The "secret" to Julieann Dove's success

We're happy to have Julieann Dove at CLC today, thanks to HCL Book Tours. Her latest novel, The Secret He Keeps, is now available to purchase for your Kindle!

Julieann Dove lives in Virginia, yet longs to live everywhere else. It doesn’t come as a surprise that along with her gypsy soul, comes an active imagination. That’s why she loves to write and invent worlds and people, so that she can formulate their happily ever after. Hobbies include cooking new recipes, sewing, and spending time with her cute boyfriend/husband and five fabulous children. Vacations happen in Nantucket or the Carolina beaches—anywhere there is inspiration for her next book. One day she hopes to travel to Italy, drive one of those little cars around the countryside, and speak the language fluently!

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Synopsis:

Dr. Rachel Miller has no recollection of what happened that night she climbed in the car with her husband and he drove recklessly into a tree. She has no clue as to why she survived and he didn’t. Nor does she understand why strangers are coming up to her on the street and telling her things she can’t recall about a life that seems so long ago. But Dane Stone knows.

Dane Stone is Rachel’s business partner…and her deceased husband’s best friend. He knows about the notes, the hotel receipt, and the reason she got in the car that night. It’s for her protection that he keeps the secret, but inside he’s dying to tell her.

In one sentence, what was road to publishing like?
The road to publishing was one with potholes, speed bumps, uphills, and a whole lot of twists and turns.

Which authors have inspired you?
Debbie Macomber is the author that has most inspired me. Her story of stardom was so pitted with let downs, sacrifices, and faith, that I learned never to give up. When I began writing and querying agents, I wrote to Debbie and told her of my aspirations. She had her assistant to send me a package of tips, her personal story, and words of wisdom. After my first book, “Waking Amy” was published, I mailed a signed copy to Debbie. She handwrote me a card, thanking me, and encouraging me to keep up the good work. She’s a class act!

Do you base characters on yourself?
I write pieces of me in all my books. I mention characters liking the same drink, food, and having hang-ups that I do. In my book A Reason to Stay, I write my heroine based on myself. Elise Newton cannot commit to a guy. It was forever until I could commit to someone. Incidentally, I dedicated that book to my husband—the one I finally committed to!

If The Secret He Keeps were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
I have all my character inspirations pinned on boards in Pinterest. For Rachel, I would have Rachel McAdams play her. Dane Stone would be Josh Lucas, and Scott Miller would be played by Mark Ruffalo. Hubba, hubba!!

Melissa A: I saw you included Judy Greer, which is a funny coincidence since I just read her memoir!

What is your favorite thing to eat and/or drink during the winter holidays?
During our family Christmas party, my brother makes Gingerbread martinis. The. Best. Ever. My eyes actually roll to the back of my head, they are so tasty. I need to check into having these little treats more often!

What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
My favorite holiday tradition is Christmas morning. All of my little munchkin’s come into my bedroom, not being able to wait any longer than seven o’clock, and pile around me, begging me to come see what Santa’s brought. They take turns opening gifts then we eat a breakfast casserole before everyone disappears to play with their new toys.

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