Interview with Hope Callaghan, Author of Christmas Family Style

What can you tell us about your new release, Christmas Family Style?

Christmas Family Style is the latest (Book 15) in the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series. It’s the continuation of the Garlucci family saga that began when Carlita Garlucci promised, on her husband’s deathbed, to get their sons out of the mafia “family.”

The Garlucci Family is reunited in historic Savannah, Georgia to celebrate Christmas. A friend invites the family to join him on board his pirate ship, The Flying Gunner, for the Merry Bay Christmas boat parade. The festive event takes a sudden turn when someone goes missing.

Foul play is suspected with Mercedes, the main character’s daughter, and Pirate Pete, the family friend, shooting to the top of a long list of suspects.

The rest of the story revolves around Carlita, along with family and friends, trying to clear her daughter and close friend’s name.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My husband, Mitchell. He convinced me to try my hand at writing several years ago.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

The Bible. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Any Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys Mysteries. Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

If it could be anyone…dead or alive, it would be Robert Louis Stevenson. He led a fascinating life.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Finding out what my characters are going to do next. I don’t plot my stories, so it’s always fun to see what happens.

What is a typical day like for you?

I spend the first part of my morning answering emails and replying to Facebook posts. Because I find that I’m able to write / edit my best early in the day, I try to get at least a couple hours in before noon. After lunch, it’s more editing or writing, and then I end my day by following up on any new social engagements or message replies.

What scene from Christmas Family Style was your favorite to write?

My favorite character in this series is Elvira Cobb (My readers love to hate her because she’s obnoxious, annoying and rude.) In this particular book, Elvira begins exploring some of Historic Savannah’s hidden tunnels. Carlita tags along and they make a potentially interesting discovery.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Pride goeth before the fall. Always remain humble.

Hope Callaghan is the author of the new book Christmas Family Style.

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