Michelle Major’s Character Interview with Meredith Ventner

In Magnolia, North Carolina, love might be waiting right next door…

Meredith Ventner knows a wounded creature when she sees one. Though her temporary new neighbor may be—on the surface at least—a successful, drop-dead gorgeous doctor, she recognizes the deep hurt Ryan Sorensen is carrying, and it’s catnip to her soul. But even though Meredith is the youngest, scrappiest and single-est of Magnolia’s most famous sisters, she’s committed to expanding the animal shelter on her newly inherited farm. She can’t waste her energy on a man who’s only passing through town.

Ryan is hoping that after a month of small-town living he’ll be healed enough to return to his busy ER. His injured leg isn’t half as painful as his guilt from the tragedy he’s trying to forget. Yet somehow, helping feisty, tenderhearted Meredith care for her menagerie is making him question his career-first priorities. Here in this quirky small town another future is coming into view, but can he change his life, and open his heart, to claim it?   .

Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today, Meredith. 

Happy to chat. (sound of dogs barking in the background). Don’t mind the noise. It’s play time for some of my current crew so I’m talking to you from out behind the barn. We’ve got some happy chaos going on at the moment.

Let’s start with your crew. You’ve been running the animal rescue in Magnolia for several years now. What got you started on that path?

Is it wrong to say I like animals more than people? Some people, anyway. (laughter) Yes, Furever Friends, my adoption organization, is thriving and I’m kind of known as the crazy cat, dog, goat and any other animal lady around here. You know, I tried the traditional career route, but it didn’t really take. I started working for the local vet a few years back and found that I had a way with the strays or owner surrenders we saw in the clinic. I feel passionately that there’s a family for every fur baby so started my rescue with the hopes to unite as many pets and people as possible.

That’s a noble mission. Obviously family is important to you.

I suppose you could say that, although up until recently I’m not sure I would have agreed.

And why is that?

See, now you’re putting the “Oprah spin” on these questions, trying to get me to open up. Just to be clear, I’m not a crier and talking emotions isn’t my favorite thing. And I was joking about the family part. My dad and two brothers are great. They definitely prepared me to take care of things for myself. I can fix a stretch of broken fence as well as any man you’ll find.

Practical skills are important, especially with the work you do. I was thinking more about your new half-sisters.

Avery and Carrie? They’re great. Don’t get me wrong, it was quite a shock to discover that Niall Reed was my biological fath…nope, he was more like a sperm donor. The man who raised me, Carl Ventner, is my dad in every sense of the word. But discovering that Avery, Carrie and I are connected through Niall has turned out to be more of a blessing than I could have imagined. Who would have thought that I’d appreciate having sisters—even if they can be annoying and meddling and expect too many hugs. Niall Reed might have been a famous artist and a jerk of a man, but—may he rest in peace—he brought me together with my sisters and I’m grateful to him for that.

Magnolia is a small town. How did the three of you deal with the news of your paternal connection? I can imagine it got tongues wagging.

First let me say, bonus points for adding in the dog imagery. I’ve never paid much attention to local gossip, and the people who engage in it can kiss my…well, the three of us have managed together. There were a few folks around here who were ready to pass judgment, but Avery and Carrie have done an amazing job of turning this town around. No one can argue with hard work and the economic upturn they’ve brought to Magnolia. We’re doing well again, so that’s smoothed things over quite a bit.

It’s also brought new people into the town. I understand both your sisters have recently gotten engaged. Any thoughts of love for you? I saw the recent article about your lack of love life in the local paper.

That was a god-awful headline. “Must Love Dog Mom.” Awful. I’m thrilled for my sisters—they both found great guys. Maybe the last two great guys in Magnolia. I’m not in the market for romance. Men are too complicated, and I like things straightforward and simple. I’m happy matchmaking for my animals. Nothing more. Mark my word—I’m not anywhere close to falling in love.

Famous last words?

Hardly. (more barking and a loud shout). Ooops, got to cut this interview short. Looks like one of the dogs dug under the fence and I have a couple jailbreakers on my hand. Just know spring is coming to Magnolia, one of the prettiest times in this area. So if you’re down along the North Carolina coast, stop by and say hello.

I will, Meredith. Good luck with the animals.

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About the author: Michelle Major is the Publishers Weekly bestselling, RITA award winning author of over thirty sexy and sweet contemporary romances. She loves second-chances love stories, smart heroines and strong heroes. A Midwesterner at heart, she’s made the Rocky Mountains her home for nearly half her life and is thrilled to share her books with readers. For more information visit michellemajor.com

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Category: On Writing