Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Mountain Storm Survival by Cathy McDavid, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Mountain Storm Survival
Author: Cathy McDavid
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
A brutal storm. Relentless pursuers.
And more than their lives are on the line…
Helping with youth wrangler camp is how Kate Spencer is atoning for her past. But now she and ranch manager Rand Walkins are trapped in the Superstition Mountains with two girls as illegal miners hunt them down. Rand has every reason not to trust Kate, much less forgive her. But working together is the only way they’ll escape from the danger that threatens them all…
New York Times Bestselling Author
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub
About the Author
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author CATHY MCDAVID wrote her first book at sixteen. The self-illustrated children’s story featured a young girl whose lack of responsibility nearly resulted in the demise of her pet fish. It’s quite possible the book was an autobiography, but Cathy’s not telling. She wrote her second book, and first romance, at nineteen with the help of a portable Smith Corona typewriter. One never knows how the unrequited crush on a college professor will affect their eventual career. These days, with over 57 titles and 1.6 million books in print, she still incorporates a little of her own life in each story. A lover of all things western and former avid horsewoman, her stories include riding, ranching, and rodeo because, well, who doesn’t enjoy a good cowboy romance? Mother of grown twins and married to her own real-life sweetheart, Cathy is living her dream penning heart-stopping suspense thrillers and heart-touching family dramas for Harlequin.
Connect with Cathy by visiting cathymcdavid.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Author Interview
Welcome, Cathy! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and giving my readers a chance to get to know you and your new book Mountain Storm Survival.
When did you first discover you had a passion for writing?
Like a lot of authors, I first started writing when I was young. For me, that was in high school. I took a class — one result of which was me winning a local contest with a children’s book that I both wrote and illustrated. But I didn’t develop a passion for writing until college. I knew then I wanted to be a writer. I worked part-time at the Phoenix Zoo during my junior and senior year, first at the snack bar and then at the front gate. During slow times, I’d scratch out a few pages by hand on whatever book I was penning at the time. I can remember sitting in the snack bar with my feet propped up on a soda tank and furiously working on a murder mystery. Now, that’s someone with a passion.
What drew you to writing inspirational romance?
I’ve been writing sweet romances for years. Sometimes those books had characters of faith in them. It felt like a natural transition for me to write inspirational romances. A few of my prior books also contained a minor suspense element. I suppose those were the reasons why, a couple years ago, my publisher asked me if I was interested in submitting to their new romantic suspense collection. It’s why I jumped at the chance, and I just loved writing these books. They not only fill a void I didn’t realize I had to share my faith with others in a way that truly resonates with me, but I enjoy infusing excitement and tension onto every page.
You have published more than 57 books… wow! Where do you continue to find inspiration for new stories?
I have a two-inch thick idea file, and that is no exaggeration. Whenever I come across something interesting or with potential, I print it out or jot some notes and stick the piece of paper in my file. It could be something I see online or in the news, a place I visit, or a comment someone makes that sparks an idea. A lot of times I’m just walking the dog and letting my imagination run wild. I’ve had ideas in my file for years and then, one day, the timing is right, and I pull them out.
If you could describe your main character(s) in just three words each, what would those words be?
Rand is strong-willed, fearless, and protective.
Kate is resourceful, determined, and compassionate.
But to be honest, they each have their faults. Rand is slow to forgive, and Kate has a stubborn streak.
Can you tell us a little bit more about Mountain Storm Survival?
They say authors put a bit of themselves in the books they write. In this case, I put a lot of myself in Mountain Storm Survival. The story takes place in the Superstition Mountains, a very popular and well-known mountain range east of Phoenix. It’s where the Lost Dutchman’s mine was supposedly located. I’ve ridden these mountains dozens of times on horseback. So, much of the trail riding in the book, the descriptions of scenery, and the hazards the characters encounter are from my own experience.
Another reason Mountain Storm Survival is one of my favorite books is the theme of forgiveness. Kate made a terrible mistake when she was young, one that nearly left Rand unable to walk. Despite her youth and his remarkable recovery, Rand still holds her mistake against her and can’t move past what happened. After spending years in prison, Kate finds faith and a new purpose in life. She arrives at Still Water Ranch where Rand works as manager in search of redemption. Neither of them expects their feelings for each other, or to be put in a position where their lives, and those of two foster girls, are put in serious danger from illegal miners intent on eliminating all witnesses.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this story to life? The most rewarding?
The most challenging part was describing the harrowing storm conditions in the desert mountains. I’ve been caught in bad weather before while on those many rides, but nothing as harrowing or deadly as what my characters faced. I strived to evoke realistic images and descriptions that would put readers on the edges of their seats. Especially during the flash flood.
The most rewarding part was redeeming both Rand and Kate in ways that were believable and sympathetic. These are two people who are truly good at heart but hampered by their difficult pasts. Only by forgiving and understanding can they finally move forward and find the love they richly deserve.
What do you hope readers will take away from the book?
This is a story of second chances — seeking them and granting them. Forgiveness is not only an incredible gift to bestow on someone, it’s the greatest gift we can give ourselves.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Before you go, where can readers follow along to see what’s coming next?
I love connecting with readers. I can be found at:
Tour Giveaway
(2) winners will win a print copy of both Blizzard Refuge and Her Surprise Cowboy Groom, a $5 Starbucks gift card and a cowboy coffee mug!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 31, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 7, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Thank you for sharing your Q&A, bio and the book details, I have enjoyed reading about you and your work and I am looking forward to reading your story
ReplyDeleteI'm a longtime fan of Cathy McDavid. I love all her books.
ReplyDeletei loved this interview!
ReplyDeleteSounds great!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great novel. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
ReplyDelete