Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Fire Chief’s Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
I love interviewing authors and learning the behind-the-scenes stories of their books. Today I interview Love Inspired author Chris Maday Schmidt. We talk about her books, her faith, and how the two combine.
Interview With Author Chris Maday Schmidt
Hi, Chris! Welcome! Tell us about your new Love Inspired book releasing this month.
The Fire Chief’s Surprise takes place in smalltown Sweetwater, a fictional setting located in Northern Arizona that tells the story of Fire Chief Josh Rogers and Annie Greene, the owner of Annie’s Confections & Catering.
This is the second book in the series and is packed with plenty of surprises and yummy recipes, a town legend and hint of mystery, plus a quirky cast of characters and a Fourth of July to remember. It all starts when the eligible firefighter gains custody of his brother’s baby, Finn, but a legal glitch requires him to marry to retain his guardianship, and the no-nonsense baker offers to find him a wife.
What was the path that led to you writing romance novels?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve loved telling feel-good stories—whether on paper or the ones I made up about my imaginary friends. As a teenager, I stumbled across my mom’s stash of Harlequin novels and dreamt of writing love stories one day. But as an adult, my career path took a 3+ decades-long detour, until I sensed God calling me back to happy-ever-after.
You’re a self-proclaimed princess. What does it mean to be a princess?
I’m so glad you asked! When I first began my fiction writing journey in 2020, I ran across this quote by Hans Christian Andersen: “Real-life furnishes us with subjects for the most wonderful fairy tales.” As a published author, I truly feel I’m living a fairytale life—a dream come true through answered prayers. And as “princess of the King,” my hope is to always shine a light back to His-story, until I’ll get to replace my tiara (yes, I pull it out to rock every birthday) with the crown of crowns.
What do you think it is about romance that makes it such a popular genre?
I think romance makes such a popular genre for the same reasons I enjoy reading it and writing it: because it offers hope for new beginnings, humor in the messy middle and heart for happy endings. It also mirrors the greatest Love Story ever told by giving readers a glimpse into the redemptive power of love and forgiveness.
What role does your faith play in your writing?
I’ve written poems and stories for as long as I can remember, followed by articles for various trade and lifestyle magazines. But a half-dozen years ago, I was led to 1 Chronicles 16:24: “Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.” From that day forward, I felt the call on my life to share stories that point to Him.
What do you hope that readers get out of your books?
For those readers who pick up my books, I pray the Lord meets each and every one where he or she is at in their life’s journey with hope-filled encouragement and a reminder that they are dearly loved by Him.
Do you have any more books in the works?
I’m thrilled to share that I do have two additional books in the works that pick up where The Fire Chief’s Surprise leaves off in my Sweetwater series, and I can’t wait to spill more details!
Who is your favorite woman in the Bible? Why?
When I read this question aloud, my husband, Bob was sitting in the same room and blurted out, “Ruth!” He’s not wrong. Ruth’s story shows what it means to step out in faith before fully understanding God’s plan. Her decision to stay with her mother-in-law wasn’t just loyalty—it was a courageous move toward a new life and a new faith. Ruth didn’t know what lay ahead, but she chose commitment and trust anyway. Her quiet strength inspires me.
What is your favorite Scripture?
I have several Scripture favorites, but Zechariah 4:10 stands out for its timely reminder at the start of my publishing journey with Harlequin Love Inspired: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” And a close second is Galatians 6:9: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” A command, followed by a promise.
Anything else?
Thank you so much for interviewing me, and for helping to share the word about The Fire Chief’s Surprise. For readers interested in connecting, I can be reached at https://chrismadayschmidt.com. In addition, my monthly newsletter—Always the Write Time—is packed with exclusive content, bookish news, free giveaways, and more.
About The Fire Chief’s Surprise
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Title: The Fire Chief’s Surprise
Author: Chris Maday Schmidt
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
He wasn’t looking for love…
Until one little boy came into his life.
Fire chief Josh Rogers has just three months to get married or risk losing custody of his late foster brother’s infant son. So when Annie Greene offers to help him find a wife in exchange for repairs at her bakery, it seems like the perfect solution. As the three spend time together, Josh can’t help but feel that Annie’s the only person he can picture filling the role of Finn’s mother. But can they set aside their past insecurities and embrace a chance at happily-ever-after?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub
Also Available
About Chris Maday Schmidt
A self-professed princess and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Chris Maday Schmidt believes it’s always the “write” time for real-life fairytales brimming with hope, humor & heart. She’s a member of Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers, and her debut novel—A Father’s Vow—received a 5-star reader review in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest. The Fire Chief’s Surprise is Chris’s second inspirational romance for Harlequin. She also writes heartwarming stories for Woman’s World, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts, and assorted magazines. She and her real-life hero reside in a cabin in Northern Arizona.
Connect with Chris by visiting chrismadayschmidt.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a Reader’s Prize Bundle which includes a scented candle, bookmark, and bookish socks, glass cup, and canvas bag, as well as a print copy of A Father’s Vow, also by Chris Maday Schmidt!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 1, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 8, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Let's chat! What are your thoughts?