Authors Interviewing Characters: Michelle Major

In Mistletoe Season  by Michelle Major,(The Carolina Girls book 2, out now), Angi Guilardi needs a man for Christmas—at least, according to her mother. What she really needs is to grow her fledgling catering business. Partnering with Magnolia’s Wildflower Inn holds promise, but when her mother falls ill, Angi’s pulled back to the responsibility of the family restaurant. While she balances work and her eight-year-old son, romance is the last thing on her mind…until Angi runs into Gabriel Carlyle.

Back in town to help his grandmother at her flower shop, Gabriel has no plans to stick around Magnolia, especially after he bumps into one of his childhood bullies. Sure, Angi’s all grown up and gorgeous now, and when they find themselves under the mistletoe, their chemistry is undeniable. But it’ll take more than a Christmas miracle for Angi to break through the defenses of Gabriel’s well-guarded heart and find a love built to last.

Michelle interviews Angi!

Hi Angi, thanks for agreeing to talk with me today.

No problem. Unless my mom put you up to this as a way to get more publicity for the restaurant. Please tell me my mom didn’t arrange this.

I haven’t spoken to your mom, although I understand she’s stepped in to run your family’s restaurant, Il Rigatone, since your father’s passing last year. That must be a big adjustment for all of you. What’s it like working together?

Interesting to say the least, although my mom is recuperating from a heart attack so she’s at home now. I appreciate everything she’s done to support me over the years and I want to support her and the restaurant in return. (sigh) But we don’t always have the same opinions on the future of the restaurant or the recipes we use for our signature dishes.

I’ve heard that you’re adding some new items to the menu.

You haven’t told her that, right?

No, but I’m sure she’d be proud of you.

I don’t know about that, although I appreciate the vote of confidence. We should hang out sometime for real. I’ll cook for you.

I’ve eaten some of your creations at Il Rigatone. The ricotta stuffed zuchhini roll-ups were amazing.

Thank you, I’m blushing and feel blessed to be able to share my love of cooking with people. But enough about me.  Let’s talk about the town’s Christmas on the Coast festival since I’m coordinating the events this year.

Along with Gabe Carlyle? He’s made quite a splash in town since taking over his grandma’s flower shop.

You certainly do like the details.

Thank you, I think. Can you tell me about why visitors should come to Magnolia this holiday season?

Of course. Because our town and the festival provide the perfect escape from the stress of the holiday season. We have caroling and crafts plus our local vendors are staying open for extended shopping hours. Everyone needs a little extra holiday spirit, and I can guarantee you’ll find that in Magnolia. Plus, if you’re looking for a place to get away and pamper yourself for a few nights, I highly recommend our own Wildflower Inn. Emma Cantrell, the inn’s proprietress, will take great care of you.

You partner with Emma on running the inn. How is it balancing that along with your responsibilities at your family’s restaurant?

I manage okay, although my mom doesn’t exactly think so. I’ve stepped away from my work at the inn so I can focus on Il Rigatone. It makes her happy, and that’s important. She and my son, Andrew, are the two most important people in my life.

He’s a cute kid. I actually met him when I stopped by Gabe’s flower shop. They seemed to be good friends.

I think you’re right. I’ve known Gabe since we were kids, and I wasn’t always the kindest girl around. But he’s been really sweet with Andrew. Sometimes people surprise you. Gabe comes off kind of harsh but he’s a big teddy bear on the inside.

So you’ve worked out your issues from when you were kids? Are you and Gabe friends now?

Of a sort. I can’t really talk about it in detail. He helped me out in a pinch with my mom. She was determined to see me have a boyfriend, although my life is just fine without one. But Gabe has kind of stepped up to…well…my mom thinks we’re dating, but it’s all for show.

Are you sure?

I guess we’ll have to see what happens. But Christmas is a season for miracles so who knows what might happen under the mistletoe.

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USA Today bestselling author Michelle Major loves stories of new beginnings, second chances and always a happily ever after. An avid hiker and avoider of housework, she lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two teenagers and a menagerie of spoiled furbabies. Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com.

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing