Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Marie Astor

I'd like to give a big welcome to Marie Astor, who's visiting my blog today on her latest stop for the "On the Rim of Love" tour!

Please enjoy her blog and then comment so you have a chance to win! Marie is awarding two prizes to randomly drawn commenters during her tour: a sterling silver plum quartz necklace and earring set, and a sterling silver aventurine necklace that were custom designed for the tour. Plus, if you go back and visit her previous stops (click on the banner for all her tour stops) and comment, you'll have more chances to win.


I asked Marie, "How much research goes into your books? For example this one has the characters skiing in British Columbia - did you do some skiing there to research?"

Hi and thank you for inviting me. My name is Marie Astor and I am the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love and Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.

I often get asked about how much research goes into my books. My latest contemporary romance, On the Rim of Love, takes place in British Columbia. I visited Banff, British Columbia two winters ago and I was instantly smitten by its beauty – the vast open spaces, the towering mountain cliffs and the white, sparkling snow that seemed to stretch endlessly. I have always thought there is something very special about the atmosphere of ski towns, and I was charmed by Banff’s quaint streets and the wonderful people who walked them. An idea for a contemporary romance became to form in my mind: big city girl meets a big-mountain skier who is rooted in his small hometown. By the end of my ten-day stay at Banff, I had jotted down an outline and notes on the main characters, Maggie and Taylor, as well as Taylor’s best friends, Shawn and Hannah.

On the Rim of Love takes place in Eagleville, British Columbia. But before you start looking up Eagleville on the map, I have to tell you that Eagleville is a fictional town. Why did you create a fictional town? you ask. Off-piste skiing is a big part of On the Rim of Love, as it becomes the initial point of connection between the main characters – Maggie and Taylor, so I wanted to create a ski resort with access to all kinds of ski terrain. From the research that I did, I learned that most US ski resorts do not offer lift access to wild mountain terrain and require either renting a helicopter or climbing long, arduous routs to get to wild mountain terrain. Europe, however, offers easy access to off-piste skiing – you can take a lift car to the top of Mont Blanc. However, I have never been to Mont Blanc, but I have been to British Columbia and my heart was dead set on its beauty. So, I decided to combine the best of both worlds and create a ski resort where Maggie and Taylor could take an enchanting ride to the very tops of the mountains – I hope you’ll come along for the ride!

Here's the blurb for On the Rim of Love:

Maggie Robin has been dating the irresistibly good-looking, successful Jeffrey Preston for two years. But when Jeffrey proposes marriage a week after Maggie’s college graduation, she is no longer sure if she wants to marry a workaholic TV producer.

Her doubts culminate when during a ski trip to British Columbia, Maggie meets Taylor Denton, a handsome, free-spirited big mountain skier who is the complete opposite of Jeffrey. It does not take Maggie long to realize that she has fallen in love with Taylor and she decides to break off her engagement with Jeffrey. But just when she thinks she has found the love of her life, an ill-fated misunderstanding tears Maggie and Taylor apart.

A week later, Maggie is told that Taylor has died in a tragic ski accident; yet, her heart refuses to believe in Taylor’s death. When Maggie returns to Taylor’s native town, she learns that Taylor is indeed alive, but has been seriously injured. Resolved to bring her lover back to life Maggie stands by Taylor’s side, convincing him to embrace life again.

More about Marie:

Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre. Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories. Stop by Marie’s website: www.marieastor.com to sign up for book releases and events. Marie can also be found on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection and Twitter: @marieastor.

Books by Marie Astor:

On the Rim of Love – a contemporary romance about the unexpected power of love.

Lucky Charm – a humorous contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship.

A Chance Encounter and Other Stories – a short story collection about love and everyday life.