Phyllis Humphrey

Suspense as cold as an iceberg and love as warm as a sweet romance. Get lost in Phyllis Humphrey's Cold April: A 'Titanic' Love Story.

Warning Iceblurb Ahead!

Englishwoman Elizabeth Shallcross has big plans for her future, and they do not include remaining a lowly governess. First she has one last obligation to fulfill; she must accompany a dashing American widower and care for his child on a luxurious voyage to America. Their ship? The Titanic. On this fateful voyage two men vie for her attention. But when the ship hits an iceberg, who will survive?

About the Author: Phyllis Humphrey

Phyllis was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and briefly attended Northwestern University under her maiden name, Phyllis Ashworth. She’s the author of nine other romance novels, a non-fiction book published by John Wiley & Sons, several short stories and many articles in national magazines. She's a member of Mensa, and listed in Who's Who in American Women. After raising four children, she and her husband live in Southern California. When not writing, she sings and acts in local theatrical productions and recently produced, promoted, directed and acted in the play, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, which was nominated for several awards and won four including Best Director.

Phyllis has had a long-time interest in the tragedy of the Titanic, due partly to the fact her grandfather emigrated to the U.S. from England on board the New York, a ship which the Titanic almost collided with on the first day of its fateful voyage. She collected many books over the years and recently visited a replica of the ship as well as gathering still more information as the result of the ship’s remains being found in 1985.

Thanks for joining us Phyllis. Before we dig into the interview questions, let me say how much I love the cover of Cold April. Gives me chills!

Jillian: What’s the first book you remember reading?

Phyllis: Probably either THE BOBBSEY TWINS or a Nancy Drew book

Jillian: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Phyllis: That’s hard because I’m a huge movie fan and have a list of 40 in my computer, none of which is CITIZEN KANE, which I consider vastly overrated. I have to vote for my favorite mystery, THE MALTESE FALCON; my favorite comedy, SOME LIKE IT HOT, and my favorite “Has everything,” a tie between GONE WITH THE WIND, THE BIG COUNTRY and BEN HUR.

Jillian: Be honest, when reading first person...do you miss the hero’s POV?

Phyllis: No, when the author is really good, I find I know the hero as well as I do the heroine.

Jillian: What do you do to unwind and relax?

Phyllis: If possible, I go to my favorite place in the world: the island of Maui. If not, I read good mysteries.

Jillian: What is your favorite tradition from your childhood that you would love to pass on or did pass on to your children?

Phyllis: Xmas Day with as much family as possible!

Jillian: Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?

Phyllis: Yes. I’m always learning and trying to get better, so I want to know what others think.

Jillian: What does it mean to love someone?

Phyllis: I once read a definition of love as “a satisfactory sense of someone.” I like it because we need to cherish the good in the one we love and not try to change him or her.

Jillian's GOTTA ASK, Phyllis' GOTTA Answer:

Phyllis, there is something about a love story set on the Titanic that is so compelling–– talk about getting lost in a story! I read this quote from you on your publisher’s website: “Writing Cold April did more than renew my life-long interest in my family’s connection to the Titanic...” Please share a bit more about how this great tragic event shaped your family's history.

Phyllis: My grandfather emigrated to the U.S. from England, which is what most of the third-class passengers on the Titanic were doing. Far too many perished and that helped to bring about great social change. It freed my father, and me, from beliefs of inferiority because of class. It opened doors which gave us hope and happiness.

GOTTA QUESTION FOR YOUR FANS?

Phyllis has a question for fans who have read COLD APRIL. How did you feel while the ship was sinking and the characters did what they did? And if you haven't read COLD APRIL: What is it about the Titanic tragedy that is so compelling? The winner will receive a hard bound copy of her latest novel, SOUTHERN STAR.**

Thanks for blogging with us today, Phyllis. Where can your fans learn more about you on the web?

Phyllis: Please visit my website: PhyllisHumphrey.com.

**Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North American addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.