For 2023, I’m making changes to the monthly author interviews. We’re all busy and have limited time, so I’ve shorted the questions to make this easier to read. I’m also hoping it will help you find your next favorite book (whether you need a picture book for your kids or a nonfiction book for yourself). The list has become more of a list of favorites, and I hope it will inspire you to read one of these authors’ favorite books.

We’re kicking off the year with author Heather Norman Smith and a look at her book recommendations.

Heather, Welcome! What was your favorite picture book as a kid?

“Stand Back,” Said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!” by Patricia Thomas

What was the first “real” book (with chapters and without pictures) you remember reading?

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

What was your most favorite book in high school?

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

What was your least favorite book in high school?

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett (actually a play)

What was the last novel you read?

The Sowing Season by Katie Powner

What was the last nonfiction book you read?

Other than the Bible, a devotional with my children titled What Jesus Did by Sinclair Ferguson

Which book lived up to the hype (from the past 1-2 years)?

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

Which book do you love that needs more hype?

Count the Nights by Stars by Michelle Shocklee

Next novel on your TBR (up to three).

The Finder of Forgotten Things by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Next nonfiction on your TBR (up to three).

Honoring God with my Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle by Katherine Pasour

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a guest on the blog!

Songs for a Sunday (releasing February 7!) is my fifth book and my first split-time story. In many ways it feels like my debut because I feel like I grew the most as a writer while working on this story. I’m so excited to finally share it with readers.

Two sets of sisters, generations apart—can one big sister’s sacrifice teach the other about love and forgiveness?

1963: Twenty-year-old Annie dreams of managing the dance studio where she has trained since childhood and of marrying her high-society boyfriend. But when her younger sister with special needs gets pregnant, Annie is forced to set her dreams aside for the sake of family.

Present Day: Missy Robbins has always lived in her younger sister’s shadow. When given the opportunity, Missy steps out of her comfort zone as stay-at-home mom of four to prove she’s as good a singer as Erica. Missy’s new pursuit puts her on a path to self-discovery and reclaiming her discarded faith. Until she discovers her grandmother has a sixty-year-old secret.

Will Missy conceal Grandma Annie’s deception or will she be forced to reveal the hidden truth?

Pre-order your copy here!


Heather Norman Smith is an author of inspirational Southern Fiction set in her home state of North Carolina. Her goal is to entertain and encourage readers, and illuminate the redemptive love of God, through stories with charming settings and memorable characters that make you feel right at home. She lives just outside Winston-Salem, NC with her husband, their four children, and several pets. Along with writing novels and spending time with her family, Heather also enjoys writing devotions and singing about Jesus.

Where can people find you online?

www.heathernormansmith.com
www.facebook.com/heathernormansmith
www.instagram.com/heathernormansmith
www.goodreads.com/author/show/17895912.Heather_Norman_Smith
www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-norman-smith