Ann Marie Bryan Interview

Please join me in welcoming author Ann Marie Bryan to I & R!

Ann Marie Bryan is a multi-talented leader with a passion for excellence. She is the CEO and Founder of Victorious By Design, an organization committed to providing top quality writing services, comprehensive author services, and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique needs of individuals and organizations.

A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire, and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series blends faith and romance that test the resilience of love.

Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people, and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences with which God has so graciously blessed her, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord.

Today, Ann Marie is introducing us to her latest book Dream Again and she is giving away one print copy in the U.S. and two eBooks internationally. Welcome, Ann Marie!

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How many books have you written?

I have written seven full length novels and a short story. Worthy of mention is my bestselling “Encounters of the Heart” series. My latest release is Dream Again, which was published on August 20, 2020.

What is the hardest thing about writing for you?

Writing can be a formidable task, but for the most part, I enjoy polishing my sentences until they feel right and compelling enough to capture the interest of readers. I’m always on a mission to make my upcoming release better than my last release. Also, I’m bent on introducing my readers to something that I have not written about in my previous books.

Which do you enjoy more, the research part for a book, or the writing?

I enjoy both. Research is necessary to ensure that I have the best possible book before launch.

What inspired you to write this book?

Last year, my mom passed, so it was a year of grieving and adjusting for me and my siblings. For me, writing tends to be therapeutic, so I wanted to write a story about someone who suffered the loss of a parent. I wrapped that experience into a beautiful love story, “Dream Again,” which gives hope while showing the awesome power of God in the lives of two hurting people.

Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

“Dream Again” is laced with faith, friendship, and a sense of community, while demonstrating God’s desire to free people from life-altering events. So, I hope readers will be inspired to trust God’s heart.

Importantly, I hope readers will be reminded that love is a beautiful emotion and it is okay to love passionately, very passionately. However, loving someone is never as easy as we would like it to be. Keep in mind that, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (NKJV)

Above all, I pray that readers will recognize that having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes a great difference. I’m hoping that this story will encourage readers, not to put God in a box.  God will come through in due season. Sometimes, God takes us out of our comfort zone to stretch us and show us that we can accomplish far more than we think.  

Which character do you like the most?

I enjoyed writing the hero, Carter McIntosh. He’s a physically appealing, intelligent, sensitive soul. I admire his relationship with the Lord. Carter has been through murky waters but by the grace of God, he came out on top and continues to flourish.

Which do you enjoy more – reading or writing?

I enjoy writing but reading is easier.

What is your favourite Scripture verse, and why?

One of my favorites is Psalm 84:11, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” 

I like this Scripture because God is my light in a world that at times appears dark. He is also my defender and protector from all things that are evil. This Scripture reminds me that God’s grace, His unmerited favor, is on my life. Grace is God’s gift to me, I cannot earn it. Further, I am assured that if I walk uprightly before God, He will give me His best. Therefore, as I go about my daily living, I am confident and less fearful because I trust that God will honor His Word.

A great verse! Thank you for sharing with us today Ann Marie.

And now, Dear Readers, you have the chance to win a copy of Ann Marie's latest - Dream Again. She is giving away one print copy to someone in the U.S. and two eBooks outside of the U.S. Enter for your chance to win below! This giveaway ends September 15, 2020.

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Congratulations to the
following winner:
Jan Tomalis
Watch for our email! Prizes must be claimed within three days or another winner will be chosen. No entries outside of the USA
were received for eBook winners.

​One random day. One burst of laughter. One perfect moment. That’s all it takes for Gianna Barrett to capture Carter McIntosh’s attention—and his heart. His whole life has been a series of miracles, so this falls right in line. If only it were that simple. The object of his desire refuses to give him the time of day. Not deterred, Carter is sure he’s ready to put his heart on the line for love. Big mistake. He isn’t quite prepared and finds himself wrestling a soul-deep hurt into submission.

“There has been an accident....”

That devastating revelation shattered Gianna’s life, and in that one chaotic moment, everything she had was taken away. She has spent years carefully crafting her new normal, so there is no way Carter can just insert himself into her life. The fight is on but not for long. Their attraction is instant, and before she knows it, all her cynicism goes out the door.

When Gianna learns more about Carter’s life, she gets a better understanding of her beginning. As she starts her journey to healing, she uncovers Carter’s startling secret. In the days that follow, she struggles with feelings of regret, fueling her natural tendency to retreat. But the flames of desire burn hot and it’s not easy to break their unexpected connection. As the past reaches for them, they soon realize that to move forward, they must look back. Will they allow God to be the anchor they so desperately need—before it’s too late? For all they ever wanted was to be loved.

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