Character Interview & Book Giveaway - Reservations for Two

Joining us today is Maggie O’Brien, the heroine from Reservations for Two. I had to travel all the way to Mason Springs, New Mexico, and then hike up a mountain just to find Maggie so I could interview her. And sadly I have to admit she’s in much better shape than I am. She could put the Energizer Bunny to shame.

Anne spots Maggie on the trail ahead, taking in the beauty of the valley below, and pauses to catch her breath. The sixty-two year old woman with salt and pepper hair and small build looks like she just took a stroll through a garden instead of up a mountain.

[Maggie] You look like you could use some oxygen there, kiddo.

*Anne makes a face at her. She’s still trying to catch her breath*.

*Maggie saunters over and takes a seat on a nearby log.* Are you sure you’re okay?

[Anne] I’m fine. We couldn’t have done this down at the inn? *her voice still a tad shaky*

*Maggie grinned* I suppose we could of, but then you would have missed this. *She makes a sweeping motion with her hands*

*Anne cautiously gazed over the side of the cliff and over the tops of huge aspens and conifers to the spectacular view of the valley below* So is this why you traveled all the way from Nebraska on a bus?

*Maggie shrugs a shoulder* These trails hold some very fond memories of when Joe and I spent our honeymoon here, so I guess you could say I came here to find closure.

[Anne] I know you and Joe were very close, but it’s hard to picture the two of you together.

*Maggie laughs* I wasn’t your typical pastor’s wife. Nor was I a very good missionary…at least not as good as Joe.

[Anne] You spent nineteen years in the mission field, right?

[Maggie] That’s right. We met in Brazil, corresponded a while, married here in the states, and then I moved there. We also lived in Africa. Can you tell I like to travel?

[Anne] What brought you back to the United States?

[Maggie] After Joe’s dad passed on the church where he served offered Joe the pastoral position.

[Anne] Do you ever miss serving in the mission field?

[Maggie] I miss the traveling the most. I’ve always wanted to visit other countries, learn the different cultures, and see how the rest of the world lives.

[Anne] You recently met someone who also likes to travel, would you care to enlighten us about him. According to Joann, down at the inn, the two of you have been spending a lot of time together.

*Maggie blushes* Joann needs to mind her own business.

[Anne] Oh come on. I traveled a long ways to get the scoop on you and Carson. Now give.

[Maggie] Carson’s okay I guess. I’m not really in the market for another husband though. We’re just friends, with similar interests, spending part of our vacations together. That’s all. Besides, even I did care for him…which I don’t…my kids would have a conniption fit. They’re under the impression I’m going senile or something. They’re always harping on me to move closer to them so they can keep an eye on me. I swear, you’d think I was standing at death’s door or something the way they carry on sometimes.

[Anne] Wouldn’t you want to live closer so you can spend time with your grandchildren?

[Maggie] I can spend time with my grandchildren without living next door…or in the same house with them. Now that I’m retired I plan to do that as often as I can. When I’m not traveling that is.

[Anne] So you’re really serious about recapturing your dream of seeing the world?

[Maggie] You bet I am. I’m in the prime of my life here.

[Anne] So will Carson be joining you on this journey of yours?

[Maggie] Good heavens, give me a break, I just met the man. Not only that, but he doesn’t really strike me as much of an adventurer…if you know what I mean. He’s more the type to live out his retirement on the golf course.

[Anne] But he has a motor home, so he must like to travel.

[Maggie] That’s true, I guess. He did agree to go hiking with me.

*Anne peers over the edge of the mountain again, wondering how’s she’s going to get down without breaking her neck* If he’s agreed to go hiking with you I’d say he’s an adventurer.

*Maggie grins* We’ll see about that.

[Anne] So how’d the two of you meet anyway?

[Maggie] I was rollerblading up town and had a bit of a mishap and he sort of came to my rescue.

[Anne] You’re being awful vague, Maggie. What sort of mishap? Was anything broken…did anyone get hurt?

[Maggie] Of course not, I’m a better skater than that. I’ve been rollerblading with my grandchildren for years. Is this interview about over? I promised Carson we’d go out tonight and I want to get in a few more miles before heading back to the inn. You could join me, if you want.

*Anne considers the invitation only briefly* No thanks. I don’t mind hiking, but I don’t care too much for heights. So you and Carson are going out tonight?

*Maggie stands up and slips on her daypack* Yeah. He wouldn’t tell me where we’re going though. He said it was a surprise.

[Anne] Well I better let you get back to your hike then. I wouldn’t want you to be late for your date on account of me. You two have fun.

*Maggie blushes* Oh I’m sure we will. He comes up with some of the best surprises.

What sort of surprise do you reckon Carson has in store for Maggie? If you want to find out, all you have to do is comment. I’ll be giving away a free download of Reservations for Two to one lucky person. The drawing will take place Sunday afternoon. And don’t forget the grand prize drawing coming up midweek. The winners will be notified on Thursday. Please be sure to leave your email address or some way I can get hold of you if your name is drawn.