Sit Down Saturday with Tara Randel



Today we’re celebrating the release of Honeysuckle Bride.
Book three in The Business of Weddings series.


 
 So, Tara, where did you get the idea for this novel?
I had the ideas for Magnolia Bride and Honeysuckle Bride sketched out a few years ago. I wanted to stay in the beachside town of Cypress Pointe, where I set Orange Blossom Brides, the first book in the series. I love to revisit the characters I’ve come to love, so although each story stands on its own, you can catch up with old friends.



In looking at the cover, if you could add a caption or captions, what would they say?
I’m looking for Mr. Right.

How long did it take you to write?
4 months.

What is your favorite scene?
When Wyatt comes to Jenna’s house to have dinner with Jenna and the twins. Disaster ensues and everyone gets a good laugh. As much as I love heartfelt scenes in books, I equally enjoy a good laugh along with my characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?
Wyatt. He is still struggling with the death of his son. I have plenty of experience and sympathy for Wyatt since I lost my own daughter two years ago. When I came up with the original concept, my daughter was still with us. Still, I decided to keep the original premise, knowing that much of what I was feeling would go into strengthening Wyatt’s character.

If you could pick fictional characters to play the hero and heroine, who would they be?
For Jenna, I pictured Scarlett Johansson. She portrays a mix between being sure of herself and doubting just how sure she is of herself. I love self-irony. Of course we must have a hunky hero, so I imagined Wyatt looking like Colin O’Donoghue, the dastardly pirate with a good heart from ABC’s Once Upon A Time. *Sigh*

This is your 10th book. Exactly what does that mean to you?
It means I’ve been blessed to do what I love.  Writing is a part of who I am, I’m always coming up with new ideas and story lines. My mind can get pretty crowded!

What do you plan to work on next?
I have proposals in with my editor for the next books in The Business of Weddings series.

What are you reading for pleasure right now?
I have six Christmas romance books on my nightstand ready to read. It's my personal goal to finish them all by year’s end.

Comments

  1. Tara, So, so sorry about the loss of your daughter. My heart goes out to you. I've lost two very close family members in the last two years (although I can't even conceive the loss of a child) and I think grief is one the most incredibly difficult aspects of life. I know that at some point it touches virtually everyone yet it's so personal at the same time. Congratulations on book #10. I adore your writing and have Honeysuckle Bride queued up on my kindle!

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  2. Tara, your books sound wonderful. The characters you created do need to be revisited :) And the cover is grand.

    Sigh, you don't want to know how many books I have beside my bed. Suffice it to say, maybe next Christmas.
    So sorry about the loss of y our daughter. I'll bet as every Heartwarming author or editor, or reader, reads this, they'll be holding out a figurative hand to grasp yours.

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  3. Tara. I'm going to channel the courage that keeps you going - and creating scenes that make people laugh! You're made of tough stuff, Girl! Love the cover of Honeysuckle Bride and your caption for it - perfect! I have a TBR pile, too, but I haven't touched it in months. I have to change that! Happy weekend.

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  4. Tara, I'm looking forward to reading the next in your Orange Blossom Brides. I'm glad you have your writing to help you work through a terrible loss. I'm sure readers should have a box of tissues handy.

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  5. Thanks so much to everyone. I love all you!

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  6. Losing a child must be the hardest thing a parent can face and I offer my heartfelt sympathy. Honeysuckle Bride sounds like a great book!

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  7. Tara, I can't put into words how sorry I am for your loss.

    Congratulations on your release, and I wish you much success with it.

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  8. I'll join with the others in sorrow for your loss--I can't imagine. I love the premise of the book. It is on my TBR pile...which is teetering dangerously these days even though most of it is on a Kindle!

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  9. I won this book during last week's Harlequin Open House and can't wait to read it.

    Sending some Christmas magic in getting those proposals approved!

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  10. Your book sounds like a wonderful read.

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  12. Love this interview! And can't wait to read the book!

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