BAKED ALASKA by Josi Kilpack--Book Review & Interview

BAKED ALASKA by Josi S Kilpack. I love Josi's books and BAKED ALASKA is no exception. Since I've always wanted to take an Alaskan cruise, I found this book a treat. I felt like I was on the cruise with Sadie, Pete, and her kids. I loved the subtle twists and turns the story took, and the ending was perfect. I can't wait to see what the next installment will be. This is a great book for anyone who loves to travel, loves a good mystery, loves food, and/or loves to read. I'd recommend it for any and everyone of all ages.

:) :) :) :) :)

An Alaskan cruise is the setting for amateur detective Sadie Hoffmillers latest adventure. Sadie plans to spend time relaxing with her two grown children, Breanna and Shawn, and her boyfriend, Pete, while enjoying the luxury and cuisine of an elegant cruise ship and helping to plan her daughters upcoming wedding. But even as the crew prepares to leave port, Sadie has suspicions about the voyage ahead and the relationship between her normally easygoing son and a mysterious female passenger he obviously knows but refuses to discuss. When the woman is discovered unconscious during the second night at sea, Sadies apprehension escalates. Over the last few years, Sadie has developed an extreme dislike for secrets and it would seem her son is keeping one from her. *Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadies Virtual Test Kitchen.

What made you decide to become a writer?

Well, the totally honest but somewhat cheeky answer is that I decided to become a writer because I was on bedrest and dead bored! At least that's when I started my first book, but I don't think I made the 'decision' to become a "writer" until that book was done and I looked at it in awe and said "I wrote a book! By myself! Now what do I do with it?"
That was the beginning of a journey that has had a lot of twists and turns and potholes and vistas and yet at the end of each phase I find myself looking forward and thinking "Yeah, this is what I want to do." and I push on.
 

Who inspires you?

People who make sacrifices to achieve their goals, accomplish great things, and find joy in their journey. Whether it's in volunteer work or gardening or art or parenting--you can tell a difference in people who are making active choices toward doing what they love and that inspires me more than anything else. 

 

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?

I hope they have a good time. I hope by the time they put down the book they have a smile on their face and enjoyed the journey they took. It would be awesome if they also led to world peace and puppies for everyone, but, really, my books are entertainment and I hope the readers are entertained. 

 

Where did this idea come from?

Since this is book nine in the series, it has eight books before it. I am always mindful of not wanting to tell the same story over and over again, which means finding something fresh and different for each book that I write. Setting this story on a cruise ship was the 'new' element and presented new challenges and opportunities that kept this story fresh. It has also been a few books since we have seen Sadie's family up close, so this story put them in the center ring. 

 

Who was your favorite character to develop?

There's a young woman named Maggie who has an interesting history and came into the story as someone with a lot of considerations. I absolutely fell in love with her and enjoyed seeing her grow as the story did. 

 

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Learn your craft, attend conferences, make writer friends, be a part of the writing community, pray for help finding time, pray for help finding missing elements, enjoy the process, celebrate successes, celebrate the successes of others. 

 

What can we expect next from you?

I am currently working on book 10, Rocky Road. It's set in Utah and has been a lot of fun to write. It should come out in the fall of 2013. 

 

Where can we purchase your book?

www.deseretbook.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and most bookstores in Utah and Idaho. 

THANK YOU, JOSI!

Tour Schedule