Cactus Christmas, A Texas Wine Trail Series received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Heather Renée May.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Cactus Christmas, A Texas Wine Trail Series.
What’s the book’s first line?
“Kate woke up with a pounding headache and her throat dry.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
It’s a story of one woman’s journey to find healing and redefine herself, while navigating divorce in her 40’s. It’s about believing in second chances at love, and that sometimes taking huge risks for the right reasons will pay off in the end. Plus, the reader gets to visit 14 wineries on the Texas Wine Trail, and learn about Airstream rv-life!
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I was going through my own healing and quarantining at the end of the year in my 19ft travel trailer in the hill country of Texas. I wanted to write the book I needed to read: A book to give me hope that I would get on the other side, that it wasn’t too late to fall in love, and that I wasn’t alone.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
This book hits on many different levels. There’s the sort of fun, guide-like, dialogue-driven parts of wine tastings and getting to escape to the hill country of Texas. There’s also the more meaningful moments of contemplation where I hope any readers who have experienced loss will relate and connect with Kate and feel that they are not alone. It’s meant to encourage and give hope.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Kate is like that talented friend who may not fully believe in herself, but knows that she can’t quit. I feel like her character is super-relatable, and a reminder that we don’t always need to know why we are doing something. Sometimes we just have to trust our gut and take action, and then we’ll be met. I would say that there’s a Kate in all of us.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
The best piece of advice I have learned and am happy to pass along is this: write your own story. Don’t try to be like anyone else. Find that story that you are passionate about and write it in your own unique way. Writing and publishing is hard work, but if you know you are coming at it from an authentic place this will get you through the tough times or moments of self-doubt. Because no one can tell your story but you.