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.
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?
Read an Excerpt
He browsed the shelves, stopping in front of a framed photograph on the wall of a close-up picture of a couple, sitting in a park somewhere in New York City. The woman was laughing, and the man held her outstretched hand. “The carefree expressions on their faces strike me with a feeling of wistfulness. Not an easy emotion to capture in an image. Who did this?” Zach pointed to the picture.
“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.
Author Interview
What genre do you read? Who's an author you read? Name your top 5 authors.
SEB: I tend to read romance, historical fiction and literary. I usually rotate the genre as I go. Nightingale is one of my favorite books and I’m a big fan of Kristin Hannah, Ocean Vuong, Rebecca Yarros, Abby Jimenez and Jojo Moyes.
What book are you reading right now, and what do you like about it?
SEB: I’m reading Beartown by Fredrik Backman. I’m a little late to the party but I’m loving how he can write something so enthralling with multiple characters—and I’m never confused.
Favorite sports.
SEB: To play, definitely golf. I’m addicted big time. To watch, football.
Favorite thing about the state/country that you live in.
SEB: What I love about Ohio and my town is that most people are genuine, kind and caring. And no traffic! (After 30 years living in LA, this is a big one for me☺
How long have you been writing?
SEB: I’ve been writing songs for many years. That’s where I first started. I’ve started and stopped books over the last 20 years while I was working. There just wasn’t enough time. Then, a couple years before I retired, I started on a novel and never quit.
What inspired you to become a writer?
SEB: For romance, that began with my mother—reading some of her Harlequin books she had accumulated and watching Hallmark movies together.
What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?
SEB: I’m a hybrid. I usually have a basic outline, but not too detailed. I know the story beats and like to use the structure given in Save the Cat Writes a Novel. Then, when I write, I let the muses speak to me. That’s the pantsing part I love—pure magic.
How do you celebrate finishing a book?
SEB: I celebrate by doing something nice for myself, like taking trip, getting a massage, or going out with friends for a champagne toast. I really try to acknowledge the hard work and my accomplishment.
What would you tell a writer who is just starting?
SEB: Take as many courses as you can. There are many that are free online. Join a writing community because you will need critique partners down the road.
What program do you use for writing?
SEB: I write in Microsoft word documents.
What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
SEB: Keep going. Never give up.
What’s your writing software of choice?
SEB: I don’t use a software program other than Word.
How do you organize everything and find the time to sit down and write?
SEB: I find I am a consistent writer who perseveres on projects, no matter what. I write every morning, seven days a week, unless I have an event, or traveling, or something else. But I write because I love it, so getting the pages down and editing never feels like work.
As an author, what would you choose as your spirit animal?
SEB: Perhaps a hawk—centering on vision, clarity and a guide for intuition.
Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
SEB: My close friends and my mom and dad from the other side—I can feel them.
How do you name your characters?
SEB: Sometimes I hear a name that I like, and I put it in a file like I did with Willow for this book. Other times, I scan baby name lists on the Internet.
Can you describe a typical day in your writing life?
SEB: I get up around 6:30, shower, then do yoga and meditate. Then I make chai tea and head to my writing chair for 2-3 hours. I come back later in the afternoon and write in my office.
Tell us about your current release.
SEB: 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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