Today I’m thrilled to speak with a woman a lot of romance writers would probably love to know — certified dating/relationship coach (and author!) Dr. Velma Bagby. She’s not talking about relationships today, though. Instead, she’s telling us a bit about her favorite books and authors. Welcome!

What was your favorite picture book as a child?

The Three Little Pigs. I loved how smart the last pig was to build his house with bricks, then defeat the wolf in the end.

What was the first chapter book you read?

The Jungle Book. I loved the little boy’s cheerful attitude despite his situation—orphan. His relationship with the tiger and the bear was interesting as well.

Have you ever had a book recommended to you that you didn’t like? What about it didn’t work for you?

Yes. It was in the Christian genre, but I felt the dialogue and language did not reflect a Christian view.

If you could turn any of your books into a movie, which would you pick? Who would you cast to play the main characters?

I can see my recent release as a movie. I’m unsure who could play to two main characters, Veronica or her father Greyson, but I hope the actors selected are well-known and special. After hearing my book synopsis, a member of a recent interview panel commented, “I can see this book about the fish as a stage play or movie.” It was encouraging to hear.

What book(s) are you most looking forward to reading next?

I recently won a free eBook entitled Hannah’s Heart by Denise Walker. I’m looking forward to reading it as I have read other books by this author and enjoy her work.

Now for everyone’s (least) favorite question—who’s your favorite author?

I do not have a favorite currently. I am pushing myself to read new genres I had not previously tried, to support my fellow authors. My latest read was a historical romance book called Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill. I was not a fan of or drawn to historical romance books before reading this one and enjoyed the story.

Don’t you love it when someone can help you enjoy a new genre? Thank you so much for giving us a peek at your library. Can you tell us about your newest book?

Veronica Dawson wanted a husband, as of yesterday. She frantically moved through guys to meet her goal of marriage by thirty. Now thirty-two, with a trail of wrong choices, her father steps in with an intervention. An answered prayer tells him to use what he knows, and he takes her on a two-day fishing trip. He creates five metaphorical stories showing the behavioral similarities between men and fish. Four stories represent the men she has dated: the Catfish, who loves garbage, the Salmon who avoids getting caught, the Sturgeon who likes to nibble, & the Pufferfish who is beautiful until agitated—all highlighting the dating mistakes Veronica continues making even now. The fifth story is the CATCH and the husband she deserves.

Dr. Velma Bagby is a six-time award-winning author, certified dating/relationship coach, an ordained minister, and speaker. She has counseled for 30+ years, providing pastoral/pre-marriage and marriage counseling and is a member of the AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors). Inspired by her blessed marriage of 48 years, she does not hesitate to be transparent when sharing her journey, rich with tips for women before saying “I do.” In her fourteenth book, The CATCH No One Wants, she returns to her love of writing Christian contemporary fiction about the dating journey and marriage. She hopes the readers will come away with nuggets they can use for themselves or share with others.

Website: https://drvelma.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrVelmaB
Instagram/Coach: https://www.instagram.com/drvelma_coach
Instagram/Author: https://www.instagram.com/drvelmabagby_author
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BagbyVelma
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-velma-bagby-85b476125
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18185844.Velma_Bagby