Interview with Christiane Banks, author of Amelia's Prayer

 

Inside the Book:

Title: Amelia's Prayer 

Author: Christiane Banks 

Publisher: iUniverse 

Genre: Religious Fiction 

Format: Ebook/Hardcover/Paperback

Sebastian Lavalle is just fifteen when he leaves home in 1934 to join the navy. Seven years later, Sebastian unfortunately knows all too well about the horrors of World War II and what it is like to fear the unknown. When repairs force his ship to the rugged shore of Newcastle, the young French naval officer is invited to a tea dance to celebrate Bastille Day. He seizes the opportunity, hoping to find comfort and a small taste of the home he misses so much. Amelia Sullivan, the daughter of Irish immigrant parents is thrilled to be attending the tea dance. When Sebastian's eyes find her in the crowd, he drinks in her exotic beauty. Moments later as he draws her into his arms for a dance, there is no doubt in his mind that he has just met the woman of his dreams. Days later, Sebastian professes his love and marries her, sending them both on an unforgettable journey through betrayal, survival and forgiveness. The saga takes the reader from England's coast, to the French Riviera and also to America. Their soul searching journey explores the many facets and depths of love leading to the realization of what true happiness means.. Amelia's Prayer is a tender and moving saga spanning forty years after two young souls are flung together during World War II.  

ORDER INFORMATION

Amelia's Prayer is available for order at

The Interview:

Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?

Amelia’s Prayer is a historical family saga set Northeast coast of England during the 

Second World War.   Amelia Sullivan the daughter of Irish immigrants and Sebastian Lavelle, the young French naval officer meet and fall in love, their whirlwind romance results in their marriage six days later.  The saga takes the readers from England’s coast to the French Riviera and also to America. Their soul searching journey explores the many facets and depths of love leading to the realization of what true happiness means.  Amelia’s Prayer is a story about the trials and tribulations and redemptions of family life.

How did you come up with the idea?

I was born and raised in the Northeast coast of England in the 1950s as the world was trying to recover from the effects of World War II and I grew up listening to many sincere heart wrenching redeeming stories of war brides and ex-servicemen and civilians who lived and survived through that time.  I had the privilege of hearing first-hand information that stayed with me with great clarity and I hoped one day I would be able to write a story.  Amelia’s Prayer is a compilation of all of that.

What kind of research did you do before, during and the writing of your book?

A lot of the knowledge I already had through speaking with people who had gone throught actual experience.  Any research I did need to do was through reading or the Internet and my husband who is my business manager and an avid reader himself would look and research for me.

Can you give a short excerpt?

I have many favourite excerpt that I would love to share. However, one of my favourites. I shall share as  it is relevant being when the saga begins.

Then his eyes found her. She was moving around the table with an enormous pot pouring tea, floating from table to table like a dancer. He stood up and went to the balcony in order to get a closer look. She was tall, and the dress she wore moved in gentle golden, waves as she swayed to the music. Her dark curls cascaded onto her shoulders with golden highlights, and her face was exquisite. She had delicate features and fine lines like a perfect sculpture – she was extraordinary. Sebastian never in his life witnessed such beauty. He knew he had to ask her to dance, for to hold onto her for one moment would be enough to get him through the rest of this horror filled war – just one moment.

In your own experience is it hard to get a nonfiction book published today? How did you do it?

In my experience, yes because I am a first-time author and an unknown. Mainstream is close to impossible. Without agents, etc. very, very difficult. I went through self-publishing or assisted publishing with IUniverse owned and operated by Penguin, Random House.

Meet the Author:

Christiane Banks lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband. Amelia's Prayer, which took six years to write, is her debut novel.