If you appreciate strong, heroic female characters, you might want to meet Norma Gail. She’s always appreciated adventurous heroines, and now she’s writing some of her own. Keep reading to find out more about who inspired her and the characters she creates!

Welcome! What was your favorite chapter book growing up? What did you love about it?
My favorite chapter book of all-time is Little Women. I still re-read it every few years. I love the family, their support of one another, the love they show to each other and to those outside their family circle. People are drawn to them for their loving kindness, joie de vivre, and positive outlook. I grew up with three younger sisters, but identified more with Jo than anyone else. From a very young age, I loved to make up stories and imagined myself as a writer, even and unmarried one.

The books I enjoyed the most were stories where I identified with a strong, adventurous heroine, and could imagine myself in their place. I love Gone with the Wind and Jane Eyre.

What was the first book you read that you couldn’t put down?
Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames mysteries were the first books I really couldn’t put down. The adventure of the dangerous unknown captured my imagination, to the point I would often instigate games of Nancy Drew with my friends. I often sneaked back into the house when I was to play outside, and curled into the corner of my favorite chair with a book. I ruined the chair, creating a hole just my size because I read so many books there. On a good day, I managed two complete books. I did grow up to be a nurse, though the closest I have come to solving mysteries is untangling my family tree.

What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?
The most recent book I found impossible to put down was Burning Sky by Lori Benton. Her use of words, powerful verbs, complexity of her characters, and intricacy of the story had me reading every chance I got. I truly have been known to read while I’m unloading the dishwasher or using the curling iron, and let other things go undone because I’m buried in a book.

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?
Claire Fraser from Outlander. She would have such fascinating insights into history, both in the United States and Scotland. My husband asked why I didn’t choose Jamie Fraser, and then answered that I’m married to such a hunk that Jamie wouldn’t interest me. J Claire’s medical knowledge and accomplishments fascinate the nurse in me.

If you could be part of any fictional family, which would you pick?
This one’s easy, The Walton’s! I’m very much an idealist and though I grew up in an awesome family that gathered at my grandparent’s house every Sunday afternoon. I love family, the bigger the better! I miss the “old days” and lots of togetherness.

Who’s your favorite author?
My favorite author is Charles Dickens. His characters fascinate me. His descriptive powers amaze me. His story worlds are unbeaten by anyone to this day.

What are five of the books on your to-be-read pile?
Reflection in Glass by Robin Densmore Fuson
Glorieta Pass by P.G. Nagle
Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky
The Pages of Her Life by James L. Rubart
Soul Care by Edie Melson

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Karin, thank you for hosting me on your blog! I appreciate any opportunity to connect with new readers. I hope they will read Land of My Dreams in anticipation of Within Golden Bands. I’d love to hear their comments!

Within Golden Bands, the sequel to Land of My Dreams, will release in the summer of 2020. It begins a few weeks following the end of Land of My Dreams when Bonny and Kieran return from their honeymoon:

Bonny MacDonell believed Kieran accepted her inability to give him children before they married and longs to adopt. His absence when her miracle pregnancy ends in a devastating miscarriage leads to the revelation of a MacDonell family secret and uncovers his deep-seated reluctance to adopt.

Adjusting to life as the wife of a sheep farmer in the rainiest part of Scotland isn’t easy for the college professor from New Mexico. When death threats endanger both their lives and livelihood, Bonny longs to run home.

Kieran thought he had marriage all figured out after being married for 15 years. But Bonny offers new challenges every day. When evil threatens Stonehaven Farm, and his new wife sinks into depression, he struggles to find the balance between a happy marriage and the heritage he loves. Are faith and love strong enough to keep their fledgling marriage on solid ground?

Within Golden Bands immerses you in the misty, Scottish Highlands, unfolding an unforgettable story of love, loss, forgiveness, and blessing.

Norma Gail is the author of Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. The sequel, Within Golden Bands, will release in 2020. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared in ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 43 years. They have two adult children who happen to be adopted.

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Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459.Norma_Gail
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/
Land of My Dreams – https://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail-ebook/dp/B01ENKEL02/