A Family of Strangers

It’s my pleasure today to welcome USA Today bestselling author Emilie Richards to Thoughts in Progress to talk about her new dynamic family drama releasing this month, A FAMILY OF STRANGERS (MIRA Books; June 25; $15.99 U.S).

Perfect for fans of Brenda Novak and Diane Chamberlain, A FAMILY OF STRANGERS presents a suspenseful, emotionally complex story about the dark shadows of sisterhood, and needing to work together with your family when you hardly know them at all. Emilie, renowned for her “intricate, seductive” storytelling (Publishers Weekly) and her realistic, yet unforgettable characters, tests the boundaries of family as a crime reporter tries to clear her estranged sister’s name of murder.

Wendy and Ryan are sisters, 17 years apart, Ryan living all her life in Wendy's shadow. Now, as adults even Ryan’s successful career as a crime reporter pales in comparison to Wendy’s picture-perfect life. But when Wendy randomly reaches out to Ryan to plead for her help after being accused of murder, Ryan steps in only to realize that Wendy is not who she seems to be.  Is Wendy, who always seemed so perfect, just a perfect liar—or worse?

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Emilie, who stopped by to answer some questions for us. Welcome, Emilie.

The age-old question, what inspired this story?

Emilie:

This idea began to percolate years ago after reading a news story about a young woman convicted of murder. She was an exemplary student in high school, from a respected family, and there seemed to be no signs she would later murder somebody "just for fun." I began to wonder how well we ever know the people we love. Do we discount signs they might not be what they seem? Is loyalty the virtue that keeps families together? Do we take what our loved ones tell us at face value or do we dig deeper, keeping an open mind? And is an open mind possible under those circumstances? I wanted to examine those questions and did in A Family of Strangers.

Do you have a ritual that you follow when you are writing - certain place to write, certain time, drink, music, etc.?

Emilie:

I am happiest writing at my desk in the quietest room in my house. I start early and finish around five, but, of course, these days lots of that time is spent on promotion, research, and staying in touch with readers. I've learned that what I write on days when I'm not in the mood is as good as what I write when I am. So, I stay and I work whether I feel like it or not, but I've been known to bribe myself with peanut M&Ms.

What was the most difficult aspect of writing this story and what was the easiest?

Emilie:

Great question. The relationship between sisters Ryan and Wendy and their mother, Arlie, is highly nuanced and in many ways unusual. Showing why it was complicated as well as revealing secrets long held took a lot of planning and editing. So that was the most difficult part. The easiest part was the premise. How well do we know the people we love? Can we be loyal to them and still keep an open mind?

What question do you wish readers would ask that they never have?

Emilie:

I've been at this for a while, so honestly, I think I've been asked everything. I do love it, though, when readers start any questions with "This was such a fabulous book, can you tell me...?"

Are you currently working on any new projects?

Emilie:

I'm working on the idea for my next Mira, which includes doing research. Last week I spent a day in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where I plan to set the book. As I watched a diver demonstrate searching for sponges wearing the same historic diving suit used for much of the twentieth century, I decided that writing is similar. We dive deep, and we weed through a multitude of useless ideas until we find the one with value. That's me right now, sorting trash from treasure.

Author Emilie Richards

Emilie, thanks so much for answering my questions. Relationships can be trying in any family. As for your thoughts on diving, I must agree. I think writing is similar to diving. You never know what you’ll come up with.

Now for those of you who aren’t familiar with Emilie, here’s a bit of background on her.

Emilie Richards’ many novels feature intricate characterizations and in-depth explorations of social issues, a result of her training and experience as a family counselor, which contributes to her fascination with relationships of all kinds.

Thanks for stopping by today. What are your thoughts on the complex relationship between sisters and daughters and their mother?

The Yankee Widow

I’m delighted to be a part of the blog tour for #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller’s novel THE YANKEE WIDOW (MIRA Hardcover; May 7, 2019; $26.99), a richly layered, multi-generational saga set during the Civil War. 

This evocative and richly researched novel draws from dramatic story of Caroline Hammond, the young widow of Corporal Jacob Hammond, as she takes on the sole responsibility of the family farm that lies just at the edge of the town of Gettysburg. Keeping his promise to look after the farm and keep Caroline and her daughter Rachel safe if Jacob does not return from battle is Enoch Flynn, a hired former slave who has worked for the Hammonds for years and mourns Jacob as a brother.

As horrific fighting erupts on her doorstep, the vagaries of war put Caroline’s homestead in the direct path of a dedicated Union soldier and a passionate Southern rebel. Both are seeking shelter at the farm and each is loyal to his side. As the intensity of one of the pivotal battles of the war comes to a climax, Caroline will do what it takes to protect her daughter, their home, and to help the Union Army that her husband gave his life to.

THE YANKEE WIDOW is a story of sacrifice, loyalty, love, and hope set against the backdrop of the most critical juncture in American history.

For those who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her.

Author Linda Lael Miller

The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a spacious property outside Spokane.

Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher's Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.

Dedicated to helping others, "The First Lady of the West" personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.

More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you a fan of Civil War themed books? What is it that draws you to this era in books?

Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

◊ Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

◊ Series: Sullivan’s Crossing, Book 2

◊ Hardcover: 336 pages

◊ Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary

◊ Publisher: MIRA (April 18, 2017)

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 0778319911

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0778319917

SYNOPSIS:

The highly-anticipated sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr's What We Find transports readers back to Sullivan's Crossing. The rustic campground at the crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide trails welcomes everyone—whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a whole new lease on life. It's a wonderful place where good people face their challenges with humor, strength and love.

          For Sierra Jones, Sullivan's Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She's put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn't yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet.

          Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she's always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it's a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan's Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.

The concept of a second chance always draws me into a story and author Robyn Carr has a great way of doing that.

In this second installment in her Sullivan’s Crossing series, the author once again introduces characters that are realistic and likeable. She makes them seem like people you know down the street or wished lived down the street. They have traits, faults, and problems readers can relate to.

The small community setting is another drawing card that makes ANY DAY NOW a delightful read. Through vivid descriptions and rich details, readers are drawn into Sullivan Crossing as it comes to life on the page.

The interaction of the characters and the bonds of family and friends will stay with you long after you read the last line. A story of second chances that will make you believe.

Any Day Now by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing (Book #2), MIRA, @2017, ISBN: 978-0778319917, Hardcover, 336 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as well as highly praised women’s fiction titles such as Four Friends, What We Find, and The Life She Wants.

Robyn has won a RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, and in 2016 she was awarded RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the genre. Her novels have been translated into 19 languages in 30 countries.

Originally from Minnesota, Robyn now resides in Henderson, Nevada, with her aviator husband; they have two grown children. When she isn’t writing, Robyn puts her energy into community service: she has mentored a seniors’ memoir-writing group, attends book club chats in and out of state whenever possible, and is working with her local library on the Carr Chat Series, a program centered on fundraising and visiting author events that bring writers, their books, and the community together.

Thanks for stopping by today during Robyn’s tour visit. Do you believe in second (or even third) chances?

A Million Little Things

It’s a pleasure today to tell you about a great new book, A MILLION LITTLE THINGS, by #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.

MIRA will publish the book tomorrow, February 28th. This third book in Mallery's acclaimed Mischief Bay series has been called “engaging and comically touching” by Library Journal and “delightful” by Booklist.

◊ A MILLION LITTLE THINGS

◊ by Susan Mallery

◊ #1 New York Times bestselling author

◊ MIRA, trade paperback,  

◊ In stores February 28, 2017

A MILLION LITTLE THINGS is available through Amazon.

“Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations. Her engaging and comically touching third novel in the Mischief Bay series continues to satisfy lovers of women’s fiction.”—Library Journal

“Mallery brings back her signature mix of friendship, romance, and humor in this third book in the Mischief Bay series…Mallery has written a delightful book, with realistic characters facing problems and situations in genuine, believable ways. There isn’t a false note in this book or this series.”—Booklist

From the bestselling author of The Girls of Mischief Bay and The Friends We Keep comes a twisty tale of family dynamics that explores what can go terribly, hysterically wrong when the line between friendship and family blurs…

Zoe Saldivar is more than just single—she’s ALONE. She recently broke up with her longtime boyfriend, she works from home, and her best friend Jen is so obsessed with her baby that she has practically abandoned their friendship. The day Zoe accidentally traps herself in her attic with her hungry-looking cat, she realizes that it’s up to her to stop living in isolation.

          Her seemingly empty life takes a sudden turn for the complicated—her first new friend is Jen’s widowed mom, Pam. The only guy to give her butterflies in a very long time is Jen’s brother. And meanwhile, Pam is being very deliberately seduced by Zoe’s own smooth-as-tequila father. Pam’s flustered, Jen’s annoyed, and Zoe is beginning to think “alone” doesn't sound so bad, after all.

          Friendship isn’t just one thing—it’s a million little things, and no one writes them with more heart and humor than book club sensation Susan Mallery!

Author Susan Mallery

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women. Publishers Weekly calls Susan’s prose “luscious and provocative,” and Booklist says, “Novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling.”

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband and her tiny but intrepid toy poodle.

For more about Susan and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and sign up for her newsletter.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out Susan’s book that releases tomorrow. Isn’t there something about a twisty tale of family dynamics that just draws you in?