Writers don’t always read what they write, and contemporary inspirational author Alyssa Schwarz is a perfect example. She not only reads a different genre, but check out her bio–her unique education and experiences can’t help but influence her writing, and I can’t wait to read more and find out how! Until then, let’s learn more about what books Alyssa recommends and why she loves them.

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

As a kid, I remember one of my favorite picture books was always Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Jan Brett. There wasn’t anything special or different about the classic story, but her illustrations are absolutely beautiful! She writes and illustrates all of her own books, which I’ve always thought inspiring.

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

I’m sure there were lots of un-put-down-able books before this one, but in college I read Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson, and it reignited my passion for stories.

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

Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg. Everything about the book was wonderful: the family of characters, the coastal Maine setting, and the slight elements of mystery all made me fall in love with this story from the first chapter. I knew I could easily read the book all in one weekend, but it was one of those stories I didn’t want to end, so I restricted myself to only a couple of chapters each time I sat down just to make it last longer, lol.

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

Oooh, a fictional character? That’s like asking which flavor of ice cream is the best. One of my favorite books/movies is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, and since all the characters share a kindred love for books, I feel as if I’d fit right in. I’d love to sit in on one of their book clubs, walk along the seaside cliffs with Dawsey and Kit, talk like old friends with Isola, and bake scones and potato pies with Eben. I know that’s more than one fictional character, but I can’t imagine one without the other.

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

Seeing as I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand, I’d have to say either Hobbiton or Rivendell.

What book are you most looking forward to reading next?

I can’t wait to read Amanda Dykes’s latest book, All the Lost Places, a dual timeline story set in historic Venice (what’s not to love?). Her stories are always filled with such whimsy and hope, and I can only imagine what magical places she’ll carry readers to in this next book.

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

Sadie on the Rocks by Joanne Bischof
As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin
All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes
In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer
To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M White

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Outside of my current book series, I like to dabble in flash fiction—sweet inspirational stories in under 1,000 words. You can find a handful of my stories in Spark Flash Fiction’s online magazine and in my monthly newsletters!

The Glass Road is the third book in the Prescott Family Romance series. Set in Estes Park, CO on the edges of Rocky Mountain National Park, Olympic hopeful, Tess Prescott, is coerced by her brother into spending her summer working at a summer camp while she heals from a possibly career-ending injury. At first, she is anything but thrilled, but as she works with the kids and staff, and the obnoxiously charming camp owner, she learns that life is less about what trophies one wins, but the people and love one is surrounded by. But even in this idyllic setting, questions arise that can affect more than just her own future.

Contemporary romance author Alyssa Schwarz is a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines with a Master’s in Geology & Geological Engineering. She also works as a professional watercolor artist along the Colorado Front Range and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Alyssa’s second full-length novel, The Glass Road, is set in the Colorado mountains, and is the third installment in her new series, A Prescott Family Romance. You can find her online at www.alyssaschwarzauthor.com.

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Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHFH5147