It’s no secret that writers are often voracious readers. Pat Nichols read a lot during her corporate career. When she retired, her love of fiction inspired a second career — writing! Here’s a look at some of her favorites.

Where’s the most unusual place you’ve read a book? 

Although it’s more consistent than unusual, I have to say airplanes. During much of my twenty-seven-year corporate career, I worked out of state. While traveling to destinations, I prepared for the tasks ahead. However, the moment I settled into my seat to fly home I opened a novel and immersed myself in the story. In addition to helping me transition from work to family life, burying my head in a book provided much needed alone time. Occasionally chatty passengers failed to take the hint and disrupted my reading. Little did I know that after retiring from the corporate world I would journey into the writing world as an author. Funny how life takes unexpected detours.

What was the first book you read that you couldn’t put down?

I’ve been reading for seven decades so even though it’s not the first, the one that immediately comes to mind is The Firm—the first John Grisham book I read. I was intrigued by the suspense and brilliant story telling. Now fourteen of his books are in my library. Did I mention I’ve also watched all the movies based on his books? Maybe I’ll cast an attorney in the series I am currently plotting.

What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down? 

Sherri Stewarts’ A Song for Her Enemies. The story follows two women as their lives are turned upside down during World War ll. After Nazi soldiers close the opera and dash Tamar’s dream to become a professional singer, she partners with a doctor to help escaping refugees. When they are forced to flee, Neelie, a Christian violinist, takes them into hiding. The story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and determination of Christians in the face of persecution.

Sherri was just here talking about here book! Now I’ll definitely have to pick it up. But back to the questions: if you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?

Angel in Redeeming Love to discover why it took her so long to overcome the feelings of unworthiness and accept Michael’s and God’s love.

If you could visit any fictional place, where would you go?

Even though its straight out of my imagination, hands down Willow Falls. During the past four years, I mentally envisioned every detail of the town. I even drew a map, adding new buildings with the second and third books. If only I could physically stand on Main Street and drink in the scenery. Or feel the breeze as it rustled the leaves on the Willow Oaks gracing the lakeside park. I’d stroll into Willow Inn and breathe in the mouth-watering aroma of Mama Sadie’s southern-style breakfast. Maybe I’d catch a glimpse of Emily, Rachel, Mirabelle, or Pepper. Oh well. They’ll have to live on in my mind and on the pages of three books.

Who’s your favorite author?

There are so many authors I consider favorites, but among those most well-known are Francine Rivers and David Baldacci. Rivers because her stories are beautifully written and inspirational. My two favorites? Redeeming Love and The Atonement Child. Baldacci because I enjoy well-written thrillers. By the way, sixteen of his books are in my library. I’ve read several twice.

If you could change the ending of any story, what would you change? 

Although I haven’t read Gone With the Wind, I’ve memorized the movie. In Georgia it’s almost a requirement. Anyway, after Scarlet finally confesses her love for Rhett, he announces he’s leaving her and walks out the door. She collapses on the grand staircase as memories of Tara and her father swirl in her mind. Here’s where I’d make a change. Rhett rushes back inside, sweeps her into his arms, and promises to take her back to Tara. Okay, it’s sappy. But who doesn’t want a happy ending to a love story? Even one as troubled as Scarlet and Rhett’s.

Yes! That book definitely deserves a swoony ending. Thank you so much for sharing with us today!

A Hollywood film crew and famous movie stars swoop into Willow Falls, throwing the town’s new normal as a tourist destination into chaos.

Weeks away from marrying Charlie Bricker, Rachel Streetman fears her life-long dream to act is drifting into oblivion and leaving behind bitter regret. Will auditioning for a role in the movie strengthen their relationship or tear them apart?

Emily Hayes’ debut novel is upstaged by the Hollywood invasion. When she and Rachel accept the job as the director’s liaisons, their patience is stretched to the limit by Willow Falls’ starstruck residents. An unexpected visitor threatens Sadie’s future and riles residents.

Pat draws on her corporate experience working with hundreds of amazing women from all walks of life, to create stories about women who face challenges in the pursuit of their dreams. The Secret of Willow Inn is a 2020 Selah Award winner. She received a NGCWC Georgia Peach Awards for Starstruck in Willow Falls. Pat and her high-school-sweetheart husband live in Duluth, Georgia and continue to celebrate their fifty-plus-year marriage. She is a mother of two and grandmother of four. One precious granddaughter lives with the angels. She is grateful for God’s blessings through the peaks and valleys of life.

https://patnicholsauthor.blog
https://www.facebook.com/pat.nichols.52459
(2) Pat Nichols Author | Facebook
https://twitter.com/PatNichols16
https://www.instagram.com/patnicholsauthor/
https://www.pinterest.com/patnicholsauthor/