Author Interview – Cynthia Hilston

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Rocks and Flowers in a Box by Cynthia Hilston, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Rocks and Flowers in a Box
Author: Cynthia Hilston
Series: Lorna & Tristan #2
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: December 21, 2019

The wedding bells for Lorna and Tristan Blake toll doom right as the honeymoon begins with an unexpected turn in Tristan’s health. While World War II winds down, Lorna receives a letter from the War Department informing her that the brother she thought killed in action is still alive. She is overjoyed, but his return will dredge up a devastating secret about their parents’ tragic death –a secret that could destroy her new marriage and threaten her husband’s physical and mental well-being. What unfolds is balancing act of keeping the faith and shattering the pieces of the life she’s worked so hard to put back together.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepository

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cynthia Hilston is a stay-at-home mom of three young kids, happily married, and lives in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. Writing has always been like another child to her. After twenty years of waltzing in the world of fan fiction, she stepped away to do her debut dance with original works of fiction. Visit her website for more information.

In her spare time – what spare time? – she devours books, watches Supernatural and Outlander, pets her orange kitty, looks at the stars, drinks wine or coffee with good friends, and dreams of what other stories she wishes to tell.

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

MEET CYNTHIA

When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

I have enjoyed writing fan fiction since I was 15. When I was 26, I had an idea to write an original novel based off my late grandma’s life. It wasn’t until I was 35 that I finally sat down and wrote that novel.

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

I love reading! I also like to work out and occasionally draw. I enjoy meeting with friends for coffee or a glass of wine.

What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?

I read in most genres, but I’d have to say I have a soft spot for World War II historical fiction. I’ve written in this time period as well. I love this time period because it’s part of when the Greatest Generation lived, including my late grandma whose life inspired my first novel. I believe that generation who lived through both World Wars and the Great Depression had a lot of resilience and that the rest of us could learn a lot from them.

Where did the inspiration for this story come from? 

It’s the second in a series, so it pretty much followed up on the first novel, Lorna versus Laura. I loved writing the main characters, Lorna and Tristan, in the first novel and knew that wouldn’t be the last time we see them. There’s a third (yet to be written) novel in the series. The biggest thing that sparked this novel came from a good writer friend asking the question: What if Chuck didn’t die in the first book?

Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?

Those who love historical fiction, especially World War II. Also those who enjoy romance and inspirational or Christian fiction. I wanted the story to be wholesome and clean, yet also not be afraid to go deep with issues.

Which character did you enjoy writing most?

That’s a hard question. I love Lorna, Tristan, and Chuck (the main characters in this novel), and I pretty much feel like they all play so well off each other!

Because I am a K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

Being a mom of three young kids, I’d have to say I Love You to the Moon and Back.

Every year I organize a Young Authors Day for the kids at our school. What advice would you give to a child who wants to be a writer?

Read a lot! Start writing stories, even if they seem silly or are based on someone else’s characters. Writing fan fiction for me (and lots of others) from a young age inspired me to write origina

Thanks Cynthia for sharing with us. I always enjoy getting to know a little bit about the person behind the book!

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 24, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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