Sit-down Saturday with Cynthia Thomason

Today we’re celebrating the January release of A BOY TO REMEMBER by Cynthia Thomason 

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

I have always wanted to write a book set in my native Ohio. I grew up in a small town in northeast Ohio, and though I live in Florida now, I have always believed my home town and surrounding area is beautiful, serene, and a great way to experience the four seasons. The idea for the first book, set in a well-to-do neighborhood in Ohio’s “horse country” soon expanded into two more books, making a series about three sisters who grew up in modest luxury, yet faced challenges most anyone can relate to.

In looking at the cover, if you could add a caption or captions, what would they say? 
“Together we can face any obstacle” or “I’m so glad we found each other again.” Daniel and Alexis were summer lovers eighteen years ago. Now, each is a successful adult facing the future without a partner. Alexis is a widow, and Daniel is the state’s newest senator and facing his own challenges. The biggest challenge is the secret that Alexis brings when she returns to Ohio from Chicago.

How long did it take you to write?
Maybe four months. I found myself getting “into the zone” more quickly with this book than with others I have written. This book was truly a labor of love. With every scene I could picture some part of the beautiful countryside that shaped my life and brings me back to Ohio at least once a year.

What is your favorite scene?
Second chance love usually offers the possibility of many emotionally satisfying scenes, but one of my favorites in this book is the meeting of Daniel and Alexis at the beach resort where they worked as young adults. It was a chance meeting and sealed their relationship for years to come.

Who was your favorite character and why?

That’s like asking a mother to choose a favorite kid! Can’t be done. But I can pick a favorite secondary character, and that would be Alexis's daughter, Lizzie. She made me remember what it was like to be a teenager, with the emotional ups and downs, and she was fun to portray.

What music would match the mood of this novel?
Remember the oldie, “Goodbye for the Summer”? or the Beatles’ “I’m a Believer.”

What does this book mean to you in a purely personal way?
Since I grew up near my fictional setting of Fox Creek, Ohio, and since I taught in the school district, I feel like I personally know the three sisters who will populate this series, the Daughters of Dancing Falls. Each sister is true to herself, each is unique, and I believe each could be my friend (or former student!).

What do you plan to work on next?
I’m finishing the next book in the series, The Bridesmaid Wore Sneakers and thinking about the third and final book to come.

Thanks for having me for this Sit-down Saturday interview. I'd like to add one more thing. A BOY TO REMEMBER earned a Top Pick from Rt Book Reviews and, like all the January Heartwarming books, is available in print as well as ebook format. Beginning in just two days, the Heartwarming books will be available in select WalMart stores too. I hope you will consider adding these sweet romances to your TBR list.

Please visit my web site, www.cynthiathomason.net  and sign up for my newsletter. Thanks!

Cynthia

                                               

You can read about and purchase A BOY TO REMEMBER, here:

tinyurl.com/jlkk7rj

                       You can purchase the entire boxed set of Heartwarmings here:
                                                    tinyurl.com/j5cp9n8