Reading Challenge: Win The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain
Are you reading along on the Read Along with Emilie Richards 2018 Reading Challenge. It’s still not too late to start.
You’ll find information plus a printable list here.
Usually on the last Wednesday of the month I make suggestions for several of our challenge categories. This month instead I have the distinct pleasure of sharing an interview with Diane Chamberlain, talented author and friend, whose newest novel, The Dream Daughter, which debuts in early October, is receiving fabulous reviews. This latest offering falls nicely into our category of time travel, while still having a true women’s fiction spin.
Here are a few review quotes:
“Chamberlain stretches her sense of familial relationships and toe-curling suspense in new directions, weaving in elements of trust, history, and time as she explores the things we do for love. With a little tension and a lot of heart, The Dream Daughter will delight Chamberlain’s fans and hook new readers.” ―Booklist
“Exciting and heartfelt…Chamberlain expertly blends the time-travel elements with the wonderful story of a mother’s love and the depths of sacrifice she makes for her child. This is a page-turning crowd-pleaser.” ―Publishers Weekly
My thanks to Diane who, during an especially busy time, agreed to answer my questions.
Diane has promised a copy of The Dream Daughter to one lucky reader who comments on this post. So comment at the end and with the help of random.org, I’ll choose a winner next Wednesday morning.
1–After such a successful career writing women’s fiction, what spurred you to add time travel to the mix with this novel? The premise is fabulous. Do you remember when and why it occurred to you?
Absolutely! My first career was as a hospital social worker in a high risk maternity ward. This was way back in the early 80s. Many babies who would survive today didn’t survive back then. Medicine has made so many advances in the last 30+ years. This started me thinking: What if a woman pregnant in 1970 learns that her unborn baby has a fatal condition, but someone tells her she can get help for her baby in the future…and there is a way to “go there.” It’s a crazy idea but one I’ve been thinking about for the last ten years. Once I described the story to my editor, she jumped on board and I was finally able to write it.
2–Knowing this would be a very different story for you–still with all your wonderful insights–did you fight your muse and tell her not to proceed?
No, I actually was ready and willing to write this story when it first came to me a decade ago. It was my agent who said she didn’t think it would be good for my career at that point. Plus, the storyline I turned into her wasn’t as rich as The Dream Daughter turned out to be. She was probably right. Now that I have a much larger fan base who (I hope!) will come along with me, the time seemed right to give my muse her freedom.
3–I know how much you loved writing this book. Do you have a favorite of all the books you’ve written? Or is there one that stands out as the most fun to write?
The Dream Daughter was definitely the most fun to write. I kept giggling as I figured out another twist—and I cried a bit, too. In retrospect, it feels as though this story practically wrote itself. While I was in the middle of it, though, I was always wondering “can I make this work? Can I make this believable?”
4–You just finished your next book. Was it difficult at all to go back to a story without time travel elements?
It wasn’t difficult to go back a story without time travel elements, but it was difficult to begin working on ANY story at all because I was still so in love with The Dream Daughter. It took me a few months to settle on a story line that I truly loved, but I finally landed on a concept that is once again clearly “vintage Diane Chamberlain,” and I’m really happy with it.
5–Since I haven’t yet read The Dream Daughter, (which will be my own reading challenge time travel book) is there room for a sequel here? Are you toying with the possibility?
It would be very difficult (though not impossible!) to write a sequel for this book because I really do tie things up quite neatly. But I would never say never.
6–Your covers are wonderful, and this one is especially wonderful. Do you have input into covers and titles? Do you have one of both that you’re especially fond of?
I have some input. If my agent and I agree that we dislike a cover for some reason, we can ask for changes. In my imagination, which is not very good when it comes to book design, I pictured a starkly dramatic cover for The Dream Daughter. But when I saw the actual cover, I was blown away by it’s brilliance. It suits the story so perfectly, as does the title, which was not mine. Throughout the writing, I called the book ‘The Glimmer Child’. I still feel attached to that title, but my agent and editor wanted something different. My editor came up with The Dream Daughter. She is a book title machine!
Thanks, Emilie, for this opportunity to tell your readers a bit about The Dream Daughter!
Thank you, Diane. The pleasure was definitely ours.
The Dream Daughter will be available in hardcover, paperback, ebook and audio. You can pre-order at the following stores or find it at your favorite bookstore beginning October 2nd.
Don’t forget to leave a comment here to enter the drawing for a copy of The Dream Daughter. Comments will be accepted for the drawing until Tuesday, October 2nd at midnight.
I am not eligible for giveaway but I have to say this sounds very different and very intriguing. I am looking forward to reading it.
I can’t wait to read this! I love Diane I have read her books from the very beginning of her career!
Looking forward to reading Diane’s new book! Hoping to win!!
I am not into time travel books but I already have this one preordered because I love Diane Chamberlain books.
What an intriguing plot idea. Will add this one to my to read list. Thank!
I am not usually a time travel book fan, but I will read anything Diane Chamberlain writes!
The story sounds very interesting and I look forward to reading it.
I too look forward to reading this book. I also enjoyed the interview above. It’s nice to get to know a little about the authors we enjoy.
I have always loved time travel books. This one sounds like a good read plus it would help with our reading challenge.
I haven’t read a time travel book in years. I always loved them!
Can’t wait to read this – I always enjoy Diane’s Characters, adding the element of time travel will be even more interesting.
If Diane’s writing is anything like yours, Emilie, I’d love to read her book!
Looking forward to reading this one!
Ola, you were lucky number 13, the number random.org chose out of the 35 comments. Congratulations. I’ll let Diane know who to send it to. I’ll email you separately for your address. I know you’ll enjoy Diane’s latest.
Diane Chamberlain is one of my favorite authors and I would love to have a copy of this in physical book form!
My first thought was wow, what a wonderful idea for a story. My second thought is how have I missed this author and her books? I look forward to the reading journey that Diane Chamberlain and her books will give me.
I thoroughly enjoy reading all your books & have recommended them all to my friends. I get so involved in the characters & their lives. I can’t wait to read this one, too!
I can’t wait to read this one. It sounds wonderful!
Don’t enter me in the giveaway as I was lucky enough to get an early copy, but I just have to agree that this is “vintage Diane Chamberlain” and even if you’re not a fan of time travel, you’ll love this book!
The storyline is intriguing.
I love the reflection of the little girl on the book cover! I am looking forward to reading The Dream Daughter – all of your books are wonderful! And I will use it for the challenge. Thanks for the interview!
I can’t wait to read the book . . . and your comment on the cover design makes me even more intrigued. Peace, ck
I love time travel anything. This sounds like a really good addition to my obsession. I have never read anything by Diane, but a recommendation from Emilie is enough for me.
Her books are much more than surface reads!!
Love her books!!
I simply cannot wait to read this one! It sounds outstanding! Thank you for this chance!
Diane Chamberlain is a long time favorite author. I am very happy to see her get the recognition she so deserved.
I love Diane’s books!
WOULD LOVE to read this book
She is one of my favorite authors. I would love to have a copy!
I’ve never read time travel books but this sounds like something I would enjoy.
Dear Emilie, it would be wonderful to win this book!
Reader Ruth
Hoping to get this on my kindle soon!!
I’ve loved hearing about Diane’s newest book. I absolutely love her writing.
This sounds SO good!
Interesting concept! I’m eager to read it
Congratulations Ola!
I will order my copy today. I am driving to Virginia Beach for a Quilt show – will be able to listen to it on my way there! Can’t wait.
A great book to drive to, I’m sure. I think I may have been to that show years ago. I remember a quilt about appliances gone mad that’s still one of my very favorites. Enjoy!