Keri Ford | Home Sweet Hallmark

Thanks for having me today! I’m excited to be here and happy to give away a couple of books too! But before that part, let me tell you about how I started writing my newest release, CUPCAKES AND CRUSHES. Basically, I wanted a Hallmark movie in book form. Those cracky and addictive movies you find yourself watching one after another? Yeah, that’s what I wrote. I was mainlining Christmas romance movies at the time and just couldn’t stop. There was only one solution—write something to reflect my addiction! I wanted something fun and to also show a little of what’s going on in real life.

For a lot of families (mine included), real life means grandparents are raising their grandkids. That wasn’t something I was seeing much of on the shelf. I don’t mean in the sense that both parents are dead and grandma and grandpa are stepping in. I’m talking about grandparents raising grandkids because the parents are choosing not to.

When you have families in that situation, complicated is the name of the game, especially for the kids. It’s a confusing time and it’s not often light and fun, but that was a balance I wanted to maintain through this book. Keeping crack movies in mind, I added half-sisters who don’t always get along for a big dose of family drama.

But I needed a loveable aspect too. For one part of that, I went to my grandparents. Grandpa Cookie in CUPCAKES AND CRUSHES has my grandpa written all over him. The way he says things could have come straight from my grandpa.

I didn’t stop there. I knew I needed more love to balance the hard history. The heroine, Annie, had suffered a lot in terms of family drama. I had to give her the most adorable hero. Cade came out of that. He’s sweet and patient and his desire for Annie Cookie has been burning since he realized girls didn’t have cooties. In high school, Annie dated his older brother, leaving poor Cade without a chance. Every time I was writing Cade, he continually surprised me with how completely adorable he was. He’s no doormat, but he’s a sweet guy.

I couldn’t be more pleased with this book. It was fun to write. Readers are seeing that too. Even more, readers are touched by the characters, by their situation and how their past has driven them into the people they are.

If you’re looking for a book with a Hallmark movie style and a Cinderella element featuring two evil sisters, I hope you check out my latest release, CUPCAKES AND CRUSHES.

Giveaway

I’m giving away two e-copies from my backlist today—winner’s pick! All you have to do is leave me a comment and you’ll be entered! Tell me what your family is like. Are you close? Are your friends more like your family than anyone? Or maybe a pet?

About CUPCAKES AND CRUSHES (Turtle Pine, Book 1)

Sometimes there is enough sweet to make up for the bitter.

Years ago, a broken heart sent Annie Cookie running from home, and she’s never looked back—until now. Her grandpa’s broken wrist means the family bakery is at risk of losing two big orders. Reluctantly, Annie returns to Turtle Pine to help out, only to discover it’s not just seven hundred cupcakes she has to bake, but also a wedding cake for the half-sister who stole her high-school sweetheart. Annie left town to get away from her sister. No way is she getting mixed up with her again. Once the cupcakes are done, she’s outta there.

Back in high school, Cade Revlin hid his crush on his brother’s girl, but when his brother dumped Annie for another Cookie sister, Annie slipped through his fingers and out of town. Now that she’s back, he’s determined to give her a reason to stay.

He’s got one week to change her mind. Or she’ll be gone in a cloud of powdered sugar.

Warning: Contains small-town meddling, family drama and all the necessary ingredients for a second chance at love—if they have the guts to turn up the heat.

"The sweetness in this read is definitely more than desserts. A must read for that romantic woman."~Fresh Fiction Reviewer Kay Quintin. Read our full review here.

About Keri Ford

Keri Ford brings sexy contemporary romance to the American South. With a sprinkling of men in suits and women in high heels, you’ll most likely find four-wheeler riding, ball cap wearing fellas trying to sweet-talk sundress wearing ladies in Keri’s books. Raised in the country in South Arkansas, Keri shares this flavor of life in her books. Glass of sweet tea at your elbow while you read is not required, but strongly recommended. Connect with Keri on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.