The Reading Habits
of
Roseanna M. White
******
Are you a re-reader?
I was when I was younger, for sure! I would read all of my favorite books over and again—L. M. Montgomery’s books (all of them—I think I’ve read every single one of hers at least 3 times), Lori Wick’s books . . . These days, my reading time is far more scarce (I homeschool my kids, which takes a lot of my day!), so I don’t do much re-reading. Although I will occasionally listen to an audio book of a novel I’ve already read. I did that with The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (not a CF title, but amazing) and thoroughly enjoyed both versions.
When is your optimal time to read?
In order to really get into a book, I like to have a solid chunk of time to dedicate to it, usually in the evenings or on a Saturday afternoon. Once I’m involved, I’ll steal 5 minutes anywhere I can. =)
I’d love your thoughts on novellas. Are you thumbs up or down? Or does it depend?!
For me, it definitely depends. I’ve found some authors are amazing at novellas, making them feel full and complete and perfectly developed. Others feel rushed and too short to me. So . . . yeah. All a matter of how they’re done.
Are you faithful to a genre, an author, or simply quality writing?
Quality writing always wins the day for me! I read in absolutely every genre and love most of them. But I’ve also gotten to the point where I’ll put a book down if it’s not holding my interest, or if my internal editor won’t hush up long enough for me to enjoy it. As someone who edits for a publishing company too, there are just times when I can’t stop thinking of how I’d recommend the author rewrite a section—and that’s no fun. So I LOVE finding an author whose style is so beautiful that my editor voice is silenced and I’m just impressed instead.
Which factors most influence your selection of a book?
Aside from if it’s by an author that I know and love, it’s usually one of two things: everyone else has been talking about it so much that I feel out of the loop and need to remedy that, or the blurb is so amazing that I just have to read it.
Your fiction pet peeve?
Tension that is there solely for tension’s sake. I can’t stand it when the entire conflict of a story could be resolved by a simple conversation between the characters.
What book have you read this year that you could not put down, and why?
A few, actually! If I Run by Terri Blackstock—oh gracious, that book was edge-of-the-seat, and she did an amazing job of handling a hero and heroine who don’t even meet until the last chapter. Fabulous. Also really loved Mike Nappa’s Annabel Lee—intriguing, and perfectly done backstory. One of my favorites that I’d just read, but which is an older title, is The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner.
How do you mark your spot – folded page corner, bookmark, dollar bill, whatever is at hand?
I’m definitely a “whatever is at hand” kind of girl. These days that happens to often be a bookmark—this happens when you’re an author with literally thousands of them in boxes, LOL—but anything will do. Ponytail holders, scraps of tissue, price tags torn off clothes…
I’ve taught this to my kids too—I don’t think my daughter even knew it was an option to turn down a corner until a friend of hers did it. And then she was all wide-eyed and offering bookmarks to her instead. 😉
Roseanna’s TBR
Whose debut novel impressed you more than you anticipated?
Lori Benton’s Burning Sky. Of course, the whole world agreed with me on that. 😉
When reading, what makes or breaks a story for you?
Characters and voice. Give me beautiful turns of phrase that help define a character, and I’m hooked. Give me no distinctions between the characters and a book that could have been written by anyone, and you get a big “meh” from me.
What are some of your favourite CF reads from around 10 years ago, or further back?
Julie Lessman’s A Passion Most Pure (2008) and Trish Perry’s The Guy I’m Not Dating (2006). Love the epic love story of the former and the laugh-out-loud humor of the latter.
Snack/drink of choice while reading?
Though I’m a chocolate and coffee girl in general, I do most of my reading in the evening, which means that, if I have anything at hand, it’s a cup of tea (decaf) and maybe some pretzels. With hummus to dip those pretzels in, if I’m on the ball and have made a fresh batch that week.
What book cover has really caught your eye?
This is a hard question for me, solely because I am always keeping a close eye out on covers, since I design them, so my eye is caught by everything! I love noting the subtle (or not so subtle) differences between genres, and how designers will brand a particular series or author.
One of my absolute favorites will probably always be Laura Frantz’s Love’s Reckoning. (Although if I’m allowed to name one designed for my own books, The Reluctant Duchess definitely takes the cake with that red dress and the absolutely perfect expression on the model’s face!)
Which author makes it easy to turn off your internal editor?
In the ABA realm, it’s Maggie Stiefvater, hands down. Her voice is just amazing. A few from CBA are: Lori Benton, Laura Frantz, Susan Meissner, Lisa Samson, and Terri Blackstock
What book do you wish you had written? Why?
I don’t tend to think that way very often, but the two times I remember having thoughts along those lines (they were more, “Why didn’t I write X book more like this?”) were when I read Sandi Rog’s The Master’s Wall, and Laura Frantz’s Courting Morrow Little.
Thanks Roseanna!
Don’t miss Roseanna’s latest historical romance…
A Riveting Edwardian Series Set among Britain’s High Society
Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough–not for her father, not for the man she thought she’d marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she’s willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar.
Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when Rowena’s father tries to trap Brice into marrying his daughter, Brice makes a surprising decision.
Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she’s reluctant to marry a notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she’s about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid.
Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Roseanna’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: The Reluctant Duchess or Koorong
May 16, 2016 at 8:37 pm
I love all of Lori Wick’s books, but especially The Hawk and the Jewel. Looking forward to reading The Reluctant Duchess as it sounds very intriguing!
May 16, 2016 at 9:49 pm
That was my favorite too! The first book in my series here (The Lost Heiress) was inspired by it. =) It doesn’t bear much of a resemblance now, but its first draft when I was 13 sure did, LOL.
May 16, 2016 at 9:25 pm
I loved The Reluctant Duchess! Picked it up at the library one afternoon, had it finished the next day! Would love to have my own copy!
May 16, 2016 at 9:32 pm
Hmm. I think Pearl in the Sandy by Tessa Afshar would fit that bill. 🙂 annette mwhipple at gmail dot com
May 16, 2016 at 11:28 pm
I enjoyed this.😊 I am totally a re reader of books and the Anne of Green Gables series was my most read–now I am reading them with my own girlies!
May 16, 2016 at 11:35 pm
My favourite inspirational book from over 5 years ago? Any of Francine River’s ‘Mark of a lion’ series. I also love Dee Henderson’s ‘The Negotiator’ and Randy Singer’s ‘Directed Verdict’.
May 16, 2016 at 11:43 pm
I read Anne of Green Gables EVERY year!
May 17, 2016 at 12:09 am
I absolutely loved Angela Hunt’s The Debt. And now that you’ve gotten me thinking about it, I think it’s time to reread it!
May 17, 2016 at 12:11 am
I really enjoyed Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden.
May 17, 2016 at 12:21 am
I’m going to go way back and say Janette Oke’s Canadian West series. Those books are what first introduced me to Christian fiction and I was hooked. I still adore that series.
May 17, 2016 at 1:00 am
You are a new author to me and I would love to read one of your books. Back as few years ago, I read a lot of Lori Wick. Still have them
May 17, 2016 at 1:07 am
Great interview, Roseanna and Rel! Respect your insights into story so much, Roseanna. Also, couldn’t agree more about Burning Sky 🙂
May 17, 2016 at 1:16 am
I discovered Dee Henderson’s O’Malley Series years ago when I found The Negotiator in a small Christian bookstore. I really enjoyed the whole series (including Danger in the Shadows and Jennifer), but my favorite is The Guardian. I have reread that book several times and plan to read it again. I really like Marcus’ character throughout the series.
May 17, 2016 at 1:16 am
Little Women never ceases to inspire and delight my heart.
May 17, 2016 at 1:23 am
I’ve never read any of Roseanna’s books before but I love historical fiction! Janette Oke, Tracie Peterson, and Karen Whitemyer are some of my favorites.
May 17, 2016 at 1:36 am
I don’t know what I have read from 5 years ago. Can’t remember right now. I will have to check my list.
May 17, 2016 at 3:37 am
Interesting interview! I love Dee Henderson’s O’Malley series. I think they were some of the first Christian fiction books I read. I’m so grateful there are so many Christian fiction writers to choose from. My TBR list is SOOOOOO long! Thanks to all of you for sharing your talents!
May 17, 2016 at 5:08 am
I’m somewhat new to the inspirational fiction game! However, I love all of Denise Hunter’s novels, and I’m pretty sure that I’ve read some that were published in 2011 or earlier. I guess I need to explore some more back catalogs of these great authors!
May 17, 2016 at 5:28 am
Anything by Francine Rivers
May 17, 2016 at 6:24 am
I like so many inspirational and/or historical authors but I really like Lynn Austin books.
May 17, 2016 at 11:03 am
Thanks for the great interview! I can’t believe it’s already been 6 years, but my favourite inspirational book published at least 5 years ago is “Courting Morrow Little” by Laura Frantz. It is one I go back and re-read often! 🙂
May 17, 2016 at 11:31 am
I have found so many inspiring books to read these past few years. I also would say Pearl in the Sand has been a favorite but also I love Jan Karron and the Mitford Series. Those get me each time.
May 17, 2016 at 12:37 pm
Piercing the Darkness and This Present Darkness by Frank Perretti. These books highlighted the power of prayers in the spiritual warfare.
May 17, 2016 at 11:09 pm
Loved The Scarlet Thread. Thank you for the interview and the chance to win.
May 18, 2016 at 12:59 am
I can think of two series in particular that I love: Dee Henderson’s O’Malley series and Lori Wick’s English Garden series. I’m looking forward to reading Roseanna’s book. The cover is gorgeous! Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
May 18, 2016 at 2:07 am
Nice interview. Memory not that good so I can’t say for sure.
May 18, 2016 at 2:26 am
Dee Henderson’s book, “Full Disclosure” & Dave Ramsey’s book: “The Total Money Makeover”
May 18, 2016 at 3:37 am
I’m somewhat new to reading inspiration fiction, and typically read new releases. I love Elizabeth Camden’s books.
May 18, 2016 at 3:59 am
The one I thought of first is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. there are many, many others that I’ve really enjoyed.
May 18, 2016 at 6:33 am
After I read “A Stray Drop of Blood” – I have been hooked on Roseanna White’s writing ever since. WOW -what a powerful book that was!! I just finished “The Reluctant Duchess” and am still impressed with the awesome writing skills of Roseanna White. And speaking of “impressive” – the cover for this book is EXCELLENT!! You are so right Roseanna – the dress, the necklace, the model and her expression are so PERFECT in capturing Rowena Kinnaird / Duchess Nottingham. In some ways, you (and Tamara Leigh) have spoiled me, it’s hard to find another read after finishing one of your books – it’s like watching the Kentucky Derby – you remember who won – but the rest?????? Meh…. LOL!
May 18, 2016 at 8:17 pm
LOL! Well that made my day, Pam. =)
May 19, 2016 at 10:27 am
One of my favorites from over 5 years ago would have to be Francine River’s ‘The Last Sin Eater’ Loved that one!
May 19, 2016 at 1:19 pm
The 7 seven habits of highly effective teens by Steve Covey.Its a great book!If it doesnt help you, you’re already perfect.
May 20, 2016 at 12:50 am
Probably would have to be Redeeming Love or anything by Francine Rivers!
May 20, 2016 at 9:50 am
I enjoyed Lynn Austin’s The Strength of His Hand. 🙂
May 20, 2016 at 5:30 pm
Five years ago, I wasn’t reading Christian fiction. I was in the middle of home-schooling my kids and reading more mostly non-fiction. A non-fiction Christian book I read during that time was “A Wonderful Deception” by Warren Smith. It was an enlightening book on New Age and the emergent church.
May 21, 2016 at 9:19 am
That would be my first Lauraine Snelling book, An Untamed Land. I love the series that started with this book. Then she came out about a year or so ago with a prequel. Loved it to.
May 21, 2016 at 11:52 am
When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin, I’ve read it twice and it’s one of my favorite books.
Looking forward to reading The Relucant Duchess.
May 22, 2016 at 11:32 am
Favorite inspirational read from at least five years ago? Rel, how could you ask such a difficult question? There are so many good ones. I guess I will choose Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz.
nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com
May 23, 2016 at 3:35 pm
Table for Two
by Alisa Bair this was published in 1969. I just discovered and read it this year.
What a heart breaker this book was. I am really looking forward to reading my first Roseanna White book. The cover is gorgeous and the story description sure can make one dream. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.