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Mindy Obenhaus | Real-Life Settings
February 20, 2015
Have you ever read a book and been so drawn in by the setting, you thought, “I
want to go there?” Often, towns or places are fictional, especially in books with contemporary
settings. They may be inspired by real places, but by using a fictitious name,
the author has the freedom to inject elements that can come from many different
places. Occasionally, though, an author will use someplace real for their setting. Like
I did with my current series for Love Inspired Books. When my mother-in-law introduced me to the town of Ouray, Colorado, I was
smitten. Located in southwestern Colorado, this former gold and silver mining
town is where her parents homesteaded in the 1920’s and is as rich in history as
it is in beauty. But why use a real setting? Simple. I want the world to know about Ouray. Nestled in a bowl that’s
surrounded by fourteen thousand foot peaks, this tiny alpine village is unique.
For instance, Ouray is the Jeeping Capital of the World. Whether individually or
on a tour, Jeeps are the most popular way to explore the San Juan Mountains,
abandoned mining towns and unsurpassed vistas. In the winter, Ouray is host to one of the largest ice festivals in North
America. People come from all over the world to compete in ice climbing. The
event rivals the Olympics, with scores being announced in seven different languages. It’s these distinctive elements I try to bring out in my books and that allow me
to give my characters some unusual occupations. Like a heroine who owns a Jeep
tour company in THE DOCTOR'S FAMILY REUNION or another who’s an avid ice
climber in RESCUING THE TEXAN'S HEART. Some of the businesses and places in my books are also real, right down to the
name, while others are based only on a physical location. In my first book, I
had a fictional Jeep tour company called Adventures in Pink. However, the
“little blue building on Seventh Avenue” where it’s housed is actually there.
And rumor has it that people have stopped by to see if it was “that place they
read about in a book.” There’s no doubt about it, I love Ouray. I want to be true to the town and its
people, all the while entertaining readers and allowing them to experience the
Gem of the Rockies. And maybe, when they close the book, they’ll say, “I want to
go there.” GiveawayReaders, would you like to escape to the beautiful setting of Ouray? Leave a
comment below to be entered to win your own copy of RESCUING THE TEXAN'S HEART. About RESCUING THE TEXAN'S HEARTMelting His Heart Cash Coble is desperate for a change. After working in the family business for
ten years, he's stressed out and overworked. When he heads to Colorado to visit
his ailing grandfather, he finds his mood lifted by the beautiful woman living
next door. After a troubled past, ice climber Taryn Purcell isn't looking for
love. Especially not with a charming Texan who's consumed by work. But there's
something about Cash that captures her heart. Never one to back down from a
challenge, Taryn promises to show Cash how to carve out a happy life—one that
includes her.
About Mindy ObenhausMindy Obenhaus always
dreamed of being a wife and mother. Yet as her youngest of five children started
kindergarten, a new dream emerged—to write stories of true love that would
glorify God. When she's not penning her latest romance, she likes cooking,
reading, traveling, and spending time with her grandkids. Learn more about her
on her website and
follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Comments
40 comments posted.
Re: Mindy Obenhaus | Real-Life Settings
Sounds like a beautiful place to visit, especially at Christmas time. I imagine it would pretty there that time of year.
(Kathy Morrison 9:22am February 13, 2015)
I think this would be an excellent book to read. The
picture on the cover of the book is just down right breath-
taking. I do hope I win but I would like to say, "GOOD
LUCK" to who all enters this contest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
(Renae Kelly 9:46am February 13, 2015)
The way you describe Ouray in your posting, makes it sound
absolutely stunning, and I would love to go there, if I ever
made it out West. I have relatives who live out that way,
and I'm sure they're familiar with the area. It would
almost make a great place to settle down and stay. Who
wouldn't like to live there with that type of a view
surrounding them?? The cover to your book took my breath
away, and I know that I'll enjoy the story just as much!!
Congratulations on your book, and I know it's going to be a
big hit!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:36am February 13, 2015)
Looks like a great book! The cover pulled me in!
(Janelle Hamilton 10:52am February 13, 2015)
Ouray seems like a wonderful place to visit! I love the cover of your book!
(Nicole Laverdure 4:35pm February 13, 2015)
My mother was from Colorado and I have family there; it is
beautiful. I was raised in Texas so sounds like a book I would
love to read.
(Leona Olson 5:08pm February 13, 2015)
Hi, Kathy. I have yet to make it to Ouray at Christmastime. I've seen pictures, but one of these days I need to experience it for myself.
(Mindy Obenhaus 6:02pm February 13, 2015)
Kelly, I was so pleased with the way this book cover came out. The art department at Harlequin did a fantastic job. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest.
(Mindy Obenhaus 6:03pm February 13, 2015)
Hi, Peggy. I hope you get to experience Ouray one day, too. Every time I visit I wonder what it would be like to live there. The lifestyle is so different, so much more laid back. I hope you enjoy the story.
(Mindy Obenhaus 6:06pm February 13, 2015)
Hi, Janelle. Thanks for stopping by.
(Mindy Obenhaus 6:07pm February 13, 2015)
Nicole, it is a great place to visit. Of course, I am a little biased. ;)
(Mindy Obenhaus 6:08pm February 13, 2015)
Leona, Colorado is a lot different than Texas, isn't it? I think that's one of the reasons it appeals to me so much. Every time I come back to Texas, the first thing I miss is the mountains.
(Mindy Obenhaus 6:10pm February 13, 2015)
Happy Valentin days
(Emily Stemp 7:10pm February 13, 2015)
I can picture the scene in my minds eye,
how beautiful and sereen. I do believe my
heart belongs in the pages of this special
place.
(Donna Graham 7:14pm February 13, 2015)
Can't wait o read
(Kelly Knapp 11:58pm February 13, 2015)
Happy Valentine days
(Emily Stemp 10:33am February 14, 2015)
I would definitely escape to Ouray. Right after my trip to Middle Earth!
(Pam Howell 4:07pm February 14, 2015)
I think Ouray would be a very nice place to
visit. I also think that Kentucky has some
beautiful areas that would be perfect book
settings.
(Connie Saunders 5:20pm February 14, 2015)
I would worry about all of that ice. Are the sidewalks cleared?
When I was younger, it would have been somewhere that I would
have liked to visit. Now that I'm older, I think twice. ;-)
(Marcia Berbeza 7:19pm February 14, 2015)
I love to go to Ouray, but in the summer, I hate the cold.
(Jen Barnard 1:04pm February 15, 2015)
Sounds like a great story!
(Denise Austin 1:55pm February 15, 2015)
great book to read on these cold, cold, snowy evenings.
(Timothy Younger 5:36pm February 15, 2015)
What a great title & a beautiful cover!
(Maria Proctor 5:51pm February 15, 2015)
Thanks, Emily. I hope you had a great Valentine's Day, too.
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:49am February 16, 2015)
I love how you said that, Donna. That you belong in the pages of this special place. Good luck in the drawing.
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:50am February 16, 2015)
I hope you enjoy the story, Kelly.
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:50am February 16, 2015)
L Lam, Ouray is a very nice place, indeed. ;)
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:51am February 16, 2015)
Middle earth, Pam? Now that would be quite a trip.
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:51am February 16, 2015)
Connie, I've heard wonderful things about Kentucky, though I haven't had the privilege of visiting. Would definitely love to, though.
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:52am February 16, 2015)
Marcia, they do make sure the sidewalks are cleared, so no worries there. ;)
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:53am February 16, 2015)
Thanks for stopping by, Elaine.
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:56am February 16, 2015)
I don't blame you, Jen. Though sitting beside a nice warm fire with a view of the snow-covered mountains does sound rather enticing.
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:57am February 16, 2015)
Thanks, Denise. Good luck in the drawing.
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:58am February 16, 2015)
Or even on hot summer day, Timothy. Helps cool you down. :)
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:58am February 16, 2015)
Thanks, Maria!
(Mindy Obenhaus 11:59am February 16, 2015)
Oh I enjoy the Love Inspired books... thanks for sharing!
(Colleen Conklin 4:13pm February 20, 2015)
Ouray sounds delightful, but I enjoy the "fairy tale" towns, too. Often the characters in those stories wouldn't be used in a true setting.
(Gladys Paradowski 11:57pm February 20, 2015)
How wonderful to visit Ouray. So many beautiful small towns
out there many don't know of. Thanks for sharing that & the
chance to win.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
(Carol Luciano 6:19am February 21, 2015)
I loved seeing Boulder and Denver in the summer months. I would imagine
Ouray to be as beautiful and probably without all of the many tourists of the
more-known cities and sites! Thank you for introducing us to this scenic
beauty!
(Laurel Chevlen 9:23am February 21, 2015)
Love the cover on this book and I enjoy reading about small
towns with lots of charm. Sounds great.
(Sandra Martin 2:25pm February 23, 2015)
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