Amy’s debut, THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE, was dubbed “Clever, creative, and sweetly delicious…” by Kirkus (they nailed it), and is the perfect foodie romance to read while enjoying a coffee and piece of — you guessed it — cake. Her sophomore project, LUCK, LOVE & LEMON PIE is just as fresh and delightful as her first, and a must read this summer!
About Luck, Love & Lemon Pie:
When Milwaukee-area wife and mother MJ Boudreaux notices her husband Chris seems more interested in the casino than her, she’s more bothered that she isn’t upset than by her husband’s absence. She picks up poker as a way for them to spend more time together—and reignite their marital flame.
Although the game doesn’t give her the quality time with Chris that she’d hoped, MJ finds she has a knack for it. Increasingly unhappy at home, she turns to the felt top of the poker table for comfort. Intoxicated with newfound freedom, MJ begins spending more time at the gambling tables and less with her family, finally carving out for herself a place outside her role of wife and mother.
After a string of great wins, MJ finds herself in Vegas, attracting the attention of a certain magnetic poker star. But when she’s forced to choose between her family and her new exciting lifestyle, the stakes may be higher than she thought and MJ will have to play her hand carefully…or risk losing it all.
Amy popped by the Tall Poppy blog to share her favorite time of day, what it was like to meet an idol, and the strangest job she’s ever had…
Talk about one thing that’s making you happy right now.
Nerdist podcasts are my everything right now. I’ve been sitting so long to hammer out my most recent book, and I need to make myself move before my butt permanently melds with the chair. Listening to these hilarious and in-depth interviews motivates me to move (even more than Pokemon Go). Chris Hardwick is a charming host and chats with actors, comedians, directors, and internet celebs. My favorite part is when the conversations veer into the creative process—it’s very inspiring. As an added bonus, there are over 800 episodes!
When you were a teenager, what did you think you’d be when you grew up?
Try not to laugh, but I thought I’d be a lawyer. I was obsessed with the idea and had grand plans to attend Harvard Law School. I don’t remember why that idea died, but I’m glad it did. I would have been an awful attorney. I found a compromise and married one—so it’s almost the same, right?
What time of day do you love best?
I love the hours between 10 pm and 1 am. Everyone is asleep in my house and the internet is quiet. It’s when I’m the most productive. For example, I’m writing this Q&A during this happy time.
Have you ever tried writing in a different genre? How did that turn out?
Technically, YA isn’t a genre, it’s an age range—but I did try to write one a few years ago and it was hideous. But I loved some of the ideas I was playing with so I’m hoping I can adapt it for a future book, just not YA.
Have you ever met someone you idolized? What was it like?
I did! Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Rainbow Rowell at a book fest. I adore every book she’s written—each is different yet still has her charming, funny voice. She kindly took a picture with me and even bought a copy of my book. I then proceeded to write the dumbest thing inside of it because I couldn’t believe it was happening. I’m such a goober.
What’s the strangest job you’ve ever had?
When I came home for Christmas break in college, I would assemble fruit and themed gift baskets at the local grocery store. I got really good at shrinking the clear plastic wrap around the basket—there was an art to it. You had to be careful or the heat gun would burn a hole through it and you’d have to start over. Of course, the best part was getting paid in cash.
AMY E. REICHERT, author of THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE and LUCK, LOVE & LEMON PIE, loves to write stories that end well with characters you’d invite to dinner. A wife, mom, amateur chef, Fix-It Mistress, and cider enthusiast, she earned her MA in English Literature and serves on her local library’s board of directors.
