Do you like road trips? This year, we drove 2,138 miles and passed through 11
statesโall in one week! Not a relaxing vacation, but it was lots of fun.
There were several stops to visit family and friends that we hadnโt seen in a
long time, plus a chance to explore states we hadnโt visited before. The
multiple driving breaks at Cracker Barrel were an unexpected bonus, and I never
did manage to beat the addictive triangle peg game!
Visiting so many places made me reflect on why I chose rural Connecticut as the
setting for my latest release,
SHARE THE MOON. Iโm not a
native of the third smallest state in the nation, although I moved here over
thirty years ago and kind of feel like Iโm one. In that time, Iโve lived along
the scenic waters of Long Island Sound, sampled the city life in Stamford, and
now spend a quieter existence in the folksy town of Bethel.
Even in this small state, thereโs a great deal to see. I especially adore the
more rural towns in the upstate region, where I often go winetasting, kayaking
or seeking out a new restaurant. What Iโve noticed is how each place has a
unique voice, something I also observed at the stops on our 2,100-mile journey
this summer.
This reminded me of the way a novelโs location can become a unique secondary
character to any story, not only a pretty spot to set a tale. The hero/heroine
may love the place so much theyโd never want to leave. Or they may also hate
where they live, for not so obvious reasons to the reader. Go a layer deeper and
the town becomes a stage, each building part of the scenery, each stranger a
person with a story to tell. This performance will be different in every single
location.
In
SHARE THE MOON,
circumstances forced Sophie Shaw to stay in the small community of Northbridge,
one of three towns surrounding Blue Moon Lake. Accepting her fate hasnโt come
easily. Both the lake and the people there have shaped her world, the good and
the bad. As the story progresses, though, Sophie gains clarity on the world
sheโs been handed.
Locations may run from exotic to routine to otherworldly, but often they are
always more than just a place where someone lives.
What memorable locations
have you visited in fiction? Are there any you wished you could step right into?
About SHARE THE MOON
"Heart-tugging small town romance with real emotion. Struth is an author to
watch!"
โ
Laura
Drake, author of RITA-award winning
THE SWEET SPOT
Sometimes trust is the toughest lesson to learn.
Sophie Shaw is days away from signing a contract that will fulfill her dream of
owning a vineyard. For her, itโs a chance to restart her life and put past
tragedies to rest. But Duncan Jamiesonโs counter offer blows hers out to sea.
Duncan still finds Sophie as appealing as he had during boyhood vacations to the
lake. Older and wiser now, he has his own reasons for wanting the land. His
offer, however, hinges on a zoning change approval.
Bribery rumors threaten the deal and make Sophie wary of Duncan, yet she cannot
deny his appeal. When her journalistic research uncovers a Jamieson family
secret, trust becomes the hardest lesson for them both.
About the Author
Sharon Struth is an award-winning author who believes itโs never too late for a
second chance in love or life. When sheโs not writing, she and her husband
happily sip their way through the scenic towns of the Connecticut Wine Trail.
Sharon writes from the small town of Bethel, Connecticut, the friendliest place
sheโs ever lived. For more information, including where to find her other novels
and published essays, please visit her at
her website.
Add
SHARE THE MOON on
Goodreads, watch the
trailer,
and buy
SHARE THE MOON
today at
Amazon,
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Kensington,
Google Books, or
Kobo!
I love living in Connecticut as well. It's a beautiful state. I love when takes me to a
place I haven't been and can get swept up in the culture, society and traditions.
Nice post.
(Debbie Christiana 3:18pm September 17, 2014)
Wow, Leona! All 50 states is impressive! I'd love to travel cross country and add a
few more to my list. European travel is one of my favorites, although I haven't
been to either of those countries you mentioned. Next year we plan to go to the
UK. Travel is a gift of its own. Hope you some day get to see Ireland or Greeceโฆ
maybe both! Thanks for sharing.
(Sharon Struth 8:11am September 23, 2014)
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