List two books you’ve read more than three times.

That’s a long list. And when I started writing, that was my goal. To create books that readers loved so much, they would read them again and again. A favorite from childhood would be “My Wolf My Friend” By Barbara Corcoran. And “The Truth About Cowboys” by Margot Early

Is anything in your new release based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

There are always small pieces of my life in each book, in each character. Her Rancher Bodyguard is for the most part imagination.

How much research goes into your books?

It depends on the book. I love research so I can bury myself for hours searching the internet for places, experiences, and even real people who have gone through something similar to what my characters are experiencing.

You get a brilliant phrase/idea/thought at an inopportune time (while driving, drifting off to sleep/in the shower). What do you do?

I’ve been known to scribble on McDonald’s receipts, type notes into my phone or tell one of my kids “Grab a pencil and paper out of my purse and write this down. Yes, write it on that payroll check, I don’t care.” (the last part is fiction. I wouldn’t write on a payroll check)

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Is there such a time as ‘not writing?’ My life is really busy. I have 3 grown children, a granddaughter and we’re adopting five children. When I’m not writing I hide and eat chocolate. I love my screened in porch and a cup of coffee. I also take walks. Alone if I can. And I plant flowers. Lots of flowers.

Where is one place you want to visit that you haven't been before?

New York City

What does your family think of your writing?

They support me, fantastically. They tag team the kids, vacuum, shampoo carpets and order pizza.

How do you decide on the setting of your book?

I think of places that I’d like to go and I figure my readers my like to take the journey with me. I love Oklahoma and Texas. If I didn’t live in Missouri, I would pick either of those two states.

What question do you wish that someone would ask about your book, but nobody has? Write it out here, then answer it.

Why does Boone live in a camper when he could live in his family home?

Boone went through a lot in Afghanistan. Not only the explosion that injured him and left him an amputee but the loss of a friend, the loss of trust. He loves his family and is loyal, he wants to be there for them. But he needs space to heal. He needs quiet. With his rowdy family, the camper is his space.

What is your favorite summer read?

I love a great historical. Anything that takes me far away, with a castle, a chivalrous hero and a heroine who doesn’t really need to be rescued but is willing to give it a try.