"Home at Last" by Anita Higman - Question & Answer with Author, Review, and Giveaway

Anita has given us a bit of insight into herself and her writing journey. She also talks about Home at Last.

How long have you known you wanted to be an author?

Growing up I longed to be a writer. When I was very young (I don’t remember my age) I started working on a novel about a man from Mars who wanted to go to college in New York. I never finished that novel, but it left an impression on me. I knew deep down that writing was my dream, even though I didn’t get around to fulfilling it until I was in my thirties.

When a reader finishes Home at Last, what do you want them to come away with?

I would love for them to be inspired, challenged, and entertained. If I accomplished even one of those things I would feel my writing time wasn’t wasted.

Where did you come up with the idea for the story, Home at Last?

The inspiration came from watching the latest movie version of Jane Eyre over and over and over. I love that story. I read Jane Eyre a few months ago, and I was truly awed by Charlotte Bronte’s writing. I high recommend it if you’ve never read this masterpiece.

Any hobbies you especially enjoy?

I love decorating. I know that sounds awfully girly, but it’s exciting to see the right drapes and the right colors and flooring and accessories all come together to make a pleasant room—a place where you want to spend time and a place you want to share with your family and friends.

Home at Last deals with orphans and abandonment. Those are elements that show up frequently in your work. Why is that?

There were times growing up that I felt lonely and abandoned. But instead of sharing all of these details of my past in interviews, I infuse my novels with those intense emotional memories. That is one of the many blessings of creating art—to be able to sift through, study, and then hopefully, through the miracle of writing, let go of some of the painful pieces and burdensome baggage of our pasts.

If you could have dinner with two special people, who would they be?

Josh Groban, because his music inspires me, and Leif Enger, because I love the way he writes.

What are the fun things about a book signing? The uncomfortable parts?

If I’ve invited friends, it’s always great to see them and catch up. If strangers trickle by, and I’m able to tell them about my book, or if I can encourage them in some way I feel like the book signing was successful. The uncomfortable parts can be when people automatically think you’re an employee at the bookstore and ask where the restroom is located. Too many of those kinds of responses can lower the level of enthusiasm significantly. Before I head into a book signing, I usually pray, and the prayer goes something like, “Lord, if the sales are wonderful help me not to become haughty about it, and if the sales aren’t so wonderful please help me not to become discouraged.”

ISBN: 9780373486878
Heartson Pub. $4.99

How can readers connect with you?

Please feel to stop by my website at www.anitahigman.com or chat with me on my Facebook Reader Page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorAnitaHigman

About Home at Last:  Olivia Lamington's never had a home or family. When her late employer leaves Bromfield Manor to her, Olivia feels secure for the first time in her life. Then Bromfeld's prodigal son returns, challenging her claim to the estate---and everything Olivia understands about family...and love.

My thoughts: Anita Higman has written a deep and intense story about a woman who has had so little through life and about a "son of the Manor" who returns and seeks to claim the only home Olivia truly knows as her's.  Ms. Higman uses phrasing and words to paint beautiful and emotional pictures in the mind. Journey with Olivia and Noah as they learn to adapt, trust, forgive, and love. 

Time and time again, a moment of joy would be subdued by a snake in the woodpile. And, in life, there always seemed to be a serpent waiting patiently in the wings. (pg. 47)

 

Olivia Lamington wiggled the key into the  lock of the manor's heavy door, but it didn't fit quite right - just as her own irregular life had never slipped easily into this world. (pg. 1)

..... and Olivia's panicked voice above him. Then life faded into blackness. (pg. 175)

Beautifully written, delightfully sweet, frustratingly tense, and lovingly romantic. The only down side of Home at Last is that it is published in budget format by Harlequin Love Inspired publishers. It deserves larger, "higher-on-the-shelf" publication and recognition.

GIVEAWAY:  Anita Higman is going to bless two of Chat With Vera's readers with their own copy of Home at Last. Use entry form below. Begins March 11 & ENDS April 3 @ 12:01 EDT. Open to US addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a compliment copy by the author in exchange for this honest review. No compensation was received for my review. Giveaway copies are provided by the author and shipped directly to the winners.