Sit-down Saturday with Amie Denman

Today we’re celebrating the October release of Until the Ride Stops.

So, Amie Denman, where did you get the idea for this novel?

The main character, Caroline Bennett, emerged from the previous book in the series Meet Me on the

Midway. When Evie Hamilton fell in love with Scott Hamilton, I hope readers did, too. One of his most endearing qualities was his devotion to his sister Caroline. A police officer, she worried him night and day with her dangerous career choice. I didn’t originally plan for Caroline to have her own book, but I couldn’t resist writing a story about a smart, strong woman who fears nothing—not even the painful truth.

In looking at the cover, if you could add a caption or captions, what would they say?

Like all my Harlequin Heartwarming books, I absolutely love the cover. They look happy and in love, but the background suggests wild movement and a thrill factor. Isn’t that life? I think my caption would say “Hold on for the ride!”

What is your favorite scene?

When Caroline and Matt spend a romantic evening at Starlight Point and get their caricatures drawn. The artist doesn’t miss a thing…and the final picture says a lot about their relationship. I love this scene because I love watching caricature artists at amusement parks and festivals. It’s amazing how they capture a person’s essence in only a few minutes. What talent!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I can’t choose between Caroline and Matt! She’s a gutsy and passionate heroine, concerned about truth and justice. He’s a man tortured by his family’s past yet desperately doing everything he can to protect the people he loves.

Tell us one thing you learned during research.

The book involves a cold case mystery and two deaths. A girl was killed decades earlier in an accident on an amusement park ride, and I learned a lot about ride-related accidents as I researched. They are more common than I would have thought, but mercifully infrequent compared to the number of amusement park rides taken every year. I also found it fascinating how amusement parks, fairs, festivals, and carnivals are inspected and investigated by the state in which they take place. In many cases, fairs and amusement parks are under the jurisdiction of the department of agriculture because of the tradition of the county fair. I read up on inspections, accidents, and consequences, and some of my research made me think twice about thrill rides—no matter how much I love them!

This is your 15th book, and your 5^th book for Harlequin. Exactly what does that mean to you?

Writing for Harlequin was such a dream for such a long time, and now I can’t believe my 5^th book has released! I’m so happy to say there are more in the works and the thrill will never wear off!

What do you plan to work on next?

I’m working on edits for a Harlequin Heartwarming releasing next summer—this one features my favorite kind of hero: a firefighter. If things go as I hope, it will be the first in a new series for Heartwarming.

What are you reading for pleasure right now?

I just finished the Danielle Steele novel Dangerous Games, and am currently reading a Debbie Macomber Rose Harbor Inn novel. I am also working my way through the amazing Inspector Gamache mysteries by Louise Penny. Mystery and romance are my favorites, and I hope readers will love the combination of these genres in Until the Ride Stops.