I’m pleased to introduce you to a new to me author, Ann Marie Bryan. Ann Marie writes contemporary romance with the desire to educate, inspire, and empower others and she has recently released the first in her latest series, the McIntosh Brothers, called Dream Again.

Readers have some great things to say about this story:

“Sometimes you find a book that needs more than 5 stars, and this is one of those books.”

“Her gift of weaving the movement of God in broken lives provides numerous lessons and profound insights for the reader.”

“It is a privilege to read DREAM AGAIN by Ann Marie Bryan. Her seamless plot, character development and artful descriptions are masterful.”

Enjoy meeting Ann Marie and be sure to check out her books!

One random day. One burst of laughter. One perfect moment. That’s all it takes for Gianna Barrett to capture Carter McIntosh’s attention—and his heart. His whole life has been a series of miracles, so this falls right in line. If only it were that simple. The object of his desire refuses to give him the time of day. Not deterred, Carter is sure he’s ready to put his heart on the line for love. Big mistake. He isn’t quite prepared and finds himself wrestling a soul-deep hurt into submission.

“There has been an accident….”

That devastating revelation shattered Gianna’s life, and in that one chaotic moment, everything she had was taken away. She has spent years carefully crafting her new normal, so there is no way Carter can just insert himself into her life. The fight is on but not for long. Their attraction is instant, and before she knows it, all her cynicism goes out the door.

When Gianna learns more about Carter’s life, she gets a better understanding of her beginning. As she starts her journey to healing, she uncovers Carter’s startling secret. In the days that follow, she struggles with feelings of regret, fueling her natural tendency to retreat. But the flames of desire burn hot and it’s not easy to break their unexpected connection. As the past reaches for them, they soon realize that to move forward, they must look back. Will they allow God to be the anchor they so desperately need—before it’s too late? For all they ever wanted was to be loved.

Bookchat with Ann Marie

Share a little about your characters, Gianna and Carter.

Gianna Barrett, the straightforward heroine, is a successful book editor at a major publishing company. She is a Christian, but many times, she wavers in her faith. After experiencing heartbreak, she has given up on finding the love of her life.  Further, Gianna has experienced childhood trauma, and she has used the incident to cloud her judgment on pretty much everything in her life. She has spent years carefully crafting her new normal, so there is no way Carter McIntosh can just insert himself into her life. The fight is on but not for long. Their attraction is instant, and before she knows it, all her cynicism goes out the door.

Carter McIntosh, the hero, is the middle child of the McIntosh brothers. He is co-owner of McIntosh Homes. Carter has been through the storms of life and has survived after suffering a devastating loss. His faith is strong, and he has learned to rely on the Lord. In what can only be described as a perfect moment, Gianna captured his attention and heart. Carter is sure he’s ready to put his heart on the line for love. However, he isn’t quite prepared and finds himself wrestling a soul-deep hurt into submission.

Carter and Gianna’s beautiful love story brings together faith, forgiveness, restoration, and new beginnings, while illustrating God’s desire to free people from life-altering events that haunt them.

What is Carter most passionate about?

Carter is passionate about the Lord and the things of God. He desires to walk in alignment with God’s purpose for his life.

What’s Gianna’s greatest fear?

Gianna is deathly afraid of having her heart broken again. She was in a relationship that ended two years ago but she was still carrying the baggage of that relationship.

Describe your book in 5 adjectives.

I would use the words—emotional, inspirational, compelling, realistic, and romantic—to describe Dream Again.

Tell us about the McIntosh brothers – who else will readers get to meet in future stories?

Henry and Nora McIntosh have three sons, Paxton, Carter, and Rylan. Nora wanted to have a daughter, too, but according to her, “I was going for child number four, hoping it would be a girl, but my body would have none of it.”

The McIntosh family could be described as closely knitted. Their support of each other is admirable. They are a musical family and so one of the ways they keep in touch is by having music rehearsals twice monthly.

The McIntosh brothers were groomed for success. To that end, they are all financially successful. Paxton is a heart surgeon and Carter and Rylan are in business together – McIntosh Homes. While the brothers are close, Carter and Rylan are closer, perhaps because they work together. Nevertheless, the brothers have a good understanding of themselves and their roles in society. With respect to their relationship with God, Paxton and Carter have a strong relationship with the Lord. Rylan is coming back into a right relationship with God.

Readers will meet Rylan (Ry) McIntosh in Book 2 – Love Again, and Paxton (Pax) McIntosh in Book 3 – Trust Again. 

Share a favourite line or passage from the book that made you smile

I always smile at the part where I referenced Romans 4:17 (KJV) “…and calleth those things which be not as though they were.” I was trying to drive home a point. Here are the excerpts:

Chapter 20 – A moment with Gianna and her friend, Kamala.

“I’ll be cross-eyed if you don’t stop with that foolishness. I can handle the truth. He’s not into me like that.”

“You’re going to make me cross-eyed if you don’t stop talking like that. Where is your faith? Shouldn’t you be calling those things which are not as though they were?”

Chapter 21 – A moment with Carter and Gianna

“What’s the rush? You should have called ahead, but no, you think I can just drop everything in my life and—”

“Gia, it’s just lunch. A special lunch with your favorite dessert.”

A tiny smile popped out. “You know I don’t like you, right?”

“I know. But on my way here, I was talking to the Lord, and declaring those things which are not as though they were.”

Gianna eyed him, sighing softly.

Which character’s name was the hardest to choose? Why?

I struggled with finding a name for Gianna’s best friend. For some strange reason, I wanted a strong name, a name that would stand out. As I toyed with several names, I remembered Kamala, a classmate in high school. I recalled that she was brilliant and focused. In the end, I named Gianna’s best friend, Kamala.

Which character did you enjoy writing most?

I enjoyed writing the hero, Carter McIntosh. He’s a physically appealing, intelligent, sensitive soul. I admire his relationship with the Lord. Carter has been through murky waters but by the grace of God, he came out on top and continues to flourish.

Which character gave you the most grief?

Gianna gave me the most grief. Her character was like the waves of the sea. I couldn’t wait for her to settle down.

What’s something that didn’t make it into the final copy?

He seemed more buoyant. Reinvigorated.

That line didn’t make the final copy. I wanted to use it to describe Carter in a scene when he visited Gianna. Somehow, it didn’t feel right in the scene.

Share some books you have loved reading this year.

• More Than Diamonds by Danyelle Scroggins
• DNA by J.L. Campbell
• Love & Such I & II by Ramona Powell-Poole
• Forever by Vanessa Miller
• The Trouble With Love by Toni Shiloh

What’s in your writing pipeline?

On August 20, 2020, I released Dream Again which is book 1 in the McIntosh Brothers series. I’m taking a few weeks off and then I’ll continue writing book 2 – Love Again. In addition, I’m hoping to collaborate with a few authors on projects and events.

Ann Marie Bryan is a multi-talented leader with a passion for excellence. She is the CEO and Founder of Victorious By Design, an organization committed to providing top quality professional writing services, comprehensive personal and professional development programs and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique needs of individuals and organizations.

A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blend faith and romance that test the resilience of love.

Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord.

Thanks Ann Marie! Delightful to have you visit.

Relz Reviewz Extras
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