Rochelle Alers interview, recs for 'Cherry Lane,' 'Brick House 2'

Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.

Let's meet author Rochelle Alers

Michelle: What is one thing about your writing that brings you joy or satisfaction?

Rochelle: There are several things which bring me satisfaction about my writing, but completing a manuscript tops the list. Even after penning more than 80 titles, I find the task of beginning a new novel or short story formidable, while I make every effort not to use a boilerplate plot wherein I drop in different characters just to move the story forward. But on the other hand, writing in a particular genre is challenging because although the plot is familiar I do all I can to make each novel unique with fully drawn memorable characters that stand out within the traditional storyline.

Michelle: If someone is reading your work for the first time, what would be your (writing) brand that you'd share with them? And which of your many books or series would you recommend, knowing that they will become lifelong fans?

Rochelle: If someone selects one of my novels for the first time they would realize I'm a sensually descriptive writer. I've been told I paint pictures with words and that is how I see the images in my head, using all of my five senses: sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing when describing a character or scene. If I had to recommend a series, then it would be the Hideaway Legacy. Beginning with Hideaway, and the latest Sweet Silver Bells, a Cole/Eaton family crossover, this series has been a reader favorite since 1995. As their creator I find the characters addictive and over the past 19 years I've revisited them again and again.

Michelle: Do you visit some of your settings for the research? Or are they all imaginative creations? What about Cavanaugh Island?

Rochelle: I've always heard a writer should write about what they know, and if not then research it. Although a fiction writer I strive for accuracy and authenticity when it comes to detail, spending countless hours researching vocations and historical events once I come up with a plot for a new novel. And research means going over numerous newspaper and magazine articles and watching documentaries on a given subject. The books in my home library cover subjects from dog and horse breeding, interior decorating, travel guides, cookbooks, weddings and entertaining, and antiques to medical references. I also have an extensive go-to PBS DVD collection.

Michelle: Do you have any inspirational quotes or personal philosophies that you rely on when you are in your writing mode?

Rochelle: Even though Cavanaugh Island is a fictional setting, the facts about the Lowcountry are factual. My maternal grandfather was Gullah and spoke the dialect. I've made many trips to the Lowcountry from Savannah, Georgia, to Charleston, South Carolina. It is in Charleston that I took the Gullah tour to see many of the historic landmark plantations where skilled African slave engineers irrigated the land for planting rice and talented artisans built the magnificent homes for their wealthy landowners. I had the pleasure of meeting Philip Simmons in his blacksmith shop, the nationally recognized artisan ironworker whose designs are on display at the Smithsonian and museums around the world, before he passed away at the age of 97. He spoke to me in Gullah and although I couldn't reply in the same dialect, I understood him, which made him chastise me for not learning the language. There aren't enough adjectives to describe the cuisine. I believe a trip to the Lowcountry should be on everyone's bucket list.

Readers have asked me why I include a Bible verse in my novels and I tell them it is in gratitude to be blessed with what I believe is the God-given ability to write. Most of the quotes come from Proverbs. The wise sayings are a textbook for teaching people how to live Godly lives through the repetition of wise thoughts. I write the biblical epigraph before typing the first word of each and every manuscript.

Michelle: What do you have in store for your fans in 2015 (even 2016)?

Rochelle: Cherry Lane, will be the only original title for 2015; however, there will be a new series in 2016 set in fictional Wickham Falls, West Virginia. The series will be released under Harlequin's Special Edition line.

Michelle: Thank you very much, Rochelle. To stay updated with Rochelle's news, please visit www.rochellealers.org.

ROMANCE RECS

Cherry Lane (Cavanaugh Island) by Rochelle Alers

Cherry Lane on Cavanaugh Island is a wonderful haven from the giddy pace of urban city life. Rochelle Alers provides an intimate, detailed backdrop that is as beautiful as the cover of her book. Taking the time to provide the perfect setting with the small-town vibe to welcome its arrivals adds the expert touch for the heartwarming romantic tale between David and Devon. Her cast of characters reads like a vibrant family with many extended branches of interesting, quirky, passionate people. With a little suspense to spice up the pace, Cherry Lane will tuck you in with a warm Southern welcome.

About Cherry Lane (courtesy of Forever):

A place to call home . . .

In New York City, attorney Devon Gilmore devoted all her time and energy to fast-track her career. She lost her boyfriend . . . but found herself with a surprise baby on the way. To begin a new life, Devon needs a place to settle down-a place like Cavanaugh Island, where the pace is slow, the weather is fine, and the men are even finer.

From the moment David Sullivan meets Devon, he knows he can't fight the laws of attraction. Whether it's helping fix up the old cottage she just bought on Cherry Lane or working together on a pro bono legal case, he can't help feeling a little protective. But will the most eligible bachelor in town be ready for an instant family? Only if he can convince Devon to put her heart on the line one more time-for all time.

Brick House 2 by Keith Thomas Walker

Keith Thomas Walker writes the everyday man with such smoothness and attraction that you can set aside your billionaire heroes (for a quick minute, if you're an addict) and dive in with the sexy, gracious and confident men who stride onto the pages.

Brick House 2, as the title implies, picks up from the excellent Brick House. While that was a happy-for-now ending, we get to see this relationship unfold and mature with the same cast and a few new additions to spice up the pace. All around, this story doesn't allow you to set it down for long. The romance is sexy and powerful, along with a lot of sizzling heat. Here's another Walker must-read available for your e-reader.

About Brick House 2 (courtesy of KeithWalkerBooks):

Korah Stewart and Brock "Brick" Avery are still reveling in their sizzling, whirlwind romance. With the prized contract secured, Brick is willing to share the spoils. But love may be an obstacle for the competing contractors. Meanwhile Devin and Yolanda struggle to see eye to eye, and Texas Builders is dealt a devastating blow. Korah fights to keep her family and her company together, and Brick must decide if commitment was ever on his agenda.

OUTLANDER ON HEA

The popular Outlander recap is back. Join me to catch up and join in with your thoughts about the popular historical drama airing on Starz. My Outlander partner, Mandi Schreiner, took a break this time, but she'll be back for the next episode!

Michelle Monkou loves writing her sexy, complex heroes. Her website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.