Featured Official Interview: Susann Camus (Bless Your Heart)

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features Susann Camus author of Bless Your Heart, book of the month for May 2025.

This book will be $1.98 on May 1st. After May 1st, the price goes up to $4.99, so make sure to get it while you can. You'll be able to buy it here: Kindle edition on Amazon

View on OBC Bookshelves

View Official Review of See Me (first in the series)

Official Interview for See Me (first in the series)

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1. Tell us about your writing experience.

As a child, I wrote poems and story ideas on scraps of paper. I was sometimes asked to stand outside the classroom in an unsuccessful attempt to get me to stop daydreaming and focus more on classroom activities. My mother was a journalist, and her short stories are among the funniest I have read.

I studied English literature in university, while writing for the university paper and eventually becoming its editor. I had a job as a reporter for a rural weekly newspaper. Subsequent writing jobs included being an editor for a monthly city magazine and a business quarterly, as well as a writer/editor hired to translate scientific concepts into simpler English that the rest of us could understand. For the past four years, I have served as the volunteer webmaster for the Pitt County Arboretum, where I write and edit stories.

I have worked and studied in many different fields, not because I couldn't commit to one thing, but because my curiosity and desire to learn got the better of me.

2. Let's discuss your book Bless Your Heart. How did you come up with the idea for the story?

In the first year that I lived in Greenville, NC, many people prefaced their remarks to me with the phrase, 'Bless Your Heart.' I was astonished that complete strangers would say this to me, whether in a grocery line, a department store, or a nail salon. Eventually, a neighbor approached and told me that 'Bless Your Heart' has many meanings. It can be meant kindly as a blessing, or it can be an acknowledgment of good efforts and intentions. And it can be a very polite way to tell someone they've screwed up, without actually telling them how or why. At the time, Greenville's newspaper, The Daily Reflector, even had a popular column, 'Bless Your Heart,' where local residents freely and sometimes very forcefully expressed their opinions. The many meanings of this phrase inspired the title of my book.

3. Jeannie is from Mumbai, lived in Canada, and then moved to North Carolina in the United States. That sounds like a recipe for culture shock. How did she adapt? How difficult was it to write a character who lived in so many places?

Jeannie was inspired by my nursing friends in British Columbia, Canada, many of whom came to Canada from the Punjab area of India. I worked with them on a daily basis for many years and they shared stories of their upbringing with me. They told me they were honored to be my source of inspiration for Jeannie Johal. I began writing my first book, See Me, after moving to Greenville, NC. It is set in British Columbia.

I grew up in a small, rural community but left when I went to university. My studies and jobs took me to different cities and communities across Canada. My sense of adventure has prompted me to visit different countries as well. I learned to adapt to my surroundings, to call home wherever I live, and to become an active member of these communities. I learned – as has Jeannie – that most people are fundamentally decent and will welcome you if you try to adapt to your environment. After all, we fundamentally share the same goals of wanting a good life for ourselves and a better life for our children and grandchildren.

Bless Your Heart is a sequel to See Me and is set in Greenville, NC.

4. Jeannie learns to use a gun to protect herself. Why is this an important theme for the story?

Jeannie befriends Tanisha James, the data-entry clerk, who, despite her young age, has already experienced many hardships. Tanisha encourages Jeannie to get a gun to protect herself, referencing the Constitution and the right to bear arms and protect one's self and one's property. Tanisha enrolls Jeannie in the 'Well-Armed Woman' gun-safety class at the Okay Corral, all the while trying to help Jeannie understand how the Wild West was conquered, and the importance of guns to the American culture.

5. The two detectives have quite different backgrounds. How do they get along in spite of that? How do their backgrounds influence their actions?

Detective Henry Smith is 45 years old. He grew up on a farm near Scotland Neck, a small NC town known for its hunting, fishing, and bird watching. He became a police officer because it would provide him with a job that paid well and also allow him to go after criminals. His approach to policing is slow and steady. He was paired with Detective Harmony after 23 years on the force. They have been partners for two years.

Detective Harmony Harris is 28 years old. She grew up in a middle-class family in Kinston, where her father worked in textiles and her mother was a teacher. Harmony vowed to become a police officer and reform the system from within after her teenage brother was pulled over, strip-searched and thrown into jail in a racially motivated act. Harmony is impetuous and eager to get results.

Harmony's sense of urgency has rubbed off on Henry, who picked up his pace after being paired with her. For her part, Harmony has become more methodical and less quick to judge after partnering with Henry.

6. In the chapter about Moms for Liberty, they encourage Jeannie to return to Canada. Why do they see her as a threat?

They see Jeannie as a threat because she is a stranger, an outsider to NC and to their country. She looks different and behaves differently. They worry she is taking a job that a North Carolinian could perform.

7. Was there a particular message that you wanted to convey with your story?

My goal was to write a novel that would entertain readers, immerse them in a fictional world, and make them forget their cares for a few hours.

8. What's next for you? Are you working on any new books?

I am sketching out two new novels, one based in North Carolina and one in Florida. The North Carolina one will be set in Greenville, Edenton, and the Outer Banks. The Florida one will be set in Largo, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. Both will be thrillers.

9. What's one fact about yourself that you think would be interesting to readers?

I loathe months of snow and cold temperatures. My husband and I moved from Montreal to Vancouver in search of the warmest and most moderate climate in Canada. Our move to Greenville, NC was influenced by Greenville's warmer climate, lack of snow, and proximity to the ocean.

10. What's your favorite meal?

There is nothing better than a red tomato freshly plucked from one's backyard garden, and freshly cut basil leaves to go with it. In the summer, my favorite meal is toasted bruschetta – freshly picked tomatoes and basil chopped up and mixed together with garlic, a little salt and pepper, a little fresh lemon juice, and olive oil, and placed on slices of crusty bread and toasted, along with a salad made with fresh greens grown locally if possible. And, if available, a side of butter beans.

11. If you could hire either a maid, a cook, or a chauffeur, which would you choose and why?

I would never hire a maid because I think I should clean up my own messes. Since I enjoy cooking, I wouldn't hire a cook, either. I would hire a chauffeur if she or he were comfortable with my riding beside them rather than in the back. Having a chauffeur would give me the opportunity to observe everything around me while getting from one place to another.

12. If you had to watch one movie over and over again for 24 hours straight, what movie would you choose?

I would choose Stand By Me because it has a strong plot and subplots, a mix of drama, comedy and sadness, superb actors, and a great soundtrack. It's a touching coming-of-age story, and I also appreciate that the main character is an aspiring writer.

[Joao Victor 9]

In the end, Bless Your Heart is a read that is truly worth it. You’ve managed to blend drama, mystery, and moments of reflection on such important themes like identity, immigration, and acceptance in a very engaging way. I really liked how you developed the characters — they’re all so authentic and complex, and we genuinely care about what happens to them. The story makes us think about issues that are extremely relevant, and it was a pleasure to read something that both entertains and makes me reflect. I would definitely recommend your book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted narrative with well-developed characters and a plot that touches on deep themes.

[Sheldon Neil]

Having just finished *Bless Your Heart* by Susann Camus, I must say, this book is a heartfelt gem. Camus masterfully blends humor, wit, and raw emotion to craft a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The characters are so richly developed that they leap off the page, and the Southern charm woven throughout adds a unique flavor to the narrative.

What struck me most was Camus's ability to tackle profound themes—love, loss, and resilience—with such a light and deft touch. It's a book that will have you laughing on one page and reflecting deeply on the next. The prose is sharp, yet tender, and leaves a lasting impression long after the final chapter.

If you're looking for a book that will make you smile, cry, and think in equal measure, *Bless Your Heart* is a must-read. Susann Camus has truly delivered a story that lingers in the heart and mind, and I can't wait to dive into more of her work. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates an emotionally rich and engaging read.

[Anuj Kumar 21]

n this book, the author displays strong female characters who work in the health system. Jeannie leaves India for Canada and is faced with different forms of racism and sexism by her coworker, who she doesn’t allow to put her down, and faces squarely. Upon arriving at the hospital, there is an ongoing criminal investigation that shows the flaws of the health system, which Jeannie tries to rectify in her own little way, starting from the indigenous disparities in how patients are treated, especially as she is a Brown woman. She settles warmly into her new life, putting India behind her. She becomes a strong woman fighting racism and sexism in her workspace and hoping the past remains in the past and does not come to hunt her. Or will it?

I loved the characterization of this book. The characters were not so many and had depth which was essential to understanding their roles in the book. I also loved the character of Dr. Peter, which showed us that not all that glitters are gold and that there are always two sides to a coin and nobody is perfect. I appreciated the way the author showed us that doctors are not flawless and can make mistakes too, that in as much as we trust them with our lives, they are as human as we are and are prone to mistakes. I also appreciate that there were not many errors in the book, which helped in making it easier to read the book. Lastly, I loved how the author displayed the issues of racism and sexism, issues faced in everyday life, and these issues should not be condoned by any means.

There were some things I didn’t appreciate in this book. First is the unimportant and unwarranted romance towards the end of the book, which I think was cliché. I also didn’t appreciate how the protagonist was portrayed as a goody-two-shoes who couldn’t hurt a fly in the novel. I felt like there were also many loose ends in what happened to some characters, which readers were left to guess as the book ended without tying these ends.

I would rate this book four out of five stars because of the flaws in the book, which I already mentioned above. I did not rate the book lower because I found it to be an interesting read which displayed relevant themes.

I recommend this book for lovers of thrillers, crime novels, and feminists. This would be an excellent read for them.

[Sanjay Vaishnav]

The author, in Bless Your Heart, not only beautifully portrays the life of an immigrant woman but also delves into the fabric of Southern American society with depth and sensitivity.
Jeannie Johal, the main character, was born in Mumbai, raised in Canada, and now lives in North Carolina. She goes on a cultural and emotional journey. This book highlights her struggles, self-discovery, and the challenges of establishing her identity in a new land. Jeannie’s story resonates with anyone who has ever sought to prove themselves in a foreign place.
The author skillfully touches upon major social issues through small, personal experiences—such as racism, the challenges of immigrant life, and the realities of American gun culture. In particular, Jeannie's decision to learn how to use a gun and the cultural context that surrounds it give the story more realism. The partnership between Detective Henry Smith and Detective Harmony Harris adds an interesting dynamic to the narrative. Their contrasting personalities and approaches to work not only make the investigation compelling but also show how diverse backgrounds can positively influence each other.
The chapter involving "Moms for Liberty" is especially relevant today, reflecting the suspicion that outsiders often face. These social prejudices and fears are sensitively presented by the author. The language is simple, the dialogues impactful, and the emotions genuine. This book is not just about an immigrant woman’s life, but about a person’s ability to make anywhere feel like "home."

[Catarina Luciane Silva]

It seems to me that in order to write we need to live, research, listen to other stories and, above all, understand each other through words. The author seems to be a very dear person, who stops to listen to the stories of the people around her. I'm sure the book is really cool and seems like a relaxing read. Definitely going on my list!

[Sanjay Vaishnav]

This interview with the author is truly inspiring and heartfelt. Her love for writing shines through from childhood, where she would pen poems and story ideas on scraps of paper. Her journey spans from journalism to translating scientific concepts into simple English, showcasing her versatile talent and deep-rooted passion for communication.

The idea behind her book, 'Bless Your Heart', is particularly fascinating. The inspiration drawn from a simple phrase and its many meanings highlights the author's ability to find depth in everyday experiences. It also reflects her keen sense of observation and understanding of cultural nuances.

Character development in her story seems very realistic and profound. Jeannie’s struggle to adapt to different cultures, inspired by the author’s personal experiences and friendships, adds authenticity to the narrative. Important issues like racism, gun culture, and the complexities of law enforcement are addressed thoughtfully and sensitively.

The partnership between two detectives from very different backgrounds, and how they influence each other positively, is a strong theme that adds richness to the story. The portrayal of prejudice against immigrants is handled with realism and empathy.

The author's main goal — to entertain readers and offer them an escape from their worries for a few hours — comes through clearly and successfully.

Her plans for future novels set in North Carolina and Florida sound very promising, especially for fans of thrillers.
The personal answers she gives, like her dislike for snowy climates, her favorite meal, and her wish to hire a chauffeur, add a warm and relatable touch to the interview.

Overall, this interview not only provides insight into the author’s writing journey but also reveals her sensitivity, resilience, and ability to weave real-world experiences into engaging fiction

[Sara Castaneda 1]

I love this interview. I like the writer's perspective and how she places such importance of place on a story. Place of a person, such as in this case, NC, gives the reader so much information of environment, feel, and what surroundings are helping shape their journey and the people around them. I too, would also hire a chauffeur It would be nice to be able to observe while going on errands or driving somewhere instead of concentrating on the road or traffic/traffic lights. A good in between time to think. Thanks!

[SusannCamus]

Thank you to Sarah for the interview, and to Sheldon, Sanjay, Joao, Anuj, Catarina, and Sara for their positive comments regarding Bless Your Heart. Susann Camus