Interview with the Author
Sandra Ardoin
The Apron Strings Book series has another new release: book number seven! We’re moving to the 1980s with Reneeby Sandra Ardoin!
You can purchase Renee now on digital or paperback. The Apron Strings Series is a collection of heartfelt inspirational stories featuring a single cookbook that changes hands to different women from decade to decade, from 1920 to 2020. A new title is being released by a different author each month this year.
My book, Kristen, is Book Nine (2000) and will be released in September ‘24. The digital version is available to preorder, but now is the time to introduce you to Renee and author Jessica Marie Holt.
First, here’s the back cover copy to tell you what Renee is all about:
Renee Burnette, a widow living in the North Carolina mountains, has longed for two things she never had growing up-a permanent home and a lasting friendship like the one she has with Val from her cooking club. In the summer of 1986, the local apple growers sponsor a bake-off with a monetary prize that would bring Renee closer to her housing goal. But after Renee and Val each enter, their relationship goes from best friends to bitter rivals.
When Renee learns of the opportunity for a promotion at work, she's determined to prove her qualifications to her handsome, single boss. The closer they draw to one another, though, the more Renee fears that an office romance will jeopardize her job and her housing dream.
As the bake-off competition intensifies, Renee's office relationships are strained, her sweet son becomes unruly, and the rift with Val widens. Can a decades-old cookbook help Renee restore the bonds every woman needs?
Here’s my review:
Renee is a delightful romantic story that gracefully intertwines themes of faith, forgiveness, and friendship, making it a heartwarming read. Set in the vibrant 1980s, the book is filled with charming cultural references that add an extra layer of nostalgia and fun for readers.
The story revolves around Renee, a captivating and relatable protagonist, whose journey of love and self-discovery is both inspiring and engaging. The Christian theme of trusting in God is seamlessly woven into the narrative, providing a solid foundation for Renee's personal growth and the relationship she builds along the way.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Renee. Its engaging plot, lovable characters, and meaningful themes make it a book worth reading. It is a beautiful reminder of the power of trust in God, the importance of forgiveness.
Get to know the author, Sandra Ardoin:
Tell us what you enjoy most about writing historical romantic fiction.
My historicals take place in the second half of the 19 th century. That era holds a sense of romanticism for me. I grew up watching old westerns, plus I’m a horse lover, so that time period appeals to me. Oddly enough, none of my published historical romances have a western setting. They’re 1890s/1900, east of the Mississippi (and Alaska). But I do have some set earlier that I hope to get out in the future.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
You, naturally. : ) Seriously, that’s hard. I have so many writer friends and wouldn’t want to slight anyone. I’m a big fan of romantic suspense, so I’ll concentrate my recommendations there. I enjoy Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, Lisa Phillips, Christy Barritt, and Lynn Blackburn. More, but I think I’ll stop there.
Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
First, a sense of being entertained. For me as a reader, that is key. Second, and from a deeper standpoint, sometimes, we have to weigh the importance of dreams and goals—though they may be worthy—against how our pursuit of them affects our relationships with others.
Do you have any odd (writing) habits?
Nothing odd but coffee. Lots of coffee. It takes me a while to actually get started in the morning. I busy myself with checking this and that online before I really move into working on my project(s).
What is your favorite line from your book?
This is more than one line, but I like this snippet of conversation between Renee and her friend Val for its lightheartedness: “Don’t be silly. I was not thinking about him, not in the way you’re making out.”
“I’m not the one looking as though I want to make out.” Val’s eyebrows bounced and she laughed. “Oh, please. Every time he enters the bank, we have to resuscitate at least two tellers.”
Thank you, Sandra!
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May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you: may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.