Carla's Book Crush

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Hero’s Christmas Kiss by Virginia’dele Smith, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

CB: Thank you for joining me, Virginia’dele. I’m excited to learn more about you as an author and to get the inside scoop on  A Hero’s Christmas Kiss.  

What part of the writing process brings you the most joy as an author, and why?

VS: Envisioning the character interactions, their dialog, and the relationships between the main couple as well as how the Green Hills community supports one another absolutely delights me. I dream about my stories, plot arcs, and favorite scenes at night, and I brainstorm about them during the day. That planning/imagining process brings me the most joy! 

CB: How does your faith influence your writing? 

VS: Years ago, I wrote this in the back of my Bible: Be a light of optimism, support, and spirit everywhere and in each moment. Writing — whether it be wholesome and cozy, romantic fiction as Virginia’dele Smith or non-fiction Bible studies and devotions under my name — provides an opportunity and a platform to bring that mission to life. Also, the longer I write, the more I feel called to share my faith. I do that by quoting Scripture in my stories and letting characters exemplify what a Christian lifestyle can look like in realistic, even challenging, ways. 

CB: I find it interesting that you publish under a pen name and publicly disclose that. I understand this is to honor three of your grandmothers: Syble Virginia Tidwell, Adele Gertrude Baylin, and Etta Jean Smith. Can you tell us more about that?  

VS: I was blessed to be loved by not just two, but three, incredible grandmothers. I’m positive all three were my staunchest supporters and biggest fans. They believed I could do anything and that whatever I chose to do would be fabulous! When I decided to transfer the stories living in my mind onto paper, I felt their encouragement nudging me forward. They’re still with me every step, so it only made sense to feature their names on every book cover. 

CB: Does the legacy of these women seep into your stories? 

VS: In so many ways!! Some of my most beloved memories with my grandmothers can be found on the pages of my books. Their favorite songs, go-to recipes, and especially the ways they poured into our family fill the pages like pixie dust…dazzling and magical. 

CB: How did participating in the Military Kisses multi-author series shape your approach to writing this story?  

VS: This is my second MAP with this group of authors, and I have a blast being part of their collection! They provide guiding parameters without infringing on my creative process. When they announced this project needed a military hero, a small town, and a holiday setting, I couldn’t sign up fast enough. From that very moment, I saw Garrett vising Green Hills, thinking he sought solace when in truth he sought home. Then I closed my eyes and asked myself where a stranger would go first when they rolled into town, and I knew it would be a coffee shop. In previous books, characters mention a tearoom in Green Hills, but I thought this story needed a popular hangout where community livened up the place from open to close. Brew was born, and with it came an adorable cast of new characters.  

CB:  The mistletoe moment is such a fun meet-cute. How did that scene come to be?  

VS: Traditionally, the meet cute in a romance is the main couple’s first kiss. But in a Christian novella, it’s challenging to have them kissing in the first chapter! Hanging mistletoe provided the perfect excuse for Emilie to share a sweet kiss without heating up their relationship too quickly. And I figured, who wouldn’t put the moment to good use when they find themselves with a hunky military hero under a sprig of mistletoe – LOL. 

CB: Where any of the other holiday traditions inspired by your own? 

VS: It’s not specifically a holiday tradition, but making Rice Krispie Treats for the Green Hills football boys came about because I was actually doing just that for my husband’s team while writing the book. Singing along to the Spotify playlist I’d created for this book while putting together all those goody bags, I thought, This needs to go in the book! So…there it is ☺.

CB: Garrett is described as navigating lingering injuries and vulnerability. What was important to you in shaping his character?  

VS: First, I wanted to illustrate that not all struggles are obvious from the outside. Garrett is challenged with recognizing and accepting a new version of himself, one he worries is “less than” who he used to be. Not only is he in physical pain from specific injuries, but he’s also dealing with emotional anguish and mental turmoil. Later in the story, we also see him finding his way through spiritual reawakening. That’s a lot! Second — and most importantly — I wanted to show Garrett working his way through each vulnerability in his own timing and in his own way, but not solely on his own. It was important to illustrate that he is strong enough to let others help. That’s a real hero! 

CB: Emilie dreams of both love and opening her own business. What themes were you hoping to explore through her journey?  

VS: There’s an inordinate amount of judgement in the world today. As a stay-at-home mom and housewife, I have faced it more than once. In fact, I can’t count the number of times people looked down at me for choosing not to pursue a 9-to-5 job or a ladder-driven career that would “put my college degrees to good use.” They’ve even made negative comments about me “choosing my husband over myself.” I laugh in response. My husband cares if I’m happy. That’s literally his goal every single day. Had I wanted to work outside our home, he’d have been my loudest cheerleader. On top of that, I’ve contributed to our family through activities and jobs that I find exciting and fulfilling…because I can choose love and a professional path that fits me. I wanted Emilie’s journey to reflect that truth. She can have it all: her forever soulmate and the business career she dreams of. Her feelings for Garrett strengthen her professional resolve. His love encourages her to go after what she wants, exactly how my true love supports me. It’s a win-win! 

CB:  What do you hope readers carry with them after finishing your story? 

VS: When readers reach the end of my stories, I pray they experience a sense of joy and contentment, like they’ve gone on a lovely journey involving both smiles and tears, hope and longing. I hope they feel such delight and satisfaction that they simply must share it with someone they love! 

Thank you, Virginia’dele, for sharing a behind-the-scenes look at this Military Kisses romance. I’m excited for readers to discover Emilie and Garrett’s story.