Wild Women Authors welcomes author Debby Grahl as she celebrates Sundae My Love, a current release out of the Wild Rose Press for their One Scoop or Two series. First up is Samantha Murray, manager of her family’s ice cream shop.

Good morning, Samantha. Let’s start with you telling us where you’re from. I grew up on Sand Lake, which is in the Irish Hills of Michigan.

Tell us a bit about Sundae My Love. The story is about me and Zack Hunter, the man I love and who broke my heart. He’s back in town and plans on building a fancy ice cream shop which would put me out of business.

First, he breaks your heart, now he wants to do it all over again? Whoa, baby. Let’s go back in time and tell us what you thought the first time you saw Zack. I was a teenager when I realized I loved him. He was sitting on the beach with some other lake kids, and when he smiled at me, I lost my heart.

Was it love at first sight? Even though as kids we all grew up on the lake, there was always something about Zack that attracted me to him.

What do you like most about him? Besides that he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever met, he’s kind, fun to be with, oh, and a great kisser among other talents I won’t reveal.

How would you describe him? Zack has sexy cornflower blue eyes, light brown hair streaked with blond. He stands around six foot and his body is lean and fit. He looks great in a t-shirt and cut off jean shorts.

How would he describe you? He’d say I’m petite with long strawberry blond hair and green eyes.

What made you choose managing an ice cream store for a career? The Dairy Delight has been in the Murray family since my grandparents built it in the fifties. After they retired, I happily took it over. I love seeing the summer people come back to the lake each year and how happy they are to get their first Neapolitan Nectar.

What is your biggest fear? That Zack Hunter will build his blasted ice cream shop and put me out of business.

How do you relax? I have a fun little sailboat I love to take out on the lake.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Miss Marple. I enjoy classic murder mysteries.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Be truthful and kind to others. And when life gets you down, pick yourself up and look to the future.

Thanks for spending time with us, Sam. Now we’d like to chat with Debby.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer?

Like my character Samantha, I love classic murder mysteries such as Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh. I also enjoy reading romance, so I try and include both these elements in my stories. And I’ll throw in a ghost or two.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? This was such a fun story for me to write. The lake, the house, the ice cream shop, frontier town, and ghosts are all real. My family members have lived on Sand Lake since the fifties, and I spent many happy summers there. I’ve changed the names, but most of the people in the story really exist. Although Zack is only a fictional fantasy from my teenage years.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? After having three contracts with small presses, I pitched His Magic Touch to Rhonda Penders at a conference. She told me to submit it for consideration, and to my delight, Wild Rose Press liked my story.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I’ve recently discovered Ryse Bowen. I’m so hooked!! She writes historicals which take place from the turn of the twentieth century to the twenties and thirties, all time periods I love reading about.

Lastly, what's up next, and when can we expect to see it on the shelves?My contemporary romance, Mountain Blaze, was released last November. I’m working on the sequel, Island Heat, which I’m hoping I’ll receive a contract for.

Debby brought along an excerpt from Sundae My Love

In the living room, a female shape materialized. Her long dress swirled around her ankles, and the heels of her high button shoes tapped across the hardwood floor. “Good grief, Angus, I wanted you to make them meet on the lake, not have Zack run Samantha down,” Patricia Murray said with exasperation.

In a Queen Anne style chair, a male form appeared. “Patricia, it wasn’t my fault.

Thaddeus was sitting next to Zack and took control of the wheel.” He removed his pipe from his shirt pocket. Puffs of translucent smoke soon filled the room. “But it worked out.”

Hands on her hips, Patricia glowered. “Worked out! Are you kidding? What should have been a romantic reunion has made Samantha even more upset.” Patricia shook her head. “Samantha and Zack are perfect for each other. It’s beyond me why that boy broke her heart and now is making matters worse by threatening the Dairy Delight.” She narrowed her eyes. “You don’t seem too surprised over Zack’s plans. Did you already know about this?”

Angus squirmed in his seat. “Ah, well.”

“You did. Angus Murray, I can see it in your eyes. You’ve known all about this and didn’t tell me. This is why you’ve been gone so much lately. I’ll bet you and Thaddeus have been over there watching every move he’s made.”

“The boy is doing a top-rate job restoring the buildings. I can’t tell you how pleased Thaddeus is. You know how much that place meant to him.”

“What about Zack’s disregard for Samantha and the Dairy Delight?”

“Patricia, we’ve watched over our family for three generations. And no matter what problem occurs, they manage to work it out.”

Patricia threw up her arms in exasperation. “Sometimes situations need to be helped along. Samantha is on her way to confront Zack. Go over there and see what happens.”

“You want me to spy on my great-great-granddaughter?”

“Yes. It’s for her own good.”

“Why don’t you go?”

“Because Thaddeus is your friend, not mine. Besides, I promised Virginia Bradly I’d visit this afternoon. You know how lonely she gets when her family is gone.”