What was your favorite picture book as a kid?

Thanks for having me today, by the way! I was an only child, and my mother was able to stay home with me in the early years. She and I would curl up together with a big pile of books and read for hours. I don’t think I could pick just one, but I remember the early Rosemary Wells books fondly. Frog and Toad was another series we read over and over again.

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

I’m not sure, but it was probably from the Baby Sitters Club series. It has been a lot of fun to see my daughter reading the graphic novel versions of stories I remember from when I was her age.

What was your most favorite book in high school?

Honestly, I had stopped reading by the time I reached high school. For years it was hard for me to focus long enough to be able to read anything, even the things I was assigned for school. I did manage to make it most of the way through To Kill A Mockingbird, and remember enjoying it.

What was your least favorite book in high school?

Another high school book: Lord of the Flies.

What was the last novel you read?

I just finished sensitivity reading a book for fellow author Dulcie Dameron. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say this: while romantic comedy isn’t my typical read, it felt close to my heart because the male MC reminded me so much of my husband! Also, my upcoming release has more of a contemporary feel to it, even a little touch of “romcom,” so it was interesting to come across some of the same tropes in Dulcie’s book. (I’m pretty sure the term “friend-zoned” didn’t exist in Germany in 1935, and I have yet to find an equivalent idiom!)

What was the last nonfiction book you read?

I just finished James Bowen’s bestselling memoir, A Street Cat Named Bob and How He Saved My Life, and I’m working my way through The Vanquished by Robert Gerwarth. The latter is a lot more like my typical read, so I always have to have something heartwarming close at hand. I really enjoyed James’s book, especially because I have a Ginger Tomcat of my own.

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

Past 2 years? Hmm… Am I allowed to use All Quiet on the Western Front since it has recently experienced some newfound popularity due to the film? It’s one of the few books I plan to read a second time, and more people really ought to read it. Honestly, I was disappointed that the most recent film left out so much. After three versions of the film, the book is still the best!

Which book do you love that needs more hype?

Vesper Stamper’s Berliners should have far more hype, which is why I didn’t list it above. It should’ve been a breakout for her. It is a gripping story of the year the Berlin Wall went up, appropriate for youth and adult alike, well-researched, with a handful of beautiful illustrations. I had the opportunity to join a book club hosted by Vesper in which we read and discussed the novel together, an experience I really treasured because, if it’s not obvious already, German history is a passion of mine.

Next novel on your TBR (up to three).

Captive by Michael Garrett, a Christian retelling of his 1990 novel, Keeper.
Enkindle in Me by Erin Lewis. If you know me, you know I love anti-heroes and her MC Dallas Malone fits the bill perfectly.
I Am Germany by Michael Witt. I think he has the same desire that I do: to see Germany shed the shame of its past. Can’t wait to read this one.

Next nonfiction on your TBR (up to three).

Shadow of His Wings by Fr. Gereon Goldmann. This is the memoir of a young priest who served in both the SS and German Army during WW2.

Tell us about your upcoming release.

Just in time for Christmas in July, I’m releasing a novella entitled The Christmas We Both Needed. It tackles some controversial topics, but the story is sweet, told by the male main character, Christian, who will endear himself to you instantly.

Having suffered abuse and rejection since childhood, he’s found himself on a desperate search for love in all the wrong places. By Christmas 1935, he’s renting a room from the wife of his former best friend, and together they make a deal: she’ll try to reconcile with her estranged husband if he’ll try to reconcile with his father. You can preorder it now right here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV4C28CL.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

If you enjoy giveaways, make sure you follow me on Facebook and/or Instagram. We’ll be doing trivia and giveaways from June 15 to 29!

After creating stories prolifically as a child, Aubrey experienced a renewed interest in writing as she entered her 40s. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children, and enjoys reading, playing music, crafting, sketching, exploring the outdoors, and traveling whenever possible. She is a lover of Jesus, the Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats, and has a special heart for those who struggle with severe anxiety and depression.

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