Welcome back for another round of “what are you reading?” or “what have you read?” or “what do you want to read?”–we talk about it all here during Writers are Readers author interviews. Today, Michele McCarthy gives us a peek at some of her inspirations and her TBR list.

Thanks for being here today. What was your favorite picture book as a child?

Berenstain Bears, hands down. I loved the tree house. The yellow light streaming through the windows felt cozy and inviting.

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

I am not sure I can remember the first, as I am an avid reader, but I would place The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin at the top. Please do not judge the book by its movie. Skip the movie and read the book. A plane crash, survival in the snow, and two characters who flawlessly command attention. What is not to love? I cannot say more or I’ll ruin the story for you.

I loved that book! Which is one of the reasons I won’t watch the movie. 😊 What was the last book you read and couldn’t put down?

It was actually a series with six books—The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone by David James Warren (writing team of Susan May Warren, David Warren, and James Rupert). I think I finished all six books within two weeks. Rembrandt time traveled to his past to solve unsolved crime cases. Yet each time he traveled, as events were adjusted or changed, he faced the consequences of his actions. He kept going back in time with hopes to undo and redo history until, as he said, he got it right. I had to know if he got it right.

If you could be a part of any fictional family, who would it be?

I would be a part of the O’Malley family, a series by Dee Henderson. These brothers and sisters adopted each other and are close and supportive. Each sibling is a believer, who is not only smart but works for the good in dangerous, powerful jobs. What an adventure to trapse all over the country coming to the aid of a brother or sister in need to help solve epic problems.

If you could turn any book into a movie (yours or someone else’s) which would you pick? Who would you cast as the main character?

I have a tie for this one. I would turn Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese into a movie. The story is sweet with a great dialogue and a few unexpected twists. Picture Cary Grant at his finest. But in today’s world, I would cast Candance Cameron Burr and Kristoffer Polaha as the main characters. I would also like to see The Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano portrayed on the big screen. If Patrick Swayze were alive, he would be perfect in the lead.

Kristoffer Polaha is one of my faves! Speaking of favorites, who is your favorite author?

Oh my, how do I answer this question? It feels like my favorite author is always the author of the current book I am reading. Charles Martin is at the top of my list. May I have several runners up? James Rupert, Joanna Politano, Becky Wade, Rachel Hauck, Kristin Heitzmann, and Francine Rivers are all favorite authors of mine. I doubt my list will get any shorter.

Share five books from your TBR (to be read) pile.

The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron
The American Story by David Barton and Tim Barton
Life Flight by Lynette Eason
Promised Land by Elizabeth Musser
Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter

Michele McCarthy is a native Texan, where she resides with her husband. She is an Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (ASWA) member and co-founder of Living Write Texas, a women’s Christian writing group. With wit and wisdom, her passion is equipping believers to live the abundant life Christ offers. She is author of three award winning books: Shattered, Stirred and Shaken, and her children’s books Daddy and Me and Aunt Ida Clare. Aunt Ida took home 1st place in the 2021 Golden Scrolls.

My next book release is the second in a series of three. I fondly call these triplets, three Aunts standing on the Rock. Aunt Ima Mazing, sister to Aunt Ida Clare, also loves fun words and with an unforgettable object lesson, she teaches children the importance of seeing themselves through God’s eyes. Just on their heels, comes Aunt Iva Story, with, of course, a story that shouldn’t be missed.

michelemccarthybooks@gmail.com
michelemccarthybooks.com