Bonnie Balfour sits down for a question-and-answer session with dru’s book musings so that we, the readers, can get to know her better. Are you ready? Bonnie, take it away!

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What is your full name?
Bonnie Buttercup Balfour

How old are you?
39

What is your profession?
I own and operate Bless Her Heart, a second chance shop, where I make old and out of style things new and desirable again.

Do you have a significant other?
Not exactly, but I am developing a pretty great friendship with the new sheriff.

What is his name and profession?
Sheriff Mason Wright

Do you have any children? Do you have any siblings?
No and No

Are your parents nearby?
Yes! My folks, Bud & Blossom Balfour, own Bud & Blossom’s Flower Farm here in town.

Who is your best friend?
Camilla Rose Swartz, Cami for short

Do you have any pets?
Yes! A sleek black cat named Clyde, who is perfect, but also a shameless thief

What town do you live in?
Bliss, Georgia

Do you live in a small town or a big city?
Small town

Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
I just bought an extreme fixer-upper house near the lake. It’s an enormous project, but it’s all mine, and I love it.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
The kitchen, where I bake at night to clear my head when I can’t sleep.

Favorite meal and dessert?
Gigi’s pecan pie, it’s actually her grandmama’s recipe.

Do you have any hobbies?
I love baking and thrift shopping. When I find great deals on old things, I haul them home and make them new again. A little paint. An adjusted hem line. New knockers, whatever it takes, I’m your gal.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
I love a secluded beach, or any beach off-season, when I can feel like the only person in the world, alone with the sea. Jekyll Island, Georgia is a beauty. I’m also a big fan of our historic small towns. And bed and breakfasts near the water, as well.

What music do you listen to?
I like oldies and a little country.

Do you have a favorite book?
Yes! Jane Eyre. Jane was my hero growing up. She was so strong, despite being plain and poor, but more importantly she was kind and had a heart for giving. I aspire to be like Jane.

What is your idea of a really fun time?
Anything with my family or friends. We don’t even need plans. Just talking, laughing, sharing food or drinks, it’s all perfect when I’m with my loved ones.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Just Peachy

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I am definitely an amateur, and I try to work alone, but sometimes Clyde or Gigi will come along on my little adventures.

In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
Clyde and I like to have breakfast with my folks at the flower farm before traveling downtown to the square where we work. We grab coffee at Blissful Bean, then open Bless Her Heart for business. From 10a-7p I help shoppers find and purchase their new treasures, and Clyde steals anything dropped or left unattended. Sometimes Sheriff Wright stops by to tell me not to snoop on his cases, or to ask for a translation on something too southern for his northern-self to understand.

What is a typical day when you are on a case?
I start by asking Gigi what she knows about this person or that, then I check social media and make a reason to go visit people and ask more questions. I do my best to sound more concerned than nosy, though I’m usually equal parts both. Then I have to subdue the good sheriff with my baked goods when he starts throwing words around like obstruction. Most nights, I go to bed thankful for my second chance at life in my hometown, and deeply appreciating the woman I’m becoming.

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Beating the Wrap, A Bonnie & Clyde Mystery #3
Genre: Cozy
Release: November 2021
Purchase Link

Bonnie Balfour adores the changing seasons, fabulous fall activities and holiday hoopla, but will a corpse on the porch squash her holiday plans?

Thanksgiving is right around the corner in historic Bliss, Georgia, and Bonnie is trimming display tables at Bless Her Heart, especially for the occasion. A Gift of Gratitude display, beside the front door of her second chance dress shop, encourages shoppers to leave messages of good tidings for neighbors and friends. Unfortunately, someone has left a cornucopia of complaints instead.

And they’re all about Bonnie!

When the scrooge turns out to be a neighbor, fed up with Clyde’s habitual petty theft and trespassing, Bonnie’s claws come out in defense of her kitty. The heated exchange leaves a bad taste in Bonnie’s mouth, but the man turns up dead before she can dish out a proper apology.

Determined to see justice served, Bonnie and Clyde dig into the case with gusto, only to land in hot water with the handsome Sheriff Wright. A series of anonymous attacks soon have the town wondering if Bonnie can find the killer before it’s time to cut the turkey. Or if she’ll be the next one on his carving board.

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About the author
Julie Anne Lindsey is an award-winning and bestselling author of mystery and romantic suspense. She’s published more than forty novels since her debut in 2013 and currently writes series as herself, as well as under multiple pen names, for Harlequin, Kensington, Sourcebooks and Crooked Lane Books. When Julie’s not creating new worlds or fostering the epic love of fictional characters, she can be found in Kent, Ohio, plotting murder with her shamelessly enabling friends. Today she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world. Learn more about Julie at julieannelindsey.com.

All comments are welcomed.