I’m pleased to welcome author Katherine Scott Jones back to my blog today (check out her lovely, book review blog here!). You can find my previous interview with her here. She has a second women’s fiction novel out, titled Shadow Sister, and it’s a beautiful story of love and loss and restoration in a family. As usual, Katherine takes us to unique locales–this time, it’s Bolivia, and then to a vineyard in Eastern Washington.
Read on for some bookish talk with Katherine, who is very much an avid reader like we are, and then enter for an ebook giveaway of Shadow Sister!
Katherine Scott Jones grew up in cities on every U.S. coast and overseas as her family moved with her father’s Navy career. Seattle became home when she married her husband twenty-eight years ago. After graduating from Whitworth University with a degree in communications, she established herself as a freelance writer before turning her hand to fiction. She blogs about books that celebrate beauty at www.katherinescottjones.com. Katherine and her husband have two teenage children. She is the author of Her Memory of Music (2017) and Shadow Sister (2018).
Interview with Katherine Scott Jones, author of Shadow Sister:
HG: Tell us a little about the title of Shadow Sister. Two sisters are featured in this book—did you feel more connected with one sister than the other, and why?
KSJ: While I admire and respect Jenna, it’s Sarah I feel most connected to. Her vulnerability and integrity drew me to her. I also loved her heart. And yes, I’m talking about my character as if I had nothing to do with the creation of her, but (as you as a writer also know) that’s how it feels. Her heart and soul revealed itself to me with every page I wrote. Honestly, it feels like she was given to me as a gift, and the more I got to know her, the more I loved her for both her frailty and, ultimately, her strength.
As for the title, I leave it to the reader to decide which sister it refers to, and hint: I don’t believe there’s just one right answer to that question.
HG: How would you describe the tone of your novels, Her Memory of Music and Shadow Sister, in three words?
KSJ: Wistful, honest, hopeful.
HG: I would agree! You set Shadow Sister in two very interesting locales, an Eastern Washington vineyard and Bolivia. Could you tell us more about your research for those unique settings?
KSJ: The first was a bit easier than the other—and given its nature, quite a bit more fun ?. But I’ll start with the second, Bolivia. I’ve never actually been to that country, nor to any in South America, but I have traveled quite a bit and understand what “foreign” feels like. I did, actually, A LOT of book and article research, as well as interviews with people who have traveled there, and so from a fact perspective, I felt I had a pretty good grasp on the place. Then as my characters experienced the land and people, I was able to inject my own first-hand experiences of what it’s like to be new to an exotic land.
As for the vineyard setting, the eastern part of the state in which I live has become America’s new wine country. Last I checked (and I believe I say this in the book), its wine production is second only to California. Washington used to be known as the Apple State, but it’s quickly becoming a Grape State (though I doubt that’s going to make it into any state slogan anytime soon). Turns out the terrain on the far side of the Cascades is quite similar to those vast grape-growing regions in central California, making it ideal for growing a wide variety of grapes. Since it’s just a few hours drive from where we live in Seattle, my husband and I did travel through parts of Washington wine country for a Valentine’s getaway, and much of what I learned along the way became a part of the vineyard and winery scenes in Shadow Sister.
HG: What do you hope readers will take away from Shadow Sister? Also, what are you working on next?
KSJ: I hope readers see how the wrong kinds of secrets lead to guilt and isolation, but truth leads to freedom and love.
As for what’s next, I can’t say too much about it yet, but like my first two, it’ll be inspirational women’s fiction with a global accent. It involves a lost diary, a remote mountain town, an orphanage in Africa, and the almost-forgotten story of the deadliest avalanche disaster in American history.
HG: That sounds quite interesting! You’re a women’s fiction author, but you’re also an avid reader. What’s the best book you’ve read in 2018?
KSJ: Oh goodness, just one? So hard to choose. I will limit myself to fiction, but I’m going to cheat and name two—one that I experienced in print, the other as an audiobook.
Kimmery Martin’s debut The Queen of Hearts blew me away for the sheer energy of it. It’s not a perfect novel, but her voice is incredible, and the characters so mind-blowingly unique. I’ve never known anything quite like it. It felt like a joyride of a book. (But note, also not for everyone. Language and a bit racy.)
The other, rated much more PG, is In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen. I highly recommend the audiobook because the narration (in the loveliest of British accents) is so pitch-perfect. Also sharp plotting, compelling characters, masterful pacing, and a story with something for nearly everyone—drama, intrigue, and a dash of romance.
Thank you, Heather! It’s been a pleasure and a privilege.
HG: Thanks for visiting again, and I’ll be checking out those books!
***Readers, have you ever visited a vineyard and if so, where was it? Please answer below for a chance to win an e-copy of Shadow Sister! I will contact the winning reader next Saturday (August 25th)!***
I’ve never been to a vineyard, but I would love to someday.
I know so many people love visiting them…I think it’s neat when they have a restaurant you can visit after touring, etc.
This is an interesting interview. It was great to learn about Katherine and her new book.
I have visited a couple of vineyards, but the prettiest was in Millbrook, New York. I understand there is a real art to harvesting grapes in an area that often has harsh winters like New York.
Yes, I know there are some vineyards around the lakes in NY–like maybe Lake Chautauqua? But the winters up there are very harsh, for sure!
We’ve never toured a vineyard, but have driven by some in California near San Francisco.
I’ve never toured one, either!
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a vineyard, alrhough there are a lot of vineyards popping up in the Texas hill country. I did visit an olive orchard once and that was very interesting.
An olive orchard! That would be so interesting. My critique partner, Becky Doughty, wrote a novel about an olive grove titled All the Way to Heaven (set in Tuscany) and it was so lovely!
Yes, I’ve visited a couple of vineyards. In California and a couple in Europe. They were all so beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win!
I have visited a co-worker’s vineyard near Philomath, Oregon a few years ago.
Oregon is just such a lovely place to grow fruit! My aunt lives there.
Yes, I have visited a personal vineyard of a friend of mine in Evington, VA. He makes his own wine from it and he has had most wonderful results. 🙂
I don’t think I’ve been to Evington, but I’m sure Virginia is a lovely place for a vineyard!
It must be as there are many wineries throughout the area.
No, I have never been to a vineyard though I have friends who own one. I don’t drink wine and so I don’t have much interest in visiting one 🙂 Thanks for this opportunity.
I don’t drink either, but I do think it would be such a lovely place to visit. It would be interesting to learn about the grape-growing process, I think.
Oh, I visited one in southern Brazil and in Canada. Not your common place I guess but definitely good wine! haha
Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
Wow! Canada!!! That’s definitely far north! I’ll bet they were lovely, though. I’d love to visit Canada someday (and Alaska–pretty sure they don’t have vineyards?!).
I have never been to a vineyard in the usual locales that you associate with grapes and vineyards, but our county in Kentucky actually has a vineyard that was planted a few years ago and it is beginning to produce. There is a restaurant on this land and it has become very popular for both casual dining and as a venue for huge gatherings and celebrations. Thanks for your giveaway!
That would be such a relaxing place to eat, I would think! And a great place for photos!
Connie, you are the WINNER of the ebook version of Shadow Sister by Katherine! I will email you with the details! Thanks so much for participating!
I’ve been to Napa Valley and also to a vineyard in France. I love the spiritual symbolism of vineyards and would love to read (and review) Katherine’s book. She is a fantastic writer, and I value her judgment on other reads as well.
Oh, I’m sure those vineyards were beautiful! And I really value Katherine’s judgment in her reviews, as well. And I’ve enjoyed both her lovely books!
Allegro vineyards in Brogue, Pa and Three Choirs in Gloucestershire, UK.
PA is so pretty! I’ve never been to the UK but I’m sure it’s lovely, too!
The uk countryside is a bit like south central pa…..but less big roads. I lived there in Gloucestershire for 12 years for my work. I’ve moved back to states now but am over in uk visiting. One of our daughters moved here with her family after we did.
I’ve visited several vineyards in the South Jersey area where I live. My husband and I are also talking about planning a trip to Wine Country in California in the near future. This book sounds great, and I would love to read it!
I’ve never visited a vineyard though would love to.
I’ve never visited a vineyard before. But they sure are beautiful. Would love to some day!
CONNIE SAUNDERS is the winner of the ebook copy of Shadow Sister! Thank you all so much for visiting my blog and commenting! I hope you come back sometime, since I do try to offer giveaways periodically both here and through my newsletter (signup for that in the right-hand side box!).