Sit Down Saturday with Tara Randel

Today we’re celebrating the release of TRUSTING HER HEART.

Can a love built on lies survive the truth?

This is the third book in the Meet Me At the Altar series. The Matthews brothers are still searching into the background of their widowed mother’s boyfriend. As the search goes on, they certainly never expected so many secrets to be revealed.

Welcome back to Golden, a vacation town nestled in the north Georgia mountains. For a sleepy little town, there sure it a lot going on, as Serena and Logan’s story will reveal. 

What is your favorite scene?

EXCERPT   

As they walked through town, it was all Logan could do not to take her hand in his. This  wasn’t a date, he had to keep reminding himself. He suspected she had information about the man he’d been hired to investigate. He needed to keep his wits about him. Yes, Serena was beautiful, but she clearly had secrets he needed to ferret out.

As they passed the park, fireflies flitted about in the entrance. Serena laughed, clearly enchanted.

“Oh, my goodness.” She pulled her phone from her back pocket. “I have always wanted to do a series of cards featuring fireflies.” After snapping a few pictures, she scrolled through the gallery. “I can’t think of anything more beautiful than twinkling lights coming from these tiny creatures.”

Logan stood back, watching the joy on her face. “I have to admit, I don’t give them much thought.”

“Then you’re missing out.” She turned to him. “Did you know there are over fifty species of fireflies in Georgia, each with their own distinctive flash?”

“I do now.”

“The male puts on a light show to attract a mate.”

“Really? Now that is interesting.”

“You probably don’t think about them much since you live in the city. All the bright lights hide their magic. To be honest, I never really noticed them until I moved here.” She smiled at the tiny lights dancing in the air. “I don’t know, they have a way of making me happy. Especially after a long day at the store.”

“So you come here to visit with your flashy friends?”

“Don’t laugh. They’re easier to talk to than people sometimes. No judgment. No back talk. They listen, blink their lights and go on their merry way.”

“And it bothers you that people judge?”

She lifted a shoulder, as if her admission was no big deal. “Sure. Doesn’t it bother you?”

“Only if I let it.”

She blew out a sigh. “Then you’re tougher than I am.”

They stood in the deepening shadows, enjoying the light show. The smoky scent of cooking meat wafted their way from Smitty’s. After a few moments he turned. Glanced at Serena. Wondered why she looked so sad. Or what she was hiding.

She noticed his attention and laughed. “You probably think I’m silly.”

“Far from it.” He ran his fingers over her hair. Placed a finger under her chin and tipped her head back. She blinked at him. Interest shined in her blue eyes. Taking a chance, he lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. Lightly, just like the fireflies darting about in the air. When she returned his kiss he moved closer, placing his other hand on her waist. The air was cool, the night special, and he was falling for a woman he should be investigating.

She pulled back. Gazed up at him, a gentle smile on her lips. “Let me guess. The fireflies got to you?”

“No. You did.”

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved writing both Serena and Logan’s characters. Each had their own set of personal struggles, and even though they weren’t looking for romance, found love and figured out they’re stronger together. I must confess, these two are probably my favorite characters.


Tell us one thing you learned during research.

I have always been in love with the mountains in north Georgia. It’s probably my favorite place on earth. There is so much to do; hiking, finding beautiful waterfalls, discovering quaint towns. When I wanted a new location for part of this series, it didn’t take me long to come up with Golden. 

Golden is a mixture of different towns that I’ve visited in the mountains. I love stories set in small towns, and Golden fits the bill. I can’t wait to set future books in this lovely location.  And of course, this gives me a perfect reason to visit the mountains!

 


What do you plan to work on next?

The final book in the Meet Me At the Altar series, ALWAYS THE ONE, will be available in February 2020. We’ll meet Derrick, a man who believes he lost his one true love. Or did he? We’ll also finish up the storyline with the brothers. Will they accept the man in their mother’s life?

Stop by Prism Book Tours for a recap of the Trusting Her Heart tour. Once there, you can enter to win one of two prize packages.

Thanks so much for visiting today! To find out more about my books, stop by www.tararandel.com.