What was your favorite picture book as a kid?
Growing up, my dad would read to me out of a series of books that introduced Bible characters into my life. My Bible Friends introduced me to the boy Samuel, Elijah and Elisha, baby Moses and the basket boat, Esther, and baby Jesus. I still have the books today and read them to my children when they were younger. When the time comes, I’ll read them to our grandchildren.

What was the first “real” book (with chapters and without pictures) you remember reading?
Charlotte’s Web was the first chapter book I read, but it had some sketches in it. I don’t remember much the other ones.

What was your most favorite book in high school?
Tuesdays with Maurie. We studied that in a human development class for half a semester.

What was your least favorite book in high school?
Lord of the Flies

What was the last novel you read?
Loyally Luke by Pepper Basham- loved It!

What was the last nonfiction book you read?
The Awe Of God by John Bevere – all I can say is if you are a Christian, you probably should read it.

Which book lived up to the hype (from the past 1-2 years)?
To be honest, I have spent more time studying the Bible over the last two years than I have reading much of anything else. We all know that book lives up to the hype.

Which book do you love that needs more hype?
The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers – everyone talks about her book, Redeeming Love, but this one is pretty amazing. It held the simple reminder that it didn’t matter what your background is, God can still use you.

Next novel on your TBR (up to three).
The Best Summer of our Lives by Rachel Hauck
One Wrong Move by Dani Pettry
Cole and Julia are Just Friends by Bethany Turner

Next nonfiction on your TBR (up to three).
I need to finish Fervent by Pricilla Shrier. I’m not sure after that.

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
All an Act is the second story I have written for the Suamalie Islands Series.

In the year since Something Suamalie started, the dynamic trio Kiana, Lulu, and Meilani have accumulated a glowing reputation at home and abroad for brides and their wedding daydreams. But when a triple-booked weekend forces Lulu to manage the wedding of the Onirique events coordinator by herself, panic sets in. Her lack of confidence and ADHD, not to mention the return of a devilishly handsome man, could easily spell disaster.

When André left the Suamalie Islands to pursue a career in Paris, he never dreamed of returning. The islands hold a treasure chest of memories he wishes to keep locked away, but recent changes in his life force him to face those very things. And a choice for his future that will break more than one heart.

With neither of them able to talk about their feelings, how will Lulu and André be able to set aside their pasts and move on?

Christian Fiction and Romance author, Melissa Wardwell, resides in Michigan with her husband and three adult children. Now that the “nest” is beginning to empty, she is filling her time with several volunteer opportunities with a local writer’s group and her church as well as outdoor activities such as kayaking or day trips with her husband on his motorcycle. Melissa is also an avid reader and runs the book review blog, Back Porch Reads.

To see more from Melissa Wardwell, visit www.melissawardwell.com

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