Worth Reading It?: Interview: Broken Arrow by Chelsey Butler

Broken Arrows by Chelsey Butler

Page Count: 174
Released Feb. 6, 2014

Adult Romantic Fantasy

Cari Harris lives what should be a charmed life. She owns a quaint bed and breakfast in a charming southern town, is surrounded by loving friends and family, and possesses magical powers. Most of the residents in Fable, GA, are descended from mythical creatures straight out of fairy tales, and Cari is no exception. As a descendent of Cupid, she has the ability to see when two people are soul mates and the power to make sure they fall in love. However, this power is sometimes more of a curse than a blessing, because Cari is also the town screw up. While hosting a murder mystery weekend at her inn, she tries to match a young couple and makes a huge mistake. Now she must fix her mistake before the guests leave at the end of the weekend, all while making a bigger mess of things along the way, in her typical fashion. As if Cari didn’t have enough to worry about already, her old boyfriend just moved back to town. Years ago, she forced herself to stop thinking about Mike, but now that he’s back, there is no avoiding him. It’s a small town and she keeps running in to him, no matter how much she hopes to avoid it. When she stumbles across some unexpected secrets, and Mike helps her with her current matchmaking dilemma, all of her feelings from the past come flooding back.

Author Questions:

Can you tell us a bit about the book?

Broken Arrows is about a woman named Cari, who is a descendent of Cupid. She lives in a town full of other people like her, all descended from some mythical being. Cari is clumsy and awkward, and screws up all the time. The story centers around her, and then you throw in her ex who just moved back to town, stirring up her love life.

What influence you to write Broken Arrow?

I can’t really say that there was any one thing that influenced me. I just had an idea, so I went with it and it grew on its own. I fell in love with the characters and the story and have many things planned for them.

What can we expect in book 2?

In book 2, called Fairy Masquerade, Cari tries to repair the damage her father unintentionally caused in Roxy’s parents relationship. There will also be a new character, slightly dark and sinister, who plays a part in the story. And of course, Cari and Mike’s relationship continues to be a confused mess, making progress one little baby step at a time.

Do you know how many books will be in the series?

Right now, I have 5 books planned.

On a none book note:

Do you mind telling us 5 things about yourself?

I’m a book hoarder. I can’t get enough and can’t help buying more every chance I get, and I keep them all.

I love vintage stuff, or “old junk” as my husband calls it.

I also write young adult fantasy. I’m working on the second book in a YA series right now, too.

I hate to cook, but I love food. Seriously, cooking dinner is my least favorite.

I recently discovered that I love to paint. My sister in law taught me, and it’s so much fun

Do you have a favorite author or series?

That’s a really hard question! I can’t pick just one favorite author, there are way too many. I read a lot of YA. I love Kresley Cole’s Arcana Chronicles series and can’t wait for book 3 in the fall. And I love everything I’ve ever read by Jennifer L. Armentrout. As far as adult books go, I’m also reading the Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter. Love her!

Any parting words you would like to leave our readers with?

Thank you for reading my books! That’s what it’s all about, I couldn’t do what I love if you weren’t reading what I write.

And thank you for chatting with us. To read Chelsey Butler’s newest novel Broken Arrow click here.

Character Questions:

Hi Cari. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me.

When did you find out you were a descendant of Cupid?

I found out when I was 18. We all see things when we’re kids, but it seems normal to us because that’s just our life. Then our powers show up somewhere between the ages of 18 and 20.

Is that the same time you found out that Fable is a unique city?

I never felt as a child that Fable was strange or unique, because it’s the only place I’ve ever lived, so for me it was normal. But yes, once I knew about myself, I started noticing other things around me.

I get the arrow part of the inn name but why did you name it Broken Arrow?

It’s kind of a joke between me and my friends. We say that my Cupid’s arrows are broken, because I mess up all the time and also because I can’t seem to make my own relationships work.

Do you feel any pressure to live up to being a cupid and if so do you think that may be the reason why your potions go wrong?

I definitely feel pressure! My dad was great and everyone respected him, so I know they’re disappointed that I’m not as good as he was. But I don’t think the pressure is why I mess up. It’s just how I am.

What is the best part about being a cupid?

The best part is seeing when two people who are meant to be together fall in love. It’s so sweet and beautiful.

What is the worse?

The worst part is all of the responsibility. Sometimes I wish I could just sit back and watch and not have to be a part of it.

Fable seems like a pretty small town. How did you, Roxy, and Hope become friends?

We’ve been friends since we were kids, and our parents were friends before that. It’s always been that way.

Running and bed and breakfast takes up a lot of time. What do you enjoy doing when you do find time for yourself?

I like to spend time with my friends, obviously. They’re very important in my life. I also love nature, and I go hiking as often as I can. And I love to read.

You mentioned that Mike's mom didn't want to tell him about his ancestry unless he started showing traits. How often does a descendant not show traits? And if you know of any do they still stay in Fable or do they find it best to leave?

I like to spend time with my friIt’s very rare. Mike was a special case, because he left before he showed any sign of powers so nobody really knew it he had them or not. As far people who are definitely born without them, I don’t know of any personally, but from what I’ve heard, the few in the past always left town.ends, obviously. They’re very important in my life. I also love nature, and I go hiking as often as I can. And I love to read.

Speaking of Mike, the two of you decided to work on being friends. How is that going?

It’s…. complicated. That’s all I can say. You’ll have to keep reading to find out more!

This was great. Thanks again, Cari.

Well y'all, there you have it. A peak into the mind of Cari. smiles Couldn't get much about Mike but c'mon we really didn't think we would anyway. So thanks everybody for stopping by. To get learn more about Cari pick a copy of Broken Arrow. Til next time...

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About the Author:
Chelsey Butler was born and raised near Fort Worth, Texas. She still lives in north Texas with her husband and four daughters, but she rebels against the Texan stereotype. She loves God, her family, and all things involving books, and is a self-proclaimed nerd, a history buff, and vintage enthusiast. She also writes young adult fantasy under the name S.G. Tillery. Chelsey loves hearing from her fans and encourages them to find her on Facebook.