I’ve known Sheri for several years. We’ve been in critique groups together and it was at Sheri’s urging that I finally joined Romance Writers of America® in 2013. I’m thrilled to be a fellow Golden Heart ® finalist this year with her!

 

Please welcome Sheri Humphreys to Live Vi-Carrie-ous!

 

Tell me about your GH Finalist manuscript, Sheri. Is this your first time entering/finaling?

Another historical, A Hero to Hold, finaled in 2012. I had previously entered different versions of The Unseducible Earl, but I’d revised it and written a new synopsis. Here’s a brief description of the story:

The end of the Crimean War brings Victoria Thorne home to face a society that isn’t ready for a lady with the education and experience of a physician. While nursing a Crimean veteran she proves herself able to deal with medical challenges and discrimination, but she’s dismayed when she develops an attraction to her patient’s betrothed brother, the Earl of Cheriton.

Robb Merrick, Earl of Cheriton, is engaged to a darling of society, yet finds himself drawn to his brother’s nurse. She makes him feel connected with the world instead of cocooned by his title and position. He craves the freedom to pledge his love and loyalty, but ending his betrothal means entangling them all in scandal. How can an honorable gentleman be expected to keep his vow when doing so means destroying all hope of happiness?

Of course, I have to ask: Chocolate or peanut butter?

If we’re talking ice cream or a treat, I’ll take chocolate. If we’re talking food for sustaining life, I’ll go with the pb.

What’s your day job?

I’m a retired ER nurse. And retirement is fabulous!

Tell me a bit about yourself. Family, hobbies, etc. Where you live, in particular.

Last year I moved to Cambria on the Central California coast. It’s a unique village-type atmosphere and retail chain businesses are not allowed, Every business is independently owned. I love the ocean, the weather and the wildlife. It’s a great spot to live.

Who’re your favorite authors? Your go-tos for fiction?

I read a lot of romance. Contemporary, historical, inspirational, romantic suspense, even some erotica. I read books from well established, best-selling authors to debut authors. The only thing I don’t read is paranormal, and the fantasies are few and far between. Right now I’m reading a marvelous book–A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. I’ll be following it with the other two books in the series. It is gifting me with a magnificent reading experience.

Oh, I loved A Voice in the Wind! I agree, it’s magnificent.

 

This one is a toughie, considering you live in a vacation destination, but what’s your favorite or best vacation spot?

Rather than returning to the same spot over and over, I like to go to different places. I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, and I want to get there fairly soon.

Are you coming to San Antonio this summer and what are you looking forward to most? What are you wearing to the awards banquet?

Yes, I’ll be there! My Golden Heart experience in 2012 was indescribable. Just fantastic. I’ll be enjoying 2014 just as much. I don’t have a dress yet, but I’ve done a bit of looking.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

There is a magnificent, live coastal oak in my backyard. It must be over 100 years old. That tree is downright spiritual.

What did you do/think when you got “the call” on March 26th?

The Unseducible Earl is the book of my heart. It’s about a nurse. I’m so happy I didn’t give up on it, and it finaled.

Congratulations, Sheri! Thanks for stopping by today. I’ll see you in San Antonio, if not before!