RITA Watch: A House Full of Hope by Missy Tippens

Debby Giusti here!

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing Missy Tippens' delightful story, A House Full of Hope, which is a 2013 RITA finalist in the Inspirational Category. Missy is one of our own Craftie Ladies, and we're so proud of her accomplishments. 

Congrats, Missy, on the well-deserved recognition for your wonderful story! 

Since we're talking about the fictional worlds that authors create, let's slip into our imaginations to chat with Missy's book...

Can you tell us when you were born? 

I was born in 2011 and was released into the world February, 2012. 

Where was your place of birth? 

The small fictional town of Corinthia, Georgia. 

Do you have any brothers and sisters? 

I do! A Family for Faith (2011) and Georgia Sweethearts (2013), so I'm the middle child of the Faith, Hope and Love series. It's not an official Love Inspired series, but it's how my author thinks of us. As a family. 

What do you think made you a RITA finalist? 

I think readers could relate to the theme of forgiveness (offering and receiving it). I also think readers loved the four precious children in the story. Oh, and the naughty dog! 

A HOUSE FULL OF HOPE

By Missy Tippens

Before becoming a Christian, Mark Ryker ran with a bad crowd and broke hearts. Including his father’s. Now a successful businessman, Mark has come home to Corinthia, Georgia, to make amends. But no one will forgive him. So when the widowed mother of four renting his dad’s run-down house needs help fixing up the place, Mark gets to work. Pretty Hannah Hughes and her sweet kids have him longing to be part of the clan, but Hannah isn’t ready to let go of the past. Still, they are working together on a house full of hope—and that’s all Mark needs.
Click here to get your copy.

Debby again...

A House Full of Hope is a heartwarming story that hooks the reader from the very beginning. I couldn't put the book down and was rooting for Hannah and Mark at every turn as they struggled to overcome the issues in their past. More than anything, I wanted them to have a Happily Ever After. Missy is an accomplished author who never disappoints her readers. If you're looking for a touching story about forgiveness and redemption, read A House Full of Hope. 

Interview with Missy Tippens: Craftie RITA Finalist YAHOO!!!

We're so excited to have a RITA finalist among us. Missy has been a member of the Craftie Ladies since its beginnings.  Here's a picture of her book that finaled.

So, Missy, what first made you pick up your pen (keyboard) and write a romance?

I'd always read tons of romance novels. In 1994 when I was put on bed rest while pregnant with my middle child, I read a TON. That's when I decided I wanted to try to write one. I waited until we got our first computer a few months later to actually do the writing. It took about 12 years before I made my first sale of a full-length novel.

What led you to Harlequin's Love Inspired?

Once I realized the books I was writing were inspirational romance, I started checking out different publishers of Christian fiction. Since I had always read Harlequin books, Love Inspired seemed like a perfect fit!

How many books have your published?

My 6th, Georgia Sweethearts, just came out in April.

How many times have you entered the RITA?

I've entered with every book--so 5 times! I'll be able to enter with the most recent book next year. I'm sure I'll continue to enter. I've always dreamed of being a finalist for a RITA. This is a dream come true!

What made this book stand out?

I think maybe the emotion and theme of forgiveness in A House Full of Hope touched readers.

What is your writing day like?

It varies so much! I'm still a stay-at-home mom, so the kids and their activities always come first. But now that they're older, I have more time to write. I write while they're at school (on days when I don't have church related commitments like Bible study). I also work in the afternoons and, near deadline time, the evenings. I usually try to save those later times for getting online. But it's tough not to spend too much time online!

What can we expect to see next?

I'm waiting to hear back on a proposal for another book. I hope to make another sale to Love Inspired!  

We're so proud of you, Missy.  You go, girl!

A House Full of Hope Interview

How exciting to have Hannah Hughes the heroine from A House Full of Hope, written by Missy Tippens, a February 2012 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1. Hannah, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I guess the best, and most interesting, thing about me is that I have four beautiful children. They're my pride and joy!

2. What do you do for fun?

I love to play hide-and-go-seek with the kids. And to read to them. I don't have much time for free time, but if I did, I'd love to spend a day at the beach.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?

I always dread dealing with issues with my mother. We sometimes don't see eye to eye! :)

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

I fear not being able to provide well for my children. Since I'm a widow, it's tough to provide for them in the way I'd like. I want them to have a nice home and security. I'm working toward owning a home to help give them a place to feel secure.

5. What is the most important thing to you?

Feeling secure and loved. Feeling like I'm important to someone.

6. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

Who has time to read?! :) Right now, my favorite type is the books I read to my children.

7. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I'd worry less and trust God more.

8. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

We have a pet on our rental property that the kids have pretty much adopted. A black labrador retriever named Blue. He's into everything and about drives me crazy! But I'm growing more and more attached to him.

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I would travel back to early elementary school--before my parents started having trouble and my sister got involved in the wrong crowd--because I had no idea at that time how good things were.