what I write in people’s lives. He doesn’t waste anything. Everything we go through, even painful experiences, can funnel their way into stories. In fiction, I can find the good in them—the lump of coal that becomes a diamond.
Lindi: Do your stories have a theme?
Brandy: Yes! I love past to present connections. I like to examine how people deal with their personal histories, how we grow out of our hurts and move forward to victory, and how God molds and shapes us, especially when it comes to family.
I asked Brandy what she was working on next and the title will hook all of us for sure. Like Honey for the Bones. In this romantic suspense, a century-old cold case brings Kyle and Solveig together, but their terrible secrets have the power to tear them apart. She’s working on it now, and it sounds great.
Brandy does have a short story out, His Pepper Heart.
I want to thank Brandy for taking the time to meet with me and chat about writing, reading and stories. Please welcome Brandy and ask her any questions you’d like. She’ll be hanging out today with us. And we are giving away a prize! 1 copy of Whispers in the Branches, E or print, winner’s choice. Just comment to be in the drawing.
Jill Weatherholt says
Hi Lindi! Sadly, I have many books on my TBR list. Between my bookshelves and Kindle, I’m set for life, yet I continue to purchase more wonderful books.
Thanks for introducing us to Brandy. Her book sounds wonderful!
Wemble says
I have book two of a series on my TBR list, it has been there for rather a long time, I loved book one, but just have not gotten around to book two:( Thanks for the introduction, I have not come across Brandy’s books before, so plan to check them out.
heidimccahan says
Yes, I was just staring at the stack beside my bed of books I’ve not yet read. It’s a great problem to have, though. I must not be too troubled by it because I downloaded three more to my Kindle, too. Ha! Thanks for this fun post. I interviewed Brandy for a debut author blog post a while back and didn’t get a chance to read the book yet. Thanks for the reminder and I’m happy to hear it’s a great read.
Colleen says
Like Jill, I have a lot of books on my TBR. Thanks for introducing Brandy and her book. I usually buy books based on the cover and what is on the back description and honestly, the cover would not have initially attracted me. The interview however has given me a better perspective (don’t judge a book by its cover) and an eye opening quote “finding faith when we don’t get what we want.”
Melynda says
Whispers in the Branches sounds really interesting!!
Priscila says
I know exactly the feeling of having a book on my TBR pile for a while and then reading it to figure out I should have read it sooner. I have way too many books in my TBR pile and I blame that, plus tons of work that won’t get done. Also I choose my next book mostly based on what I feel like reading at the moment… and in rare events I force myself to read something I think I’ll probably like and should have read already, that’s when I get to find some great ones.
I do love learning about new authors and new books. Whispers in the Branches sounds really interesting. Thanks for the introduction.
Beth Gillihan says
I have a lot of books on my TBR and yet I still buy more! Sounds like a great, different read! Have a fabulous day!
Brandy Heineman says
Thanks for having me on the blog today!! I had so much fun getting together with Lindi and answering her questions! :D
lori meyer says
I have several books on my to read list, and I too have wanted to kick myself for not getting to a couple of them sooner! Ooh, I love finding a new author, and even though I have never heard of Brandi Heineman, I am really looking forward to reading her book “Whispers in the Branches.” I love books about families and genealogy, and throw in a ghost or two and I am definitely interested! Can’t wait to read this one!!
Marylin Furumasu says
Thanks Linda for introducing Brandy to us. I’ve never read this book and it sounds very interesting!
Valerie Comer says
Thanks for joining us today, Brandy! Like you, I pray for my readers, and ask God as I’m writing what He wants to teach them — and me — through the story.
My TBR is easier to ignore than some, as I only read on my Kindle or iPad and have done so for six years. In the early years I’d download nearly any free book that sounded remotely interesting, so I’ve been forcing myself in the last year to go to the last page on my Kindle every month or two, click on the oldest download, and make a decision whether I’m going to start reading it right now or delete it from the device. I’ve found a few books I resonated with that had been on my Kindle for several years!
Now I am much pickier about what hits my Kindle, and I’m far more likely to actually buy books than at the beginning.
Margaret Nelson says
I have so many books waiting to be read! I’m a lot like Valerie – too many freebies on my Kindle, plus other books I’ve picked up to read “sometime.” I guess one of my secret fears is ending up with no new book to read :-)
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Jill! I’m the same way. I can definitely purchase, download, and win books faster than I can read them! :)
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Wemble! I have #4 in a series languishing on the coffee table right now. I waited forever and a day for it to come out in paperback and have no idea why I haven’t read it yet… Funny how that goes sometimes!
Brandy Heineman says
Hey there, Heidi! Yes, that interview was special because it was my first author interview! :D As for “the stack,” I know it well. There are usually no less than 3 or 4 that I’ve promised myself are “next.” Haha!
Brandy Heineman says
Thanks for your candor, Colleen! I’ve started learning to design book covers, and as a result, I’m paying a lot of attention to what makes an appealing and accurate first impression. It’s an art form unto itself! And here’s a secret–I usually skip reading the back cover description if it’s an author I already like to read. Sometimes the blurb gives too much away, and I don’t like spoilers! :)
Brandy Heineman says
Thanks, Melynda! :)
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Priscila! I know, I have done this very thing so many times, and I had to laugh when it happened to Lindi! Picking a book from the pile depends on whether I feel like a light, fun read or a deep, thoughtful book, and usually I don’t like to read similar types of books back-to-back. So it’s hard to decide sometimes!
Winnie Thomas says
Thanks, Lindi and Brandy! That was a fun interview! And yes, I have tons of books, both print and on my Kindle that I’m so anxious to read but haven’t gotten to yet. This book sounds so intriguing. I love genealogy and learning more about my family’s past. I’ll have to put this book on my TBR list. It was fun “meeting” you, Brandy, and learning more about you.
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Beth! I’m the same way–I bought two paperbacks just in the last week! :) Couldn’t resist!
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Lori! The last time I really felt like kicking myself was when I read a new author’s debut long after all the new-release buzz had ended. Suddenly I felt like telling everyone in the world about this amazing book, and it seemed like everyone had already heard! Hehe!
And since you mentioned that you love stories with a genealogy angle… if you haven’t already read “Gone South” and/or “A Stillness of Chimes” by Meg Moseley, I bet you’ll like them. She has another book too (“When Sparrows Fall”) and it’s in my TBR pile… :)
Brandy Heineman says
Thanks for reading, Marylin! :)
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Valerie! Yes, the suggestion to pray for my readers made so much sense to me. I like your thought about asking God what He wants to teach me through story. I usually think of my stories in Matthew 13:51-52 terms–bringing things out of my “treasure.”
And I agree–I’m pickier now than I used to be about my digital TBR list. Haven’t quite gotten to deleting books that I’ll probably never read, but I’m sure that day is coming. I was late to the party on eBooks, though, so I have nowhere near as many as some do!
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Margaret! Oh, you’re so right. It’s tough to resist a deal (and really, why would you want to? Haha!)
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Winnie! Another genealogy buff! Isn’t it amazing how family stories have the power to touch the heart? I had such a treat recently when I got to share some family pictures with my aunt. I had photos she had never seen, and she shared stories I had never heard! So much fun. :)
Brandy Heineman says
Oops, I don’t think I used the right link to reply to your comment, Winnie!
Gail Estes Hollingsworth says
I think it’s interesting to note that your book is based loosely on a real life thought from your great grandmother. I’ve never thought about a Christian ghost. Sounds intriguing!
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com
Linda Herold says
I am a recently retired special education teacher. I finally have time to really read what I want. I have books everywhere and I desperately need to buy some bookcases!! I don’t think I’ll ever finish all the books on my tbr list, especially since I’m always adding more! I enjoyed reading your post today!!
LeAnn Kelly says
Please enter my name in the drawing. It sounds like a wonderful story. How many books do I have that are waiting to be read…….I’m not going to say how many!!!!
Pam K. says
I have quite a few books in my TBR pile that have been there awhile. I work at a school so have summers off (which means more time for reading). Last month I finally read Lisa Bergren’s 3 book Grand Tour series. Each book is about 400 pages and I wanted to read them when I had time to read them back to back with few interruptions. They were well worth the wait. Realistically, I will probably never be able to read all the books that I’d like to. We won’t even talk about all the books waiting on my KIndle.
Lindi Peterson says
Jill—-we sound just alike!
Lindi Peterson says
Wemble—I love reading series. :) I know you’ll love Brandy’s book.
Lindi Peterson says
Heidi—You’ll be like me kicking yourself for not picking it up sooner. :)
Lindi Peterson says
Colleen—I look at covers a lot when trying to decide. I do like Brandy’s cover, but I love people on covers, too.
Lindi Peterson says
Melynda–it is very interesting. :) Twists and turns I didn’t expect.
Lindi Peterson says
Priscilla–I totally understand the reading what you are in the mood for. concept. Have you ever been reading more than 1 book at a time because you have decided you want to read something different?
Lindi Peterson says
Beth—Thanks for dropping by today. :) I hope you had a fabulous day, too.
Lindi Peterson says
Lori—Brandy’s book is def up your alley!!
Lindi Peterson says
Marilyn—Thanks for stopping by!
Lindi Peterson says
Val–that makes 3 of us that are pickier about our digital devices. I like your idea. I’ve had some books on my kindle for years.
Lindi Peterson says
Margaret–I used to pack so many books on vacation because I read fast and the thought of having nothing to read causes me great anxiety!
Lindi Peterson says
Winnie–I know you’ll be a Brandy fan!!
Lindi Peterson says
Gail—The book has twists and turns regarding the ghost as well. Fun and intriguing!
Lindi Peterson says
Linda—Thank you. Brandy is such a great person—she’s fun!! And like you, I’m adding books to my pile a lot!
Lindi Peterson says
LeAnn-if you are like me, you probably don’t have the time to count them. :)
Lindi Peterson says
Pam—I’m glad you found the time to read something you really wanted to. That’s such a treat!!
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Gail! Yes, Orilla was a special lady. She passed away when I was a toddler, but I look forward to meeting her someday in heaven!
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Linda! Yes, we could use a few more bookshelves, too. I’ve been trying to talk my husband into a full wall built-in for the dining room, but he just won’t budge… Hahaha! And how wonderful that must be, to have all the reading time you want. Sounds so fun!
Brandy Heineman says
Hi LeAnn! I count my unread books now and then–but I don’t think I want to admit the total… and I’m sure there are gems in there, too!
Diana says
I have a stack on my dresser and one in the basement and books on my nook and Kindle app. We are busily getting ready for my daughter’s wedding Saturday, so haven’t had much reading time this week. Next week will slow down slightly.
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Pam! Reading a full series all in one stretch is such a luxury–glad you got to enjoy that! :)
Brandy Heineman says
Hi Diana! Congrats & best wishes to your daughter on her wedding! I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating!
Lindi Peterson says
Diana!! Happy Wedding Day–I know it’s your daughter, but the mother of the bride is an amazing thing to be. You’ll have an awesome day–Praying blessings over your daughter and her groom. Next week, maybe you can dive into a great love story. :)
Trixi says
I’m afraid I will never see the end of my TBR pile…lol! I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing really, it means I’ll always have something to read, but it means less space in my house taken up by bookshelves :-) That’s just my physical book pile not to mention my Kindle…haha! We won’t go there!
Brandy, you’re a new to me author & I love discovering new writers…all you guys and gals are what have fed my voracious book appetite :-) Both of your books Lindi is featuring here sound good. Thanks for allowing her to interview you and for the giveaway chance! I, too, have had many a time when I’ve had a book on my shelf a long time before I was able to get to it, only to discover a gem!
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Lindi, Yes! And sadly, they’ve been in my tbr list for much longer than 16 months. I’ll catch up, eventually. Brandy, thanks for visiting with us. Your book sounds like a fascinating read :)