Author Bernadette Marie is back with Reviews and Interviews. Today we’re chatting about her new contemporary romance, Something Lost, Book One in the Funerals and Weddings Series.
During her virtual book tour, Bernadette will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!
Bio:
Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie is known for building families readers want to be part of. Her series The Keller Family has graced bestseller charts since its release in 2011. Since then she has authored and published over forty-five books. The married mother of five sons promises romances with a Happily Ever After always…and says she can write it because she lives it.
Obsessed with the art of writing and the business of publishing, chronic entrepreneur Bernadette Marie established her own publishing house, 5 Prince Publishing, in 2011 to bring her own work to market as well as offer an opportunity for fresh voices in fiction to find a home as well.
When not immersed in the writing/publishing world, Bernadette Marie can be found spending time with her family, traveling, and running multiple businesses. An avid martial artist, Bernadette Marie is a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and loves Tai Chi. She is a retired hockey mom, a lover of a good stout craft beer, and might have an unhealthy addiction to chocolate.
Welcome back to Reviews and Interviews, Bernadette. Please tell us about your newest release.
Saying goodbye is sometimes the beginning.
Craig Turner was Coach Diaz’s star player, back in the day. He was held in high regard, until he broke the rules and dated the coach’s daughter. Young and stupid, his affection for her lasted until graduation, and then it was time to face the real world–but his love for her would never leave him.
Rachel Diaz became who her father wanted her to be, a well educated, well traveled, successful woman, but she holds a well full of secrets from the outside world. As a high school therapist, she uses her past traumas to help others overcome their own.
When the Fabulous Five arrive at Coach Diaz’s funeral, to pay their respects, a rekindling happens between them all—and between Craig and Rachel.
Is Rachel woman enough to face her demons and is Craig man enough to accept them? Or will their encounter be as brief as the affair they had a decade ago, behind her father’s back?
What inspired you to write this book?
After a brainstorming session, this series and this book specifically just began to materialize. I knew that I wanted a “flawed” character who knew the worth or mental health and could overcome the obsticles that were thrown at her. Not only is that the case with Rachel, but she took that knowledge and became a counselor as well. I want to do my part, thought my creative voice, to normalize mental health care.
Excerpt from Something Lost:
Rachel reached out and rested her gloved hand on his arm. “He kept tabs on you all, his Fabulous Five,” she said with a smile as she used her father’s name for them. “He was proud of everything you’ve done,” she said and now Craig could feel the sting of tears forming in his eyes.
“Wow,” he said blowing out a breath. “That means a lot.”
“I have to go inside. Hal will walk you all through the process. I’ll see you at the cemetery too.”
“Yeah. We’re going to drive together and then go somewhere and catch up.”
Rachel’s rosebud lips turned up into a smile. “That would make Dad happy, to know he brought you all back together again.” She retracted her hand and slid it into the pocket of her coat. “I have to get inside. I’ll get your number later. Maybe we could catch up.”
A knot formed in his stomach. “I’d like that.”
Rachel turned back and headed toward the side entrance of the church when another man moved in next to her and slid his arm around her as they disappeared inside.
“She’s still into you,” Ray said as they all walked up behind Craig.
“She’s in mourning.”
“Statement stands. I think this could be an interesting weekend.” Ray put his arm around Craig’s shoulders and the five friends walked into the church to say goodbye to the man who had made them a team.
What’s the next writing project?
I am currently finishing the last book in this series and a stand-alone Christmas title as well.
What is your biggest challenge when writing a new book? (or the biggest challenge with this book)
The biggest challenge with writing this book was to practice my own mental health as I wrote it. Authors can get very emotional with their characters worries, and it is a practiced skill to not take that into our own lives.
If your novels require research – please talk about the process. Do you do the research first and then write, while you’re writing, after the novel is complete and you need to fill in the gaps?
I don’t do very much research in my contemporary romances, but the research I do is done during the writing process.
What’s your writing space like? Do you have a particular spot to write where the muse is more active? Please tell us about it.
I have an iPad and will travel. I don’t have just one place that I write. I write wherever and whenever I can. I’m very lucky to have the knack to block out the world and create.
What authors do you enjoy reading within or outside of your genre?
I enjoy Nora Roberts and Karen White. I have just started to read Marie Force as well.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers today?
I hope that the voice I give to Rachel and the characters in this series will help anyone struggling with their own mental health in knowing that it is alright to ask for help. I hope that through the acceptance and normality of it among my characters that others will see it as a self care tool.
Links:
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Thank you for coming back to Reviews and Interviews!
Thanks for hosting!
I like the cover and synopsis, this sounds like a must read for me. Thank you for sharing your author interview and book details, I have enjoyed reading about you and your work and am looking forward to reading your story
Thank you❤️
Thank you for hosting me. ❤️
I appreciate you hosting me. ❤️
Sounds like a good book.
Sounds like a good book.