Author interview + Giveaway: Carol Underhill

Carol Underhill has just released her second contemporary Christian romance, and it sounds delightful. I am excited to host her on my blog today. Keep reading to find out what she’s giving away!

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Welcome Carol! Tell us a little about your newest release.

The Reluctant Billionaire is a contemporary Christian romance. With her husband’s ultimate betrayal, and the finalization of her divorce, Jessica Palmer’s dreams for her life go up in flames, leaving her devastated and lost. Now, she’s leaving Chicago and moving back into her parents’ house in an effort to rebuild her life. Longtime friend and neighbor, Liam, has loved Jessica since they were teens, but she never noticed him as more than a friend. Now that she’s single, he’s determined to show her how much he cares and that not all men are like her ex-husband.

There’s a twist on the billionaire / small town romance tropes. Where did you come up with such an interesting idea for this story?

The original idea first came to me of a man who was in love with his childhood friend, only she never knew it and had married someone else. I envisioned him wealthy and living in a big house that was like a mansion next door to her family’s traditional home. The inspiration for Liam’s mansion was a real restored historical home that I toured. The decision to make Liam a billionaire came much later after reading other billionaire books.

Who is your favorite character and why?

Liam was my favorite character to write. He’s shy with everyone except Jessica and her family. It was hard to show him as reserved around his employees without being standoffish. His love for Jessica gives him a tenderness that will make readers melt.

Who is your favorite side character and why?

Jessica’s brother, Hunter. His personality developed as I wrote the story. He loves to joke around. He has a plan to wait until he’s thirty before he starts dating, but women can’t resist his sense of humor.

What is your plan for this story? Is it a series? A stand alone?

I’m researching ideas to turn this into a series. I’d like to develop Hunter’s character more and maybe give him his own story.

What is something you’ve learned about yourself or about your writing process, through writing and publishing this story?

I wrote the book before I knew what point of view and showing vs. telling meant. It underwent many edits before it was ready to publish. The heart of the story never changed, though. The Reluctant Billionaire is a beauty from ashes story; how God can take the broken pieces of our life and build something good from them. He did it for Jessica and Liam, and He’s done it for me personally.

What is your favorite social media platform and why?

I like Facebook because I can interact easily with my readers. 

Where can people find you online?

https://facebook.com/authorcarolunderhill

https:twitter.com/@carolunderhill7

Website and blog: https://authorcarolunderhill.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57493857-the-reluctant-billionaire

Bookbub: @carolunderhill26

What are you giving away today? 

I am giving away a paperback copy of my Christmas novella, Angelica’s Christmas Wish. The sequel to this book will be coming out next holiday season. I’d also like to offer international readers the chance to win an ebook copy of Angelica’s Christmas Wish as well.

What a great giveaway! Thank you so much for stopping by and chatting with me.

Your turn, readers! What’s your favorite romantic trope? Do you enjoy billionaire stories?

One commenter will win either a paperback (US residents only) or an ebook (international readers) of Angelica’s Christmas Wish.

The Reluctant Billionaire

About Carol Underhill:

Carol Underhill lives in rural Michigan a few miles from the farm where she grew up. She is mom to three adult children and a spoiled Lab. Her household also includes several rescued cats. She likes finding new authors on Kindle and binge-reading all their books. Carol rewards herself for meeting deadlines with a cup of fudge-flavored coffee. She enjoys quiet mornings and spending time with her family.