What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Summer of You and Me?
While I was visiting my small hometown, I ran into someone who looked exactly like an old friend of mine. But my friend had left town years ago—so who was this doppelgänger? I went down a rabbit hole trying to figure out who this person could be. Before I knew it, a story began brewing in my mind about a widow who thinks she sees her late husband in a crowd—but before she can speak with him, he disappears into the fray.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Summer of You and Me, what would they be?
Josh’s is definitely “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young. I actually used the song in the story. His unrequited love is quite heartbreaking at times!
Maggie’s is “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. She’s come through a lot and is so deserving of a happy ending.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Contemporary romance, the same genre I write. It’s always my goal to write the book I want to read.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
“The Sands of Sea Blue Beach” by Rachel Hauck and “Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The first kiss scene is actually a flashback. Yowza. And all the scenes in which the Reynolds family is together. I loved writing the family dynamics—the humor and drama that happen when so many personalities are gathered.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
My favorite way to write is with a Baja Blast Zero at my fingertips.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Treat others just as you want to be treated.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I think there’s a lot to be said in the story about what it means to be family. Much of it has nothing to do with genetics.
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