This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Susan Bagby will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Blurb:
Willow Barton’s life crumbles at her husband’s arrest for fraud, forcing her to return to her Ohio hometown to rebuild. Running a small bookstore and helping her best friend care for her ailing father offers solace—until Zachary Hayes, her best friend’s brother and a charming country music star, shows up. Struggling to revive his career and reconnect with his estranged father, Zach sparks an undeniable yet unwelcome chemistry with Willow. As her estranged husband seeks forgiveness, and Zach battles his own demons, Willow must confront her painful past and decide if she’s willing to risk her heart again. Caught between heartbreak and hope, can they overcome their fears and build a future together?
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Read an Excerpt
“I did.” Willow felt warmth spreading across her cheeks. Oh, God. I’m blushing.
“You’ve got talent—another surprising quality you possess. And this one?” He indicated another photo on the opposite wall.
“Yes.” She chewed on the end of her pen, watching him.
“Why aren’t you pursuing this as a career?”
She lowered her pen. “I’ve always wanted to, but life got in the way.” She was determined to stay tight-lipped about her endeavors in New York and failed career as a fine arts photographer.
“Don’t let adverse circumstances prevent you from following your dreams, Willow. No matter what happens externally, don’t lose touch with your inner calling.” He lifted the photo and placed it by the cash register. “I want to buy this, please.”
Willow observed his facial expression, which bordered on flirtatious. “You don’t have to. Please don’t feel you need to buy one because we know each other. I won’t be offended.”
“You see, your problem is you don’t believe in yourself. I want this because the photo is an exquisite piece of art. I have a perfect place for it in my house. Don’t argue.” He grinned and eyed her with both hands on his hips, then slapped his credit card onto the counter.
Interview with Susan Bagby
Could you tell us about any research trips you took for this story? Which places did you visit, and what made them essential to your writing?
I recently moved back to my hometown in Ohio after living 30 years in LA. I ventured to a nearby town that was situated on a river and had the cutest boutique shops along Main Street. I felt like it was the perfect little Hallmark town and visualized it as I wrote this new Cedar Hills series. I often drove through it when I was writing.
What's the strangest thing you've ever had to research online for your book?
One book I’m working on required me to research archaeological artifacts of Mexico and inspect the layout of Oxford University in England. It wasn’t strange, but very interesting. I was lucky enough to travel to England last year to see Oxford in person and visit a Mayan exhibit in the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford.
What research (history, mythology, science) goes into your world-building?
Since I usually write small town contemporary romance, most of my world building comes from my own experience. Although I do have to do research into backgrounds or occupations for my characters. I got the idea for Forever Kind of Love from a local newspaper article about a man who was arrested for fraud and had duped everyone. Thus, I created a similar story for Willow, although she lived in a big city and had to return to her hometown to rebuild her life.
Have any of the people you've known, past or present, left a lasting impression on your writing journey? If so, we'd love to hear about a memorable experience that stands out to you.
I’d have to say, that would be my first publisher at a small independent press in Canada, who gave me my first chance to publish a book. All through the process, he was extremely supportive, inspired me to write a second book, and was patient with sales. He gave me the confidence to keep going, improve my craft and follow my dreams.
Do you write in the same genre all the time?
Yes, so far. Forever Kind of Love is my fourth contemporary small-town romance.
If so, have you ever consider writing in another one?
Yes. I have another manuscript that is spicier and has some mystery twists in it as well.
Which character, supernatural or human, do you enjoy writing the most and why?
I like writing about protagonists who are kind, have dreams, and must overcome fears to achieve their highest potential. I’ve had a couple veteran heroes which I really enjoy writing about. I like to honor our military in that way.
About the Author:
Connect with Susan Bagby
Giveaway:
$20 Amazon/BN GC
1 comments:
Thank for featuring FOREVER KIND OF LOVE.
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