RL: Let’s break the ice with some fun get-to-know-you, questions.
If you could hang out anywhere for a week would you go to the beach or a mountain lake?
Kassandra: The beach! My husband and I went to the beach on our honeymoon and on every vacation since we've gone to the beach. We love to hunt for shells, snorkel offshore, and drink slushies on the warm sand.
RL: The beach is my happy place! Born in San Francisco, living up and down the California coast for 22 of my adult years, then Florida where I call home, and living for four years in Hawaii, I am definitely a beach rat. LOL
Do you consider yourself a night owl or an early bird?
Kassandra: Can I be both? I don’t tend to go to bed very early. I’m either reading or writing after the kids go to sleep. I love to sleep but have never been able to sleep in too late. Plus, I love mornings! There’s something about a fresh start… everything is just waking up and it’s so peaceful.
RL: Yes! You can absolutely be both!
The peaceful quiet is what I love about the nighttime so I definitely understand that. Getting up early makes the day drag especially if I'm home alone.
When it comes to curling up with a good book would we find you drinking coffee, hot or iced tea, water, or something else?
Kassandra: I know mood reader is a thing but what about mood drinker? It depends on how I’m feeling, what temperature it is outside, what time it is, etc. If you’d have asked me a few years ago, I would have hands down said coffee but I lost my taste for coffee after my last pregnancy. I still drink it occasionally but it’s lost its appeal in a way.
RL: I totally get the temperature outside thing. When it's cold here in Idaho no matter what time of day, I want coffee. And in the summer I will want ice-cold water or sweet tea.
What is your favorite book or book character from your childhood?
Kassandra: My favorite book as a kid was Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell. I was really into Arthurian legends and I loved how this story was told from the point of view of a young woman. I actually read this book out loud on a long road trip once. My husband listened quietly from the driver’s seat until we got about halfway through the book. Then, he started asking questions, sharing his thoughts, and hinting at wanting me to read it.
RL: I've not heard of that book but what a fun road trip activity. Reading is more fun when we share our favorite books with the people we love. I bet it gave you some great memories.
We all have reading and writing spaces that are unique to all of us. Where is your favorite place to write?
Kassandra: I have a few writing spots which I frequent on a regular basis: my desk, the couch, and my bed. My favorite would probably be the couch. It has a recline option, a cup holder, and my favorite fuzzy blanket.
RL: I have a desk and I do use it but with my couch being a recliner I favor it as well. And fuzzy blankets are the best!!
What would Olivia say about you as an author?
Kassandra: I’d like to think Olivia would appreciate the raw emotion of the book as well as the message it contains. There isn’t a fake bone in Olivia’s body. She would want the lessons she learned in her life to be shared with others with realism and not unrealistic fluff.
RL: You definitely created raw emotion within the story. And Olivia isn't fake at all.
When you think of your daily activities would you consider yourself a golden retriever or a spoiled Chihuahua?
Kassandra: I would consider myself a golden retriever: loyal, hardworking, and active. I stay busy and am always trying to serve others. I am also a low-maintenance person. I like to save money versus spend it and I’m more of a gift giver than a receiver.
RL: Those are all wonderful characteristics. The world's economics are definitely not those of God. I'm low-maintenance as well. Something my husband appreciates but makes gift-buying difficult for him.
Here on my blog, I say that it is a radiant light and source of encouragement for both readers and authors. What do you hope radiates from your daily life?
Kassandra: As any Christian should, I want Christ’s love to radiate from my life with kindness, selflessness, and respect.
RL: I agree. That's how I feel about encouraging Christian authors and readers. I want them to find encouragement in the books I review, and the authors I support.
What is your hope for people who read this book?
Kassandra: My hope for anyone reading this book, or any of my other novels, is for the story to touch their hearts. This world is hard enough. I want my writing to inspire and uplift the reader. My books revolve around love whether it’s between love interests, family members, friends, or God. Because isn’t love the reason we’re here?
RL: I'd have to agree with you.
I want to thank you for spending some time with me and my readers today. I loved getting to know more about you.
Kassandra has graciously agreed to give away an electronic copy of her book Dear Daughter.
About the book: Understanding her past may be the key to her future…
When Olivia Larson finally escaped her childhood home and abusive mother, she never imagined she would have to relive the trauma of her past. Yet, after complications during childbirth, God sends Olivia on a journey back through her life. Desperately, she scrambles to hear God in the midst of her memories. With every moment she relives, Olivia draws closer to a life-changing realization, one that will forever alter how she loves herself, others, and God. Will it be too late for Olivia to get back to her family or will God give her another chance at life?
