Author Interview with Alicia G. Ruggieri AND Giveaway!

Today we have a author interview and giveaway from Alicia G. Ruggieri! She has some lovely books published, and I enjoyed learning more about her and her books.    

Hi Alicia, Please tell us more about yourself, what inspired you to begin writing?

Well, my inspiration to write comes – in the most basic sense – from all the books that opened new worlds for me when I was growing up. My mother invested so much time in reading aloud to my sisters and me… My writing just sprang naturally out of that, I think. So I’ve been writing down stories for as long as I can remember. I think my first one was a continuation of The Little Mermaid. J

What are some of your newest books you have published?

The second book in my “A Time of Grace” trilogy will be releasing this September. I am so thrilled about that! This series is so close to my heart – I love the way the story shows God’s hand working for good and for restoration even in the midst of our brokenness and inability. I also love the 1930s, Great-Depression-era time period!

What is your favorite book you have written? What is it about?

Oh, that’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is! J Whatever book I’m currently working on is my “favorite.” Thus, right now, that’s All Our Empty Places. Here’s what it’s about:

In 1935, when the bank calls in her mortgage, Sarah Picoletti – now a penniless widow – finds herself and her children on the brink of homelessness. Sick at heart, she plans to beg her brother in New Jersey to take her family in.

Then Doctor Samuel Giorgi knocks on her door. Godly and well-off, Sam seems to have put the careless ways of his youth behind him, and he also appears to have one desire: to make Sarah his wife, two decades after he broke their engagement.

However, nothing prepares Sarah for the storm that breaks once she makes her decision. Everywhere she turns, the errors of her former choices confront her, insisting on her inferiority and the irreparable brokenness of her past. Sarah begins to wonder if Christ really can bring true redemption or if He is limited by her frailty.

Meanwhile, her daughter Grace faces new challenges in her own life. When her relationship with Paulie changes unexpectedly, Grace realizes that she must make a decision with the potential to alter both of their futures.

Compassionate and intensely poignant, All Our Empty Places paints the portrait of a mother and daughter with broken pasts, who dare to step into a future overflowing with the grace of the Cross.

Who is your favorite character in the book you listed in the question above, and why?

May I have two favorites? First, I love the way Sam Giorgi’s character came together. He’s not afraid to face his past sins – and deeply desires to make restitution for them as well – yet he’s come to a place in his heart and life where he moves forward and strives to aid in the healing of others around him as well. In one particular scene, he’s really a portrait of Christ. Second, I really enjoy a more minor character, Ben Picoletti, Sarah’s son. In this book, he’s fallen so far from grace, so to speak, and I can’t wait to bring about the rest of his (redemptive!) story in the third book in this trilogy. 

Do you have any new books you are working on?

Oh, yes! J I’m working on the final book in the “A Time of Grace” trilogy this fall and hope, Lord willing, to release it this winter. No title yet, though! I’m also looking forward to continuing the middle-grade series that I’ve started, “The Regency Adventures of Jemima Sudbury,” in the near future.

Thank you for doing a interview with us Alicia, do you have any final thoughts you would like to share?

Thanks for having me visit, LeAnne! It’s been a joy! I love hearing from readers; here’s where they can get in touch with me:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AliciaGRuggieri

Twitter: @aliciaruggieri

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/AliciaGRuggieri

Blog: http://www.abrighterdestiny.blogspot.com

         

  Giveaway  

 And now for the giveaway info! Alicia G. Ruggieri has kindly offered a Kindle copy of her book, The Fragrance of Geraniums, to be given to the winner of this giveaway! There are two ways you can enter, you can either leave a comment at the bottom of this post OR send me a email at annedoug13579@gmail.com with The Fragrance of Geraniums in the subject line.
    The winner will be announced Friday September 11, so be sure to come back and check it out!     UPDATE 
Congratulations to Lauren K. Lotter, the winner of a Kindle copy of The Fragrance of Geraniums! I will be emailing you soon Lauren.  Thank you to everyone who entered!