Saturday, July 11, 2015

Meet Kimberly Rose Johnson

Howdy y'all! Crystal, here. I've got a fun gal for you to meet. Join me today as we chat with Kimberly Rose Johnson and learn about her newest series.

So, Kimberly, tell us a bit about yourself.

Well, I’m a blonde, and I have a blonde dog and the strongest kid in the world whose nickname is bam-bam. I write all day and play piano when I need a break. LOL This description was just given to me by “bam-bam” my seventeen-year-old son. :) Okay in all seriousness now. I live in the Pacific Northwest and will soon be an empty nester when my youngest heads off for college in August.

I began my writing career with Harelquin’s Love Inspired Heartsong Presents line. I wrote a four book series for them and a stand-alone before selling my current series to Mountain Brook Ink. Sunshine makes me happy. I enjoy coffee while visiting with friends and have a serious love of chocolate. My current vice is plain M&M’s.

Congratulations on your new release! You mentioned this is a series. Can you tell us a bit about what the series includes and what your newest story is about?

Thank you! I love the Wildflower B&B Romance series. The first book, Island Refuge, takes place on a fictional island off the coast of Washington State at Wildflower B&B. The second book, Island Dreams, which will release in July, continues the story of Zoe and Nick who we met in book one and we meet newcomer Piper Hunt. Piper has come to the island to develop a large portion of the land into a destination resort. Chase Grayson will do just about anything to keep her from destroying the island with a resort. Here is the back cover blurb.

Piper Hunt arrives on Wildflower Island to develop family property into an upscale resort knowing this may be her last chance to prove her worth to her father. With grandiose ideas, she soon finds herself at odds with adjoining property owner, Chase Grayson. As she begins to appreciate the simplicity of the island, she struggles to maintain balance between her father’s wishes, preserving the natural beauty of the island, and her attraction for Chase.  

Chase Grayson values the peace and quiet of Wildflower Island. That serenity is threatened when Piper Hunt discloses her plans to develop an upscale resort that not only butts up to his property, but will turn the island into a busy tourist destination. In fighting her plans, he also finds himself fighting his attraction to her. If he doesn’t stop her plans for the resort, his life will be altered forever. If he succeeds, it means he will never see her again. Can he live with either choice? 

Sounds like a great read! Where did you get the inspiration for your story?

Island Refuge was inspired while I was researching for another book series in Washington. I had taken the train up to Leavenworth, WA and while there I visited a B&B. My brain went into overdrive and over the next several months a story grew in my mind. I ended up stopping work on my contracted series to write Island Refuge. Island Dreams was born from the first book in the series. I knew I wanted to write a series and brainstormed with my husband until we came up with an idea.
The third book, Island Christmas, will release in October. I’m super excited about that one for two reasons, the first being Rachel from book one comes back as the heroine and it’s a Christmas book. I love Christmas stories. :)

What an interesting setting. This series must be fun to write. Do you have a favorite scene in the book? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?

It’s difficult to pick a favorite, but there is one spot in the book where disaster strikes. I don’t want to give it away, but let’s just say I wasn’t very nice to Piper.

What do you plan to work on next?

I started a fun romance/mystery a while back, and I want to finish it. The more I think about revisiting that project the more excited I get. :)

Ooo, that does sound fun. :) Where can readers connect with you? Where can readers buy your book?

The best place to find me is my website kimberlyrjohnson.com/. All my social networking links can be found there, as well as a sign up for my newsletter. Readers can also follow me on Amazon and never miss one of my new releases. You just click follow.

Thanks for that info. Last but not least, apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?

I enjoy music. I taught piano lessons for eighteen years and still enjoy sitting down at the piano. I also love to read and enjoy taking long walks with my husband and our yellow lab.

Eighteen years! Wow, that's awesome! I'd love to learn how to play the piano. :) Thanks so much for joining us today, Kimberly. Hope this series is a blessing to many.


Okay, everyone, here's your chance to ask Kimberly questions about this series or her past books. No questions? Well, then how about a couple for you: Have you read one of Kimberly's books before? or Since Kimberly enjoys music, which is your favorite kind of music to listen to or play? 

14 comments:

  1. I'm a local WA gal too, so I'd love to read your island series books, Kimberly! And Leavenworth would make a lovely setting for your novels. Glad to meet another PNW author!

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    1. Hi Deb,
      All but one of my books takes place in Washington, and I did write that Leavenworth series. :) I love Leavenworth. My favorite time of year to visit there is November because it's quiet. :)

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  2. Love to catch up with you Kimberly. I had 7 years of piano lessons and cannot play. I think I needed to practice more.

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    1. Hi, Mary. I'm sorry piano didn't work out for you. My son hates it! He wishes the piano didn't exist, but sadly for him he must learn to play since he's going to be a music major.

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  3. It's so fun to see all of the PNW ladies on here. I am also from Washington State - born and bred! I currently (and probably from this point on) live in Lynden, WA, but grew up in Orting (near Puyallup) and then lived in Bellingham during college and early married years. We lived out of the country for 5 years and it only cemented the fact that I am a proud citizen of the PNW - rain and all. I can't wait to look into your books, Kimberly. It's not very often that I read books that take place locally.

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    1. Hi Trosado,
      It's so wonderful seeing so many PNW people here! You have moved around a lot! Did you have a favorite spot?

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  4. Interesting! I grew up in Alaska, but my dad has lived in the Ellensburg area for about 40 years, and I visit every summer. I have visited Leavenworth many times. Such a beautiful area. And I love Puget Sound. Attended a year at Seattle Pacific College (now University). So I love reading books set in the Pacific Northwest. I have written three books set in Alaska, but the characters all go through Seattle to get there! Will look for your books. I remember reading several Harlequin Love Inspired books set in Washington State. Always enjoy that setting.

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    1. Thanks, AnnaLee! I've stopped in Ellensburg a few times. :) My husband and I took a cruise out of Seattle to Alaska several years ago. I know I don't need to tell you, but Alaska is BEAUTIFUL. I would love to go back some day.
      I'll have to look up your books too. :)

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  5. Right now, I'm humming a song, "He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock that covers a dry thirsty land" and covers me there with His hand. The music I enjoy listening to are the "old-fashioned" hymns.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. Hi Library Lady. There is something to be said for hymns. My neighbor also plays piano and many times I've been outside in my yard and listened to her play hymns. :)

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  7. I love Oldies! The 60's and 70's music is the best to me!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  8. I'm with you, Melanie. I too love the oldies, but I'd go back a decade and include the 50's. Not crazy about the 70's lol. :)

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