Today I’m interviewing Melony Teague! I first meet this awesome lady a few years ago at CFRR and heard about her dream to write a book, and now, here it is!

Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the décor to do it.

Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah.

Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?

Interview with Melony

1. Here at Kat’s Corner books, we’re fans of cats, but love all pets. Do you have a pet? 
 Yes, I have two cats. One is a boy, and the other is a girl and they are siblings. They pretty much rule the house. The gray girl cat is like the watchdog of the house and hisses at intruders (visitors, including my mother-in-law, it’s quite embarrassing) and the boy cat, on the other hand, just wants to cuddle everyone.

Kat: Sasha says “Hi!”

2. Open your text message app. What are the first 10 words that come up automatically?
I am here for you to pick up the kids.

Can you tell I do a lot of mommy-taxi duty?

Kat: LOL! Yes!

3. When you are not writing, what other “hats” do you wear?

Aside from being a mom and a wife, I also read and review books. I consider eating chocolate a hobby. So there’s that. Sometimes I can do all of these things at once.

Kat: That is a hobby I can get behind. Except white chocolate because there’s not any actual chocolate in it.

4. What inspired the idea for A Promise to Keep?

I was inspired by a few internationally newsworthy events a couple years ago which really zeroed in on the role technical rescuers play and their level-headed approach to crisis. I was fascinated by their professionalism and their mindset. I also wanted to tell a story from an immigrant’s perspective, and that’s why Savannah is an immigrant, from South Africa. South Africa also happens to be my own country of birth, even though I am now a Canadian citizen. I also have a soft spot for second chance stories.

5. What is your current WIP?

At the moment I’m deep into research and plotting for a book that follows directly on from A Promise to Keep, which will tell Johnnie’s story. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my research trips to talk to real-life technical rescuers so far. I even got to sit in the truck.

Kat: I can’t wait!

6. What was the hardest character to write in A Promise to Keep?

I didn’t really have a character that was hard to write, but I did have an unexpected one. Donovan Radcliffe snuck in and demanded he be a part of the story even though he was never in the original synopsis. So I guess he was ornery that way, but I love him for it.

Kat: I’m hoping we’ll see more of him. Please?

My Thoughts

I’ve been looking forward to this book for so long that I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the image in my mind. BUT IT DID!

I really enjoyed Melony’s debut novel. It has an interesting story line with some unique circumstances. While there are a couple story aspects you see in similar troupes, Melony brings a unique twist that is all her own.

“‘What I was going to say…was that I was afraid that almost a week with me would ruin our friendship.’ He wanted to ruin their friendship so much it moved into new territory. But he wasn’t about to reveal that quite yet, so he put on his best poker face and tried to slow his pulse.”

I fell in love with him right then. Michael is a steadfast gentle hero. I’m not sure if I wanted him to be more assertive or appreciated his patience to let Savannah work through her grieving. What I do know is that I liked him from the start.

Savannah went through a tragedy that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I understand her reluctance and fear to open her heart again. She shows how people grieve in different ways, but I admire her courage to try, even if she has to take a few steps back to be able to run forward.

Overall this is a solid debut from Melony and I look forward to reading her stories for years to come and watching her develop as an author. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance with heart, give it a try!

I received a copy from the author but was not require to post a positive review. All opinions are mine alone.

About the Author

Melony Teague is a freelance writer who believes everyone has a story to tell. As co-author of As the Ink Flows, she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words. With foamy lattes in-hand, she writes Contemporary Romance with a dash of humor. Though she has no hobbies outside of reading, writing, and eating chocolate, she is a member of ACFW and teaches seniors in her community to write their memoirs. She confesses with no shame that she has a strong belief that pumpkin pie is an acceptable breakfast food since it’s mostly vegetables. Melony was born in South Africa and now lives in the melting pot that is Toronto with her husband, their two teenagers, and two cats who think they’re humans.

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