Zoom Interview with Barbara Blythe & a Giveaway
I hope you enjoy this first Zoom interview of 2026 with my friend, Barbara Blythe! I met Barbara through a local writers group, and I’m thrilled to have her here this week to share about her new Historical Romance, Far Grander than Paradise.
After you watch the interview, comment below by January 27 for a chance to win a paperback of Barbara’s book! (US only)
Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and comment on Barbara Blythe’s Zoom interview by 1/27 for a chance to win her new #HistoricalRomance novel. (US only) #giveaway
TweetJoin the conversation. Are you a Historical Romance fan? Does Barbara’s book sound like a story you’d like to read? What questions and comments do you have for her?
Be sure to comment below by January 27 for a chance to win a paperback of Barbara’s new release! (US only)
Far Grander than Paradise by Barbara Blythe
Click the book cover for the Amazon link
Unconventional Zorinda Wemblish yearns for adventure and a life beyond her Norfolk, Virginia, home populated with narrow-minded people and a former suitor seeking to destroy her reputation.
Owner of one of the fastest clipper ships afloat, Captain Carris Trewellyn has two goals—make a profit and deliver his deceased brother’s children to their grandfather in the South Pacific as quickly as possible.
Zorinda’s and Carris’s worlds collide when his disobedient wards run away, seeking help from Zorinda, who is seeking passage to San Francisco. Once matters are sorted, Zorinda finds Captain Trewellyn intractable but aggravatingly attractive. Carris scorns attachment, although Zorinda is uncomfortably captivating. A mutual need to seek missing family members alters the course of their lives leading them to a South Pacific paradise. But the paradise hides deceit and betrayal, jeopardizing their faith—and their lives.
Bitten by the writing bug in sixth grade, Barbara was further encouraged in middle and high school. Upon graduation from Old Dominion University, she worked in banking for 25 years, then became an administrative assistant with a local school system. Life events altered Barbara’s priorities—unfinished manuscripts ended up in a file cabinet for many years. In 2023, a year after retirement, she was contacted by a member of a local ACFW group. After joining, out came her unfinished manuscripts with hopes of bringing to life fascinating historical stories.
Barbara’s priority is to honor God and share her Christian faith with those who read her books. Her stories are faith-driven, entwining actual historical events with her characters who discover love in spite of all that threatens to drive them apart.
Previously published novels are: Fire Dragon’s Angel, Ransom for Many, and Dance of Life.
Please share Barbara’s interview on social media to help spread the word about her new release!
If you missed last week’s post spotlighting DiAnn Mills, FIND IT HERE.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
17 Comments
Deena Adams
Congratulations to Diana, the winner of Barbara’s book! Please follow the instructions in your email to claim your prize.
Diana Hardt
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Barbara Blythe
Hi Diana –
I hope you’ll have an opportunity to read Far Grander than Paradise. I’m so glad you tuned in to Deena’s blog. It’s always exciting to hear from readers who love books!
Deena Adams
I’m glad you think so, Diana! I hope you get a chance to read it!
Paty Hinojosa
HI Deena and Barbara, thanks so much for sharing this interview! Barbara’s writing journey is so interesting. That’s awesome that she kept her manuscripts and now gets them to publish! I love long novels, so I’m sorry they made you shorten it. I’d love to read and review Far Grander than Paradise! I love Historical Romance, and if it haves a spark of mystery, all the better!
I also share with Barbara her favorite authors. I’m a huge fan of Roseanna M. White and Michelle Griep and I’ve practically read most of their books! Your novels in store sound great too, hope you get to publish them too! Thanks for this chance! Blessings!
Barbara Blythe
Hi Paty –
Hopefully, you’ll have an opportunity to read Far Grander than Paradise. There’s mystery, romance, and a voyage to the South Pacific. Sometimes when I’m writing it is difficult to cut scenes or condense parts, but that’s part of the writing world. Thank you for your encouraging comments and for watching Deena’s blog.
God bless,
Barbara
Deena Adams
Thanks for joining the conversation, Paty! I appreciate your comments, and I know Barbara does too!
Elly
Oooh! This book sounds intriguing😍 Definitely going into my TBR!!
Barbara Blythe
Hi Elly –
Thank you for watching Deena’s blog, and I hope you’ll have an oopportunity to read Far Grander than Paradise. You should find it a good mix of clean romance, mystery and a voyage half-way around the world.
God bless,
Barbara
Deena Adams
Yay, Elly!! I’m so gald!
SARAH TAYLOR
Hello Deena and Barbara Your book sounds amazing I Love reading historical romance and Yes it is difficult when one losses their husband God Bless You Both
Barbara Blythe
Hi Sarah –
Is there anything better than history and romance and traveling to foreign places? I’m so glad you watched Deena’s blog, and thank you for your encouragement. I hope you have an opportunity to read Far Grander than Paradise.
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for your comment, Sarah! I appreciate you watching Barbara’s interview and joining us.
Kelly V.
Thank you for sharing the interview. I’m glad Barbara returned to writing. I love Christian historical fiction of all kinds and would love to read her book.
Barbara Blythe
Hi Kelly –
I hope you do have an opportunity to read Far Grander than Paradise. Thanks for watching Deena’s blog and being part of this new journey I’m on.
Many blessings and happy reading!
Barbara
Barbara Blythe
Hi Deena – Thanks again for hosting me on your blog and taking time to share my story.
Deena Adams
It was my pleasure, Barbara! It was so much fun chatting with you!