Chloe, thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with me and our readers today for coffee! I see on your bio that you attended school in NY, is that the area you grew up in? I ask as Jersey Girl native, lol!

And thank you, Paula, for inviting me to chat. I love reading your reviews and chats, so it’s great fun to take part in one today. I did not grow up in New York. I was born in Oklahoma, where my extended family is from, but my parents moved around the country quite a bit when I was growing up, so we lived in different places like Atlanta, Hawaii, and the Gulf Coast. I went to college in NYC because I’d always been a little enamored with the city after visiting a few times when I was young. I love the energy and diversity there!

It’s so cool that you’re a Jersey Girl! As you might imagine, I knew quite a few Jersey folks in school and even rode the Path train over there a few times. 

That is wonderful, Chloe! I have never lived anywhere but NJ and Florida. I always wonder where author’s get their ideas, do you write stories more from your own experiences, or do you spend a lot time doing research on the type of characters your creating?

The plots don’t have much correlation with my real life, but most of my characters tend to be mixtures of people I know. I will do some research also to try to make the characters and stories impactful. 

I see you love music – what type of music do you enjoy?

My tastes are pretty eclectic. I like a lot of classical music, Broadway tunes, contemporary Christian music, and various popular music from over the decades. I’m especially fond of vintage jazz, and Ella Fitzgerald is my favorite singer. 

Oh, I do love Ella Fitzgerald, too!  When did you first feel the call to write fiction?

That’s an interesting question. You see, I’ve had scenarios, dialogue, and “what ifs” running through my head for almost as long as I can remember. But I tended to try to suppress all that because it seemed like daydreaming. It wasn’t until last year, after I’d been exploring other types of writing like blogging for awhile that I felt a pull to start writing fiction. 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention the fact that numerous great Christian novelists I’ve read and interacted with have played a big role in inspiring and encouraging my calling.

Well, I for one am glad you started, I have enjoyed your writing very much! If you could go anywhere in the world you have never been for 24 hours, where would that be?

Since you say 24 hours, I think I’d like to go to Northern Alaska or Iceland when there are almost 24 hours of sunlight. That’s such a fascinating idea to me. 

Where (or when) is your favorite writing place?

I like writing in the public library. It’s really easy for me to concentrate there, plus I love being surrounded by all of those books. 

Ah, yes, I could be lost on a library or bookstore for days on end, lol! What was the last Christian novel you read?

I just finished Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky. That was an entertaining read. I love Historical Fiction, and this one really immersed me in early 20th Century life. 

Can you tell us more about your blog?

Sure! I started The Candid Corinthian blog two years ago because I wanted an outlet for my thoughts about God and the faith journey. The posts were meant to be honest, sometimes challenging reflections rather than devotionals. I’ve also done occasional interviews with Christian creatives such as authors, podcasters, and film makers. Being part of the blogging world has given me the chance to interact with some wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. 

If you don’t mind sharing, can you tell us a little bit about your family?

Right now, I’m happily single. I have a close relationship with my mom and grandparents, and I’m also blessed to have a large extended family and a cat named Sméagol. 

They’ve all been really supportive of my writing, although I think Sméagol  thinks it takes too much attention away from him sometimes.

What is the one thing you’d like for readers to take away from your novels?

I want readers to walk away with the message that God’s grace is offered to everyone and it can show up in many different packages. 

How can readers keep up with you and your new releases?

They can follow me on social media or my blog. Also, I have an author website, where they can read about my books and what I’m reading. They can sign up for my newsletter there also.

https://candidcorinthian.blogspot.com

https://chloesflanagan.weebly.com/

Finally – Coffee or tea? Cream? Sugar?

In the mornings, I’ll usually drink one cup of coffee with cream and sweetener, just to get my brain moving. Besides that, I love ice tea in the warm months and Earl Grey in the cold ones. 

Thank you so much for spending time with me, Chloe, it has been a pleasure and I cannot wait to read more of your novels!

Sometimes being strong isn’t enough.

Ever since she was a teenager, Regina Whitman has relied on her tough, independent spirit to survive and to protect the ones she loves. Even when heartache and disappointment strike, she finds the strength to press forward, rebuild her life, and do meaningful work.

But just when her outlook seems brightest, a tragic and shameful secret from the past catches up with her, jeopardizing her future and threatening the lives of the people around her.

In the face of overwhelming danger and darkness, can Regina learn to trust God and embrace the love she doesn’t think she deserves? Or will the painful guilt of her past destroy her?

Seven years ago, Madeline Pine went mad. At least it seemed that way. She traded in her fast-paced New York City lifestyle for a quiet small town existence. On the upside, she now has faith and a sense of purpose.

Yet her tranquil world is upended when her nephew witnesses a murder, and she is faced with the challenge of keeping him safe. Compelling and enigmatic business mogul, Hiram MacArthur offers to assist her, but their growing attraction makes him more distracting than helpful.

New dangers, old memories, and a potential romance will all challenge what Madeline thought God wanted for her life. Will she trust His plan enough to embrace a new season?

NOW for the big giveaway!! Chloe is so generously offering a digital version giveaway of EACH of her books to one winner! YAY! I promise you, you want to win these!! Simply comment on this blog and tell us who your all time favorite singer is to enter for a chance to win both of Chloe Flanagan’s novels! Contest will be open for one week from today and winner will be notified via email!