Published by The Wild Rose Press. Giveaway details below.
I love small town romances. There’s something irresistible about a love story set in a town of quirky characters, unique businesses and even interesting pets.
Into that amazing, quirky little town we drop our hero and heroine. Sometimes they’re both natives of the town.  Perhaps they’ve lived there all their lives, and have harbored secret feelings for each other for years. Or maybe one of them has recently returned home, either permanently or for what they believe will be a short stay.
In other small town romances, one of the lovers is a newcomer to the town, a stranger in a strange land. That describes Alex Campbell in ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE. Arriving from his hometown of San Diego, Alex finds himself in Lobster Cove, a small town on an island in Maine. He accepts a temporary position as a doctor in the town as a way to pay off his medical school debt. He only plans to stay for two years, the length of his contract. When the story opens he has only ten months left. Of course everything changes for Alex when he meets Julia.
Even though Alex falls head over heels for Julia, love might not be enough. Small towns are just that – small. They lack many of the amenities that city dwellers take for granted, and for a lot of people, they lack excitement. There has to be something that makes people want to stay, something they can’t get in a big city.
This is where those quirky characters come in. The thing about small towns is that they are communities. Their inhabitants care about each other and support each other when the chips are down. Showing this community caring at work is vital for a successful small town romance. The small town has to show that it is a worthy place for the hero and heroine to live and love.
To enter to win a $5 Amazon gift card, answer one of these questions in the comment section: Have you ever lived in a small town? What was the best thing about it? What was the worst? Would you like to live in a small town? The winner’s name will be posted by the end of the week.
Here’s an excerpt:
“You’re not leaving already, are you? It looks like the party’s just getting started.â€
She turned toward the familiar voice, her heart in her throat. Alex smiled down at her, his dark eyes warm and full of an emotion she was afraid to name. The last words he’d said to her came immediately to mind: I’m not going to give up on you, on us. She clasped her hands together, disconcerted to find they were shaking.
“I’m not really much of a dancer,†she said. Her voice sounded husky, as if it came from someone else.
He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing against her sensitive skin and making her shiver.
“I don’t believe that for a minute. Not someone who plays ball with the grace and athleticism you do.â€
“It’s true. I have two left feet when it comes to dancing.â€
“Prove it. Dance with me.â€
He extended his hand. Julia stared at it for a moment, warring with herself. If she danced with him, here in public, the whole town would know. They’d talk about her, about them. Once more she’d be the subject of gossip.
But when she looked into Alex’s eyes, she discovered she didn’t care. She hoped she wouldn’t regret her decision tomorrow.
She took Alex’s hand and let him lead her out onto the dance floor. The band was playing a slow waltz. He linked his fingers with hers and drew her hips against his. They moved slowly, swaying seductively to the music, their gazes locked. Julia simply couldn’t look away. She was lost in a turbulent sea of desire and longing.
“Where’s Ava tonight?â€
“With the Stewarts. She’s staying the night.â€
The slow song ended, and the band played an upbeat tune that had everyone on their feet. They crowded onto the dance floor. Julia and Alex remained in the middle of the street, staring into each other’s eyes as people danced around them. Then he lowered his head and whispered in her ear.
“Come home with me, Julia.â€
He rested his forehead against hers, waiting. Alex was the first man, the only man, she’d wanted since the end of her marriage. Their one night together had been magical. She didn’t know what to make of his assertion that he loved her. Her feelings for him were too confused to make sense of them. All she knew was that in this moment, she wanted him, needed him.
“Yes.â€
Want to know what happens next? ONE MORE SECOND can be purchased here. This novel is part of the Lobster Cove Series from The Wild Rose Press. Thanks for reading my post!
- About the Author
- Posts in the Past
Jana Richards has tried her hand at many writing projects over the years, from magazine articles and short stories to full-length paranormal suspense and romantic comedy. She loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also a serious side. She believes there’s nothing more interesting then peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick.
When not writing up a storm, working at her day job as an Office Administrator, or dealing with ever present mountains of laundry, she can be found on the local golf course pursuing her newest hobby.
Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren and a highly spoiled Pug/Terrier cross named Lou. You can reach her through her website at http://www.janarichards.com
I love small towns and everything about them (I think we’ve crossed enough paths that you already know this, right? ). The worst thing is lack of “amenities”, the best (for me) is everything else.
Love your cover, Jana!
I’ve never lived in a really small town, but I enjoy reading about them.
I have lived in a small town and in the same house all my 71 years! Love my small town and house! Love reading about small towns too!
Liz, I think I did know you’re a small town girl at heart. When I lived in small towns, the lack of things like shopping choices was annoying but not a deal breaker. The lack of health care amenities was much more serious. Things like having to drive your kids two hours for their orthodontist appointments, or to see a medical specialist. Most people I know who live in rural areas think nothing of driving an hour or two or more for medical appointments, shopping, or entertainment. But the rural lifestyle makes it up for them. Thanks for commenting Liz!
Rebecca, how great that you’ve lived in one place all your life! My husband and I moved around a lot, especially when our kids were young, and sometimes I missed that connection that you get in a small town. Thank you for commenting!
We spend our summers in a small town and our winters in a city–each has its own charm, but the knowing everyone you see in a small town is pretty special! I’m wondering if I could give up the city for the small town full time or not…hmmmm…
I’m so glad that I finally made it to this blog post! I couldn’t wait to read what you had to say about small town romances because I am considering moving more into this niche of the Romance world, as a writer and reader. I like small town romances because of the simple lifestyle. I’m from a small town but became a city girl immediately upon adulthood. Slowly I am find my way back to my small town, reconnecting with long-lost childhood friends. I love Facebook for that part. I don’t think I could move to any other small town than my own, though.
I love your excerpt. One More Second Chance is on my TBR list. I love the title and the cover.
Jess1, I know I responded to your comment earlier, but apparently the blog ate it. I started life on a farm 14 miles from the nearest town of 700 people. That’s small! Since then I’ve lived in towns and cities of 5,000, 10,000, 200,000 and now 650,000. Each has their good points and bad. You really get to know people in small towns, and that makes for closeness, but you sometimes lose some privacy.
Nan, you have the best of both worlds! It really is special to live in a place where everyone knows your name. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for stopping by Nicci! I sort of fell into writing small town romances (I write in other romance genres as well). The small town romance feels comfortable for me because it’s something I understand. I’m actually working on a small town series as we speak.
To be perfectly honest, I don’t think I could live in my childhood small town, which was 700 people back then but I think is 500 now. But I do go back there quite often because my brother and sister-in-law, and my nephew and his wife still live there. A couple of years ago when my nephew’s ten month old daughter was diagnosed with cancer, the town rallied around and raised a lot of money so they didn’t have to worry about taking off work and all the trips they’d have to make to the city for treatments. That’s the magic of a small town. I’m happy to report that my great-niece is doing fine now!
Jess1 I picked your name as the winner of the $5 Amazon gift card. Please contact me at jana.richards@hotmail.com Thanks for entering!