Friday, June 17, 2011

Melissa Foster's "Chasing Amanda"

I just finished the book 'Chasing Amanda' by Melissa Foster..

I don't believe anything could be more terrifying to a parent than the abduction of their child.  But this is what happened to young Tracey, she's taken from a very quiet rural Maryland community, to the shock and dismay of all.
Molly Tanner and her family are new residents, and Molly has a special past.  A young girl went missing in Philadelphia years before and Molly didn't trust her psychic abilities enough to reach out and help.  She simply cannot do this again.  

There is one word which plays on my mind over and over for this book and that is 'compelling'.  The characters are very well developed and you care about them.  The story unfolds into a tantalizing and surprising ending.  Who can ask more from a great read?

I asked Melissa Foster a few questions:

LE:
1) This story is so well designed, do you have any personal experience with the psychic realm?

MF:

Thank you. I typically shy away from answering this question because there is such a negative association between the word “psychic” and what people term as “hoaxes”, but since I believe in honesty above all else, I’ll provide an honest, though not in-depth, answer. Yes, I have a bit of experience with the paranormal, but not like Molly does.

LE:

2) As an author, I'm often asked "Where do your ideas come from?"  How about you?  Can you describe how the story finds you?

MF:

My stories come to me from different places. Typically they stem from real-life events and morph into stories. Megan’s Way stemmed from an event with my mother, and Chasing Amanda was born from my worst fears.

LE:

3) Do you write full time or have a specific block of the day to write?

MF:

I write from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Friday from September through mid-June. I only leave my computer out of duress (truly, I do). I enjoy the summers with my family and use that time for rejuvenation of my mind.

LE:

4) Will there be more Molly Tanner books, with her using her unique gifts?

MF:

I’m surprised how many people have asked me that. I have begun writing a second Molly Tanner novel that delves more deeply into Erik’s character (Molly’s son). That book, however, is taking the back seat to my next two books, Come Back to Me (international love story/tragedy) and Shades of Gray (YA/women’s fiction crossover)

LE:

5) Are you currently working on another book?

MF:

Yes, I’m working on two (noted above). Here’s a brief summary of Come Back to Me (working title):

Tess Johnson has it all, Beau, her handsome photographer husband, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert. 
As Tess struggles to put her life back together and deal with the pregnancy she can no longer hide, a new client appears, offering more than just a new project.
Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing Honor Killings find Beau alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.
What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today. I’ve really enjoyed answering your questions, and I’m thrilled that you enjoyed Chasing Amanda. I’m happy to chat with your readers here on your blog, or they can shoot me an email: thinkhappygirl (at) yahoo (dot) com. 

LE:

My pleasure.  It's a great way to let the world know about the treasures we all find in our pleasure reading.  Thank you and keep up the good work.