We're welcoming Barbara again. And I'm so glad to get into the Christmas spirit!
I’m sitting in chilly Wisconsin. My name is Barbara M. Britton and I have written a contemporary romance for Christmas. Christmas at Whispering Creek contains my favorite tropes: an unexpected inheritance, a whirlwind storm, and a handsome stranger. I’m known for writing Biblical Fiction where I bring little-known Bible characters to light. I had fun writing a contemporary story where my characters could text and kiss.
Tell us about your book.
Christmas at Whispering Creek brings a northern gal (From Wisconsin) and a southern guy together in Tennessee. A young teacher who survived breast cancer and a heartbroken electrician find love again before Christmas.
I am a breast cancer survivor, and I placed my personal story at the back of my fictional one.
Back Cover Blurb:
All Samantha Williams wants to do is to use her teaching degree to instruct a classroom of second graders. But, after a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of twenty-three, and failed reconstruction surgery, Sam finds herself without a job and temporarily living with her parents. This isn't the life Sam expected. When a family friend dies and leaves Sam a house and land in Whispering Creek, Tennessee, Sam must decide if leaving Wisconsin for Southern living is in her lesson plans. Nashville native, Cole Donoven, left his family' s electrical business to write country music. When Cole' s song-writing partner and girlfriend dumps him for a country music star, Cole abandons Nashville to hole up in Whispering Creek and compose one more song. The last thing Cole expects to find in the sleepy small town is a deceased friend, estate squabbles, and a Northern beauty. Will the chaos in Whispering Creek help create a bestselling song for Cole and possibly help him find a life-long collaborator?
Excerpt:
Samantha’s one ray of sunshine was her new friend Cole. He had saved her twice today. Once with Ernie and once with her wattage issue. When his work order was complete, he would leave, and she would be alone with her inheritance.
The kitchen lights roared to life, brightening the foyer.
Cole crossed his arms and tapped his cowboy boot on the floor. “We are back in business.”
A weird howl sounded in the distance. It reminded her of a lonely coyote on a December night or a low, far off engine whistle.
“Are there train tracks around here?” She strode toward Cole and her cheery kitchen.
Cole cocked his head. A loud screech emanated from his pocket. His brow furrowed as he pulled out his phone.
She covered her ears. Unease swirled in her belly. “What is going on?”
Eyes wide, he said, “Tornado.”
Mind a jumble, she shouted, “Where’s the basement?”
“There isn’t one.”
Before she could lament her deteriorating life, Cole swept her in his arms. Her face smashed against his firm chest as he raced through the laundry room, down the hall, and almost dropped her in the bathtub before he dove onto the floor. A loud thud echoed from the roof. She squeezed her hands into fists and curled tight against the cold porcelain. The shattering of glass interrupted the wind. Lord, protect us.
Lights in the hall went dark.
“I can’t believe this is happening?” She could barely process all the changes coming her way.
“Stay low, Sam.” Cole’s rugged voice sounded an octave higher.
How much lower could her life get? Ted’s house, no her house, might blow away with her and her new friend in it. And she wasn’t even confident she had insurance.
Ask the blog reader a quirky question or two. I love getting the conversation going...
My heroine, Samantha Williams, has never heard of fried okra or foods that are Nashville Hot. In fact, when my Midwestern critique partners saw chess pie in one of my chapters, they had no idea what it was.
Last summer, I took a bite of rattlesnake sausage, and it wasn’t half bad. I’m not in a rush to order it again.
What is a strange food you have eaten, or a food that you had for the first time recently?
Since it is the Christmas season, what is one of your favorite Christmas carols?
I enjoy O’ Holy Night but Sam and Cole like Tennessee Christmas.
There’s also a Book Trailer for you to enjoy.
Share your social media and buy links!
You can purchase Christmas at Whispering Creek on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or wherever books are sold. Your library can order it, too.
You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website: http://www.barbarambritton.com/.
Thank you, Barbara, for joining us, and I hope you have a very, Merry Christmas!