Embark on a journey into the sun-soaked world of coastal charm and culinary delights in this month's Jen's Jewels column! In this edition, we catch up with bestselling author Lindsay Gibson to delve into the inspiration behind her latest novel, FLY AWAY SUMMER. From the salty breeze of Cape Cod to the sizzle of seafood cuisine, Gibson invites us on a journey of nostalgia, grief, and resilience. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Lana Kelly's culinary passion, the charm of Cape Cod, and the heartwarming bonds that shape her journey. Plus, don't miss out on Gibson's exclusive tips for aspiring writers and a sneak peek at her upcoming Christmas release. Dive into the pages of FLY AWAY SUMMER and let the warmth of summer and the promise of new beginnings envelop you.
Jennifer Vido: What sparked your inspiration for FLY AWAY SUMMER?
Lindsay Gibson: Food! When I think of my childhood growing up in New England, summers on the Cape always come to mind…but so does the food! I grew up indulging in New England lobster rolls and so much delicious seafood every summer there. So I knew my first summer release had to have both the setting and those nostalgic recipes all mixed into it!
Jen: Why did you choose to set the novel on Cape Cod, and how did you incorporate the charm and atmosphere of this location into the narrative?
Lindsay: As far back as I can remember, Cape Cod was a part of my summers. My best friend growing up had a beach house there and we would always spend a couple weeks each July running along the sand flats at low tide and enjoying all of what the Cape has to offer. Right before I began to write this story, my husband and I had just arrived with our girls for a vacation there and when those early memories flooded me, as they always do when I cross over the Bourne Bridge that leads you onto the Cape—that was when the storyline hit me.
Jen: How would you characterize Lana Kelly's culinary skills and work ethic?
Lindsay: Exquisite of course! I knew they had to be to capture the authentic cuisines you will find on the Cape. Lana’s ability to master those seafood techniques stemmed from her childhood so she had years of practice! Starting her own restaurant on the busy shores of Cape Cod has its own challenges so her work ethic is strong and creative. Her knowledge of sourcing her seafood to create those recipes that kept her customers coming back also gave her the drive to push harder in keeping her restaurant thriving as best she could. She worked long hours, over many holidays and is super dedicated to her craft.
Jen: What is Lana's initial reaction to Hunter Graham's arrival and his plans for the inn?
Lindsay: Heartbroken! The inn and all her memories as a child were getting transformed right before her eyes…literally! Being right next door made it all too real.
Jen: How does Lana's bond with her grandfather influence her personal and professional journey?
Lindsay: For Lana, taking care of him in his condition was at first all she could see as she navigated dementia. He was all she’d had left, so she was determined to make his last days comfortable and held deeply onto “what was”. It was hard for her to just be with him and meet him where he was at as dementia continued to take over his mind. Yet, unbeknownst to Lana, her grandfather’s condition was what helped her to see what she had been ignoring in herself and who she was meant to become. With his long-term memory still intact, these moments with him inadvertently made her face her past. Her grandfather’s gentle and wise nature and his ability to see beyond what was in front of them—that their inn had been taken over— had become her own awakening and only deepened their connection despite his worsening symptoms.
Jen: What aspects of FLY AWAY SUMMER do you believe will resonate with readers and leave a lasting impression?
Lindsay: The element of grief runs deep with this story. And grief comes in many forms as it did for Lana. We lose people we love, pets, jobs, health…as there are all kinds of losses. This part of the story can resonate with all of us because no one is exempt from loss of some kind in life. Lana’s story can leave readers contemplating the grief they may be experiencing and give them hope that they can move forward.
Jen: How can readers keep up to date with your latest news and releases?
Lindsay: I am all over social media. On FB, IG, Threads and TikTok and X. My website and newsletter to always stay up to date!
Jen: How do you juggle your writing career with other aspects of your life, and do you have any tips for aspiring writers looking to find their balance?
Lindsay: “Health is Wealth” is a motto that sticks with me because without that…I could never write these stories. And by health – I mean mind and body. As a former nutritionist, I am always keeping my own self up to date with how I am feeling and where I may need some “fine tuning”. I talk a lot about my wellness tips on my social media and have some goodies lined up with help other writers and my readers feel the best they can! My best tip for other writers is to listen to where you’re at each day. Some days you may have more time and be on fire with your writing and other days not so much. And that’s okay! Sometimes the pressure we feel is our own doing, so listen to how you feel and what you need so you can coordinate your writing in a way that feels good.
Jen: What books are currently at the top of your reading list, and do you have a favorite spot where you love to curl up with a good book?
Lindsay: Right now, I am reading Savannah Carlisle’s debut summer release! It is an adorable story! I also have some others lined up including Nancy Naigle’s next release- The Law of Attraction and just finished The Other side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn and oh my goodness was that a deeply romantic and wonderful story!
Jen: Lastly, what's next for you? Do you have any upcoming projects or stories you're excited to share with our readers?
Lindsay: Stay tuned for my Christmas 2024 release this October! Harpeth Road will be releasing that information soon! And as mentioned above, I have some helpful tips to offer soon—especially with the release of Fly Away Summer and Lana’s story of overcoming all she had to face—that will help other writers and my readers to feel inspired, balanced and strong.
Jen: Thank you so much for joining us to chat about FLY AWAY SUMMER! Wishing you a delightful summer filled with sunshine and great reads!
Lindsay: Thank you so much for having me! It is always a pleasure! Happy reading everyone!
From the newest sensation in contemporary romance comes a delightfully heartwarming beach read that’s perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Denise Hunter, and Debbie Macomber.
After losing her beloved family’s Cape Cod inn right after culinary school, chef Lana Kelly converts her late father’s old fish market next door into a successful restaurant. However, over the years, she’s kept her eye on the inn with dreams to expand. She also hopes she can acquire the property for her grandad so he’ll know it’s back in the family before his dementia causes the memory to vanish for good.
When the inn goes up for sale, she rushes to put in an offer. But Hunter Graham of Graham Property Development in New York City snapped it up and plans to transform it into an event venue. With competition on the Cape continuing to rise, Lana worries about how to keep her little restaurant growing. And she isn’t so thrilled about her new neighbor.
Next to the lapping waters of the bay and the summer breezes, Lana is forced to face the truth. But will that truth be losing the inn forever or finding something more?
A heartwarming summer romance that will sweep you away to the sparkling New England coast. An incredible story that you will not be able to put down, full of healing, family ties, and best of all, love.
Romance Contemporary [Harpeth Road Press, On Sale: May 15, 2024, e-Book, / eISBN: 9798988774471]
Lindsay’s first book, her memoir, Just Be: How my Stillborn Son Taught Me to Surrender, won the Book Excellence finalist award in 2018. She has been featured in Elephant Journal, Green Child Magazine, and Self Magazine.
Lindsay now writes emotional romantic fiction, full of heartfelt love, good friends, and family, sprinkled with humor and tender warmth, where her characters discover that love is the reason for everything. Her debut romantic fiction novel The Christmas Promise with Harpeth Road Press, set in a charming New England town at the holidays is now available.
When not writing fiction, she is working on her exclusive weekly newsletter Love is the Reason about all things love, food and healthy living. She spends the rest of her days chasing her three daughters around their hometown in Connecticut and hanging out with her Irish husband whose brogue still makes her blush.
Jennifer Vido writes sweet romances set in the Lowcountry filled with southern charm and hospitality. In between chapters, she interviews authors for her bi-weekly Jen’s Jewels column on FreshFiction.com. Most mornings, she teaches an arthritis-friendly water exercise class for seniors before heading to the office to serve as the executive director of a legal non-profit. A New Jersey native, she currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two rescue dogs and is the proud parent of two sons who miss her home-cooked meals. To learn more, please visit her website.
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