Sit-Down Saturday with Tara Randel

Today we’re celebrating the release of Magnolia Bride.

So, Tara, where did you get the idea for this novel?

The characters first came on the scene in Orange Blossom Brides. Once I met Dane and revealed a small bit of his back story with Nealy, I had to create their entire story. I knew it would be a reunion story and I have to admit, this was the fastest book I ever wrote because I enjoyed the characters and story so much. Reunion books always touch a place in our heart when we think about  the past and this idea was no exception.

In looking at the cover, if you could add a caption or captions, what would they say?

                                                                         I love life!

How long did it take you to write?

Approximately four months.  I find that is a good timetable for me.

What is your favorite scene?

It has to be when Nealy first runs into Dane after many years apart. She is caught off-guard by seeing the man he’s grown to be and has to struggle with her emotions of being reunited, even just for a short time, with the man who broke her heart. She is only in town at the request of her sister, otherwise she’d never put herself in a situation where she could run into Dane. She’s surprised, first to see him and secondly, because the attraction for this man is still so very strong. She realizes he still has a place in her heart. Now she will deal with her emotions, which makes the story a fun ride.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nealy. I love her spunk, her willingness to help her family, even at a personal cost and her vision for the future. She is a strong character and I think most readers will find her appealing.

If you could pick fictional characters to play the hero and heroine, who would they be?

After looking at actors to portray my characters, Michael Weatherly would make a perfect Dane. 

 

                       Minka Kelly resembles Nealy.

 

Tell us one thing you learned during research.

I could probably open a coffee shop with all the information I gathered! In the book, Nealy updates her grandmother’s coffee shop, so I spent time looking over coffee equipment, supplies, business plans, you name it.

What music would match the mood of this novel?

Anything by Brad Paisley. His love songs are heartfelt and romantic, but he also has a keen sense of humor my characters would appreciate.

This is your 9th book.  Exactly what does that mean to you?

 When you first get into writing to reach publication, you dream of your first sale, then the next and the next. It has been a long road, but I’m excited to still be on the road! You’re never quite sure if your next book will be accepted, so to have this many books published is still exciting. Writing for Harlequin is a dream come true and I’m so honored and happy to be part of the Heartwarming line.

What do you plan to work on next?

I have a December release, Honeysuckle Bride, part of the Business of Wedding series. Right now my editor has proposals for future books, so we’ll wait and see.

What are you reading for pleasure right now?

I am such a voracious reader, I can read two to three books a week when not writing. On my night stand is Top Secret Twenty-One by Janet Evanovich. I also have Heartwarming books I want read, as well as some big summer thrillers.