We're pleased to welcome Christine Nolfi back to CLC. She is a delight to interview and we know you're going to love what she has to say. Her latest novel is A Brighter Flame and thanks to BookSparks, we have THREE copies to give away!
Christine Nolfi is the award-winning and bestselling author of fifteen novels, including The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards.
Other works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines, and the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings.
A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband and their crazy wheaten terrier, Lucy.
Synopsis:
Vale Lightner’s dreams turn to ash when the Pittsburgh bar she owns goes up in flames. Just like the past she escaped, very little seems salvageable. Facing unavoidable change, Vale returns to her hometown of Philadelphia to stay with her grandmother.
Vale Lightner’s dreams turn to ash when the Pittsburgh bar she owns goes up in flames. Just like the past she escaped, very little seems salvageable. Facing unavoidable change, Vale returns to her hometown of Philadelphia to stay with her grandmother.
She knows that returning also means facing everything she left behind: a mother and stepfather who shunted her into the background from the day they married, and her charmed and favored half sister, Blythe, who has abandoned a perfect marriage and is now at a crossroads of her own. Everyone has their secrets, and this reunited family racked by them is about to reach a crisis point.
For a mother and her two daughters, this reunion is a chance for closure, newfound love, and forgiveness. As each of them reassesses her own memories of the past, only the truth can bring them together—in ways that could last forever. From the bestselling author of The Passing Storm comes a poignant novel about family secrets, healing, and the hope of second chances. (Courtesy of Amazon.)
“In this layered family drama, Nolfi explores the unreliability of memories and how inaccurate perceptions of past events impact the present. As estranged sisters Vale and Blythe uncover a clearer picture of their childhood and the circumstances that shaped their contentious relationship, understanding and forgiveness blossom, bearing the fruit of previously unimagined acts of generosity and love. A story that is sure to keep book clubs talking late into the night.”
—Kerry Anne King, bestselling author of Improbably Yours
“Memories blurred by years of estrangement pit sister against sister in Christine Nolfi’s emotionally complex new novel about a family torn apart by secrets. Authentic, poignant, and enormously uplifting, A Brighter Flame is certain to touch the heart of anyone who’s ever struggled to heal old family wounds—and remind us all that with love, second chances are always possible.”
—Barbara Davis, bestselling author of The Keeper of Happy Endings
What is something you learned from writing your previous novels that you applied to A Brighter Flame?
Strive to create an immersive reading experience. Put the reader deep enough beneath a character’s skin, and it becomes virtually impossible to put the book aside until reaching the satisfying conclusion. Laughter, tears, pity, sadness, and ultimately joy—if the reader doesn’t experience the gamut of emotions, why pick up a novel in the first place?
Strive to create an immersive reading experience. Put the reader deep enough beneath a character’s skin, and it becomes virtually impossible to put the book aside until reaching the satisfying conclusion. Laughter, tears, pity, sadness, and ultimately joy—if the reader doesn’t experience the gamut of emotions, why pick up a novel in the first place?
On a related note, I’ve learned to trust my publisher’s editorial team. Without fail, they’ll find ways to deepen the emotion throughout the story. I value their suggestions.
How is Vale similar or different from you?
We’re similar in that we’ve both played the role of black sheep in our respective families, although for different reasons. We’re dissimilar in that I’m decades older and have let go of the past hurts that linger in many families. A Brighter Flame is a story about discovering family secrets, but it’s also a portrayal of how one young woman learns to believe in herself. If I could meet Vale in the real world, I’d give her a big hug for getting through the hard times and coming out the other side a better person.
We’re similar in that we’ve both played the role of black sheep in our respective families, although for different reasons. We’re dissimilar in that I’m decades older and have let go of the past hurts that linger in many families. A Brighter Flame is a story about discovering family secrets, but it’s also a portrayal of how one young woman learns to believe in herself. If I could meet Vale in the real world, I’d give her a big hug for getting through the hard times and coming out the other side a better person.
Who are some authors that have inspired your writing?
Sue Monk Kidd, Geraldine Brooks, Min Jin Lee to name a few. There are so many authors who inspire me to craft books that will linger in the reader’s heart long after the last page is turned.
Sue Monk Kidd, Geraldine Brooks, Min Jin Lee to name a few. There are so many authors who inspire me to craft books that will linger in the reader’s heart long after the last page is turned.
Which TV series are you currently binge watching?
The Crown on Netflix. I’ve always admired Queen Elizabeth’s dignity and grace. Her recent death was the end of a brilliant, admirable life.
The Crown on Netflix. I’ve always admired Queen Elizabeth’s dignity and grace. Her recent death was the end of a brilliant, admirable life.
What is your favorite snack to have in the fall?
I’ve reimagined the traditional Chex snack mix with more protein and less carbs. It’s really yummy and keeps for weeks in an airtight container. Hubby and our adult kids love it. If readers would like a copy of the recipe, they can contact me at christine (at) christinenolfi (dot) com.
I’ve reimagined the traditional Chex snack mix with more protein and less carbs. It’s really yummy and keeps for weeks in an airtight container. Hubby and our adult kids love it. If readers would like a copy of the recipe, they can contact me at christine (at) christinenolfi (dot) com.
Tell us about the last time you traveled someplace: Where did you go and what are some things you did?
In early September I traveled to northeast Ohio. The trip was part pleasure, part research. My sister-in-law hosted a large double baby shower for two of my daughters: Marlie is expecting in October and Christian in November. In between celebrating, I also conducted research on foster care protocols during the 1980s for my current WIP.
In early September I traveled to northeast Ohio. The trip was part pleasure, part research. My sister-in-law hosted a large double baby shower for two of my daughters: Marlie is expecting in October and Christian in November. In between celebrating, I also conducted research on foster care protocols during the 1980s for my current WIP.
Thanks to Christine for chatting with us and to BookSparks for sharing her book with our readers.
How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here.
Giveaway ends October 12th at midnight EST.
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10 comments:
There was a fire in the building we lived in when I was 14, and though our apartment didn't burn, we had significant water and smoke damage. After a couple months of staying with relatives, we had to move to a new apartment. So yes, I've lost quite a bit in a fire, especially for a 14 year old girl.
Fortunately, I have not.
When I was in high school our garage caught on fire. Luckily we only lost the garage and the fire department saved the house.Nothing in the house was lost. It just smelled like smoke.
I consider I'm blessed that I haven't experienced losing anything in fire, thank goodness! I can't imagine the pain and helplessness of such losses..
Luckily, no.
No, I am thankful that I have never been connected to a fire more than just a stove top of burning oil.
no
Yes, there was a faulty wall heater in my house and it caused a lot of damage.
No fire yet
Thank goodness, no
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