BooksChatter: ℚ Summer Star

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author D.J. Davis to talk about Summer Star (1 May 2016, Champagne Books, 307 pages).

Synopsis | Teaser | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to D.J. Davis; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Summer Star?

"I live in the mountains of Colorado. While exploring the back country, I sometimes find old relics, things people lost or threw away a century. I always wish I could touch them and see their past: who owned them, how they lost the item, what happened to them. My character, Troy Hart, can do just that. And it gets him into a lot of trouble."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"My love for the mountains is a trait I share with the main character, Troy Hart. The splendor of the high country, whether it’s the deadly power of the elements or the simple joy of a babbling stream, finds its way into all my stories."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Summer Star - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"The cover was designed by Trisha FitzGerald from Champagne Books. She captured my main character, the feel, and setting perfectly. I was thrilled the first time I saw it."

Why should we read Summer Star and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"The cover was designed by Trisha FitzGerald from Champagne Books. She captured my main character, the feel, and setting perfectly. I was thrilled the first time I saw it."

Can you tell us something quirky about Summer Star, its story and characters?

"Summer Star was inspired by an interesting piece of Colorado history. The Jim Reynolds gang, a small band of Confederate guerrillas, had bold plans to burn and sack Denver during the Civil War. With a posse hot on their trial, they buried their stolen loot—to the tune of $65,000—above the present day town of Conifer. People continue to search for the treasure today."

Who would you recommend Summer Star to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Summer Star is fast paced with a bit of history, the paranormal, a love story, and a healthy dose of humor set in mountains. There is some language and a of couple low heat level love scenes."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I like to write suspense/thrillers with a romantic subplot. After all, what is life without love? All of my stories are set in the high country of Colorado. I also enjoy blending in paranormal elements with a western theme."

What is your writing process?

"I work on two or more projects at once. I write on my current project for several days in a row, then spend couple days editing a different one. This back and forth method gives me time to reflect on each as the work progresses."

What is in store next?

"I am currently editing a story about a widowed rancher who is battling to save his ranch from an unknown predator and his heart from the haunting memory of his lost wife. I hope to submit it to my publisher, Champagne Books, later this year."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"Dogs are near and dear to my heart, especially shelter dogs. My debut novel, “Courageous Cain,” is about an abused dog and the woman who loves him. A portion of all sales from that book go to Big Bones Canine Rescue in Windsor, Colorado.

I adopted my Boxer mix, Ty, from Big Bones. They are a wonderful organization devoted to helping large breed dogs find forever homes. Here is a shot of Ty the day I brought him home. And this was taken several months later.

Third is one of me and my beloved Great Dane, Polly. Polly was just five weeks old when she came to me from a bad situation. I know you've heard it before, but please adopt don't shop. Shelters are full of wonderful dogs who need a second chance at life. We can give it to them.

Thank you for sharing your fur babies with us and for reminding everyone about rescue animals. Bit hugs to Ty and Polly from all of us at BooksChatter!