Sometimes our dreams can take an unexpected twist and can bring us up short in a place of decision. Deborah Raney catches her main character, Joanna Chandler, in the middle of such an impasse in “CHASING DREAMS,” the second book in the Chandler Sisters Novel series. Joanna set the bar rather high for her future, and she needs to reevaluate several aspects: her career—both current and her abandoned goal, as well as possible romantic interests.

Both Ben, who is an old flame, and wedding DJ, Lukas Blaine, desire Joanna’s attention. I believe that many single women would feel tugged by the circumstances Joanna experiences in this story—especially when dealing with truths and half-truths.

Deborah Raney has time and time again captured the heart-felt struggles and challenges that many people experience. I personally enjoyed this story’s varied characters and how they grappled with problems. I related to some of the family dynamics because I’m blessed by my sister’s rich support, and it was entertaining to see how the Chandler sisters interacted. Deborah connects with situations so relevant to today’s life in America. That is why Deborah Raney is an RWA RITA Award-winning author who has published thirty-five novels in Twenty-five years. Her first novel, “A VOW TO CHERISH,” was made into a movie! I do recommend Deborah’s novel, “Chasing Dreams,” and I invite you to check her out soon!

QUESTIONS FOR DEBORAH:

I sense that you enjoyed writing this novel, is that so?
I DID! And I’m thrilled that it showed. :) I really did have fun with the novels in this sister series, probably because it made me think of my own sisters and what fun we have together.
Has “Chasing Dreams” been simmering inside you for a long time?
Not like some of my novels! It really came about as a result of having a new series requested. And maybe that was part of the fun of it: something totally new that hasn’t been on a back burner for a while!

Who is your favorite character in this novel?
Mateo quickly won my heart! But I keep coming back to Quinn, now Phee’s husband, and he is my favorite character in the whole series.

Who was the most challenging character to write into this story, and why?
Definitely, Joanna because she has so much growing to do. It was hard to make her likable while she’s holding very unlikable attitudes! I’ve heard from some readers who were frustrated with that. But Jo came around in the end, and I hope those readers will too.
I remember that you volunteer, helping others that have challenges to overcome. I believe that you have moved. Do you plan to continue to dedicate your time to help others? How?
I’ve volunteered in many ways throughout my life, a result of my parents’ example. I took calls for a crisis hotline for teens, I’ve volunteered in a homeless shelter, in our kids’ schools, in our church, in the community. We did move from Kansas to Missouri and we’ve done some traveling in between so we are just now getting established in a new church and in our community. But yes, I expect the volunteering will continue in one way or another here in Missouri.

Do you like to snack on something special or drink coffee or something when you write?
I’m a huge coffee lover, with heavy cream, no sugar, thank you. :) Coffee Nips and M&Ms are some of my snacks of choice, but there are many, none of them too healthy, alas. ;)

In what way would you like your readers to share their enjoyment of your novels? (Word of mouth, on the internet….or other ideas?)
ANY way they’re willing! I’m not sure readers realize how much we writers appreciate when they write reviews, tell their friends, buy my next book, etc. etc. But we DO appreciate it so very much! Thank you!

How do you want your readers to connect with you?
I LOVE social media and have many ways for readers to connect:
http://www.deborahraney.com
http://tinyurl.com/DRreadergroup
http://instagram.com/deborahraney
http://www.pinterest.com/deborahraney/
https://twitter.com/authordebraney
http://amazon.com/author/deborahraney
http://tinyurl.com/DRGoodReads
http://novelgarden.blogspot.com
http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/

Thank you for a wonderful review, Deborah! Your enthusiasm comes through and I appreciate getting to know you better, as I'm sure that your other readers will also!  :)