As a Hallmark “Super Fan,” there is nothing I anticipate more with this network than their annual “Countdown to Christmas” programming. I always believe that the movie that inaugurates this programming is an enviable position, and it just so happens this year that Marry Me At Christmas has secured this status. Upon further investigation, I discovered that the movie is based on the Susan Mallery book of the same name, and I wouldn’t be a book blogger if I didn’t know her name by sheer reputation alone. Recently, Susan agreed to respond to a few questions about this book and the upcoming film adaptation. Furthermore, I invite my readers to proceed all the way to the conclusion of this post for an incredibly exciting opportunity!

Photo by Annie Brady

RH: What inspired you to write Marry Me at Christmas? Any story behind why you chose to write it?

SM: MARRY ME AT CHRISTMAS is part of my series, the “Fool’s Gold” romances. Set in the mountains of California, Fool’s Gold is a four-season small town that goes all out at Christmastime, making it a magical place for the season. I adore the Christmas traditions of Fool’s Gold, from the lighting of the tree on the town square to the Day of Giving and pet adoption fair.

The main characters in this book have been with me for a long time. Jonny Blaze (who becomes Jonny Blake in the Hallmark movie) is an action movie superstar who’s looking for a simpler life. He first appeared in a book I published in 2004, and I’ve been looking for the right woman for him ever since.

Madeline first appeared in ALL SUMMER LONG (2012) as a failed volunteer firefighter trainee. She went through several wrong-for-her jobs before she finally found her niche at Paper Moon Bridal. She has a way with brides, helping them to find the perfect dress.

Madeline has had a movie-star crush on Jonny for years. Imagine how overwhelming that would feel, to meet your celebrity crush and then be asked to help him plan his sister’s wedding! She’s not even sure she’ll be able to string two words together. But Jonny soon puts her at ease because at heart, he’s just a regular guy who has a very weird job. This line from the book’s back cover copy really captures the heart of the story: …“ordinary” Madeline is the most extraordinary woman he’s ever met.

Rachel Skarsten, Trevor Donovan Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

Since this is the first Hallmark film based on one of your books, what was it like to work with the network? And were you a fan of the network before this film deal came along?

I have absolutely been a fan of Hallmark for many years, especially their Christmas movies, so it was a thrill when they approached me about filming MARRY ME AT CHRISTMAS. It was such a pleasure to work with them. I was mostly in contact with the producer, who was friendly and professional and very respectful of the material.

He also did something really fun for me—or rather, for my readers. I sent him three copies of MARRY ME AT CHRISTMAS, and he had the cast autograph them (Trevor Donovan, Rachel Skarsten, Crystal Lowe, and Emily Tennant.) I will be doing a giveaway in December for members of my mailing list at SusanMallery.com. Anyone who’s interested in winning the book, autographed by the cast of MARRY ME AT CHRISTMAS should join my mailing list now so you don’t miss out.

What do you hope the viewers will take away from watching the movie and/or reading the book?

MARRY ME AT CHRISTMAS is a heartwarming, entertaining story about two people from very different walks of life falling in love with each other against the backdrop of Christmas in a small town. It’s going to fill your heart with happiness. I think the main takeaway is that the external doesn’t matter. Yes, Jonny’s a movie star and Madeline is a small-town shop girl, but when they open their hearts to each other, they are simply two people who are meant to be together.

Which character in this story do you most identify with? Or what character is your favorite? Why?

Oh wow, that’s such a hard question to answer. I adore both of the main characters, but I’ll go with Jonny. There’s something very appealing about a movie star who does his own grocery shopping because he wants to stay grounded. I love that. Jonny isn’t enthralled by the Hollywood lifestyle. He loves being an actor, but he doesn’t like all the glitz and glamor that goes with it.

Emily Tennant Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

Do you think readers of Marry Me at Christmas will enjoy the movie? Why or why not?

Yes, I think they’ll love it! I know I did. I smiled from beginning to end. (I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek.)

There are some differences between the book and the movie, but I hope my readers will understand that that’s necessary. They’re very different media. Hallmark had to build a complete, satisfying romance in two hours minus the time set aside for commercials. I think they did a wonderful job! The captured the heart of the story. I had happy tears in my eyes at the end.

Trevor Donovan and Rachel Skarsten are terrific as Jonny and Madeline. Trevor certainly is movie-star handsome, and Rachel is gorgeous, as well, and has a really appealing sense of humor that shines through. I also thought Emily Tennant was a standout as Jonny’s sister.

In addition to this film/book, be sure to check out “Happily Inc,” Susan’s newest series that debuted back in September. Here’s more information about this series.

HappilyInc.com is the online destination for Happily Inc, California, a wedding destination town founded on a fairy tale—and the setting of a brand new series of books by #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery. Books 1 and 2, You Say It First and Second-Chance Girl released in September and October 2017, respectively. And shhhh! Don’t tell anyone, but Susan has also written a novella that will come out around Christmas time.

Now, I will admit that I’m a sucker for a Christmas love story. While Susan Mallery has been on my “to-be-read pile” for what seems like eons, I am going to truthfully state that I have yet to read her books (I believe in being honest as a journalist). However, the fact that she lives in my home state and is now partnering with my favorite Christmas/romance network, this means that I absolutely must sit down and read one of her books soon! I greatly anticipate watching this movie this Saturday (October 28) on the Hallmark Channel as I have no doubt this story will be an utter and thorough delight. Susan’s experience and fan interaction are more than enough to propel her to the top of my preferential reading list, and I have no doubt I am about to discover a new favorite in the genre of sweet romances. I urge everyone to follow her at the links below (she’s got a giveaway over on her site in conjunction with Marry Me At Christmas), for if there is one thing I am passionate about it is promoting authors (actors and movies too) that celebrate the authentic and positive concept of romance told in a luscious and optimistic way that expressly encourages the readers and/or viewers to escape this overmuch negative world in which we live. 

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Reluctant wedding planner Maddie Krug (Rachel Skarsten) meets her match in Johnny Blake (Trevor Donovan), an action movie star who has hired her to plan his sister’s Christmas nuptials in the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountain town of Fool’s Gold.

AND NOW FOR THAT EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!

Susan has graciously agreed to giveaway one copy (U.S. only) of Marry Me At Christmas to one lucky reader! All I need you to do is enter the rafflectoper form below by October 31st 9 P.M Pacific time.

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About Susan:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. She’s best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. 

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