For today’s Sunday Dinner author interview, I invited Louise M. Gouge to talk about Safe Haven Ranch, a Contemporary Christian Romance.
South Carolina author Louise M. Gouge writes contemporary and historical romance fiction, winning the prestigious IRCA in 2006 and placing as a finalist in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2017. She was also a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Awards in 2005, 2007, and 2008, and placed in the Laurel Wreath contest in 2012. Most recently, she was a finalist in the 2023 Selah Awards and is a current finalist for the 2024 Selah Awards. A former college English and humanities professor, Louise is a member of the Christian PEN and has been copyediting for well-known authors for fifteen years. Married for fifty-four happy years to her husband, David, Louise is now widowed and spends her days researching and writing her next novel.
Sunday Dinner is a traditional (noon) meal served after church on Sundays. Whole families, including extended family, would gather over a large meal to celebrate a day of rest. Multiple cultures enjoy this Sunday Dinner tradition. In my experience, I know it from both my Midwestern farm family as well as my Italian-American family. Now, I’d like to bring Sunday Dinner virtually to you. So, pull up a chair as we invite various guests to join us each week!
This or That Quick Takes
*Author’s choice is in bold.
Mountain or Beach
Lake or Ocean
Hot or Cold
Coffee or Tea
Dogs or Cats
Contemporary or Historical
Lots of Romance or No Romance
Lots of Danger or No Danger
Stand Alone or Series
Short Books or Long Books
Ten Questions
Tell us something interesting readers would enjoy learning about you.
When I was working at the ABC television affiliate in Orlando, Florida, I met Shaquille O’Neal. Very nice young man, and VERY tall!
Can you tell us about your latest novel?
Can two little children help turn a feud into a family?
It should be easy for widow Olivia Ortiz to despise Will Mattson, the man keeping her from buying the ranchland she needs for herself and her daughter, Emily. But when Emily becomes instant friends with Will’s nephew, Jemmy, Olivia and Will find themselves growing closer as well. And as Olivia’s feelings for the handsome cowboy shift, competing for the property could be the start of something more…
In what city is your story set and why did you choose to set your novel there?
A fictional town named Riverton, New Mexico, based on the real town of Espanola.
Describe your setting. And, if it’s a real place, have you visited?
My setting is my late sister’s real life small ranch beside the Rio Grande. I visited there many times, and it served as the inspiration for my story.
What research was required to set a book there?
I researched the history of the pink adobe house my sister lived in. It was built in the 1930s by some women artists who wanted a quiet place to create their art.
What does a day in the life of one of your characters look like?
My widowed heroine takes care of her father and her little daughter. She also hosts artists who rent the studio apartment attached to her house. My hero is a family-law lawyer.
Were resources easy or difficult to find on these topics? Do you have a favorite resource?
Most of the information was available from my own experience, but I did have to check the adoption laws of New Mexico. Very interesting!
What is one piece of your research that you couldn’t include in the book, but wish readers could know?
I would like to share more about the women who built the houses in the area and how their lives inspired other women artists.
Do you have another book in the works? What can you tell us about that book?
The sequel, A Faithful Guardian, is closely linked to the story in Safe Haven Ranch. A cousin of my hero is the hero of this story. More later!
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
I love to hear from my readers. Please visit my website and sign up for my newsletter: https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com.
The Wrap-Up
The afternoon is slipping away, so we have to draw the stories to an end. Thank you for joining us today!
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If readers would like to purchase a copy of your book, where might they be able to do so?
Amazon | Direct from the Publisher | Goodreads
If readers would like to learn about you or your other books, how might they find you online?
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Question for Readers
*Answer in the Comments!
What do you like best about romance novels?
We will be on hiatus next week for Mother’s Day (US). See you in two weeks when I’ll share more about my upcoming historical romance Sheltered by the Doctor!
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