Sit Down Saturday with Amy Vastine


Today we’re celebrating the July release of The Girl He Used to Love


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


I watched a few episodes of the show Nashville, and the series is loosely based on the idea of that show. I love music and am inspired by it all the time. I also have a thing for guys who play guitar, so it seemed like the perfect idea to write about a record company. The show Nashville also has tons of drama, meaning I thought it would be easy to come up with some high stakes and tension!

What is your favorite scene?


My favorite scene is probably when Dean and Faith dance at the church picnic. Dean has a hard time watching other guys hit on the girl he used to love and cuts in. They both care about one another so much but are afraid of expressing any of it. Here's a little bit ....

“I didn’t need you to step in,” she insisted. “Ty isn’t like Charles.”

“Good to know,” he replied without loosening his hold on her.

This close, his eyes reminded her of green glass. If she looked hard enough, maybe she could see into his head and figure out what he was thinking.

Sawyer hadn’t started the next song; he was busy taking requests. There was no reason for Dean to be holding her the way he was, but she couldn’t find it in her to step away and wait for the music.

“Thank you for telling me to stay.” His words sank right into her heart and made it swell.

“You’re welcome.” Faith tried her best not to think about the way he held her hand or the small sliver of space that separated her body from his. She didn’t dare dwell on the rapid beating of her heart.

“Addison would have ditched this picnic a long time ago.”

Faith smiled, knowing he was right. “She’d be spending a day like this by the lake, working on her tan.”

Dean nodded in agreement just as Sawyer and his band found one last song to play.

He started strumming his guitar, slow and serious. The melody took shape and Faith realized it was “Amazing Grace.” Once he began singing, it took everything Faith had not to cry.

Slowly, with his eyes never leaving hers, Dean led her in a dance. It was as if everyone else at the picnic disappeared, her brother’s voice the only sound in the world. Faith felt Addison’s presence in that moment. Observing. Listening. Forgiving? Faith couldn’t be sure. All she knew was that she hoped Dean felt it, too.



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


I actually asked people who follow my Facebook page to choose between Taylor Kitsch and Chris Hemsworth when I was writing the story. Chris won by a bit of a landslide, so Dean became a blond instead of a brunette!
I also had them choose between Minka Kelly and Leighton Meester for Faith. I think the girls look so similar that it was pretty much tied. I would pick Minka if you made me choose!

What music would match the mood of this novel?


To get in the country mood, I listened to a lot of Country Hits on Spotify while writing this book and the second one in this series, Catch a Fallen Star, coming out in December. I think since it's set outside of Nashville on a horse farm, you gotta think country.

This is your 5th Heartwarming book. Exactly what does that mean to you?
I am so excited about this milestone! I never expected to write one book, let alone five. The support I have received from readers and from the editors over at Harlequin has been incredible. I am so grateful to have to opportunity to use writing as a creative outlet. I hope there are five more in me!



What do you plan to work on next?
The second book in the series is done and I can't wait. I will hopefully be continuing the series for many more books. Faith's brother, Sawyer, definitely needs a story! I am also working on a Christmas novella for A Heartwarming Christmas coming out in October. My story is called Peace, Love, and Baby Joy. The entire set is ready for preorder for only 99 cents right now - check it out HERE!

****ANNOUNCEMENT****
Winner of the giveaway posted on July 13th is Britney Adams! Congratulations, Britney. Please send your info to amy@amyvastine.com and I will send you that book.

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. This USA Today bestselling author lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.

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Comments

  1. Congratulations on your new release, Amy, and for all the wonderful reviews it's getting!

    I'm thrilled that we're sharing a release month.

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  2. Congratulations on your 5th book, Amy, and on your latest release. It sounds like a great story.

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  3. Amy, I'm looking forward to finding time to read this book. More now after I read your teasers.

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  4. Good going, Amy! I'm sure you have five more in you, and five more after that. I love country music. There's such drama in the music and lyrics that I can see where it inspired you. I like the sound of your characters (and the look, too!) Wish you great success!

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  5. Congratulations on your new release Amy. I really enjoyed reading the excerpt. I bet there are AT LEAST 5 more Heartwarming books in you. ( :

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  6. Hey, Awesome Amy, FIRST, I'm in love with Dean Presley so I would have voted for Chris as well. Sigh. The book was wonderful and you deserve all these great reviews. Keep them coming, my dear! See you next week!

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  7. Your book sounds amazing, Amy. I think I voted for Taylor when you were taking votes, but I love Chris, too, so I think it was a win-win. Five books!! Congrats!

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  8. Loved the book, Amy, and am looking forward to the Christmas story. With a title like that, it can't miss. Yes, Sawyer needs a true love, too.

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  9. Congratulations on your new release, Amy! I'm thrilled to be your winner and have sent you an email. Thanks so much!!

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  10. Congrats on your new release! It sounds like a great read!

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