Welcome to an author interview with …

A sweet small-town romance with a sprinkle of humor and Irish luck!

Kayleigh O’Reilly has worked hard to have the perfect life. Graduating at the top of her class, her dream of becoming a writer is within reach when she’s awarded a spot in the renowned Creative Writing Program at Emerald Isle University. Just as all of her dreams are coming true, her world is turned upside down when her boyfriend breaks up with her the day she leaves for Ireland.

In the land of Saints and Scholars, Kayleigh begins her freshman year broken-hearted and in need of inspiration. Hope comes in the form of Seamus Murphy, the local fisherman and ruggedly handsome poet, and his offer to rent a small uninhibited cottage by the sea so she can focus on her writing. Feeling free for the first time, Kayleigh begins a journey with renewed faith and hope in the dreams blooming deep in her heart.

Inspired by the enchanting small town of Cloverdale, Kayleigh accepts a position at the local newspaper. The future is bright until she uncovers a deadly plot to revenge a decades old feud. Danger looms over the town and Kayleigh must decide who she can trust and if true love is worth the risk. As the storm threatens to destroy, will Kayleigh finally be able to find the words to write her own story?

Colleen Marie writes sweet small-town romance with a sprinkle of humor, Irish luck, and southern charm. You can always count on stories full of beautiful country settings, quirky small towns, memorable characters, and clean, heartwarming romance. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing and loves writing inspirational fiction. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the Catholic Writer’s Guild (CWG), and the Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). 

Colleen hopes to always share Jesus’ love through her words, inspiring readers to find beauty and goodness in the adventures and surprises that greet us each day. She spends her days in the countryside of Maryland with her husband, three children, and crew of lovable animals. When she’s not writing, you can find her teaching biology at a local university, enjoying family time at the beach, or wrestling her Australian shepherd puppy to keep him out of trouble, which is often a losing battle.

Find her online at www.OneSpiritofLove.com

What is something interesting readers would enjoy learning about you?

Today I write under the title of One Spirit of Love. I founded my animal-assisted learning and wellness program, Spirit of Love, in 2018, and it was founded on faith, love, and small-town community—the same foundation of my writing. As I reflected on my writing, it occurred to me that every aspect of my life has one thing in common, one reality that is at the center of it all—the One Spirit. Jesus put the dream of writing in my heart, and it grows every day with His love.

What makes up your ideal reading environment?

Oh, this is fun. Let’s imagine…a cozy chair, a comfy blanket and a cup of hot tea. The warmth of a fire crackling in the fireplace and my dogs laying by my side. That would be lovely.

What was your favorite scene to write in this story? And why?

I’m not sure that I can pick just one. I truly loved writing Kayleigh’s Knight. One scene that stands out is really more of a compilation of scenes with Kayleigh, Seamus, and Colonel, the grungy Irish wolfhound that Kayleigh finds and adopts. I enjoy the humor between these three and the gentleness that comes through Seamus’ tough guy exterior. The three of them play off of each other in a way that makes each of them endearing in their own ways.

What unique research was required to write this story?

There’s a part of the story that includes a decades long Irish grudge that originates in a small town in County Donegal. Kayleigh travels to the town of Elderstone where the infamous shop O’Doherty and Brannan’s Pot o’ Gold is located. The road and walkways are ancient cobblestone, giving a feel of antiquity. The walkways lead to homes and family-owned shops made of a combination of Scots pine and local stone. In Elderstone, a large granite stone is considered the metaphorical rock of the community. The section required a good amount of research into local rock types and the properties of the various kinds of stones.

What was the inspiration behind your story?

The Emerald Isle University Series is a New Adult book series weaving the stories of three sisters and their adventures of self-discovery and love in Ireland. The idea for The Emerald Isle University Series began after visiting Ireland for the first time. It is a land of dreams and treasures, and the Emerald Isle made a lasting impression on my heart. About three years ago, I picked up the pencil and began outlining this trilogy. The series combines Irish culture and the beauty of the land with friendship, family, mystery, and second chance love.

I always hoped for a sister, so the idea of writing a series based on the connection between three sisters was natural for me. Kayleigh is the second sister and reminds us that true love is always worth fighting for. Each sister has her own unique story, but the bond of love and friendship between the three is unbreakable.

What encouragement do you hope readers will take away from your story?

In Kayleigh’s Knight, Kayleigh finds the inspiration she needs to write from the heart. Kayleigh’s story shows the impact an encouraging teacher or friend can have. Always speak words of encouragement to others. You never know how much your words can change someone’s life.