Someplace Familiar Review and Giveaway!

Posted by abakersp in Contemporary / 11 Comments

I’m so happy to have author Teresa Tysinger on the blog today talking about her new book Someplace Familiar! I think you’ll love this debut novel, a contemporary southern romance with themes of faith, hope in new love, and grace. It’s the first in a series of books set in Laurel Cove, a fictional town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Make sure you check out the other stops on the blog tour, and don’t forget to enter to win a signed book and more from Teresa at the end of this post. And leave your comments and questions below—Teresa will be stopping by to visit with us!

About the Book

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Click to purchase

Artist Livy Johnson needs a fresh start. That’s what a broken heart and forgotten dreams can do to a person. On little more than a whim, she reclaims her grandmother’s old home in quaint Laurel Cove, North Carolina and vows to restore its original charm. When she literally collides with childhood friend, Jack Bowdon, Livy wonders if she’s back for an entirely different reason.

Jack can’t believe his childhood crush is back. As the owner of Bowdon’s Supplies, and once again the town’s most eligible bachelor, he offers to help Livy with repairs. Together they embark on the project—and an undeniable whirlwind romance.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Can they survive the destructive pain of their pasts to discover God’s grace waiting to renovate their hearts?

My Perspective

The story of Livy and Jack is beautiful, wonderful, and had an element of surprise/suspense that I was not at all expecting. I was drawn to the storyline, and found myself cheering them on right from the start. This story was also about new beginnings and forgiveness. Livy’s journey of self worth and becoming her own person was well written. It was on her terms, in her timeline, and balanced well with the romantic storyline.

Here’s what I liked about the romantic storyline – it wasn’t fast paced and purely physical. Instead, I found it to be sweet, starting out more like a friendship than anything (yes there was definitely chemistry, but the characters were smart in their approach). They took their time to get reacquainted with each other, learning about each other, and giving each other the space they needed when necessary. I also enjoyed how the author brought in some friends to the mix. There were several scenes where the friends had get togethers, or just talking with one another. This added more depth to the storyline, my connection to it and the town. Just made the story feel that more real to me. Not only did Livy start to feel welcomed to Laurel Cove, I did too!

My favorite line in the entire book was “when you feel peaceful about something you would usually fear or doubt, it is God giving you a nudge to walk along the path he has set for you.” I could see this as the theme of the book for both Livy and Jack. They both needed a little nudge, and to understand the reasoning behind it. We could all connect to that in the real world if we stop and think about it.

If you’re looking for a little romance, you’ll certainly find it here. More importantly, those readers who are looking for inspiration on your own personal journey, I think you may find it here. Join Livy and Jack on their journeys. You just might take a little journey of your own. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

TeresaTysinger.jpgTeresa Tysinger is a wife and mother transplanted from North Carolina to North Texas. When not working as the Director of Communications for a large downtown church, she writes charming southern romances inspired by grace. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Religious Communicators’ Council, and the Association for Women in Communications, Teresa has spent over a decade committed to telling stories of faith through written word. She loves coffee, caramel, and stories with happy endings.

Connect with Teresa on:
Web
: www.teresatysinger.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16536072.Teresa_Tysinger
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresatysingerauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmtysinger
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresatysingerauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/teresatysinger/
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2qHqhro

Interview with Teresa!

Where did you get the inspiration for Someplace Familiar?

The inspiration for the book came from two places. First, my memories of my own great-grandmother’s charming home and gardens inspired Livy’s Gram’s cottage. It gave me the chance to catalog my memories into a living story. Also, I am completely enamored with the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Having grown up in Florida, when I attended college in the mountains, I fell in love with the area and knew writing a story with it as the setting was meant to be!

What is it about the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina that made such an impression on you as the setting for this book?

Oh goodness, the list is so long! I love the four distinct seasons—each offering something uniquely beautiful and enchanting. The culture is rich, eclectic, and full of whimsy. And don’t forget the slow pace of easy rocking chairs, bubbling brooks, rustling trees, and the gentle roll of both the mountains and the southern drawls. I love it all!

Christian romance is a popular genre. What defines the genre for you as a writer?

The story of Christ’s love for us is the truest, most pure romance. So, when a book of fiction can combine the love story between two humans with the transforming, powerful love of God it’s the best of both worlds. I personally enjoy romances that show readers that real life and relationships are messy and the “happily ever after” isn’t necessarily riding off into the sunset, but rather comes with sacrifice and compromise. So, that’s what I aim to write, too!

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

My favorite part of writing a book comes at the earliest stages. I love naming characters and being creative putting the plot together. At that stage, anything is possible and it’s okay to be a little messy with it!

What was the biggest challenge about the decision to self-publish Someplace Familiar?

Oh boy! Self-publishing has taught me so much about the business of being a writer. The most challenging part is keeping all of the spinning plates moving and not crashing to the floor. Editing, design, marketing, networking, etc. These days, however, even traditional publishing requires authors to be major players in every step of the process. So, I think all authors must learn to multitask—and, for me, that’s a challenge.

Thank you for stopping by and talking with us today!!

Tour Schedule

JUNE 10: http://teresatysinger.com

JUNE 11: https://andycarmichaelblog.wordpress.com/, www.abakersperspective.wordpress.com

Giveaway!

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ENTER HERE https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e36c22633/ to win a signed paperback copy of Someplace Familiar, a custom 8×8” canvas painting by artist Cyndi Browning (in honor of the book’s heroine, Livy, who is an artist), and $10 Amazon Gift Card. Winner will be announced on Teresa’s website on June 18 once the tour wraps up. (Open to continental US residents only; sorry international readers!)

 

11 responses to “Someplace Familiar Review and Giveaway!

  1. gobers2013

    I am an avid reader and would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  2. Really enjoyed the description of the book. This is a new author to me and I would enjoy reading the book.