My guest author today is an incredibly interesting, talented, and accomplished woman. She’s Angela Benson, and she’s an award winning author of both contemporary romance and faith-inspired fiction. Angela has published twelve novels, two novellas, and a nonfiction writing book, all for top-notch publishers. Her books have appeared on national and regional bestseller lists, and she’s won a number of awards, including the Romantic Times Award for Best Multicultural Romance, and she was also a finalist for the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award in Multicultural Romance. On top of that, she was also nominated for the prestigious RITA Award, sponsored by the Romance Writers of America.
Wow! That is one heck of a writing pedigree, isn’t it?
Angela’s writing creds are certainly distinguished, but the other parts of her life are equally impressive. She majored in both math and industrial engineering, and holds two Masters Degrees AND a Ph.D. in instructional technology from the University of Georgia. Angela is currently an associate professor of educational technology at the University of Alabama. My goodness—when does the woman even find time to write books?!
Like many romance writers with established careers, Angela is moving into digital publishing. Three of her previously published, out of print books are now available as e-books. The Way Home and The Nicest Guy in America were originally published with Pinnacle Arabesque, both to great reviews.
The Way Home was an RT Reviewers Choice winner, and was also a finalist for the prestigious Holt Medallion. Here’s what the Literary Times had to say about it:
“A realistic, romantic tale of regaining lost love! Ms. Benson writes from the heart and it is reflected in her characters. Readers will be thrilled with Angela Benson’s newest love story!”
Here’s the blurb for The Way Home:
Marlena Rhodes returns to her hometown of Gaines for a visit only to discover that the past she left behind is still fresh in her memory. As a successful attorney in Washington, D.C., Marlena has made a name for herself and the wealthy black society people of Gaines are clamoring to meet her. They may be dazzled by her name and her reputation, but deep down Marlena is still Josie Rhodes’ daughter and Josie hadn’t been accepted by most of the people in Gaines. When she comes face-to-face with her ex-love, Marlena remembers why she loved Winston Taylor so much and why she’d said goodbye . . .
Doesn’t that sound like a great read? To check out an excerpt of The Way Home, take a hop to Angela’s website. While you’re there, you can also read the blurb, excerpt, and reviews for her other book, The Nicest Guy in America.
And just in time for Christmas, Angela has a holiday novella called Friend and Lover.
Here’s the review for the novella from RT Book Reviews:
Angela Benson’s “Friend and Lover” is a hilarious, sensual romp of friends turning into lovers. Reed Lewis has loved his best friend, Paige Taylor, for years. In a determined effort to make his New Year’s dreams come true, Reed pulls out all the stops. Paige tries to fight her attraction to Reed, but when he brings in his secret weapon-his 80-year-old, 5-foot-nothing, 80-pound grandmother named Big Momma-she loses her heart to the incorrigible grandmother/grandson duo.
Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Stop by Angela’s website to get all the details and to read an excerpt of Friend and Lover.
For my readers today, Angela is donating a copy of The Way Home. Since Angela’s just released a Christmas novella, let’s talk about the holidays. What’s your favorite thing about the holiday season—family, food, or all those fabulous books you’re going to get as presents! One person who comments will win a copy of Angela’s book.
I have to meet Big Momma, the secret weapon. Will be reading all about her soon. Love the cover of The Way Home. How do you do all you do, Angela? You must be superwoman!
I don’t know how she does it either, Maggie!
More like a tired woman, Maggie. The semester is ending so I’m doing a lot of grading. I’m looking forward to the holiday break so I can get some leisure reading done. Thanks for visiting.
Hi Vanessa! Thx for another competition. And hi to Angela too, nice of her to share her book:D This holiday I’m going tp rematch an old mOvie called it’s a wonderful World:) . Have you heard about it n I will read a book of yours called my favourite countess. After I finished it I’ll mail it for my best friend because she also rromance Avid reader just like me. Hope you get a fabulous Christmas holiday Vanessa. Thx:)
Thanks, Aretha! I appreciate all your support!
You’re welcome. Wish I can win this book 😀
I’m pulling for you, Aretha!
I know lots of great writers who came from technical backgrounds! I wonder if it gives a kind of edge or something? (Or maybe it’s just the smartness and imagination?)
Ha! Like Teresa Morgan, who writes awesome Sheikh romances AND has a technical background!
You may be on to something, Aretha. I believe Nicole Jordan, historical author, was an engineer. For me, the fiction writing, while challenging, is also relaxing.
Ooops, Teresa, the previous message was for you.
I didn’t know that Nicole Jordan was an engineer too! Karen Rose has a degree in chemistry, and I think Stephanie Laurens does, too. Amazing how many profs there are in the romance writing biz.
The Way Home does look great! For the holidays I like the food and gathering with friends.
I hope you’re a winner, too, Robin. I think I’m double-minded. I want everybody to win.
Me too, Robin!
Hi Vanessa & Angela
to answer the question, i’m prefer holiday with family and book 😉
Hi Eli, you’re up late (or maybe that’s early). I’m still grading papers. One more to go.
Hi, Eli! Families and books make for a great holiday combo!
Hi Angela and Vanessa!
Thank you for stopping by and sharing with us today.
Wow Angela, congratulations on all of your accomplishments, you are one busy lady!
Curious to see how Marlena handles her visit back to Gaines and with an ex thrown in….sounds good to me.
I like spending the holidays with family and friends whenever possible. There’s always something happening with our bunch. Plus, I get to catch up on all of the latest gossip! LOL! There’s also all of the yummy food!! It’s like an unspoken law, when we gather bring food, no matter what as long as it’s edible, it’s OK.
Have a great day and thank you for the giveaway!
Hi Dalila, I’m with you. There’s nothing quite like holiday gossip with family and friends. It becomes a great source for story ideas. Not that you’ll find any of my relatives in my books. No, never. Of course not.
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