Author Ann Marie Bryan wants readers to know there is hope, even when you’re hurting. I recently spoke with her about her latest release, Dream Again.
Tell me about your latest book.
Dream Again is a heartwarming story about two people who have experienced tragedy and loss and must learn to trust God to overcome. In this novel, readers will witness the incredible transformative power of love in the lives of Carter McIntosh and Gianna Barrett as they lift their faith and develop the courage and tenacity to leave the past behind. Will love bloom? Let the adventure begin…
Here’s the back cover description:
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.
Why did you decide to write it?
Last year, my mom passed, so it was a year of grieving and adjusting for me and my siblings. We are a close-knit bunch, so the impact of mom’s death was great. It was a difficult period in our lives. For me, writing tends to be therapeutic, so I wanted to write a story about someone who suffered the loss of a parent. I wrapped that experience into a beautiful love story, Dream Again, which gives hope while showing the awesome power of God in the lives of two hurting people.
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
Oh, 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.
What was the hardest part about writing the story?
It was difficult to write the scenes where one of the characters spoke about losing a loved one and coping with the loss. I was all over the place. I just cried as I wrote those scenes.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would be the title and why?
Title: A Purpose Driven Life: Living in My Father’s Will.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV). God has a plan for my life, and all I need to do is execute that plan. To do that, I must walk in alignment with the Word of God and have a continuous, productive relationship with the Lord. As I seek first the Kingdom of God, everything else will fall in place.
What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
My readers might be surprised that I have a passion for the performing arts. However, while I enjoy all categories of the performing arts, I have a special love for dance. I believe that the art of dance can be used effectively for worship, evangelism, and discipleship.
Tell me about a book that changed your life and why.
The Bible, the life-changing Word of God, changed my life. It continues to give me everything I need for each leg of my journey.
What’s next for you?
As always, I am excited about my writing journey, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share with others. I believe in working together, the exchanging of ideas, and sharing of resources, so I hope that my writing adventures take me all over the world to share at conferences, seminars and workshops.
I just wrapped up Dream Again, book 1—McIntosh Brothers series. Usually, I take a few weeks off and then I’ll move on to writing book 2, Love Again. In addition, I’m hoping to collaborate with a few authors on projects and events.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Thanks, Chandra, for this wonderful opportunity. All the very best in your endeavors.
Ann Marie Bryan is a dedicated 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.
To learn more about Ann Marie Bryan, visit her website and connect with her on social media.
Website: http://www.annmariebryan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorannmariebryan
Facebook Readers’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorannmariebryan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorabryan
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorabryan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorabryan
Newsletter (monthly): http://eepurl.com/bOw6sr
Google+: https://plus.google.com/118441643599687205816
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ann-Marie-Bryan/e/B008VTK62O
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6448888.Ann_Marie_Bryan
Use Black Fiction Addiction’s affiliate link to purchase your copy of Dream Again.