Today we’re celebrating the release of His One and Only Bride.
He
never thought he’d see her again.
After being reported missing, and presumed dead,
globe-hopping photojournalist Mitch Simmons never thought he’d see his
estranged wife Zoe again. Yet here he is, back in their coastal Florida town
where Zoe is mayor. Turns out she isn’t the only one he left behind.
Discovering he has a baby son awakens thrilling new
emotions in Mitch. And there are his still-powerful feelings for the high school
sweetheart he vowed to love and honor forever. Thankfully, they’ll have the
chance to find the love that was always there...
So,
Tara, where did you get the idea for this novel?
As an author, I always had this story in
the back of my mind, a tale that asks the question, what would happen if you
thought your husband had died, only to have him show up again when you least
expected it? That’s the dilemma in His One and Only Bride. Zoe is shocked to
learn her photojournalist husband, thought killed while on assignment, has
returned home. They were estranged before his final assignment and Zoe grieved
the fact that they never worked things out. But now she has a second chance.
And a surprise for her newly returned husband, they have a child. Suddenly
Mitch is thrust into fatherhood and finds out he’s unprepared. Through starts
and stops, how does this couple decide to make their marriage work and become a
family? That’s the fun part about being a writer, I can take stories just like
this and create an entire world around one little question of what if.
In
looking at the cover, if you could add a caption or captions, what would they
say?
Don’t forget the memories or a picture is worth a thousand words.
What is your favorite scene?
I actually have many favorite scenes in this book,
but here’s an excerpt to give you a glimpse of the book.
Mitch expected his
wife’s surprise. After all, to her, he’d risen from the dead.
His hand gripped the
cane that had become his lifeline. He wanted to heave it over the railing, but
that meant lifting an arm that still needed rehab to function properly. Instead
of cataloguing his injuries, he focused on his shell-shocked wife.
“I don’t
understand. We were told…I thought you were…”
“Dead?”
She reached out to
place her palms on the deck railing.
“The report was
mistaken.”
“But…How…Why?”
“I was injured in a
truck accident while leaving a refugee camp.”
She visibly pulled
herself together. Took a step toward him, faltered and stopped. “Pretty soon
I’m going to have a ton of questions, but right now…I don’t know what to say.”
“How about ‘welcome
home’?”
He watched her
struggle with this major surprise. “When did you get here?”
“About fifteen
minutes ago.”
“How?” Her gaze
took in his appearance and he knew what she saw. A guy who’d lost weight, whose
complexion had turned pasty after weeks in the hospital. Not the image of the
healthy husband who’d walked out of her life nearly two years ago.
“Wyatt. I called
him to tell him I was heading home. He picked me up at the airport.”
A flush of red
crept up her neck. “You didn’t think to call your wife?”
“I did, but
considering how we ended our last conversation, I thought it would be better if
I talked to you in person.”
She ran a hand
through her shoulder-length black hair. What had happened to the long straight
strands that had reached to her mid-back? In the hospital, he’d dreamed of
running his fingers through it. Had dreamed of her easy smile, which was
nowhere to be found right now. Had he expected her to jump into his arms when she
saw him again despite the circumstances? Expect that old feelings would rush
over her again? Disappointment swamped him. She looked like the same Zoe, yet
there was something different about her. He couldn’t put his finger on it.
“I’m sorry, you
didn’t want to call me? Despite everything, didn’t you think I’d have wanted to
know you were at least okay?”
Who was your favorite character and why?
Mitch. He
had a lot to overcome. I loved showing the changes in him as the book
progressed. To me, his character is filled with hope. He has a lot thrust upon
him when he returns home, but he’s willing to do what is best for his family, even
if it’s not the best for him personally.
Tell us one thing you learned during research.
Tell us one thing you learned during research.
I had to do research on traumatic brain injuries.
There was so much to learn. Symptoms. Severity.
Treatment. And mostly, how does a patient manage pain and living with
this diagnosis? I hoped I portrayed Mitch’s condition properly, both in what he
experienced and how he dealt with the issues that come from the injury.
This is your 6th book. Exactly what does that mean to you?
This is your 6th book. Exactly what does that mean to you?
I love writing books for Heartwarming. To have six
in a series has allowed me to share stories I’ve always wanted to write. I’ve
loved every minute of it!
What do you plan to work on next?
I’m working on a new series, Meet Me at the Altar, for Heartwarming. The first book, The Lawman’s Secret Vow will be released in August.
I’m working on a new series, Meet Me at the Altar, for Heartwarming. The first book, The Lawman’s Secret Vow will be released in August.
To celebrate the release of this book,
join me for His One and Only Bride Prism Book Tour January 22-27.
Tara Randel is an
award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of fifteen novels. Family values, a
bit of mystery and, of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes,
because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next
Harlequin Heartwarming romance, THE LAWMAN’S SECRET VOW, available August 2018.
Visit Tara at www.tararandel.com.
Like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a
link to download a free digital book.
What a great scene, Tara! Congratulations on your latest release. This is such a wonderful series!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jill. I especially love this book so I'm excited!
DeleteI really enjoyed this book. All the emotions of a couple reuniting with the disappearance on top of that, plus that mysterious element of hidden danger running through the story made it hard to put down.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Beth! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteI've taught students who've suffered traumatic brain injuries and am looking forward to your book.
ReplyDeleteIt was an interesting subject to research, especially due to so many sports injuries bringing this to the limelight. Thanks for stopping by Pamela.
DeleteTara, I loved this book. Kept me riveted.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Roz!!!
DeleteThis excerpt is so good! I can't wait to read this. My son's best friend suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident and watching his recovery over the last few years has been enlightening.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure watching his recovery is tough. Hope he's going better. Thanks LeAnne!
DeleteI look forward to seeing this when it's released. Congratulations on your book!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Tressia!
DeleteGreat excerpt! Such a compelling premise, too. Congratulations on all your Heartwarming books.
ReplyDeleteThanks Virginia. You too!
DeleteI love how Mitch is both steady and vulnerable with her. Congratualtions, Tara, on a great story!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, Mitch has a special place in this author's heart. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteSounds intriguing, Tara!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed writing this book, romance intrigue and all! Thanks T.R.
DeleteA great scene!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz!
DeleteTara, I love your books and this one looks like another winner! Congratulations! Excellent teaser for us, by the way!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Catherine. I love posting teasers so I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Delete