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Saturday, December 07, 2013

Q and A and giveaway of A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman

Displaying 5_016.jpgGood morning, Anita. Thanks for stopping by to visit and tell us more about your delightful book. What was your inspiration for A Marriage in Middlebury?

The idea for this book came from my absolute love of tearooms in Texas. In fact, here’s my note to readers on that very subject: 
More than a decade ago I met a woman named Linda Becker
who opened a tearoom in the Houston burbs called, Tea for
Two. Her eatery and gift shop did so well, she opened a second
shop. Over the years I’ve enjoyed her wonderful tearoom
fare as well as the quaint ambiance. Linda’s tearoom isn’t just
a cafĂ©—it’s a gathering place for friends, a place to eat home
cooked food, and a place so cozy you don’t want to leave.
As a writer I thought it might be fun to create a heroine who
owns a tearoom similar to Linda’s and set her shop in a small
town on the gulf coast of Texas. So, that’s how the novel, A
Marriage in Middlebury, was born. Even though my story, the
characters, and the town are fictional, Linda’s tearooms are
real places you can visit and enjoy. Thank you, Linda, for the
great food, and the fellowship, and the inspiration.

 Everything was going smoothly for the main character when suddenly everything changes with the return of her ex. What advice do you have when life throws a curveball?
 As a Christian we should trust in the One who made us, the One who’s known us from the first day when we were being knit together in our mother’s womb, the One who loves us best. Trusting in Him during life’s storms is the only answer, and it’s more than enough.

Charlotte was pressured into breaking off her relationship with Sam by Sam’s father - how should we react to family pressures and difficult relatives?
Bathe the situation in prayer and then talk things through no matter how painful. But once the air is clear, forgive and move on. Don’t keep going back over and over. Forgiveness is not easy, but it’s the only way to live free. It helps to remember that forgiveness is what God offered us when we sinned against Him.

Such great advice! Is there a certain Bible passage or verse that goes along with the theme of A Marriage in Middlebury?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Are any of the characters or events in A Marriage in Middlebury based on your own experiences?
Well, I love art, flowers, quirky characters, and tearooms. And somehow I managed to put them all into the novel. It was a fun ride!

 Do you find yourself returning to similar themes in your novels (i.e. forgiveness, trust, etc.) or do you have a new message with each release?
Yes, I tend to go back to the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. These are not only good themes for a story, but they are paramount in living the Christian life.

What do you hope readers will walk away with after they turn the last page of A Marriage in Middlebury?
 That with God all things are possible!

Like several of your other books, A Marriage in Middlebury is set in your home state of Texas - what are some of your favorite things about Texas?
Overall, Texas is an inexpensive place to live, it’s a great place to raise a family, and it’s one of the friendliest places on earth. I’ve lived here for about thirty years, and I’m proud to call Texas my home.

Before becoming a writer, you had number of interesting jobs - what was it about writing that drew you in?
I had an incredible need to tell stories. I don’t think I had a choice in becoming a writer—the profession sort of chose me. But I’m content in that truth. 

Readers, do you have a question for Anita? Be sure to leave a comment or question below with your email to be in the drawing for a copy of A Marriage in Middlebury. Winner to be posted on Saturday, December 14th so you could win a Christmas present for yourself or someone else. 


5 comments:

Merry said...

Tea rooms are something my daughters and I love with their pretty tea things and interesting teas. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks!
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

Norma S said...

Great interview Rose of Marriage in Middleburg, i liked the way you ask the different question! Aagain great interview. God blessing.
Norma

Norma S said...

Hi Rose i forgot to leave my email and also to say that Anita Higman is a great author and love her books i have read any of your.
Norma
n38stanforth(at)yahoo(dot)com or
n38stanforth(at)gmail(dot)com

Elizabeth Dent said...

I loved the interview with Anita and her book . I think A Marriage in Middlebury is an awesome book . Yes please enter me in the drawing . If I win I will give it away . Thanks again and Blessings,
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

bonton said...

Hi, Anita, & Rose!

I love the story line, & goal, of "A Marriage in Middlebury" - & would love to read it. My life is a perfect example of forgiveness, & "all things being possible - with God"!

I absolutely love everything about tea - high teas, tea houses, the goodies, & the many flavors of tea, itself. There is a wonderful tea house, in my area - which I have visited numerous times, & taken family members with me (who always want to pay a 2nd visit). There are 3 rooms - each, differently, & beautifully, decorated, a tea bar, wonderful home-made food, & a gift shop. There are themed teas, & teas, especially for children, given. The tea house is owned by 2 sisters, who are Christians - & have held bible studies there.

Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of "A Marriage in Middlebury"!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com