Meet and Greet is a regular feature on my blog. Be forewarned…Unlike the typical interview, these brief questions will get to the true heart of my guests…or at least the heart of what’s in their kitchen. Grab a latte (or other beverage of your choice), find a comfy chair, and prepare to make a new friend.
I’m so excited to welcome Mary Connealy as my guest today! I first met Mary online through the Seekerville blog and I absolutely love her witty humor. If you’re a writer and haven’t heard of Seekerville yet, you need to check it out pronto. And even if you’re not a writer, you may want to swing by and check out the great giveaways that they offer. Between here and there, you could double your odds of winning one of Mary’s books! 
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita and Christy finalist. She is the author of The Kincaid Brides Series: Out of Control, In Too Deep, Over the Edge.
Find Mary online at:
Seekerville: http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/
Petticoats & Pistols: http://petticoatsandpistols.com/
Her Blog: http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
Her Website: http://www.maryconnealy.com
—–
Welcome, Mary! Let’s get to the questions, shall we?
Opener Question: What seven words best describe you?
Christian, wife, mother, writer, daughter, reader, non-confrontational
Either/Or Questions:
1) Mountains or Prairies? Prairies (because I live on a prairie, but I love mountains)
2) Fashion forward or All about comfort? Comfort (even when I try to be fashion forward, I draw the line at discomfort)
3) Red Lobster or Cracker Barrel? Red Lobster (only because there’s one closer to me)
4) Take it all in or Get ‘er done? Take it all in (I never ever get’er done)
5) Morning person or Night owl? Night owl (to the third power)
6) Cherry pie or Lemon bars? Cherry pie (but I’m not picky)
7) John Wayne or Clint Eastwood? John Wayne (love them both)
—–
I like your political answer for John Wayne, Mary. And I’m right there with you when it comes to comfort in clothing. I used to sacrifice for the sake of fashion, but kids changed all that. Oh, and I must say your “non-confrontational” description surprised me, since you’re so good at filling your books with conflict. I guess since it’s not real life…
Thanks so much for being here today! It was an honor to have you.
—–
Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he’s never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he’s gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.
After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he’s got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn’t happy to find out Seth doesn’t remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she’s come to the Kincaid family’s ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.
Callie isn’t a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She’s not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.
Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth’s pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can’t sort things out. It’s enough to drive a man insane–but somehow it’s all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, anyone who stands in his way has to be crazy.
—–
Blog Readers: Let’s talk…What personality trait of yours do you think would surprise people most? Or if you’re drawing a blank on that one, let’s talk fashion. Where do you draw the line when it comes to fashion versus comfort?
*Giveaway Details: Mary has offered to give away a copy of Over the Edge! All you have to do is leave a comment. (For extra entries, you can Tweet or share this post on Facebook…I’ll add an extra entry for each. Just make sure to mention it in your comment.) Winner will be announced in next Monday’s post. Good luck!
**The winner of last week’s Amazon giveaway is Jeannie Campbell! I’ll contact you this week with details.
I will take comfort over fashion any day. No question!! OVER THE EDGE looks like such a wonderful read.
Doesn’t “Over the Edge” look wonderful, Mary? I’ve read some of Mary’s other books, and she never disappoints.
Mary, I started being an old fogey VERY YOUNG. I remember in COLLEGE … 1976 … the height of the micro-mini craze……which translates to……I hadn’t worn a skirt for six years. I was at a football game and a cool girl on campus came walking up into the stands wearing a dress that was almost mid-calf. I said, “I’m switching to that style right now and I’m NEVER CHANGING BACK TO MINI SKIRTS!!!”
Fun interview Mary and Sarah! This book looks great!
Thanks, Heidi! Hope you have a great week!
I had a lot of fun making Seth Kincaid a crazy man. A sweet crazy man, but still, Callie has used up about her last NERVE.
Thanks, Sarah, for helping us to get to know Mary better. I love her sense of humor. Have read a few of her books but not this one. Yet.
Have a great week!
She does have a great sense of humor, doesn’t she, Karen? Hope you enjoy your week as well!
I’m trying to figure out how to log into a twitter or facebook identity. I always hate doing it because inevitably it goes wrong and before I know it, I’m buying an airplane ticket somewhere.
Fun interview! Nice to meet you, Mary.
I think it might surprise people that by nature, I’m more introverted. I like to observe people when we first meet rather than chatter on and on. However, I’ve learned over the years that people take that observation for snobbishness, and since I’m in a leadership position in our Sunday School class (my husband is the main teacher), I have to work extra hard at being welcoming.
I tend to be the same way sometimes, Lindsay. I’m a quiet people watcher too.
LINDSAY! I know just what you mean! I have such a huge knee jerk withdrawal reflex. But I KNOW to behave myself. I know people are nice and fun and sitting alone, in the blessed quiet, is over rated. Still, I have this longing always to just go somewhere alone…….and have imaginary conversations with………..well, let’s call them characters in my book. I mean I know they’re not REAL!!!!!!!!
But I don’t think I’m really a people watcher either. I tend to be zoned out, living inside my head. How is that normal, huh??????????? (don’t answer)
Mary’s new book sounds delightful! I’ve read one of her books set in Alaska.
When it comes to style versus comfort, I draw the line with shoes. I don’t care how cute they are! If they hurt, I won’t buy them.
So true, Susan. I have a lot of wasted money in cute-but-painful shoes.
I married a man who is almost exactly my height. I tell people I wear flats because I don’t want to be taller than him, but that is NOT the reason. I hate pain in my feet. Also, I’m not exactly a prima ballerina…gracefulness-wise. I would fall from the heels and die.
it’s all about comfort for me…especially w/ shoes
thanks for the chance to read mary’s latest novel…great posting, sarah!
Comfort is king, Karen!
Hope you have a great week!
I’m no fashionista, but I will endure discomfort for a teensy bit for the right look. Emphasis on the “for a teensy bit.”
The personality trait that might surprise people the most–umm, I can be moody. I’m a pretty good actress, so people may not realize it unless they live with me. Yeah, my future husband is in for a treat.
LOL, Melissa, I think all men are in for a treat. Isn’t moodiness a part of every woman’s job description?
You are a brave and good woman, Melissa.
Great questions! I think Mary is hilarious too. I’m definitely not good at fashion and if I try to look good but it makes me uncomfortable, that outfit will never be worn again. LOL My surprise personality trait would probably be temper. People seem to be surprised that I have one, but it’s definitely there. My momma knows that. Teehee!
Mommas know all our ugly secrets, don’t they, Jessica?
Thanks for stopping by today!
Jessica, I have always sensed the rage in you. (Oops, ignore that…scared!)
I really enjoyed meeting you at the last conference, Mary! You are so fun! Ever since having kids, I’ve become more of a night owl (not to the third power though:)).
Sarah, I’ve missed you too! I’m slowly getting back into the blogging world (crazy summer). I’ll be back in full swing on the 27th when my little man starts preschool! Okay, I need to email you now as well.
I know all about crazy summers, Melanie. Preschool starts this week for us. Woohoo!
Hi Melanie! I’m not really a night owl. That’s too charming. I’m a raving insomniac freak. I’d like to formally thank Sarah for her lovely ‘night owl’ option.
I am so excited to learn more about Mary — and that I won her latest book at another blog giveaway. So don’t enter me for this one, Sarah.
As for fashion versus comfort, I usually aim for comfort, but occasionally I find the cutest pair of shoes … and find comfort going out the door, at least for that one must-have event.
I guess a one-time event can tolerate painful shoes, Beth, if they’re cute enough.
Have a great week!
HI BETH!!!!!! You’re books all ready and I even got it to the car, then I didn’t get to the post office today. But getting it in the envelop is HUGE. I’ll get it sent on it’s way tomorrow.
I DID IT! I got Beth’s book in the mail.
I love Mary’s books and am so looking forward to reading Over the Edge. It would be great to win a copy!
I want my shoes to be cute, not old lady ugly, but I can’t wear high heels anymore. Comfort has to trump fashion or I won’t be able to walk.
Thanks for the interview with Mary and the chance to win her new book.
I know exactly what you mean about high heels, Pam. I used to wear them all the time, but not anymore. I’m so glad there are lots of cute flats out there!
Hi, Pam. I’ve also almost sworn off flip flops. I almost died wearing flip flops once. And it was ALL THEIR FAULT. I’m thinking docksiders? What do you think? Boat shoes? Non-skid heels?
Great to meet Mary! Thank you, Sarah!
I consider myself pretty fashionable, but I draw the line at shoes–especially lately. I have to have comfy shoes!
Of all the pics I’ve seen of you, Jennifer, you have a great sense of style. I’m hoping I’ll get my fashion sense back once I’m past the ankle biter stage with my kids.
How come we’re talking shoes and comfortable clothes? Why can’t we focus on the pie and lemon bars? Now there’s my area of expertise! Eating!
You have very creative interviews, Sarah. You must be a writer.
My fashion color for the summer? Orange. Not peach – orange. I love it; it expresses outwardly how I feel on the inside.
Blessings to you both!
This summer I bought a bright, vivid blue top and I’ve gotten so many compliments on it that I think I may have found the perfect shade for myself. Of course I’m almost a senior citizen, so I was slow getting here.
Hi, sorry to be a slacker but you would not believe what happened to me yesterday. Fun. Sudden. Completely distracting. BUT I’M HERE NOW. Good luck in the drawing!
Hi Mary! Thanks so much for popping in! I know all about those days. I’ve had lots of them lately.
I am all for comfort but I appreciate stylish clothes and shoes as well. I can’t walk in super high heels though so won’t go to far with fashion.
I have a daughter who is 5’9 and she is ALWAYS wearing these super high spiked heels or slacked heel sandles. I look up at her, and up and up and say, “Why do you want to be six feet tall, honey?”
Comfort is the order of the day up here in Alaska…you’re going to get all muddy and stuff, anyway. Not to mention cold. At any rate, I enjoyed Mary’s answers as well. Love how she showed her priorities in listing her seven words. Blessings!
Alaska, Vonilda? Really? Wow, that’s so great. I’ve heard people say if you’re travelling America you should see Alaska LAST because after Alaska every mountain looks low, every forest looks meager, every river is gray. It’s got the MOST everything. I’d love to get up there someday. For now, I can’t even get to the post office to mail a book!!!!!!!
I love love Mary’s books and am looking forward to reading this one too. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Doesn’t it look like a great read, Lourdes?! Thanks for stopping by!
Sarah – I love your interviews. What fun questions!
Mary – Looking forward to reading Over the Edge. I’ve heard so many great things about it!
(I also tweeted about the giveaway – @iblog4books)
Thanks, iblog! I’ve got you down for two entries.
iblog4books, you really tweeted about this? That is so nice, and so high tech. I’m impressed.
I like cute shoes, but I can’t handle really high heels. Short heels or flats are my favorite.
Totally agree, Stacy. No higher than a half-inch heel (maaaybe an inch) for me.
I would love to win. Sounds like a great read!
Doesn’t it, Katrina? Hope you have a great weekend!
Fun interview! I haven’t had a good cherry pie in the longest time. And a little sad that we don’t have Cracker Barrels here in CA. I love the covers of Mary’s books, so fun!!
No Cracker Barrel, Joanne?! Oh my goodness, I don’t know how I’d survive. Their biscuits are my fave. I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, supper, dessert….
I’m a long way from a cracker barrel, too, Joanna. I’ve been to one, onces. I don’t even remember what I ate. If I get a chance, I’ll give the biscuits a trial run.