Fort Wayne author Karen Lenfestey sat down for a second interview with South Bend Book Examiner Erin Schmidt. Read her first interview here.
Q. How is Joely of 'What Happiness Looks Like' linked to Kate Hopper of 'A Sister's Promise?'
Both novels show how these two sisters' lives become interconnected over motherhood. Kate is the main character in A Sister's Promise who is torn between a promise she made to her sister and to her husband. What Happiness Looks Like focuses on her sister, Joely, as she struggles to reconcile her vision of happiness with the way her life actually turned out. (Spoiler alert: If you're interested in A Sister's Promise, read it first. You can skip to What Happiness Looks Like, though, without reading A Sister's Promise.)
Q. What has the reader response to 'A Sister's Promise' been like?
Reader response has been amazing, making A Sister's Promise one of the top-selling dramas on Amazon (currently ranked #5). Women today can contemplate, post-pone and opt-out of motherhood more than past generations. These are monumental decisions and I believe that's why people appreciate Kate's struggle with what's the "right" reason to have a baby.
Q. What can readers expect to see from you next?
I'm writing my next novel about a friend of Joely's whose husband suffers a head injury, which changes his personality. The newlywed wrestles with the fact that she's married to someone different than to whom she said her vows. Should she keep hoping that the man she loves will return or accept that their lives will never be the same?
Q. Is the contest in which readers can win a copy of the book still going on?
Yes! Visitors to my website, www.karensnovels.weebly.com, can enter to win a copy of What Happiness Looks Like and they can also read the opening chapter of both novels.
Q. Have you made any new trips to the South Bend area since Sept. 2011?
I haven't been to South Bend for a while, but I have fond memories of Tippecanoe Place with the Studebaker initial on the door knobs. I love old mansions and will feature a 1920's Spanish-style mansion in my next novel.
Q. Any book signings planned for the South Bend area?
I don't have any book signings in South Bend scheduled, but love to chat with book clubs. In fact, thanks to a reader's suggestion, I now include book club discussion questions at the end of my novels. Contact me through my website if you're interested in scheduling an appearance or interview.
Q. What have you been reading lately?
I'm thrilled to have discovered women's fiction author Susan Wiggs. I am happiest when I have a good book to read while waiting in the carpool line to pick up my daughter.
Q. What's your favorite Fort Wayne bookstore?
Speaking of bookstores breaks my heart because they seem to be an endangered species. My husband and I used to spend our Saturdays going to Borders to hang out, drink coffee and read (first in Mishawaka and then in Fort Wayne). I hope brick and mortar stores find a way to co-exist with amazon.com because I love them both, but in different ways.
Feel free to contact me through Facebook, Goodreads.com or karensnovels.weebly.com. I'd love to hear from you!
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