ℚ♫ Hope and Honor: Soul Seekers [3] - Marilee Brothers

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Marilee Brothers to talk about Hope and Honor (15 January 2018, The Wild Rose Press, Inc, 245 pages), a Romantic suspense with a touch of fantasy, book three, and the final instalment in the Soul Seekers series.

"Soul Searchingly Good
Once again Marilee Brothers has hit a home run with this third and final(?) book in the Soul Seeker series.
Each of these novels address issues that reflect the society we live in, producing a knock-on effect and quality of the community we live in. [...]
The staple characters in the series remain, but the novels continue to introduce new characters that injects each novel with a surge of freshness. The pace is static throughout the book and this keeps the reader intrigued to see what happens on the next page. As this series finishes off, I look forward to what Marilee Brothers comes up with next." ~ Amazon Reader

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || The Series || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

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A very warm welcome to Marilee Brothers; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in Hope and Honor, or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"I have a very eclectic taste in music. I like some old stuff, some new stuff and lots of outlaw country artists. [see playlist below]"

What was the inspiration for Hope and Honor?

"With all my books, I like to start by asking, “What if . . .?”

Hope and Honor is the third and final book in the Soul Seeker series. Therefore, when I began the series, my question was, “What if a young woman was able to look into a person’s eyes and read his/her soul? What would she see? Would it be scary, enlightening, humorous, etc.? How would it affect her personal relationships?”

In book one, Affliction, my protagonist, Honor Melanie Sullivan (Mel) considers it an affliction, hence the title. As she grows and matures, she realizes she’s been given a gift that can be used to help others. Because Mel lost her twin sister, Hope, at age five, I wanted to tie the twin theme together for the final book as well as provide a happily ever after ending."

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

"One of the plot themes in Hope and Honor is about a rebellious teenage girl who thinks rules are made to be broken. In my former life, I was a school counselor at an Alternative high school for behaviour-disordered teens. Therefore, I have plenty material to draw upon."

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

"The artist is Debbie Taylor and I think she did a great job. The blue balloon is a significant symbol to Mel. When her twin was alive, their birthdays were celebrated with red and blue balloons, red for Mel, blue for Hope.

The lop-earned stuffed bunny is also significant. Mel becomes involved with a set of fraternal twins, a boy and a girl. The little girl always has Blossom Bunny clutched under one arm."

Why should we read Hope and Honor and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your series unique?

"I always try to create fascinating characters who drive the book forward and include mystery and suspense as well as romance. As previously mentioned, the soul-reading element results in a variety of unique situations for Mel and her sidekicks."

Can you tell us something quirky about Hope and Honor, its story and characters?

"I usually name my characters quite randomly, but in the last two books, I’ve had people come up to me and say, “Oh my gosh, that was my maiden name and you even spelled it right!” Totally an accident – LOL."

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

"If you like romance mixed with an intriguing mystery and sprinkled with a bit of spice, these books are for you."

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 tend to jump around.

My first book, The Curse of the Rose, was a medieval romance set in 12th Century England. My second book, The Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam, is a contemporary romantic suspense. Then, I wrote six books for the young adult market, The Unbidden Magic series and a standalone book, Baby Gone Bye.

Next up, the three book Soul Seeker series. Now, I’ve decided to switch gears and write a cozy mystery set on a golf course.

I guess it’s safe to say I’m easily bored."

What is your writing process?

"I know my beginning and ending and I’m well acquainted with the characters before I start writing.

The middle is a bit of a mystery, but my characters don’t let me down.

When I get stuck, I outline a chapter or two and keep plugging along."

What is in store next?

"As previously mentioned, I’ve started a book tentatively titled, A Woman Scorned. A body is found on the Fairway to Heaven golf course. Elizabeth (Libby) Montgomery who runs the pro shop is drawn into the mystery."

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?

"Below are two pictures of my muse, rescue dog, Auggie Doggie who has his own column in my newsletter."

Hello Auggie; you are a very beautiful muse! Lots of ear-scratches and belly rubs to you from all of us at BooksChatter!

Marilee, thank you for sharing Auggie with us :-)

A heart freely given cannot be stolen.

Hope and Honor
Available NOW!

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