Interview and Giveaway Hemphill Towers by Leona Pence

Published: October 25th, 2013

Description:

Riley Saunders has her dream job. As an art director at a leading advertising agency, she works every day with her two best friends, Stella and Birdie. All three have been assigned to ensure that the Grand Opening of the Peterson Art Museum is nothing short of a success.

When a girl’s night out at a hot new Italian restaurant ends with a spilled bottle of wine, it sets in motion a series of events that leaves Stella and Birdie caught up in whirlwind romances, and Riley fearing for her life at the hands of a deranged stalker. But, when the handsome museum curator, Trent Peterson, learns of her situation, he vows to keep her safe.

In a quick-paced tale of fine art, wine forgery, and the Russian Mafia, Riley and her friends soon discover their pursuit of love will require them to expose a crime, thwart a murder, and trust the one thing that has never failed them…their friendship.

MB's INTERVIEW

Thank you, Mrs.Leona Pence

You said “happy endings were a must”. Why do you think people want a happy ending for their favourite books? 

Because reading, especially a romance, takes one away from their mundane existence and lets them soar away to places where everything turns out right. They need (I do) to close the book with a smile on their faces. Most have faced enough unhappy endings in reality, and prefer to read about happier things. 

You lived a love at first sight, but it is not a common thing and a lot of people don’t believe in it. How do you create the “set” for a credible one? 

My husband was a co-worker of my brother-in-law when I first met him. So somebody close to me knew him. I trusted my bro-in-law that he was a good man, and didn’t have the fear of going out with a total stranger. I’d set the scene where at least one person could vouch for the man…party at the office or friends, etc. In Hemphill Towers, all three of my heroes had a connection. 

In a movie (Speed #2, I think) the heroine said that a love born during a crisis is not meant to last. What is your and your characters opinion about that? 

I disagree and I think my characters would too. A crises can bring out empathy and understanding between two people. I see no reason why lasting love can’t follow. 

The description of Hemphill Towers offers the possibility for a lot of humor. What do you think about adding humor in a romantic suspense and there is any humor in Hemphill Towers? 

I think humor enhances any romance book. Yes, you’ll find some in Hemphill Towers. Humor helps define a character’s personality. Of course, a bad character can use humor to cover his devious nature. 

What do you think about romance literature of our day? 

I honestly believe romance literature has gone the way of the times and overdoes sexual content. My favorite author, Barbara Cartland, always had pure, virginal heroines. The heroes, Dukes, Squires, and other titled men were rakes for the most part. But until the vows were said, no sex, but plenty of sexuality. Not that my characters were all virginal, but I think the sexual scenes I wrote were tame in comparison to a lot of books I’ve read. 

However, I enjoy the works of a lot of new authors. Romance is here to stay, and I guess it too will reflect the time we live in.

TOUR SCHEDULE

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About the author:

Leona Pence started reading romance novels as a teen. She graduated from Nancy Drew stories to Harlequin Romance, and then to her favorite author, Barbara Cartland and her vast Regency romance collection. Happy endings were a must.

Leona began writing late in life after the death of her husband of forty-four years. They married on her 19th birthday after a three month courtship – and yes – love at first sight really did happen.

She enjoys reading, writing, online pool, and especially being a Mentor in F2K, a free online writing course.

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Author's Giveaway

The author is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to a random commenter during the tour.