Who knew you could meet an author in an elevator and end up being a huge fan of their books? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me when I ran into Ashley Clark at the ACFW conference this year.
I read her book Where the Last Rose Blooms in a single sitting. It was that good.
So I thought I’d invite Ashley to do an interview here so we can share this book with you and talk about some of the little-known historical facts behind its plot and characters!
Hi Ashley! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions.
Thank you so much for having me, Breana! It was such fun to meet you at the ACFW Conference. I’m looking forward to chatting on the blog today.
I learned a lot about the messages of various flowers in Where the Last Rose Blooms. I had no idea a bouquet can actually be a secret code–which is exactly what ends up happening in your story!
What is your favorite flower, and what is the meaning behind it?
I had a great time researching flowers for Where the Last Rose Blooms, and I have to confess… I even bought my own flower dictionary!
Honestly, I love all flowers, but if forced to pick a favorite I’d probably choose peonies. I think their intricate petals are so stunning. They typically symbolize love, romance, and beauty, which makes them the perfect flower for weddings! Alice in Where the Last Rose Blooms probably sells a lot of them. 🙂
You named one of your characters “Ashley,” which was very Jane Austen of you. What’s the story behind giving a character the same name as yourself?
I am so glad you asked about Ashley’s character because there is a story behind this one!
Rose and Ashley are actually based on real people, who were named… you guessed it… Rose and Ashley!
History has left us very little information about their stories, but we do know a bit from the Ashley’s Sack artifact which was discovered at a flea market and is now on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. I hope to see it in person someday!
You can read more about Ashley’s Sack in my debut novel, The Dress Shop on King Street.
I enjoy a good fictional romance, but it’s also fun to hear the love stories of real-life couples! Would you share yours?
My husband and I met in college at our campus ministry. He invited me to Starbucks after a prayer event, and I initially told him no because I needed to study… on a Saturday.
Y’all, I was such a nerd back then!
Okay, I’m still a nerd, but I digress… needless to say, he talked me into the shindig, and I remember calling my mom that night and telling her one of the “cool guys” had invited me to coffee. Ha!
He bravely learned to swing dance in the weeks that followed because he knew I used to dance every Friday night, but the real kicker was one rainy night at Steak and Shake… he pulled his car up close to the door so I wouldn’t get wet, and “coincidentally” had Switchfoot playing on his car radio. I think his great taste in music sealed the deal for me. Hahaha!
We’ve now been married thirteen years and have a seven year old son, as well as a senior cocker spaniel.