M. Michelle Derosier on Let’s Chat

 

Welcome, everyone.

 

M. Michelle Derosier loves Jesus and is fueled by black coffee, espresso, and freshly baked goods. Sadly, she’s not skilled at making any of the three. She writes culturally diverse stories from picture books to novels and shares an assortment of Haitian-American tales that are overlooked in the mainstream.

Now, let’s welcome M. Michelle Derosier.

M. Michelle Derosier: In Her Own Words

I am a true representation of the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child.” I was that child and my village consisted of my family, my church, my teachers, and a sprinkling of strangers throughout the years. These individuals were instrumental in providing a foundation for the development of my values and beliefs.

The most important person in said village was (and probably still is) my grandfather—the man who nurtured and mentored me throughout most of my life. My grandfather is a man who “could have been somebody” in the materialistic sense of the statement. He is perceptive, clever with numbers, and annoyingly adept at learning new languages.

However, my grandfather spent most of his adult life working menial jobs and catering to those who are “somebody.” He did so not because he lacked focus or determination, but because he chose to surrender his success for that of his family.

Instead of going to school when he arrived in the U.S. from Haiti in the 70s, he spent decades working to afford to bring his children and extended family members to America for a better life. His desire for higher education was never fulfilled, but his labor paid for countless degrees and full access to the American Dream.

My own included.

M. Michelle Derosier: Impact on my writing

My writing is an amalgamation of the cultures, social economic backgrounds, and personality types I grew up with and around. My grandparents are two of my favorite people, so there’s often a spunky and fun grandparent or granduncle or grandaunt (or some elder) woven throughout my books.

In “Christmas at the Grande Pearl,” the introductory short story to The Grande Pearl series, it’s Mrs. Beatrice McFarland and Mr. Arthur Lindeberg. Mrs. McFarland, like my grandmother, is a stickler for manners and etiquette. They are both always in their Sunday best and could go from cooking a family meal to hosting the Queen for tea without missing a beat.

In Accepting Elijah’s Heart, Book 1 of The Grande Pearl series, it’s great-aunt Loretta who stepped up and raised the heroine when her parents are killed. It’s also Ms. Eunice, Loretta’s best friend and the grandmother of Reina’s husband.

What these women and the other elders have in common is their love of family. A thread in my work.

M. Michelle Derosier: Final Thoughts

I’m grateful for the people and the experiences Christ has used to shape my writing. Thank you for the chance to share a little bit about myself and my work with you.

If you’d like to win a paperback copy (out in March) of Accepting Elijah’s Heart, please comment below and share about someone meaningful in your life.

“Christmas at The Grande Pearl” by M. Michelle Derosier

A cranky doorman who doesn’t mingle with money and the wealthy guest who pushes past his defenses and into his heart.

Joe Cantonelli has a chip on his shoulder the size of The Grande Pearl—the pre-war building where he serves as doorman. He doesn’t fraternize with the residents or their guests…until a nor’easter blows in Josie McFarland—the grandniece of The Pearl’s most influential occupant.

It’s been two years and Josie hasn’t stopped missing her beloved great-uncle. When she returns to The Pearl to see for herself how his widow—her favorite great-aunt—is coping, she doesn’t expect love at first sight with grumpy Joe.

As they work together to decorate The Pearl for its annual shindig benefitting leukemia patients and their families, can Josie smash the wall Joe’s spent years building between him and the rich?

This sweet holiday romance is a short story to warm your heart.

Accepting Elijah’s Heart by M. Michelle Derosier

A former bad boy learning to forgive his past falls for a grieving widow struggling with motherhood.

Elijah Cooper grew up in church but without a relationship with God. Something he didn’t think he needed until he did. When Eli offers Reina support in a crisis, a friendship develops that could blossom to more. But with his troubled past, he is not interested in a love match or a ready-made family.

After her husband’s untimely death, Reina Blackwell can’t trust the ground she walks on not to crumble beneath her. She’s certainly no longer trusting the God who created it. Not after he shatters her world leaving her alone to mourn and raise her son. 

With scars too deep to heal on their own, can Eli and Reina find the faith they need to give and receive love?

This sweet romance will tug at your heartstrings and comfort you with joy and laughter.

LINKS

M. Michelle Derosier Website: www.writerderosier.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/WriterDerosier/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/writerderosier (join me on random adventures)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/writerderosier (where I talk all things House Hunters, “Hearties,” and books and movies)

M. Michelle Derosier on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/M.-Michelle-Derosier/e/B07GC487W4%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-michelle-derosier-68f68fa7-b183-4bd7-b755-ff38eaa14b05

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18184600.M_Michelle_Derosier

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Dear Lord, please bless each word Michelle writes for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake ~