Friday Book Pick (and bonus interview!): THE HEART STONE by Sherry Kyle

I love reading novels that feel like they reflect the seasons, and as summer begins, my thoughts always turns to the beach. I recently finished reading The Heart Stone by author Sherry Kyle, and this lovely California novel was as pleasant as a walk on the shore. 

Sherry Kyle is a friend of mine, so as a special bonus, I invited her to come chat with us today. 

Sherry, thanks for agreeing to do this! I loved reading your newest release, The Heart Stone. Will you tell us a little about it?

The Heart Stone is a contemporary story about two women’s journeys to find hope and forgiveness and a season that may change their lives forever.

 When the alcoholic father of Jessica MacAllister’s son reappears in their lives, Jessica takes Jacob to Santa Cruz to visit her uncle George for advice and refuge. 

Following a year of grief, Evelyn Sweeney is finally ready to move on. As she ponders her new path in life, her mind drifts to her first love, George MacAllister.

 When the lives of these two women cross, they discover that one heart-shaped ring binds their stories together.

That does sound like fun–almost like your characters coming to life! I know some authors start with setting, others with a character, and still others with a plot point. How do you begin brainstorming your book ideas?

For me, book ideas come when I think about an object that propels the character forward. 

With Delivered with Love, I started brainstorming the story after I thought about the old love letter Claire finds in the glove compartment of her late mother’s VW Bug.  

I began brainstorming The Heart Stone with the heart-shaped diamond ring that was offered to someone forty years ago, but now is worn by a single mother to ward off men. I thought it was an interesting dichotomy. 

You also write for 8-12 year-old girls. My 11-year-old adores your The Christian Girl’s Guide to Style and is looking forward to The Girl’s Guide to Your Dream Room. What inspired you to write these books? 

Thank you! I love to write for 8-12 year old girls. I have two daughters, and although they are now past the age for the books I write, I started writing books for them. I saw what society was pushing, and I didn’t like it. I wanted my girls to look to the Bible to see what God thought was important and wanted to write books that pointed to Scripture. The Christian Girl’s Guide to Style was based on Colossians 3:12-17, where God tells us how to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, to name a few. The Girl’s Guide to Your Dream Room helps girls design their room tailored to their own personal style and includes crafts, activities, quizzes, and tips that helps girls make changes inside and out.  

How do you juggle writing for two audiences? Do you find much crossover (like me–moms buying books for their daughters)? 

Writing for two audiences is definitely a challenge, but I really enjoy writing novels for women and nonfiction books for girls. I gear my marketing efforts towards moms and grandmothers. I have a new website, ReConnecting Faith and Fiction, to combine the two, and my blog also focuses on that audience.

I know you moved this year. I remember seeing photos of your cute writing shed at your old house. Do you have a beautiful new office in which to write, or do you like to write in the middle of the family activity? 

Yes, we moved and I gave up my wonderful writing shed. It was hard. But now I have a bigger home and more space to write. I mostly write on my laptop in the family room, or at my desktop in our remodeled kitchen. My older daughter is going away to college this year and her bedroom is going to make a great office. It has French doors to the backyard and built in shelves. She informed me that I can’t change it until she’s finished with school, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to wait that long. 

 What projects are you working on now? 

I’m writing a contemporary novel set in La Selva Beach, California, as well as middle grade fiction in journal format. I’m having so much fun with both of these stories. I think readers will really enjoy them. 

Great–more books for both me AND my daughter! I can’t wait! Thanks so much for joining us, Sherry!

Hanging out with writing buddies Sherry Kyle and Sarah Sundin  at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference.

You can learn more about The Heart Stone and Sherry Kyle at her website, ReConnecting Faith and Fiction. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Abingdon Press for the purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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