Interview with Mary Alford and Grave Peril giveaway

We're pleased to welcome Mary Alford to the blog today! Mary is giving away a copy of GRAVE PERIL. A print copy to US residents. E-book to outside the US. Please leave a comment to enter the drawing!


Mary Alford was inspired to become a writer after reading such romantic suspense greats as Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. Creating characters and throwing them into dangerous situations that test their faith was a challenge, but 2012 Mary received “the call” to publish her first book. A dream come true.


If you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

Country grandma who drinks way too much coffee and reads everything she can get her hands on.

What do you do when you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies?

I play at gardening, but mostly I have a brown thumb. This year I was able to grow squash for the first time. I also like to play the piano and do crafts with my granddaughters. They’re such fun.

What was your favorite book as a teen or child?

On The Night of The Seventh Moon by Victoria Holt. I love her work.

Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.

My husband and I once raised Emus and Ostriches.

I was once a biker babe…

And I love anything chocolate…and I do mean anything!


What genre did you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not?

I started out writing contemporary romance because I used to read Harlequin Presents and was convinced I wanted to write them. Then, I read Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney’s books and that was it for me. I fell in love with the romantic suspense genre.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

I’ve been told one of my Love Inspired Books was not Christian…not sure why.

My best compliments have come from members of my street team who are so supportive as well as members of my church who seem to enjoy my books and that makes me happy.

Any other genres you’d like to try? If yes, what and why?

I’m writing Amish romantic suspense now because I really enjoy reading it and I enjoy the simple lifestyle of the Amish. Writing Amish fiction is challenging, but well worth the effort.

If you could go back in time and do something differently at the start of your career, what would it be?

I would learn more about the business side of writing. I just dove in and started creating stories, then submitted through trial and error.

What is the most important thing you’d like readers to take away from your books?
That God can be seen through all circumstances. No matter what the hero and heroine is going through, or what you are going through in your life, He’s always there. We are never alone.

And I’d love to tell my readers how much I appreciate them. Without them, I’d just be writing for myself.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?
Don’t give up. This is a tough business that is constantly changing. Writers write. Giving up isn’t an option. You have to follow your heart.

Mountain Ambush!

Reunions can be deadly…

Jamie Hendricks always believed her late father was innocent of murder…and now her uncle claims to have proof. But when she arrives in her hometown, her uncle has vanished—and someone wants her dead. Jamie’s ex-boyfriend, CIA agent Gavin Dalton, is the only person she trusts…even if he believes her dad killed his father. But can he help her uncover a deadly conspiracy that goes deeper than anyone expected?









Readers remember to leave a comment to be entered into the drawing!