Returning To Harmony with Author Jodi Thomas

It’s always a pleasure to welcome author Jodi Thomas back to Thoughts in Progress as it means she has a new installment in her Harmony series. CHANCE OF A LIFETIME is her latest release.

The fifth book in her popular Harmony series, CHANCE OF A LIFETIME presents a story where big dreams are brewing - and anything and everything is possible. Here’s a brief synopsis:
     Emily, the local librarian, has started a writing group, but as the group stumbles through both the fiction and reality of their lives, they’re learning much more than how to write. But Emily suddenly has other things on her mind when a friend from her past shows up in Harmony’s library. Now she must deal with a secret she’s kept for fifteen years—a secret that changed her life and threatens to shatter her future.
     Meanwhile, new lawyer Rick Matheson thinks he’s in charge of his world until accidents start happening all around him. Just when he realizes someone is trying to kill him, he meets a beautiful U.S. Marshal named Trace Adam. Now that the marshal has given him an even stronger reason to go on living, he must learn to take a chance on life to dream bigger—and love better—than he ever has before.

Publishers Weekly has given CHANCE OF A LIFETIME a starred review and had this to say about it: “Another winner...Fans will be delighted.” 

Jodi joins us today to talk about her intriguing town and the people that call it home. 

As the holidays wind down and we cuddle into the cool nights, I’d love to take you along on a journey with me to a small town in Texas called Harmony. 

When I began CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, I started with Emily, a librarian. She’s kind and caring with a secret that keeps her fears compartmentalized in her mind. When a friend from her past asks a favor, she agrees not knowing how far into an adventure they’ll stumble while discovering each other and a secret of the town. 

If you are looking for a book that will let you step out of daily life into a world of mystery, laughs and falling in love, you’ll enjoy CHANCE OF A LIFETIME.

So, come along with me to Harmony.

Jodi, thanks for visiting with us again and giving us another look at Harmony and its residents. The idea of a librarian with a secret makes for a fun adventure.

Jodi is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 36 novels and 11 short story collections. In June 2011, WELCOME TO HARMONY, the first book in the Harmony series, won a RITA, the highest award for women’s fiction. Jodi currently serves as the Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. 

For more on Jodi, her writing and her Harmony series you can check out her website, visit her on Facebook and find her on Twitter.

As a special treat I’d like to share a review of CHANCE OF A LIFETIME from Fresh Fiction written by Sandra Wurman.  

     First let me let you in on a secret -- I've never met a Jodi Thomas book that wasn't absolutely dog eared from being read so many times. They are all like warm cozy friends that just beg to be taken back down from the book shelves and revisited. When given the opportunity to read or review a Thomas book I grab it with gusto. CHANCE OF A LIFETIME is destined to become one of my favorites and I'll wager that it will be yours as well. Thomas managed to interweave a host of stories and characters in this wonderful contemporary tale infused with humor and mystery. The pages come alive as you are invited into the world of people who live in small town Harmony.
     Who would have thought a library could hold not only a wealth of knowledge but secrets as well. As a centerpiece of a community the library is a place people go to for many reasons and it would appear that the Harmony library has its share of stories to tell -- no pun intended.
     The librarian Emily Tomlinson's life appears to be an open book with the inhabitants fully aware of the tragic and violent attack fifteen years ago when she was just a teenager. A teenager who happened to be in the wrong place at the absolute wrong time. In her memories of the event all she recollects is that her best friend Tannon Parker wasn't there for her, such a breach of faith it would form a chasm between the two that was impossible to bridge. Tannon it appears harbors his own nightmares of that evening. He remembers getting there too late to stop the attack but his memories go even further. As time goes on he realizes that Emily didn't fully realize the events of that night and no one should reopen those barely healed wounds.
     Tannon has unfulfilled dreams of his own -- those dreams and wishes included Emily and a desire to get back a normal, fulfilled life hopefully with someone who cares for and about him. Emily still has an aversion to being out past dark. And her life has definitely stalled into a comfortable nonthreatening routine that borders on loveless and downright boring. Well that's all about to change and change is supposed to be good for the soul.
     There's someone in this quiet little town that has a grudge against the towns lawyer Rick Matheson. Rick thinks of his practice as barely existent and yet he is continually being put in harm's way with no clues as to motive or person of interest. These accidents are not minor in any way. Luck has been on Rick's side as he has survived life threatening injuries. He barely recuperates from one "accident" when there is another attack. Law officials are taking note of these attacks and have decided Rick needs protection. Moving into the local bed and breakfast seems a logical and hopefully safe place where Rick won't be alone and at the same time hopefully not put others in jeopardy. The Matheson's are lifelong residents of this little town and they are working behind the scenes to guard Rick even if he is reluctant to admit to the danger.
     There's something about small town living that is very compelling. Knowing all your neighbors should make you feel safe and yet in CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, Thomas effectively casts doubt on that belief. There's a huge cast of characters in her latest book too numerous to mention much less give any insight into but heed my words this is a masterfully written story about a group of people who will grab hold from beginning to end. You almost dread finding out if any of them is the culprit.

Thanks everyone for stopping by today. Do you enjoy books that featuring small towns? What is it about small towns that appeals to us and draws us in?

*****

BTW, those who guessed yesterday concerning the 'can you name it' photo were all correct. It was a clothes pin.

Thanks for playing along.
 

Author Jodi Thomas: New Release, Writing And A Giveaway

I’m delighted to welcome New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jodi Thomas back to Thoughts in Progress as she prepares for the release of the fourth novel in her award-winning Harmony series, JUST DOWN THE ROAD. 

Here’s a brief synopsis of the book: When Tinch Turner lost his wife, he gave up on living. Now he spends his nights brooding, boozing and brawling. When one of his escapades lands him in the ER, he finds himself staring up at the beautiful new doctor in town. For the first time in years, he feels a spark, but Addison Spencer wants nothing to do with the unruly rancher—or any man for that matter. She’s only in Harmony four months, long enough for the trouble she left behind to be over. But then a vulnerable little boy barrels into both of their lives, forcing them out of the
past —and into a future where love is just down the road… 

Thanks to Jodi, I have a copy of JUST DOWN THE ROAD to giveaway to a lucky visitors who comments on this post by 8 p.m. (EST) on Monday, April 2. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only. Be sure to leave your email address in the comment, if it’s not included in your profile.

Jodi joins us to talk about her new book and her writing. 

 
JUST DOWN THE ROAD is my 36th novel and I believe one of the best I’ve ever written. Whenever I write I always think about the kind of story I love to read. I want to laugh and cry and fall in love. I want to care. I want to stay with the story longer than planned because I just have to know what happens next.  

I think, as you read JUST DOWN THE ROAD that I will take you on that journey. You’re going to love my people, not because they’re rich or famous, or powerful, but because they’re kind. They’re trying to survive in a world where doing what is right matters. 

  
Whenever I begin to plot I like to mix my stories together so that one plot forms out of the life of several people. In JUST DOWN THE ROAD I have the beginnings of young, first time, love and the sweet love of two people who thought they were destined to live their lives alone. 

In the opening I introduce two people who are running, one from life and the other toward it. One, because of fear, thinks she’s never lived and the other feels his life is over. They are not a couple anyone would put together but as they grow to love each other. Tinch and Addison realize they’re a perfect match. And, for a man just learning to live again, Tinch has to also realize that there are some things in life worth risking his life for. 

 
I’d like to welcome you to step into my town, Harmony, Texas, and get to know the people. The streets of Harmony, the ranches and farms around, the vast open land that molds a special kind of people, all form together in my head as real as a road map.  

My characters, spurs and all, step into my imagination, “have a set” and tell me their stories. They are as real to me as family and friends and they’ll come alive to you also. Who knows, when you finish the book, you might just feel like you have another home town. 

 
Remember, always be kind to one another, and enjoy my newest story.

Jodi, thanks so much for returning and sharing about your upcoming release. JUST DOWN THE ROAD (ISBN: 978-0425246924) is slated for release on April 3 by Berkley. Does that cover just invite you to pick it up and meet new friends?

Here are a couple of quick quotes about the book: “Extremely powerful and gripping writing...full of passionate moments, hidden secrets, and likable Characters.”  ~  Roundtable Reviews 

“Even for readers new to the series, the intricate relationships between these affable men and eccentric women are easy to follow and even easier to love.” ~ Publishers Weekly 

Now let me share a bite about Jodi.  A fifth generation Texan, Jodi chooses to set the majority of her novels in her home state. With a degree in Family Studies, she is a marriage and family counselor by education, a background that enables her to write about family dynamics. Honored in 2002 as a Distinguished Alumni by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Jodi enjoys interacting with students on the West Texas A & M University campus, where she currently serves as Writer In Residence. When not working on a novel or inspiring students to pursue a writing career, Jodi enjoys traveling with her husband, Tom, renovating a historic home they bought in Amarillo, and "checking up" on their two grown sons. 

WELCOME TO HARMONY, the first book in her series, won a RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America in June 2011. SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY, the second in the series, won the Reviewers Choice Award from www.twolipsreviews.com. 

For more on Jodi and her writing, visit her website at www.jodithomas.com or find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JodiThomasAuthor or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jodithomas

Get a sneak preview of the book through this lovely book trailer for JUST DOWN THE ROAD.

Do you enjoy a small town atmosphere in the books your read? Do you enjoy feeling like you know the characters when you finished the book? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of JUST DOWN THE ROAD.

Author Jodi Thomas: Characters Come Alive And A Giveaway

It’s my pleasure to welcome another ‘new-to-me’ author here today as she prepares for the release of the third installment in her Harmony series. Please say hello to NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas. 

Jodi’s newest book, THE COMFORTS OF HOME, is scheduled to be released on Nov. 1. The book will continue the story about a fascinating little Texas town and its numerous lovable characters. 

Thanks to Jodi, I have 1 copy of THE COMFORTS OF HOME to giveaway to a lucky visitor who comments on this post between now and 8 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, Nov. 1. The giveaway is open to US residents only. Be sure to include your e-mail address with your comment if it’s not in your profile.

Jodi joins us to talk characters coming to life. 

I love traveling the world, but in my mind when I want to relax I always journey to a small town I call Harmony. To me it is as real a place as Rome or London. Sometimes when I’m driving through Duncan, Oklahoma, or Waco, Texas, or Red River, New Mexico, (all places I’ve been this month) I see the town and think ‘they have just that kind of store in Harmony.’ The first of November my third book about a Texas town called Harmony will be hitting the stands. I hope people will come along with me and meet the people in THE COMFORTS OF HOME.
 
Once in a while a character plays at the corner of a writer’s mind for a long time before their story begins to grow. Ronelle Logan was like that with me. She was in WELCOME TO HARMONY as a girl who worked in the post office and eats alone every day in the diner. I knew she’d have her own story one day even from the beginning. As she wakes up to the world around her she sees what her life is really like and wants more.
 
COMFORTS OF HOME is about the people in a small town who come together to celebrate life. They care about one another. Many nights when I sat down in my study to write I felt as if I was stepping into a world, a place that was as real to me as my life. I never think of my people as characters in a story, but always as people. They walk though my life and make it a richer place and I hope they’ll do the same for you as you read THE COMFORTS OF HOME. Enjoy! Jodi 

Jodi, thanks for guest blogging today. I always enjoy a book where they author makes the characters seem realistic, like the people you would know in everyday life.

Now let me share a bite about Jodi. A 5th generation Texan, Jodi chooses to set the majority of her novels in her home state. With a degree in Family Studies, she is a marriage and family counselor by education, a background that enables her to write about family dynamics. Honored in 2002 as a Distinguished Alumni by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Jodi enjoys interacting with students on the West Texas A & M University campus, where she currently serves as Writer In Residence. When not working on a novel or inspiring students to pursue a writing career, Jodi enjoys traveling with her husband, Tom, renovating a historic home they bought in Amarillo, and "checking up" on their two grown sons. 

WELCOME TO HARMONY, the first book in her series, won a RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America in June 2011. SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY, the second in the series, won the Reviewers Choice Award from www.twolipsreviews.com. 

For more on Jodi and her writing, visit her website at www.jodithomas.com or find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JodiThomasAuthor. You can pre-order THE COMFORTS OF HOME on Jodi’s website.

Do you enjoy stories that involve small towns? What about a series that follows the lives of several people over a period of time, does that appeal to you as a reader? Thanks for stopping by and be sure to enter the giveaway.