Takeover Tuesday with Teresa Tysinger

Happy Tuesday, Reader Friends!

I’ve got the awesome Teresa Tysinger on the blog today to talk about her novella in the Once Upon a Summer collection that released today!! Grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and chat with her about “Location, Location, Location for Love!!”

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Location, Location, Location for Love!!

We’ve all heard it said that location is everything. Location of your home, the perfect vacation spot, or even a successful business. But what makes a location good for a book setting? Here’s my personal opinion and a little insight into how I chose the location for Gwen and the Three Dates, my novella in the Once Upon a Summer collection, which releases TODAY!

When I knew I’d be writing a story that would take place in the summer and celebrate some of our favorite things about the season, I immediately thought about the coast of North Carolina. My other books are set in the mountains of the state, but I have almost as much love for the sweet coastal communities along North Carolina’s Atlantic shore. Right now, stories set in small towns are very popular, too. I also wanted a locale that would somehow instantly add a little romance of its own to the story.

It didn’t take long before I thought of the PERFECT spot for Gwen and Ben’s story: Southport, North Carolina. Let’s see how it checks off my summer location wish list. The first two are easy. Southport is a small town situated on the Cape Fear River along the North Carolina coast. But does it add romance of its own?

Southern Charm!
Southport’s countless moss-draped live oaks, seaside cottages, and gentle breezes automatically set you at a pace no faster than a rocking chair on a covered porch. It’s ideal for strolling along the waterfront, which Ben and Gwen do from time to time!

Experienced in Romance!
Southport has a long resume proving it’s worth as a romantic setting. Movies such as A Walk to Remember, Safe Haven, and Nights in Rodanthe were all filmed in the town. My heroine, Gwen, is obsessed with finding her own movie-worthy romance. What better place to be inspired? In fact, Gwen spends her summer off from teaching English Literature leading walking tours of Southport’s movie locations!

Seasonal Sights!
For me, I’m drawn to a place that offers natural beauty. Summertime in Southport offers a gorgeous array of flowers (like what you’ll see Gwen enjoying in her yard), breathtaking coastal sunsets, and amazing sights along its many waterways (like the canoe ride Ben takes Gwen on). Maybe the beauty of Southport’s nature will inspire love to blossom, too!

What do you think?
Is Southport a good setting for a romance novella?

I hope you’ll agree it is the perfect spot when you read Gwen and the Three Dates in the Once Upon a Summer collection! It’s out today in paperback and eBook and also includes novellas by Toni, Andrea Boyd, and Jaycee Weaver that are contemporary retellings of timeless tales set in the summertime.

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GIVEAWAY! To celebrate, we’re giving away this super cute summer bundle, including a $10 Amazon gift card, tote bag, tumbler, and cute sunglasses! Be sure to enter HERE by May 31. One winner will be contacted by email. Good luck and happy reading.

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More About Once Upon A Summer

Available on Amazon now here!

Embrace the enchantment of summer with these contemporary twists on timeless tales.

A New Beginning by Andrea Boyd— Who is she? Acacia Martin raised by an impostor mom serving a prison sentence for her sins, or Jasmine Callahan abducted at birth from a family she’s yet to meet? Luckily, she has Drake to help her untangle the mess that is her life. Will he ensnare her he art in the process?

An Ever After Summer by Toni Shiloh — The employees of In a Bind are terrified of Jean-Luc Thibodeaux, so Bellamy Larson hops on a plane to France to deal with the beastly client. Yet once she arrives, she’s convinced he merely needs a friend. Then her heart begins to want ever after, not just one summer.

Gwen and the Three Dates by Teresa Tysinger — Life isn’t a romantic movie, but Gwen Lochs is determined to find her leading man. When she joins a cheesy dating site, Gwen agrees to just three dates. Can Ben Smith watch his best friend and soulmate find someone else? A romantic comedy about searching for that just-right love.

Unkissable by Jaycee Weaver — Reality diva Charlotte Lavigne’s on-camera meltdown reminds former teen-TV prince Jaime Reyes exactly why he left Hollywood ten years ago. A chance encounter leads to a bargain that transforms them both. When it’s time to face her past, will their rediscovered love be strong enough to build a future together?