Today at Book Savvy Babe, I have an interview with author Marie Astor. Marie wrote the contemporary romance novel, Lucky Charm, which I reviewed and rated 4 of 5 stars! CLICK HERE to see my review. Here is the book blurb:
Twenty-eight-year old Annabel Green is about to tie the knot with her college love, an aspiring author Jeremy Blake, but her plans for an ideal wedding are rudely interrupted when she catches Jeremy kissing his gorgeous book agent.Shell-shocked by Jeremy’s betrayal, Annabel retreats into the quiet routine of TV dinners and solitary evenings. It is then that Annabel’s best friend, fashion designer Lilly Clayton, sets herself on a mission to draw Annabel out of her shell. In an attempt to persuade Annabel to keep an open mind on dating, Lilly takes Annabel for a stunning makeover, but after Annabel passes on a date with a dashing entrepreneur, Lilly decides that more drastic measures are needed. Lilly invites Annabel to see a palm reader who gives Annabel a lucky charm that is supposed to help her find true love.A few weeks later, during her trip to Paris, Annabel meets a handsome Parisian, and as the two embark on a whirlwind romance, she starts to believe in the power of the talisman the palm reader has given her. But what Annabel doesn’t know is that Lilly is hiding a secret that could unravel her faith in her newly found luck in love.
On to the interview:
Marie: Romance is such a big part of women’s lives – we spend so much time dreaming and worrying about finding that special someone, but when things do not go exactly as planned, we rely on our friends to help us through the tough times. I knew I wanted to write a fun contemporary romance about the role that friendships play in women’s lives and the challenges of opening up to love after getting one’s heart broken.
At first, the idea started out as a short story I wrote, entitled Lady Luck, which is part of my short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories. By the time I finished the outline for Lucky Charm, the novel turned out to be very different from the short story that inspired it.
BSB: What character from Lucky Charm do you identify with the most and why?Marie: That’s a tough one – I love all my characters! But I indentify the most with the main character, Annabel. Although I have never been in a situation that Annabel finds herself in when she catches her fiancé cheating weeks before the wedding date, I share many traits with my main character – I too have found the dating game challenging (thankfully I am happily married now!) and I too have leaned on my friends when nursing a broken heart. That being said, I have to add that there is a part of me in all the characters – at times I could be a cynic like Annabel’s best friend Lilly, and I do have a tough streak like Annabel’s boss, Paige.
BSB: What is your favorite scene from Lucky Charm? Marie: My favorite scene is when Etienne takes Annabel for a tour of a chateau – Annabel is expecting them to be part of a tour group, but instead she finds herself sharing a romantic evening alone with Etienne, surrounded by the luxury of the magnificent chateau.
BSB: I love that scene too! Changing gears a little bit… How long have you been writing?
Marie: I have been thinking up stories ever since I can remember, but I’ve been seriously writing for the past five years. BSB: What is your favorite book of all time? Marie: Do I only get to name one? I guess I’ll have to go with E.M. Forster’s A Room With a View. I love love stories, and this is one of the most romantic love stories I’ve ever read. BSB: In Lucky Charm, the characters get to go to Paris and sight-see. Have you been to Paris? If so, what was your favorite site, or what would you like to see the most if you were to visit?Marie: I have been to Paris and I absolutely love this beautiful city. There are so many breathtaking sites there, but my favorite place of all is the Luxembourg Gardens – it is such a magical, beautiful park. I hope to visit Paris again one of these days and stroll the alleys of the Luxembourg Gardens again.
BSB: Can you tell us about your next book, or what you are working on currently?Marie: I am currently working on my next contemporary romance – it is a love story set at a ski resort. Here is a little preview:
At twenty two Maggie has a lot of important decisions to make: Jeffrey, her aspiring politician boyfriend of five years has just proposed to her, and an acceptance letter from one of the best law schools in the country is lying on her desk. But is that what she really wants? The answer comes most unexpectedly when during a ski trip to Colorado she meets Taylor, a handsome, free-spirited big mountain skier who is the complete opposite of Jeffrey. Maggie’s attraction to Taylor is undeniable, but she is engaged to marry Jeffrey. Will Maggie find the courage to follow her heart?
Please visit my website, http://www.marieastor.com/ for updates.
Just for Fun:BSB: If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?Marie: Yellowstone Park is next on my list of places to visit. I love nature and I can’t wait to visit this amazing place.
BSB: Would You Rather be stranded on an island alone or be stranded on an island with someone you hate?
Marie: I’d rather not be stranded at all, but if I have to choose, then definitely alone – I’m not a masochist! Marie, thank you so much for stopping by! Marie Astor Bio: Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre. Marie is the author of a contemporary romance novel, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories. In addition to being a writer, Marie is an avid hiker, an excellent swimmer, a good skier, and a capable badminton player. Currently, Marie is working on her next novel – stay tuned for details!Readers, if you want to continue on the blog tour, tomorrow’s stop is at Secrets of A Book Lover, stop by tomorrow to learn more about the book, and Marie Astor!
If you would like to purchase Lucky Charm, you can find the book at:
Giveaway
Thanks to Marie, One lucky commenter will receive an e-copy of Lucky Charm! The giveaway is open today, August 30 and will run for 1 week. Giveaway will end at midnight on September 5. The winner will be chosen randomly by number and once I email the winner, they have 48 hours to respond. Here’s how to enter:
- Leave a meaningful comment about the interview (comment about the interview, ask Marie a question, answer the would you rather question, etc)
- Leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.
There are no extra entries here, but following and spreading the word (tweet, Facebook) is much appreciated!
August 30, 2011 at 5:24 am
I have been to Paris too (though went with a bunch of girls)—I wonder how different it would be to go with a boyfriend or husband. This seems like it would be such a fun read
PS Marie–you should go to Yellowstone, it is beautiful! I am not a camper so didn’t do that but just the walking trails alone are enough to make you stand and go “awe”.
thehistorychic@gmail.com
August 30, 2011 at 7:10 am
I wish I could go to Paris! The interview makes the author sounds like a fun author to read
Thank you for the chance to win!
August 30, 2011 at 7:26 am
I hated dating and am so glad that part of my life is over–at least the finding the date part. I love dating my husband, and it is always a treat with such a busy life.
If I could go anywhere in the world it would be Italy. Perhaps Venice, but I really want to see Rome.
Thanks for letting us get to know you, and I love the cover. Cute!
August 30, 2011 at 7:28 am
Room With a View is one of the books I have on my TBR list. This book sounds really cute, and since the author has such great taste, it must be a good book. Please enter me!
August 30, 2011 at 7:33 am
Great interview and the book sound fun.
It’s funny that you have Yellow Stone on your list to visit. I was just talking with a co-worker about Yellow Stone. I bet it is beautiful. And I would love to see Paris one day too.
August 30, 2011 at 7:42 am
I really need to read A Room with A View. Your book sounds charming. Thanks for the giveaway.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
August 30, 2011 at 7:44 am
Yellow Stone is a “must see”. I would live there if I could. I would love to know if Marie has any writing influences ie: authors she stalks. I would pay money to be stranded on a desert island alone. Thanks for the contest!
August 30, 2011 at 9:07 am
This sounds like such a great story! I had a friend suspect her fiance of cheating just before they got married in Hawaii. She was so distraught. It would be an awful feeling and even though I was there as a witness to her dilemma I would not want to go through that personally. My friend married him and discovered his cheating later. Sad! They are still married though and have worked it out. Now I have to win this so I can see the outcome of this story! Thanks for the giveaway!
Margaret
singitm@hotmail.com
August 30, 2011 at 9:11 am
Marie,
What a great interview. Your book sounds lovely.
I’m really impressed that you were able to pick your favorite all time book. I was recently asked that question and couldn’t make my mind up. There’s just too many to choose from.
Good luck!
Sandy
August 30, 2011 at 9:50 am
I too would rather be stranded on an island alone. I love my solitude.
August 30, 2011 at 10:52 am
I really enjoyed the interview. I love hearing about new authors to me and their books. Thanks for the opening to win.
Judy
magnolias_1[at]msn[dot]com
August 30, 2011 at 10:54 am
Lucky Charm looks really good.I havent read any of your books before,But i am looking forward to pickin one up.
elliott2668(at)yahoo(dot)com
August 30, 2011 at 11:38 am
Great interview! I have to agree that I would rather not be stranded on an island, BUT if I had to be, I would rather be stranded with someone I hate. As much as I love my solitude, I would go crazy without someone to talk to occasionally.
Thanks for the opportunity!
-Carly Waid
carlymartellowaid(at)yahoo(dot)com
August 30, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Hi Marie:
I enjoyed the interview and the blurb for Lucky Charm – it does sound like a fun read. Would you consider Paris the most romantic vacation you’ve ever taken or is there another place that deserves that distinction?
Alone or with someone I hate on an island? Although I would really prefer to be alone, I’m not sure I have the necessary skills and perhaps we could overlook our differences in order to survive. Okay, maybe too pollyanna??
August 30, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Great Interview! I would want to go to Paris! I’ve read so much about it. Now, I want to see it with my own eyes!
fallingforbooks@gmail.com
Tia @ Falling For Books
August 30, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Great interview! I’m really looking forward to reading this book.
I’d rather be alone than with someone I hated. Being on the same planet with someone you hate is bad enough. I can’t imagine being stuck with them with on an island.
August 30, 2011 at 6:34 pm
Hi Everyone,
Thank you All for your wonderful comments! I am so thrilled to see that you stopped by to read about Lucky Charm – I hope you’ll enjoy the book.
Marie
August 30, 2011 at 7:16 pm
I would rather be starnded by myself~I love my company!! : ) Great interview and thanks for the giveaway!
kamwh1207(at)att(dot)net
August 30, 2011 at 11:13 pm
I have been trying to follow this tour and I thank you for sharing with us today. I am certainly with you, I would rather be stranded alone than have to deal with the fight of survival with someone who would make it more difficult.
dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
August 31, 2011 at 2:27 am
If I could vacation anywhere I would have a seriously difficult time deciding
lol I would love to visit Latin America: Peru, Mexico, Argentina, and see the Aztec, Mayan and Inca ruins. But Australia and New Zealand are a dream destination I can’t wait to see either! Scotland is my dream. Been there once and loved it! Definitely would love to return!
Thank you for the generous giveaway!
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
August 31, 2011 at 3:22 pm
If the person I hate has survival skills then I’d just have to suck it up and be stranded with them, if they don’t have survival skills then I’d rather be alone.
Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com
September 2, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Great interview, it was nice getting to know Marie a bit. Thanks for the giveaway, please count me in!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
September 4, 2011 at 1:37 am
nice giveaway
September 5, 2011 at 1:13 am
I think we have all been on both sides of the fence, love gone wrong or being there for a friend goign through the same thing. What’s the best advice you have given a friend going through a heartache?
teressaoliver at gmail dot com