I’m so pleased to share the cover of Sandra Leesmith’s newest book with you and to talk with her about her research and connection to this Color Country setting. To celebrate the setting of this book, I’m serving Biscochitos, a favorite southwest cookie, plus your choice of tea or Sandra’s special Chocolate Velvet coffee. Sandra has generously offered to give a copy of Love’s Dream Song to a commenter, so be sure to filled out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered.
Now on to the BEAUTIFUL cover of Love’s Dream Song:
My thoughts about the cover:
This cover is perfect for the Arizona setting of this story. It captures the impressive rock formations as in the Monument Valley and also the flavor of ranch life in the west. I’ve visited the desert setting depicted in this book and find this cover truly reflects its beauty. I’m thrilled Sandra has written a story highlighting the fascinating scenery and culture of this area.
Yes, the sky is truly that shade of clear blue in our beloved desert. The rock cliffs in the desert landscape display ever-changing shades of red as the sun moves across the sky. For a romance, this couple expresses just the right tenderness. The eagle soaring above is a perfect addition.
Here is a blurb about Love’s Dream Song:
Autumn O’Neill came to Arizona on an archeological dig hoping to find out what happened to the ancient Anasazi tribes, but her true desire was to discover her own Navajo roots. It didn’t help that the dig was located on Jess Barron’s ranch and that the handsome rancher scorned his own native American heritage and believed Autumn was part of a drug ring operating on his land. When the dig is compromised and danger threatens their lives, Jess and Autumn can no longer fight their attraction for each other. They both come to understand that finding answers means listening to the voices of their ancestors and the longings of their hearts.
Love’s Dream Song is available on Amazon for pre-order and will be released on October 17, 2015.
Click here for the Amazon link to Sandra’s books.
Now let’s chat with Sandra about this setting and her research.
Sherida: How did you get the idea for this story?
Sandra: My husband and I have traveled many times in Northern Arizona Color Country. We have explored many of the ancient Anasazi ruins in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. Being a writer with a vivid imagination, I’ve always been fascinated with the history of these people.
It has always been a mystery as to what happened to the very advanced and flourishing Anasazi people. They are the native Americans who lived in the ancient cliff dwellings found in the Southwest. Hundreds of years ago, they suddenly disappeared and archeologists are not certain as to why. I used one of the less popular, but more intriguing speculations as part of the premise in Love’s Dream Song.
The summer I started this story, my hubby and I were hiking around a lot of the Anasazi ruins so the story evolved from the interesting facts we were learning about the ancient culture.
Sherida: What is your connection to the setting?
Sandra: I have lived in Arizona most of my adult life. Most weekends and holidays were spent hiking and exploring the beautiful deserts in this colorful state. I love the variety and color, so describing the setting and bringing it alive is easy for me. I love sharing the beauty with others.
The cover is a photo of Monument Valley. It is one of the most popular areas. But all of Color Country is gorgeous. My husband is a scientist and very knowledgeable about the geology. In Color Country, which is a term that refers to the red rock areas of Northern Arizona, Southern Utah and Northwestern New Mexico, you can see so much of the geological features in vivid colors.
Sherida: How did you research the topics covered in Love’s Dream Song?
Sandra: As mentioned above, my hubby is a scientist so whenever we travel to an area, we study the geology and explore the historical aspects of the locale. Consequently, I am very familiar with the geological and historical elements presented within the story.
Being a teacher in Arizona, I was required to know the anthropological history as well. I love studying about ancient cultures. I love learning about different cultures.
When I finished writing this novel, I happened to be invited (through my work with ASU) to the Navajo nation to present educational workshops to the teachers on the reservation. Several women I met helped me with many aspects of the culture of Dineh (The People).
Sherida: Thank you, Sandra, for stopping by for tea….or your favorite Chocolate Velvet coffee…and revealing the intriguing cover of Love’s Dream Song. It is always interesting to find out how authors develop and research the ideas for their stories.
GIVEAWAY: Sandra has offered a copy of Love’s Dream Song, in either ebook or print version, to a commenter. To enter, see the Rafflecopter form for details and make a comment mentioning whether you prefer ebook or print version if your name is selected. You will be notified by email if your name is chosen.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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About author Sandra Leesmith:
Sandra Leesmith writes romance designed to warm the heart and make you smile. Sandra loves to play pickleball, hike, read, bicycle and write. A retired teacher, she lives in Arizona with her husband. During the hot summers she and her husband travel throughout the United States in their motorhome, where she enjoys the outdoors and finds wonderful ideas for her next writing project. Visit Sandra Leesmith’s website here.
What is your impression of the cover? Please share your thoughts in the comments and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway. THANK YOU, SANDRA, for visiting with us and for your offer of a copy of Love’s Dream Song!
#TuesdayTea will be posting a review on October 6, so I hope you’ll return for my review.
May your day be filled with God’s treasured blessings!
Sherida Stewart 