Interview with author Toni Shiloh ~ Revisiting Grace Restored

Hello Whispers in Purple blog readers! Today we're hosting author Toni Shiloh with an interview and a bit of a peek into one of her back-list books ... GRACE RESTORED. So, sit back and enjoy getting to know her, and her book.

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.

You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.

Welcome, Toni Shiloh! We’re spotlighting your book, Grace Restored, for my Everything Old is New Again feature. Give us the back-cover story.

Michelle Thomas has it all. Beautiful and successful, she’s just opened her own law firm in Freedom Lake. What more could she want? When her old flame rolls back into Freedom Lake, she’s intent on ignoring him. But how can she give the widower and his precious twin girls the cold shoulder?

Still reeling from the death of his wife, Guy Pierre returns to Freedom Lake to take over as town sheriff and raise his twin daughters. Alone. Yet, life keeps throwing Michelle in his path and sparks of interest began to rise.

Will old secrets tear them apart again or can they find the faith to let God’s grace restore what has been broken?

What inspired you to write this story? 

I knew I wanted to write Guy and Michelle’s story while I was writing the first book in the Freedom Lake series, Returning Home. However, it wasn’t until I sat down to write Grace Restored that I realized how much the characters were holding on to secrets. I wanted to show them God’s grace in hopes it would reach a reader or two.

What surprised you the most during writing this book? 

How much I loved it. I enjoy writing as a whole but these two really touched my heart and taught me a lot.

That's great!
What do you hope readers will take away from this book? 

The biggest thing I hope they take away is that God’s grace covers all and is limitless.

How does Toni Shiloh share Christ in this writing? 

I love incorporating Scripture and God’s truth in my writing. I love reading the Bible over and over and I hope that my books would have a reader seeking it for their own reading pleasure.

If you had a choice, what would be your ideal writing place? 

Oh! I like this question. J I would love it to be like a library. Book shelves lining the walls, posters of my book covers. Relaxing sofa and reclining chair for me to sit in and type. Hopefully it will have some shelf that I can place my laptop. I’d love natural lighting with a view into greenery and flowers or the beach.

Oh, that sounds lovely.

What is your actual writing place like? 

I write on my bed with my laptop. Nothing exciting, lol.

I was never able to do that comfortably. More power to you.

Why do you love writing? 

I love creating stories that reach people for God and entertain them in the process. I can’t put it all into words accept to say when all the hours spent in front of my laptop end up in a book that graces my bookshelf I count myself blessed each and every time.

What ministries are you involved in … and why? 

Currently I’m not involved in any except for my writing. I went through a period when I was involved in a lot and now I’m in my period of rest and restoration.

Good to do that once in a while.

What talents do you have aside from storytelling? 

That’s a good question! I like to make jewelry from time to time. My son would say I’m a good cook, but I’m not sure I agree.

Trust your son. 

Did you have/do you have a day job? How did it influence what, or how, you write? Currently I’m a stay-at-home mom. Both of my boys are in elementary so I’m able to write while they’re in school. I’ve used some of their antics in some of my characters who have children.

Ah, yes, kids are rich fodder for the writer, aren't they?

Finally, Toni, tell us about your next project. 

Right now, I’m working on edits for book 3 in my Maple Run series. It will be releasing in June.

Thanks, Toni. It’s been a pleasure visiting with you.