Authors Interviewing Characters: Denise Hunter

Wildflower Falls

He’s here to train her horses, and then he’s moving on. She’s keeping her true identity a secret. But their spark complicates both of their plans.

When her mother’s death leaves Charlotte Simpson bereft, she hopes the Robinson clan will accept her as one of their own and help fill the void. But a startling discovery dashes her hopes and leaves her wondering if she will ever know the father she’s always longed for.

Horse trainer Gunner Dawson has experienced profound loss and intends to avoid it. So he lives on the move without forming close bonds or putting down roots. When Charlotte hires him to work with her horses and help expand her ranch, he commits to staying for a few months. But he doesn’t count on getting caught up in Charlotte’s search for her biological father. Or on falling in love—with Riverbend Gap or with Charlotte. This time, he’s not sure if he’ll be able to move on—or if he even wants to.

The queen of heartwarming, small-town love stories returns to Riverbend Gap with a deeply satisfying tale of love’s healing power.

Denise Hunter interviews Charlotte Simpson, the protagonist of her Sept. 12 novel, Wildflower Falls:

Charlotte Simpson sits on a bale of hay in well-worn jeans, a pink tee, and work boots. She casts a nervous smile my way as I enter the barn. The pungent scents of horseflesh and hay fill the space. After greeting each other, I wave a pesky fly away, sit across from her, and open my notebook. 

Denise: So, Charlotte, let’s just get straight to the good stuff, shall we? You recently discovered that your biological family is a pillar of Riverbend Gap: the Robinson family. How does that feel? 

Charlotte: Honestly? It’s a little daunting. They’re very well regarded and they’re such a tight-knit family. I’m not sure how they’ll feel about having a long-lost daughter/sister coming out of the woodwork. I mean, they have no idea I even exist. Also, there’s the whole affair-with-my-mom thing. 

Denise: Awkward.

Charlotte: Right? I think some discretion might be in order. I’m planning to feel out the situation rather than barge into their lives. I’ve hired Gavin Robinson to build my new horse barn, so I’m hoping to get to know him a bit in the coming weeks. Get a feel for whether or not he might be open to the idea of a new sister. In an ideal world, they’d welcome me into their family. Ever since my parents have passed I find I’m longing for family. Um, this is off the record, right? 

Denise: Of course! So, speaking of family, Emerson is your half-sister, correct?

Charlottes: Right, she’s my stepfather’s daughter.

Denise: So that would mean the Robinsons are no relation to her. It’s just been just the two of you for a while, and now this startling discovery! How does she feel about you having a whole new family outside of her?

Charlotte: Um, yeah. I haven’t exactly mentioned it to her just yet? Just between you and me. 

Denise: Oh! Okay . . . 

Charlotte: I mean I’m sure she’ll be fine with it. When I tell her. And I’ll do that as soon as . . . well, soon. 

Denise: Of course. Let’s shift focus a bit. You’re expanding The Stables at Wildflower Falls—very exciting. It’s such a beautiful property and a significant part of the Riverbend community. Tell me about your plans.

Charlotte: I’d love to. As you know, we’re third generation owners, and the ranch has a rich history. We’d like to add to that. It’s our goal to expand the business into a full-time operation. In addition to boarding horses we’ll be offering trail rides and horse training. We have other ideas about expanding even more, but we’re taking it in stages.

Denise: That sounds wonderful. Emerson will be taking on this responsibility with you then? 

Charlotte: Um, I think so. I mean yes. Definitely yes. She—she loves horses and stuff. She has one of her own! A filly named Chestnut. And of course she cares about, you know, the ranch and all the history and everything. So definitely, yes. We’re doing this together. All for one and one for all!

Denise: Wonderful. I understand you’ll also be hiring a trainer—who I have on good authority it quite the looker. (Wink, wink.)

Charlotte: Is that so? I hadn’t heard—we’ve been corresponding via email, but no, I’m not going there. He’ll be an employee! Plus he’s a bit of a nomad from what I understand. Major trigger for me. So, no. It’ll be strictly business. He’s an outstanding trainer though. Somewhat of a horse whisperer apparently. 

Denise: How exciting. WelI, I wish you the best of luck with your expansion—and all the other things you have going on. 

Charlotte: (Twisting hands nervously) Thank you! I’m sure it’ll all work out. 

Wildflower Falls is available Sept. 12 in print, digital, and audiobook at bookstores and online retailers.

 Learn more here: https://www.denisehunterbooks.com/book-wildflower-falls.html

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than forty novels, three of which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on The 700 Club and been featured in Woman’s Day and Southern Living.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who struggle with real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are currently enjoying an empty nest.

—

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Interviews, On Writing