Today, I am excited to welcome Tamara Ferguson, a lady I met on Twitter, and who happens to be one of the greatest supporters of indie authors I know. Tamara selflessly promotes the work of others, including mine, at machine-gun speed through her tweets. The least I could do for her, was to offer her an interview here as to give her the chance to talk about her own, wonderful works for a change. Check out her awesome covers, and then stick around as I get to know this lovely lady a bit better.

This New Adult Romance, By Award-Winning Author Tamara Ferguson, Is A Top Ten Amazon Bestseller In Kindle Saga Fiction.

Kate Callahan has always known that, someday, she’d run the family business. So men have always been merely a distraction for Kate; she just doesn’t have time for love. Until fate steps in by way of a prophecy foretold, years ago, by a friend who’d been blessed with a remarkable gift. Kate has been warned that, one day, she’ll be kissed by fate. And love will happen with that unforgettable kiss. Michael Murphy already has his life mapped out. After graduating with his degree in Architecture, he’ll be working at a prestigious firm in Chicago. When he arrives in the town of Crystal Rock to serve as an intern at Callahan Construction, the last thing he expects is his instant attraction to lovely crew boss, Kate Callahan. Kate’s immediately drawn to Murphy, too. And sparks fly when they unite in an attempt to discover the identity of the thief who’s been stealing construction materials from her family’s company. But how could a long-term relationship between them ever survive? They’re both young, with different dreams and goals. So even after their unforgettable kiss, Kate lets Murphy go. Six years later, Kate’s finally admitted her mistake; she’s just never been able to forget that kiss. Devastated when she learns Michael Murphy’s become engaged, Kate comes up with a plan to try to win him back. But will she be too late?

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2013 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS-ROMANCE FINALIST
2012 PINNACLE BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER-BEST BOOK SUSPENSE
The dragonfly is believed to be a symbol of renewal after a time of great hardship.

Separated by circumstances fifteen years earlier, Jake Loughlin and Danielle Reardon are fatefully reunited at Dragonfly Pointe. But the mysterious Dragonfly Pointe has a history of tragedy. An unsolved brutal assault and murder of a six-year old girl over twenty years before has remained unsolved.A su ccessful entrepreneur, Jake has hidden his status as a special investigator for the FBI. As owner of the Dragonfly Pointe Inn, Jake has returned to restore and renovate the abandoned property. But, unofficially, he’s investigating the theory that a ring of human traffickers is operating in the area. With three to five kidnappings occurring at the end of each year, over the states of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Jake can trace a pattern going back as far as thirty-five years.

And there could be a connection to the death of the little girl at Dragonfly Pointe twenty-two years earlier…

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2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards Romance Suspense Winner
2013 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award-Best Book Suspense
Second Round Romance Contender-2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards

A woman who’s afraid to trust. Successful designer, Penny Wentworth has arrived from New York to take charge of the wedding flowers for the new owners of the Dragonfly Pointe Inn. As a single parent of a severely autistic and mentally impaired son, she has no romantic illusions; her experience with an abusive husband has left her wary of relationships.

A man who’s afraid to love. Haunted by his past since discovering a six-year old girl brutally murdered at Dragonfly Pointe over twenty-two years before, Sam had intentionally avoided returning home. But after resigning from his job as a homicide detective in New Orleans when his marriage fell apart, Sam is now the chief of police in Crystal Rock, Wisconsin.

An undying passion that’s endured throughout the years…

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Magical Weddings includes 14 NEW RELEASES, written expressly for this set.

Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable. And irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.

From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love’s hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.

This delightful boxset includes Tamara Ferguson’s romance, Two Hearts Surrendered, which will be published later this year.

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Will two warring hearts be strong enough to survive the ultimate battle?

Two Hearts Surrendered is available only in the boxset, Magical Weddings at the moment.

Hello Tamara, and welcome to my blog!

Hi, Fros. I’m thrilled to be here!

I understand that Two Hearts Surrendered will be launched later this year. For now, it is available only in the boxset, Magical Weddings, right?

Yes, that’s correct.

I must say, the cover is wonderful. What has inspired you to write this novel?

Two Hearts Surrendered is my contribution to the Magical Weddings Anthology. The first thing that popped into my head when I was asked if I’d like to contribute a story was this:  why not try writing something a little different from what I’m accustomed to? Military stories are very popular these days. But with some of the terrible things happening in the world today, what I wanted was to get into the head of my character, who was returning home a wounded warrior. Luke Bryant had struggles to begin with – he was abused as a child. It’s my heroine’s ability to believe in their love and to stand by his side, even though my hero is effectively attempting to shut Kelly Callahan out of his life – that eventually leads them to an enchanting happily-ever-after.

Are there any hobbies or interests that you enjoy in your spare time?

Floral Design, Landscaping & Construction Projects – but not always by choice!

Do you see yourself in any of your characters, or do any of them have traits you wish you had?

Most of the time, I try to invent characters who have similar traits to my own – since my characters tend to do a lot of soul-searching. What I’d really like – and I’m sure my readers would agree – are men in my life who resemble the heroes I’ve created (*laughs*)

What are you working on at the moment? Tell us a little about your current project(s).

I’ve been working on my next installment of Romantic Suspense – Tales of the Dragonfly Book III: Emergence. This is the story of Lucy Callahan, the eighteen-year old girl who was kidnapped and assaulted in Book I: In Tandem. The members of the human trafficking ring who were responsible for capturing her have remained at large. It’s nearly a year later, and Lucy’s still having troubles recovering from her ordeal when she realizes she’s being stalked by the man who raped her. Her inner strength shines through when she assists the FBI and confronts her rapist – while falling in love with the former FBI agent who’s acting as her bodyguard. Lucy lives and works in Gabe Giordano’s home, as his seven-year old daughter’s nanny, while attending the college where Gabe is a professor.

Do you have any advice for other indie authors?

Don’t be too quick to self-publish. Your early reviews will stick. I edited and re-submitted my first Tales of the Dragonfly several times before I was even slightly satisfied – and I’d still like to rewrite the entire story. It’s important to listen to your peers too. The best thing I’ve ever done was join the RWA. The advice and unbiased critiques I’ve received – after entering my books in several of their regional contests – have been invaluable, and (I hope) have helped me develop into a better writer. Reviews are great, sure, but not always accurate if you’re asking family, friends or other authors who’d like for you to review their books for them as well. I’ve also had my latest book edited – and that was one of the most useful things I’ve ever done! Not only will the editor correct any of your typos and grammatical errors, but will let you know if there are any holes in your plot.

Is there anything you like to do to get the creative juices flowing when you write?

I’m a big time coffee drinker. I sit and write in a small recliner that has a large seat, with my laptop resting on a tall end table (this is also how I work on twitter for hours at a time.) I find myself petting a different animal every hour or so. I have dogs and cats, and I’m pretty sure they each take turns occupying the space in my chair with me. And then there’s my son. I work in a house that’s full of constant distractions – it’s kind of a miracle that I manage to drown everything out.

Oh, I  can sympathize with you, living with a very naughty, highly vocal cat and a husband who loves to chat, even when I’m too busy to listen (*laughs*). I must say, your cat is a cutey! If you could have one superpower what would it be?

I’d love to not require sleep!! There never seems to be enough hours in the day for all the things I need and want to do.

Love it, and again, I sympathize, as I am sure many indie authors will! What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned so far in life the hard way?

Make the most of the time that you have to avoid having regrets. Set goals for yourself early – because not only does life pass by way too quickly, you might find yourself in circumstances similar to my own. As the mom of a severely autistic and mentally impaired son (with Type I Diabetes), I’m tied down 24/7 because of his needs and the cost it would require for others to care for him.

I am sure this must be hard, Tamara. Your son is very lucky to have a mom as committed and caring as you.  Tell us, how would you like to be remembered?

I’d just like to BE remembered (in a good way!) I graduated with a degree in Horticulture from Illinois State University – as the Collegiate Achievement Award Winner of the College of Applied Sciences and Technology – and was also a vice-president of my graduating class. But nothing went the way it was supposed to – although I’ve been successful in every job I’ve ever had. When I was finally offered the college teaching job that I wanted, I had to refuse it because I was recently married and pregnant, and it would require relocation. I guess I’ve remade myself over and over again because of all the complications thrown my way. I began writing so late in my life because the challenges and depression can sometimes be overwhelming when you’re raising an impaired child – especially as a single parent. Writing occupies my mind and gives me hope that my future still has something rewarding to offer!

You have shown us a couple of lovely photos already. Any others you wish to share?

Just one more, Fros. I’ve had my fill of snow this past winter, can’t stand the sight of it any more (*laughs*). Here is a typical scene from where I live!

Oh, dear! I can’t stand the snow, either. Thankfully, it rarely snows in Athens. Thank you for your time, Tamara. I wish you success, and once again, thank you for your wonderful support on Twitter!

It’s my pleasure, Fros. Thank you also for this opportunity to showcase my work.

A member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as the FTHRW Chapter, Tamara Ferguson is the best-selling and multi-award-winning author of the Tales of The Dragonfly Romance Suspense Series. Tales of the Dragonfly Book II: In Flight was a 2014 WINNER at the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Her latest release, That Unforgettable Kiss was recently a top ten Amazon bestseller in Kindle Saga Fiction. The Magical Weddings Anthology, which includes her contribution of Two Hearts Surrendered, will be released June 16, 2015, along with fourteen other stories by USA Today, best-selling, and award-winning authors.

Visit Tamara’s Amazon Page

Visit’s Tamara’s Websites and blog:

http://www.KissedByFate.com

http://www.TalesOfTheDragonflyTheBook.com

Blog: https://tammysdragonfly.wordpress.com/

Other links:

https://twitter.com/Tammysdragonfly
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tamara-Ferguson/579374595502809
https://plus.google.com/108952992124602192038/posts?hl=en
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tamara-ferguson/94/a05/946
http://www.pinterest.com/Tammysdragonfly/
http://www.novelengagement.com/
http://www.theromancereviews.com/mypageprofile.php?location=Tammysdragonfly

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