1--What is the title of your latest release?
FAKING CHRISTMAS
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Laurel tells a little white lie that makes her boss think she owns a farm that’s actually owned by her twin sister. When her boss invites himself over for Christmas, she has to pretend that she can cook, care for animals, and be married to her nemesis, Max. Faking Christmas is inspired by one of my favorite movies, the 1945 comedy Christmas in Connecticut.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I set all my books in Ohio because I live here and I love it, so it was an easy decision to set this one in Columbus and rural Ohio.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Absolutely. Laurel may not know how to cook, but she’s a lot of fun.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Determined, loyal, optimistic
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned way more than I ever expected to about goats, because Laurel’s sister owns a few and Laurel has to pretend she knows how to feed and milk them.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I usually speed through a first draft to keep momentum going and then go back and fill things in.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
So many! Ice cream is the number one treat I look forward to regardless of the season, and I wouldn’t be a Columbus girl if I didn’t shout out our local favorite, Jeni’s.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
The walls are yellow (my favorite color), there are way too many books, and it’s usually a total mess.
10--Who is an author you admire?
Meg Cabot.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Books change my life on a regular basis. When I was a kid, reading The Agony of Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor was a revelation. It helped me realize that everyone is embarrassed constantly.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
I don’t get emotional about much when it comes to my career, but I vividly remember getting the call from my agent that Berkley, my dream publisher, wanted to buy Waiting for Tom Hanks. It’s still one of the best moments of my whole career and sometimes I can’t believe it really happened.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
Of course romance! But I also read a lot of literary fiction and I love a good thriller.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
You’ve Got Mail!
15--What is your favorite season?
Fall, but also any season other than spring.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
A day full of relaxation and treats. I spend a lot of time reading (outside, if possible), eating baked goods or ice cream, and going out to dinner and having a strong cocktail.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I loved The Last Word by Taylor Adams. It’s a genuinely scary thriller about an author who goes way too far when someone leaves a bad review for his book.
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I love Thai food. But also Italian! This question is too hard!!
19--What do you do when you have free time?
I love trying new crafts. This year I took knitting classes and I’m working on finishing my first hat.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
Another book set in Ohio.
Laurel Grant is playing house for the holidays—complete with a fake husband and kids—in this delightful, charming rom-com by Kerry Winfrey.
Laurel Grant works as the social media manager for Buckeye State of Mind, an Ohio tourism magazine and website. She most definitely does not run a farm . . . but one tiny misunderstanding leads her boss, Gilbert, to think she owns her twin sister Holly’s farm just outside of Columbus. Laurel only handles the social media for the farm, but she’s happy to keep her little white lie going if it means not getting fired—she cannot be jobless again.
And keep it going she must when Gilbert, recently dumped by his wife, invites himself over for the farm’s big Christmas Eve Eve dinner (as advertised on Meadow Rise Farm’s Instagram, thanks to Laurel herself). Laurel immediately goes into panic mode to figure out how she can trick Gilbert into thinking she’s basically the Martha Stewart of rural Ohio and keep her job in the process.
Laurel and Holly come up with the perfect plan—all Laurel has to do is pretend to own the farm for one dinner. But Laurel shows up at the farm to find an unwelcome guest is waiting: Max Beckett, her nemesis since Holly’s wedding. The annoyingly attractive man she hates will be posing as Laurel’s husband just for the evening, but when a snowstorm traps them all for the entire weekend, Laurel is going to have to figure out how to survive with her job and dignity intact. Whatever the case, this promises to be the most eventful Christmas in ages. . . .
Romance Comedy [Berkley, On Sale: September 26, 2023, Trade Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780593638361 / ]
Kerry Winfrey is the author of LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES and THINGS JOLIE NEEDS TO DO BEFORE SHE BITES IT. She’s written for many websites, including HelloGiggles. When she’s not writing, she’s most likely baking yet another batch of cookies or watching far, far too many romantic comedies. She lives with her husband, baby, and dog in the middle of Ohio.
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