I love the cover of your latest book, The Road to Christmas. What was the inspiration behind that and the story?

Interesting you should ask. The cover you see is very different than it was going to be originally. In fact, I was madly in love with that cover. It was simpler and, I thought, sophisticated. And it kept going the simple elegance of the book cover of my previous year's book, A LITTLE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. In the end, however, it was decided that what we had didn't look Christmassy enough so the art department went back to the drawing board and came up with this one. I've seen lots of positive comments about this cover, so it looks like the right choice was made. As to the inspiration behind the story, I wish I could say it was a romantic, picturesque road trip but it wasn't. I simply got the idea that it would be fun to write about a road trip. Road trips are always an adventure. You never know what's going to happen along the way... which makes that a perfect premise for a novel!

There is something special about multigenerational stories, can you introduce us to the characters in the book? What made you write them?

We have Max and Michell, on the verge of divorce and needed to find their way back to what they had. We have the grandparents, Warren and Hazel, who are determined to make the trip on their own. And I must say, their motel neighbors their first night out were inspired by the crazy neighbors we had a few years back when we stayed in Strassburg. Partying until the wee hours and importing a giant hookah - I can laugh about it now. I wasn't laughing at 2 in the morning!

Then we have sisters Audrey and Shyla - one needs a romance restart, the other is determined to give it to her. You can't go on a road trip and not meet a handsome hunk, right?

Do you have a character or experience in this book that was your favorite to write?

I wouldn't say she was my favorite - If I had a favorite, someone I'd enjoy hanging out with in real life it would be Shyla, the fun sister with the crazy sense of humor - but I felt very invested in Michelle because I think she's typical of many of us who have a hard time letting go and forgiving. I hope her journey will encourage readers who may be struggling with relationships.

Can you share a holiday tradition that you are looking forward to?

My family's annual Christmas Eve gathering. I've braved many a scary snowy road to be with them. Christmas carols, games, someone always reads the Christmas story from the family Bible. And then there's the food. Oh, the variety of Christmas cookies. I can hardly wait!

What can we look forward to next from you?

Next Christmas there will be another Christmas story coming. And this spring look for the next installment of my Moonlight Harbor series, MERMAID BEACH. I'm hoping readers will love The Mermaids as much as I do! Meanwhile, though, happy holidays to all!

You can get your copy of The Road to Christmas on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org

About Sheila Roberts

USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-selling author Sheila Roberts has written over fifty books under various names, ranging from romance to self-improvement. Over three million books have been sold to date. Her humor and heart have won her a legion of fans and her novels have been turned into movies for both the Lifetime and Hallmark channels. When she’s not out dancing with her husband or hanging out with her girlfriends, she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends and chocolate.

Her latest book is the women’s fiction/romance The Road to Christmas (Harlequin/Mira, September ’22)

Visit her website at http://www.sheilasplace.com. Connect with her at Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.