Iโm so excited to be here on Fresh Fiction, celebrating the release of my
latest
Port
Provident story,
THE DOCTOR'S UNEXPECTED FAMILY, featuring a doctor who
canโt
wait to leave town and a city councilwoman who is determined to save her
home after
a hurricane has come ashore. When I first started writing these books, I
knew I
wanted to create a dynamic community that readers could come back to visit
again
and againโbecause as a reader, I love series books myself. Itโs fun to come
back to
a place you know and love. And reading the story of a secondary character
who gets
their own bookโor getting to check in on characters from stories youโve read
before
โis one of my favorites. Itโs like visiting with old friends.
Port Provident is a Texas beachside town that youโll fall in love with. Of
course
thereโs the beach, but thereโs also historic homes, shops, restaurants,
family
dynamics and much moreโjust like those beachside communities that capture
your
heart when you vacation there.
One of the reasons I love beachside communities so much is because I was
born in
oneโGalveston, Texasโand Port Provident is modeled after Galveston. But
thatโs not
the only reason I love continuing to create stories that take place by the
beachโฆ
here are some of my favorite reasons:
Thereโs always something going on
Most beachside towns have a tourist-based economy, and Port Provident is no
exception. From sandcastle competitions to Easter egg hunts on the beach, to
Christmas festivals, to busy holiday weekends, thereโs always something to
generate
the interest of visitors (and residents) in town.
Thereโs always someone new in town
When youโre a town that tourists love, thereโs never a shortage of short-
term
visitors. But there are also people who come to town because they want to
live on
the beach, open a businessโฆor maybe run as far away as they can and still be
on dry
land.
But thereโs also plenty of history
Like its inspiration of Galveston, Port Provident has been a pirate
hideaway. There
are also Victorian homes from the townโs heyday as a turn-of-the-century
trading
port. And of course there are families who have lived in town for
generationsโwhich
creates interesting dynamics between both old alliances and detractors and
new
residents and long-term island dwellers.
Diversity abounds
With so many different people pursuing different dreams, Port Provident
reflects a
diverse community. Their backgrounds give so many options for stories and
the
backstories that make them who they are.
And of course, everythingโs more romantic with a walk on the beach
What more is there to say? Sand, surf, a breeze and seagulls make for the
perfect
way to end a dayโor get a first kissโas the sun melts in a palette of fiery
red and
yellow into the streaks of blue sky and surf where they all converge at the
horizon.
Thanks for having me today! I hope youโll pick up a copy of
THE
DOCTOR'S
UNEXPECTED FAMILY and spend these last few days of summer at the beach
with me
and the residents of Port Provident, Texas.
GIVEAWAY
What's your favorite beachside community? Leave a comment below and be
entered for
a chance to win a copy of SECOND CHANCE SWEETHEARTS.
The writing bug bit
Kristen Ethridge around the time she first held a
pencil. A 2012 Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award Finalist,
Kristen was
discovered by Harlequin through their 2012 So You Think You Can Write
contest.
She writes contemporary inspirational romance for Harlequin's Love Inspired
line,
as well as sweet contemporary romance. Her favorite stories are filled with
love,
laughter, and happily ever after--and her favorite happily ever after is the
story
of God's love. Although she has fun creating characters, Kristen's favorite
people
are her family. She lives in Texas with her husband, children and a self-
important
poodle. Visit her online.
Website |
Facebook |
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Twitter |
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GRACE FINDS YOU IN THE MOST UNEXPECTED PLACESโฆ
Dr. Pete Shipley is on a mission to save lives and heโs ready to move to
another
corner of the world where his skills are needed. City Councilwoman Angela
Ruiz is a
single parent fighting to save her hometown after Hurricane Hope tears
through Port
Provident, leaving destruction across the community she has sworn to serve.
Together, they team up to found The Grace Space, a Christian-based community
gathering spot in the heart of Angelaโs district, where residents can get
food,
household goods, and basic medical care while Port Provident rebuilds after
the
storm.
When Peteโs appointment to an international medical mission comes, will the
doctor
follow his lifelong dream and leave Port Provident, The Grace Space, and
Angela and
her daughterโor will he stay with the family he didn't expect to love and
realize
he can change the world without leaving home?
Hurricane Hope: One storm changes Port Provident forever...and for
good
Buy THE DOCTOR'S UNEXPECTED FAMILY
Comments
22 comments posted.
Re: Kristen Ethridge | Why I Love Writing Stories in a Texas Beachside Town
south haven, michigan
(Tammy Thayer 4:05am August 7, 2015)
ocean xity, md
(Marissa Yip-Young 5:56am August 7, 2015)
I love Tawas, MI
(Lorelei Frank 6:58am August 7, 2015)
I love Galveston and the old homes. I am from Monahans in West
Texas so far from the beaches. We do have the sandhills
somewhat like the beaches have. Your book sounds great and I
bet, emotional.
(Leona Olson 9:24am August 7, 2015)
Without giving my exact location away, other than stating that I live in Michigan, my favorite beach location is exactly where I'm living right now. Although my location is in the country, or farming area, the beach is just a mile away, at one of the Great Lakes, and we always have something going on up there, just as you stated in your posting!! It can be a bit congested at times for my taste, so I prefer to be kicked-back and quiet where I live, and be with the birds and the rest of the wildlife, and watch the farmers work their fields. I'm sure I'll be able to relate to your book, and am looking forward to reading it. Congratulations on what I'm sure is going to be a big hit!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:24am August 7, 2015)
south haven, michigan
(Emily Stemp 3:00pm August 7, 2015)
Jones Beach. The area is pretty and relaxing.
Marilyn
(Marilyn Collins 5:23pm August 7, 2015)
Lake Tahoe
(Sandie White 12:54pm August 8, 2015)
Hilton Head Island.
(Pam Howell 12:21pm August 8, 2015)
Virginia Beach
(Jeri Dickinson 1:57pm August 8, 2015)
Virginia Beach
(Emily Stemp 4:00pm August 8, 2015)
Pompano Beach Resort , FL . also I would go to Dolphin Island ,AL . again are any of them ,all are exciting places . Thanks for this giveaway .
(Joan Thrasher 9:42am August 9, 2015)
Virginia Beach always
(Jeri Dickinson 1:24pm August 9, 2015)
Holland and Saugatuck, Michigan
(Heidi Ingalls 3:00am August 10, 2015)
Palm Coast, Florida!
(LaCinda Jameson 3:04am August 10, 2015)
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
(Dianne McVetty 11:49am August 10, 2015)
Orcas Island, WA
(Denise Austin 1:26pm August 10, 2015)
Dolphin Island, Alabama
(Anna Speed 1:32pm August 10, 2015)
any I can get to.
(Mary Hay 2:27pm August 10, 2015)
I love this type of book, hope I win it.
(Wilma Frana 3:02pm August 10, 2015)
My favorite beach community is either Corpus Christi, TX, or Galveston, TX.
(Alice Hunter 3:22pm August 10, 2015)
Santa Barbara, Calif.!
(Valri Western 11:20pm August 14, 2015)
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