Author Belle Calhoune wants you to fall in love with her latest release. I recently spoke with her about Falling for Alaska.
Tell me about your latest book.
My latest book, Falling for Alaska, centers around a former NFL player, Xavier Stone, who heads to Moose Falls, Alaska, along with his two brothers, for an inheritance from their fatally ill grandmother. He immediately butts heads with feisty tavern owner, True Everett, and begins the process of learning the ins and outs of his grandmother’s hard cider company while falling in love with the quaint town of Moose Falls…and True.
Why did you decide to write it?
I love writing stories about families, and I especially enjoy planting diverse characters in unexpected environments, whether it’s Alaska, Maine or somewhere else that is considered a predominantly white space. In this novel there have been huge family divides that needed healing. I enjoy writing multigenerational characters who have had different life experiences. I also wanted to tap into the concept of three Black brothers who had an absentee dad and how it has affected them throughout their lives.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
I want readers to understand that it’s never too late to make amends with family members. In this novel grandmother Hattie is dying and wants to resolve the issues in the Stone family and pass her legacy on to her grandsons. Her love for her family is epic, and she’s an example that love endures time and separation.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
I would like readers to learn that dreams do come true. You don’t have to be defined by the expectations of others or their inability to see you. In high school, I wasn’t the best student in math or science, so it felt like my true talents in writing were overlooked. All of us have talents, and we should explore them to the fullest. Don’t ever let anyone stop you from reaching for your dreams, whatever they may be. Hard work will get you to the finish line.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
If I could pick another profession, it would be in the world of movies or television, whether in production or acting. I loved acting in high school, and I’m a huge movie buff, as are all of my siblings and my dad. There’s something so fascinating to me about the business of transforming the written word into a movie or show.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
At a very early age, I discovered the beauty of the written word. When I was in first grade, I struggled with reading. Never one to resist a challenge, I persevered until I was placed in the highest reading group. Then, when I was seven, my family moved to a home across the street from a public library. THAT was transformative and sealed my fate as a reader and a future writer. I truly believe that the library was the foundation for my love of reading and my career as an author. To this day, I adore libraries and librarians.
What’s something readers would be surprised to know about you?
Readers might be surprised to know that I am a Francophile. I studied French for ten years in school (middle school, high school and college). I’ve traveled extensively throughout France, and I think Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world. I am constantly dreaming of my next adventure in France.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I really love a variety of genres. Books I’ve loved recently are The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth. I was able to read an ARC of American Daughters by Piper Huguley, and it’s an excellent book. Readers will love it. I also loved the books To Catch a Raven by Bev Jenkins and Return to Hummingbird Way by Reese Ryan.
What books are you excited to read?
I’m excited to read Tabitha Brown’s new book called I Did a New Thing. She’s so inspirational and wonderful. I love her positive outlook and how loving she is, no matter the situation.
What’s next for you?
I have the third book to write in my Stone brothers trilogy for Grand Central Forever. I also am writing a book for Love Inspired in which my black hero needs a service dog for his PTSD. I love writing K9 books, and I’m enjoying my research into the world of Navy Seals, trauma and service dogs.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’m very grateful to be able to work in a profession that I love. it’s my dream job, and I plan to write a lot more books.
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