What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

We all wrestle with challenges of one kind or another. Aidan, Janie and her boys, Gareth and Reagan all struggle with adversity in some form. I think it’s important to face your fears, fight them, smother them, whatever it takes. There is a way to figure out how to work through them. I hope that If Not for a Bee shows how even the most seemingly impossible obstacle can be scaled.

In my mind, Shay James, heroine from A Case for Forgiveness (book #2), was already telling me her story so I wrote that one first. Janie also happens to be Shay’s cousin and best friend and plays a small part in that story, too. So by the time I started writing If Not for a Bee much of it was already buzzing around (sorry, I just can’t seem to stop the bee puns) in my head. I think this is largely because Janie’s character was already so well-formed she was like a real person to me. Like a sister. Still, I was surprised at how this book flowed like nothing I’ve ever written before. Not so surprising was the fact that Janie turned out to be a lot like my sister; a woman whose devotion to those she loves does the words “mother,” “daughter,” and “sister” proud.

I’ve heard time again over the years that in order to be an effective writer you must also be a reader. I always thought, well, good at least I’ve got part of it down. Now that I am an author, I truly see the importance. And, like most authors I know, I never seem to have enough time to read. So I make time—I ruthlessly carve out time. I will sacrifice sleep, outings with friends, housework (is that a sacrifice?) meals (okay, maybe not meals). But you get my meaning. I love to read. And I love to talk about books.

“If you enjoy heartwarming stories about family, overcoming loss and learning to live again, this one is not to be missed!”

“There’s a surprising amount of character depth in this story, which added richness to the narrative – and we also learn about bees through Aidan’s native-bee-population study. All of the main characters faced adversity in some form, physical or emotional, and this is something to which any reader can relate. . . . If Not for a Bee is a very satisfying romance and I look forward to more from Carol Ross. Recommended.”

“You will love the way the story unfolds and how sweet the story and characters are. I will probably go back to read the other two though I already know who ends up with whom. 🙂 It’s all good. If you need a quick, cute romance, check this one out!”

With its rugged countryside and dramatic seasonal changes, dating in Alaska can present some interesting challenges, or unique opportunities, depending on your point of view. Each book in my Seasons of Alaska series highlights some of these circumstances.

There are certain critters that in spite of their diminutive stature, never fail to strike fear in the hearts of even the bravest among us – snakes, spiders, rats, bats. I’ve even seen people get the

heebie-jeebies over cockroaches and ants. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything that induces sheer terror quite the way a bee does.

5. What do you think makes a good story?

Characters. Not surprisingly, I tend to fall in love with characters (my own and those from my favorite books). My favorite characters are relatable ones, flawed people with good hearts who want to do the right things.

“Readers will love the easily relatable characters and touching and uplifting story of overcoming hard things in life and learning to love and forgive. The third installment of the Seasons of Alaska series will not disappoint readers. In fact,If Not for a Bee is the type of book readers will want to curl up and read over and over again.”

3. What writing projects are you currently working on? What can you tell us about these projects?

I just finished a Thanksgiving short story for Harlequin that will be available as a free read some time in November. The story is set in Rankins, but with some never-before-seen characters that I love. Oh, and a dog! Book four in the Seasons of Alaska series, A Family Like Hannah’s is finished and will be out February 1st. I’m hoping that readers will be excited to learn that Hannah, Shay’s sister in A Case for Forgiveness is getting her own story. Excited to be working on a proposal now for some new Heartwarming books.

“Janie learned to see beyond their pain and see that sometimes an outsider can see things that you can’t when you’re in the thick of things. I think you all would enjoy this feel good romance. It is a part of a series but I did not feel like I was missing anything.”

“Have you ever lived in Alaska?”After writing four books and a short story for the Seasons of Alaska series this is a question I’ve heard often. As well as, “I want to live in Rankins.” Both make my heart soar with joy. Because to me this means I’m getting certain things right. Important things. All of the Seasons of Alaska stories are set in the remote town of Rankins. And while the town might be fictional, I’ve done my best to keep the essence of Alaska accurate.

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin – Kobo – Google Play

Also in the Series

Mountains Apart
(Seasons of Alaska #1)
by Carol Ross
Adult Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
March 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin – Kobo – Google Play

A Case for Forgiveness
(Seasons of Alaska #2)
by Carol Ross
Adult Romance
Paperback & ebook, 193 pages
April 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin – Kobo – Google Play

Carol Ross lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. She adores the Pacific Northwest because it provides her with endless opportunities for the activities she loves—hiking, running, skiing, and spending time outdoors. Although she enjoys reading in many genres, she writes what she loves the most—romance, especially light-hearted stories about the fun, flirty, and often-tumultuous path toward a happily ever after. For a complete list of her books, social media links, giveaways, and other fun stuff stop by and visit her new website: carolrossauthor.com.