The Reading Habits
of
Kristi Ann Hunter
*********
Are you a re-reader? Why, or why not? And if you are, what are some of the books you have read over and over?
I am absolutely a re-reader. I have a bookcase in my room with several old friends that I have been known to return to on occasion. More than one Karen Witemeyer book graces that shelf along with Trish Perry’s The Guy I’m Not Dating. There’s also a few Lori Wick books along with a several general market books from Julia Quinn and Robin McKinley.
When is your optimal time to read – do you prefer to read in one long block, or do you also read for five minutes here or there when you can?
My preference, of course, would be to read for hours on end. Unfortunately life intervenes and I have to do things like make dinner and wash clothes. I do, however, get at least thirty minutes of reading in every morning when I workout. Then I read in the afternoon carpool line. I’ve been known to play an audio book while I clean. Or drive. Or shower. And my Kindle props nicely against a pillow while I fold towels. The only time I don’t read is when I go to bed because all too often I stay up reading and don’t get enough sleep.
I’d love your thoughts on novellas. Are you thumbs up or down? Or does it depend?!
It really depends. Novellas are really great as part of a series, when you have an opportunity to get to know the characters more in other books. Also, there are sometimes great stories that simply don’t have enough substance to carry 350 pages.
“Part of my Old Friends shelf. Admittedly there are several missing that have wandered to other bookcases in the house and have yet to find their way home.”
Are you faithful to a genre, an author, or simply quality writing?
By and large I’m a romance junkie though I’ve been known to enjoy a good fantasy novel. Occasionally you will find me reading a non-fiction book, but that’s pretty rare outside of book research. There are only a couple of authors I’m completely loyal to, but I will usually finish a series once I start it.
Which factors most influence your selection of a book?
Unless it’s an author I recognize and know about, the title and cover play a large part in capturing my initial attention. Beyond that, it’s got to be a premise I think I can get lost it. I like to escape when I read and really immerse myself in the story.
Your fiction pet peeve?
Scenes that have no bearing on the rest of the book but were included to make a statement or push an agenda. I’ve read books where I didn’t agree with everything a character did or thought but still enjoyed the story. I think that’s one of the beauties of books, getting to see the world through other people’s eyes. But when a scene is shoehorned in that has nothing to do with the plot or furthering the character, I cringe and it’s hard to keep reading.
What book have you read this year that you could not put down, and why?
Karen Witemeyer’s A Worthy Pursuit was fabulous. We ordered pizza for dinner that day because I couldn’t stop reading it. I’m currently reading After a Fashion by Jen Turano and keep inventing excuses to pull out my Kindle. I could be accused of arranging my schedule to be “stuck” in the carpool line longer today in order to read another chapter, but I’ll never admit it.
How do you mark your spot – folded page corner, bookmark, dollar bill, whatever is at hand?
Whatever is at hand. When I was younger I did the dog-ear thing, but a book-loving college roommate cured me of that. I have been known to prop it on the edge of the table if I’m coming back soon, but usually it’s whatever scrap of paper I can find.
Whose debut novel impressed you more than you anticipated?
Becky Wade’s My Stubborn Heart. I remember getting it as an audio book for a long solo road trip. I hated even stopping for gas because I had to pause it. The book hadn’t finished when I got home, so I ended up buying it on ebook and staying up late to read it. Fabulous book with an ending I adored.
Katherine Reay’s Dear Mr. Knightley blew me away as well.
When reading, what makes or breaks a story for you?
From a technical perspective poor (or nonexistant) editing can make it very difficult to get lost in a book. No matter how good the premise is, if it’s not enough to get me to overlook the typos and inconsistencies, I’m putting it down.
The most important thing, though, is flow. The story has to keep going and take me along for the ride. There’s a thing we do in Georgia called tubing where you sit in an inflatable innertube and drift down the river. You don’t have to row or anything, you just go with the flow. A book should be like that. If I have to work tostay in the stream, I probably won’t finish. But I’ve completed a well-paced book even when the story was only mediocre.
“Part of my TBR shelf. It’s a bit heavy on the older books at the moment because a local bookstore had a big clearance sale when they rearranged and I found a bag of books from RWA 2013 hiding in my closet.”
What are some of your favourite CF reads from around 10 years ago, or further back?
I was introduced to Christian fiction through Lori Wick. My college roommate had everything she’d ever written and she let me borrow them as long as I treated them very, very nicely. The Princess, Sophie’s Heart, and Bamboo & Lace have remained some of my favorite books.
Snack/drink of choice while reading?
Water, I suppose, since I do a lot of reading while on the treadmill or stationary bike. I don’t really snack a lot while reading because I’m usually too engrossed to remember the food.
What book cover (any genre – ABA or CBA) has really caught your eye?
Mine, of course. Seeing your own name on the cover has a way of drawing your attention. (Seriously, though I recently saw a preliminary version of my next cover and I danced it around the living room. So pretty.)
Siri Mitchell’s She Walks In Beauty has always been a gorgeous cover to me, but for sheer eye-catching ability, the one that comes to mind is Katherine Reay’s Dear Mr. Knightley. Very recognizable cover.
Which author makes it easy to turn off your internal editor?
I actually don’t find it extremely difficult to turn off my internal editor if the book is well written. Karen Witemeyer can almost always pull me in to the story so that I forget to look at anything else. Regency author Julia Quinn is another favourite of mine. I’ve only read two Katherine Reay books so it’s hard to say if she would always turn off my internal editor, but she even manages to draw me in to a genre and style I don’t normally read.
What book do you wish you had written? Why?
This is such a tough question because there are so many aspects to writing a book. Sometimes it isn’t only the final product that is so appealing. A few books that come to mind:
Redeeming Love because who wouldn’t want to have been part of such a ground-breaking book that touched so many people’s lives?
Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist because I would love to have had a reason to delve so deeply into the history of Biltmore. I love Biltmore.
Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings for the simple fact that I have tried and tried to reimagine and reframe stories from the Bible and it is simply not a skill I have yet acquired. Regina did it beautifully.
From a sheer story perspective, though, I would most like to have written Trish Perry’s The Guy I’m Not Dating. I have read that book so many, many times. The blend of romance, personal growth, humor, evangelistic message, and relatable life moments is captivating.
Don’t miss Kristi’s debut novel…
A Noble Masquerade
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old school friend, a duke–with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she’s heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother’s new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.
When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men–one she’s never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.
Relz Reviewz Extras
Download the FREE ebook prequel, A Lady of Esteem
Visit Kristi’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: A Noble Masquerade or Koorong
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September 21, 2015 at 12:13 pm
I have read Dear Mr. Knightley and My Stubborn Heart. Loved them both!
I’ll have to check out her other suggestions.
September 21, 2015 at 12:14 pm
I loved this interview! I really enjoyed getting to peak at your “old friends” shelf (I have many of those same books on my keeper shelf!) and also learning about the books you wish you had written. I just purchased your book and am looking forward to reading it! Thanks Rel and Kristi.
September 23, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Kim » Glad you enjoyed it, Kim ~ I love learning what writers are reading, too!
September 21, 2015 at 12:22 pm
I read After a Fashion. It was a good book.
September 21, 2015 at 12:34 pm
I havent read alot of books that were mentioned but i did see books in pictures that i have read – Julie Klassen, Julia Quinn. Dear Mt Knightley have been on my to be read pile 🙂
September 21, 2015 at 12:43 pm
I’ve not read any of the books that Kristi has read. I have Dear Mr. Knightly in my TBR. 🙂
September 21, 2015 at 1:00 pm
I enjoyed reading this interview but I have not read any of the books that Kristi mentioned. I have a few on my TBR list though.
September 21, 2015 at 1:14 pm
I have not read any of Kristi’s books but from the sounds of this blog she will be a new one for me to follow!
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of her book.
wfnren at aol dot com
September 21, 2015 at 1:29 pm
These are all new to me but interested in trying 🙂
September 21, 2015 at 1:40 pm
So many fun books on her shelf, and from the ones mentioned I’ve read A Worthy Pursuit, Dear Mr. Knightley, The Princess, Redeeming Love, and Sixty Acres and a Bride. This post makes me want to go re-read some favorites! I have to say that my own favorite book to re-read is Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson 🙂
September 21, 2015 at 1:48 pm
I have read Sixty Acres and a Bride, Maid to Match, She Walks in Beauty, After a Fashion and A Worthy Pursuit. I have been wanting to read The Guy I’m Not Dating.
September 21, 2015 at 2:52 pm
Redeeming Love. Beautiful story.
September 21, 2015 at 2:55 pm
I have read all of Karen Witemeyer and Regina Jennings books! And Lori Wick’s! I agree, Karen and Regina do fabulous jobs! Becky Wade and Katherine Reay’s books are loaded on my Kindle! I look forward to reading your book Kristi.
September 21, 2015 at 3:01 pm
I have read 7 of the books that Kristi mentioned:
A Worthy Pursuit — After a Fashion — My Stubborn Heart — Dear Mr. Knightley — The Princess — Bamboo & Lace — Maid to Match. 🙂
September 21, 2015 at 4:24 pm
I’ve read at least half if not more of the books she mentioned!
September 21, 2015 at 9:49 pm
I really like Lori Wick’s books. I have her regency series on my permanent bookshelf. I am looking forward to reading Kristi’s book now. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
September 21, 2015 at 11:43 pm
I’ve read several of the books that she mentioned. My Stubborn Heart is on of my favorites from recent years! I’ve also read She Walks in Beauty, 60 Acres and a Bride, Sophie’s Heart and Redeeming Love.
September 21, 2015 at 11:46 pm
I’ve read many of Lori Wick’s books more than once.
September 22, 2015 at 12:44 am
I just finished Kristi’s book and LOVED it. The unexpected humor held me from start to finish and I can’t wait for her next one. I’ve read all the books she mentioned except for “The Guy I’m Not Dating”.
September 22, 2015 at 12:57 am
Once again, lovely post, Rel!
I’d have to agree…Katherine Reay is an excellent writer. I also loved Carla Laureano’s debut Five Days in Skye (David C. Cook, publishing)
September 23, 2015 at 12:38 pm
Joleen » Thank you, Joleen 🙂
September 22, 2015 at 1:20 am
I have read most of the books Kristi mentioned except for Trish Perry’s The Guy I’m not Dating. I guess I really need to add it to my list now! I read Kristi’s prequel to this novel A Lady of Esteem and it certainly whet my appetite for her new release.
September 22, 2015 at 1:45 am
Thank you for the informative interview! I also started out with a lot of Lori Wick’s books and enjoy Karen Witemeyer’s. I want to read Kristi’s book terribly and am so hoping my wish comes true! 😛 I love a book with two love interests — it’s a lot more exciting and unpredictable.
September 22, 2015 at 2:37 am
I completely agree, My Stubborn Heart and Dear Mr. Knightley blew me away and are my permanent re-reads list!
September 22, 2015 at 6:11 am
I normally am not a re-reader. But I read A Noble Masquerade twice in the last few weeks. I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a long time. Looking forward to her next books!
September 22, 2015 at 6:56 am
I, too, have read Francine Rivers “Redeeming Love” and it just resonated so strongly to me that it changed me & my thinking!! It was a powerful book that I had a hard time putting it down. I rarely re-read a book, but that’s one I could read over and over again!! I’d probably get different messages out of it each time too, it’s that good!
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of “A Noble Masquerade”….I really want to know what happens after that one letter gets accidentally sent 🙂
September 22, 2015 at 7:29 am
Great interview! I like your bookcase Kristi, it seems we like a lot of the same authors. I’m glad you no longer “dog ear” books, that makes me cringe. I have paperbacks that I have read numerous times, they look brand new. The ladies in my Bible study group used to make fun of me, some would even bend their pages just to see the look on my face.
September 22, 2015 at 7:31 am
This book sounds so amazing. I would love to win it! Thanks for offering the giveaway.
September 22, 2015 at 8:25 am
I’ve read 9 of the books Kristi mentioned; all but Dear Mr. Knightly and The Guy I’m Not Dating. It sounds like I should read them, though. Kristi’s book sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win it.
September 22, 2015 at 10:27 am
I’m so excited to read your debut novel, even more so now seeing you have the same taste in books!
September 22, 2015 at 2:14 pm
I love reading about the books writers enjoy. I haver also enjoyed Redeeming Love, My Stubborn Heart, and The Guy I’m Not Dating. I also noticed several books on the shelf that I’ve read. Like Jon Acuff’s Do Over. I haven’t read Dear Mr Knightley but I have enjoyed Lizzie & Jane.
September 22, 2015 at 7:14 pm
On my Keeper shelf, I have a few Karen Witemeyer books, Redeeming Love, Maid to Match, All of Becky Wade’s books, but Dear Mr. Knightley is one of my all time favorite books. After reading this interview, Kristi piqued my interest in Trish Perry’s books. I, now, really want to read The Guy I’m Not Dating.
September 23, 2015 at 12:35 am
I have read many of the books on your book shelf. So many great books & authors! Would love to win your newest book Kristi!!
September 23, 2015 at 2:13 am
I have read a few of them. They are great reads.
September 23, 2015 at 1:09 pm
I’ve read a few of the books Kristi mentioned, and others are on my TBR list. I’ve read Lori Wick’s “The Princess” and “Bamboo & Lace”, Siri Mitchell’s “She Walks in Beauty” (I love Siri!), and Katherine Reay’s “Dear Mr. Knightley.” I’ve also read “Lizzy & Jane” and have read a few of Deeanne Gist’s books but not “Maid to Match” (yet!).
September 24, 2015 at 4:12 am
Lori Wick and Francine Rivers consistently give their readers great books! Thank you for this giveaway!
September 26, 2015 at 7:34 am
I laughed when I saw Kristi likes Julia Quinn, because A Noble Masquerade reminded me of Quinn in the way she mixed Regency and humour.
http://christianreads.blogspot.co.nz/2015/09/reading-challenge-noble-masquerade-by.html
September 28, 2015 at 7:37 am
This book looks wonderful, though I have to admit, the beautiful cover drew got my attention immediately! And this post was so fun to read! I loved seeing the books we have in common, like Dear Mr. Knightley, She Walks in Beauty, Redeeming Love, Maid to Match, and a bunch of Lori Wick’s, though not the three that she mentioned! And those were some pretty fantastic reads!
September 30, 2015 at 2:08 am
I went out of town and had sketchy Internet so I’m just now getting to read everyone’s comments. Thanks for your enthusiasm! Hopefully you’ll all get to enjoy A Noble Masquerade.
January 19, 2017 at 1:33 am
You have mentioned some great books. Thanks for this giveaway!