
Someplace Familiar
by Teresa Tysinger
Series: Laurel Cove Romance #1
Published by Good Day Publishing
Publication Date May 26, 2017
Genres: Christian Fiction, Clean Romance
Setting: North Carolina Contemporary
Main Character Ages: 25-35
Written for: Adults
Pages: 358
Synopsis:
Artist Livy Johnson needs a fresh start. That's what a broken heart and forgotten dreams can do to a person. On little more than a whim, she reclaims her grandmother’s old mountain cottage in quaint Laurel Cove, North Carolina and vows to restore its original charm. When she literally collides with childhood friend, Jack Bowdon, Livy wonders if she’s back for an entirely different reason.
Jack can’t believe his childhood crush is back. As the owner of Bowdon's Supplies, and once again the town's most eligible bachelor, he offers to help Livy with repairs. Together they embark on the project—and an undeniable whirlwind romance.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Can they survive the destructive pain of their pasts to discover God’s grace waiting to renovate their hearts?
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Someplace Familiar was a beautifully written book, with lovely prose that was comfortable and cozy.
Jack’s compliments collected inside her like shells in her pocket during a walk on the beach.
As Jack and Livy set out to restore her grandmother’s cottage that she had stayed in as a child, the restoration of their hearts began. The renewal of their childhood acquaintance was so sweet and natural and it was clear that their attraction was not merely based on physical appearance.
The message of grace and forgiveness were very clear in this story. The author did a great job in conveying the need for both without being preachy or making it sound contrived. The oft-remembered words of Livy’s grandmother provided great wisdom and guidance to Livy throughout the story.
Despite some flirting with a little innuendo and some passionate kisses, the story remained clean.
Guest Post from Teresa Tysinger
Someplace Familiar began way back in 2014 when I participated in National Novel Writer’s Month, a challenge to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. It was an exhilarating, albeit exhausting, experience! Since then, the book was workshopped with a critique group, had large portions rewritten countless times, pitched at workshops, edited by two editors, and even renamed (original title was Good Graces). After a lot of prayer, I decided that self-publishing would give me the greatest flexibility and control while being able to maintain my responsibilities as a wife, mother, and full-time communications director. It’s been a wonderful ride!
About the Inspiration for Someplace Familiar One thing I’ve learned about myself through writing Someplace Familiar is how much I am personally drawn to setting and place. The idea for the book was born out of my desire to introduce readers to the charming small-town life found in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where I went to college. Laurel Cove, the fictional town where the story is set, is directly based on my best friend’s hometown of Burnsville, NC. The other source of inspiration comes from my great-grandmother’s tiny bungalow home in West Palm Beach, Florida. Long weekends and summer vacations spent there were full of imagination, adventure, and sweet memories. The scents of her garden, feel of the damp earth beneath my feet, slow pace matching gauzy curtains dancing in the breeze—it all is mirrored in the cottage home of Livy’s Gram in the book. The rest of the story formed around my desire to capture my childhood memories of this home that was so magical and safe for me.
About My Writing Style Here are a few ways I would describe my writing style: Sensory—I aim to provide readers with an experience that enlivens all of their senses. Relatable—It’s my hope that readers see themselves in realistic, flawed characters trying to make their way to discovering grace in a less than perfect world. Charming—Like any good southern fiction, there’s a good dose of charm in these pages.
My prayer is that Someplace Familiar will touch readers with an awareness of God’s grace even during circumstances and within relationships that feel hopeless. Restoration is possible!
Blog Stops
All-of-a-kind Mom, March 1
Just Commonly, March 1
Pursuing Stacie, March 1
Among the Reads, March 2
Faithfully Bookish, March 2
Bigreadersite, March 2
Quiet quilter, March 3
Blogging With Carol, March 3
C Jane Read, March 4
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 4
Remembrancy, March 5
Inklings and notions, March 5
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, March 6
100 Pages per Hour, March 6
Book by Book, March 7
Red Headed Book Lady, March 7
Ashley’s Bookshelf, March 8
Ladybug Chronicles, March 8
Two Points of Interest, March 9
proud to be an autism mom, March 9
Bibliophile Reviews, March 10
A Greater Yes, March 10
Texas Book-aholic, March 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11
Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 12
Janices book reviews, March 12
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 13
Carpe Diem, March 13
A Baker’s Perspective, March 14
Simple Harvest Reads, March 14 (Guest post from Mindy)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Teresa is giving away a grand prize of a gift basket that includes a signed copy of the book, an Original Painting by Author’s Sister (artist Cyndi Browning), and a $10 Amazon Gift Card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca5b
Thanks so much for “hosting” Someplace Familiar today — and what a nice review! I’m happy to answer any questions readers might have. 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful book to read! I am truly interested!! Rita Spratlen
Great giveaway. So why the move to Texas from NC? Do you miss NC? Well, maybe not today with that big storm but you know, normally? 🙂
Great giveaway! 🙂 Thanks for the chance to enter it! I loved reading about your writing style; mine might be very similar!
This sounds really good–I’d love to read it.
The books sounds very interesting. I would love to read it. Thanks for the opportunity to win the giveaway.
This sounds really good–I’d love to read it!
thank you for this! i need another book in my queue, this looks fantastic@!
Anytime you need a recommendation, feel free to ask. 🙂
Great giveaway, thank you for your generosity 🙂
These books are exciting to read.
Great review and giveaway. Thanks for sharing your insights and ratings. I can’t wait to read this book.
Thank you, Chanel!
I enjoy being reminded of God’s grace and being restored to Him. One of my favorite parables is The Prodigal Son.
I love your site and reviews thanks for all the work you put into this website??????
Thank you, Tiffany! You made my day. 🙂