Sweet romance author Carlene Havel is also known as Christian romance author Carlene Havel, and sometimes even historical romance author Carlene Havel! It’s not surprising, then, that she enjoys reading those books, and today she’s here to tell us about some of her favorites.

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t read The Seamstress by Allison Pittman yet, you might want to skip question seven.

What was your favorite picture book as a child? What did you love about it?

Before I started to school, I fell in love with a Little Golden Book (remember those?) entitled Kerry, the Fire Engine Dog. I loved the pictures of a beautiful Dalmatian proudly riding along on a big red fire truck. At every opportunity, I badgered the nearest grownup to read that book to me. By the time they were weary of the story, I had memorized the words and also the points at which the page should be turned. I then proceeded to “read” the book to myself, sometimes surprising unwary adults with my pretended reading skills.

I loved those books! I hope kids still read them today.

What was the first adult novel that you read? Did you like it?

I’m not sure why Gone with the Wind was in my middle school library, but it was. I checked it out, devoured it, and sobbed at the end. There were parts of the book I didn’t fully understand as a very sheltered eighth grader, but I didn’t dare ask any questions for fear one of my parents would not let me finish reading it.

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

The last book I absolutely could not put down was The Seamstress by Allison Pittman. The heroine is based on a character from A Tale of Two Cities. Right before Darnay goes to the guillotine, he briefly encounters a young woman (also condemned) who tells him she’s just a poor seamstress who has no family except for a cousin the country. From that snippet of information, Pittman wove the seamstress’s story, set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. I’ve read a lot of books since The Seamstress, but nothing that has stayed with me quite so tenaciously.

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?

I think it would be delicious to have dinner with Mr. Darcy, from Pride and Prejudice. He has such romantic magnetism. Yet, he has an appealing (to me) air of mystery. And no doubt the food would be utterly elegant. I’m making the assumption Mr. Darcy would be hosting me. He doesn’t strike me as the kind of fellow who would suggest Dutch treat!

Definitely not! If you could visit any fictional place, where would you go?

I’d love to make a trip to Oz, just to experience the otherness of such a place. I’ve always been drawn to exotic locales.

Who’s your favorite author?

My favorite author changes all the time. Today, it’s Mesu Andrews. When I read a book by Tessa Afshar, she always becomes my fave. Then, one of Carol Ashby’s books catches my eye and with no regrets my fickle top trophy moves right on over to her.

If you could change the ending of any story, what would you change? **SPOILER ALERT FOR THE SEAMSTRESS**

I would give the poor little seamstress a pardon at the end of The Seamstress. She would escape the guillotine to live a long and happy life, and I wouldn’t have to dry my eyes every time I start thinking about her.

Maggie Scott returns home in 1966 after serving four years in prison. She has only one goal in mind, to create a secure and stable life for herself. Then Maggie meets Blake Hamilton, ex-rodeo cowboy turned preacher. The chemistry between this unlikely pair is undeniable, but there are problems. Blake is sure his calling is to serve God. Maggie is convinced she is beyond redemption. Common sense tells Maggie her attraction to Blake will end in heartbreak. But then, when did love ever listen to common sense?

Carlene Havel writes mostly sweet romance, Christian romance, and historical novels. She is currently co-authoring with her mother, Billie Houston. Carlene has lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and numerous US states. After a career in human resources and software development, she began writing in 2005. The Havels make their home in Texas, surrounded by their extended family.

 

You are invited to connect with Carlene through her Facebook author page, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarleneHavel