The Cilantro in Apple Pie by Kimberley Nadine Knights
Fragnut. Confused? Well so is everyone else at Lumiere Hall Prep when sixteen-year-old Rubie Keane rolls in from Trinidad and Tobago talking her weird lingo. Not that she minds the culture confusion; she’s determined to leave the past behind her and be overlooked—but a certain stoic blue blood is equally as determined to foil her plans.
Gil Stromeyer’s offbeat personality initially makes Rubie second-guess his sanity, but she suspects his erratic outbursts of violence mask a deeper issue in his troubled, charmed life. Despite his disturbing behavior, a gradual bond forms between the two. However, on the night of the annual Stromeyer gala, events unfold that leave Rubie stripped of her dignity and kick Gil’s already fragile world off its axis.
Both their well-kept secrets are uncovered, but Gil’s revelation proves that sometimes the best remedy for a bad case of lost identity, is a dash of comradery from an ally packed with flavor.
Kimberley Nadine Knights
Born and raised in the tropical twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago, when this Caribbean girl isn’t creating new plotlines for her ever growing lineup of fictional characters, she spends her time strumming her guitar to indie rock songs and snapping once in a lifetime photos halfway across the globe in countries such as Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and France.
She’s an avid fan of The Walking Dead series and firmly believes that The Food Network should consider her being a judge on the next Chopped challenge.
“The Cilantro in Apple Pie” is her debut novel.
Author Interview
Can you tell us about your upcoming books?
The Cilantro in Apple Pie is a trilogy so I’m working on the sequels.
What was your favorite part to write?
I really found myself loving all the parts that involved Gil – specifically the pool scene.
How did you come up with the title?
Sometimes contrasting flavors are the best. (sweet & sour chicken, salt and chocolate etc.) Rubie and Gil are so different (as different as apple pie and cilantro) but they somehow mesh well together.
Will you have a new book coming out soon?
Hopefully late 2017 J
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
My toughest criticism was that my writing is amateur at best. I was bummed out for a few hours but then later that day a reviewer said my writing was better than some of the more established authors out there. What can I say…excellence is in the eye of the reader.
Do you have any advice to give aspiring writers?
Prepare yourself for a bad review. It’s inevitable but it’s not the end of the world lol
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book when I was 10. It was about a sleepover party.
What does your family think of your writing?
Initially they didn’t think much of it – they thought I was just overly engrossed in a hobby. But now that it’s making some waves they’re supper supportive.
Do you hear from your readers much?
My readers on Twitter are very active! Big shout-out to Team #AuthorChestBump!
What do you think makes a good story?
Plot twists that blindside you
To purchase The Cilantro in Apple Pie make sure to visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Kimberley Nadine Knights’ website.
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