Hope Toler Dougherty's Blog, page 12
May 21, 2020
I Love Libraries
One of my favorite public libraries!
Libraries are an important part of my life, and I’ve included them in each of my stories so far. Until Forever Music, libraries have received only a mention here and there, but in this story, a struggling library becomes the reason for Josie and Ches to keep seeing each other. Their friendship and attraction for each other grow as they work to save it together.
I especially love the Northern Tier Regional Library in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania! We enjoyed su...
May 19, 2020
Happy Release Day for Forever Music!
Today is the release day for my fourth novel, Forever Music! Hooray!
Some people call it a book birthday. I understand that, but I feel it’s more like the first day of kindergarten. Readers with children, do you remember how you felt letting your child walk onto the bus, down the hall, into the classroom for the first time without you? You love the child so much and want others to see his value, to love her as much as you do. You’re excited, sick, scared all at the same time.
I’ve know these Jos...
May 18, 2020
Forever Music Siblings
The siblings in Forever Music, Ben, Heath, Sam, and Josie, are loosely based on my own four children. Not exactly their personalities, but definitely their chit chat and smack talk when they get together.
Today Im sharing pictures of the Dougherty siblings.
This picture is a few years old, but its still a good one
Together for Christmas!
Heres another one from a beach trip a few years ago.
Mugging for the camera!
If it looks like they love each other, its true. They enjoy...
May 11, 2020
Discover the Back Story for Forever Music
Circa 1988
Forever Music is set in Charlotte, North Carolina. Thats where Kevin and I met and dated and got engaged. This picture is from those dating days. We took a trip to the NC mountains, not too far from Charlotte. A stranger took this picture for us on top of Grandfather Mountain (no selfies back in the day). As you can see from the rip across the middle, the pictures seen better days, but its the only one I have of that trip.
I still own that jean jacket and wear it, too. I wish I...
April 27, 2020
Comfort from Isaiah
Ive been trying to keep a positive outlook during our pause in normal lives, but Ill tell youlately my shiny thoughts have dulled a bit with persistent questions:
When will my out-of-state children get to visit me again? Will our YMCA family camp week (weve been enjoying this sweet week since 2003) happen this year? How long will I be able to keep my 82-year-old mother from breaking quarantine and leaving her house? Will we really not be able to enjoy a Steelers football game in the fall??...
April 23, 2020
How to Think Positively in These Times
This stay-at-home time has gone on for a long time, hasnt it? My first canceled event here in North Carolina was supposed to take place on March 12th. I attended a funeral the next week, had my dentist appointment canceled on me, began BSF classes by Zoom, but still had my hair done on the 20th. At that point, restrictions were beginning to tighten. Meeting group size shrunk from 100 to 50 to finally 10 when North Carolinians received stay-at-home orders on the 30th.
The social distancing and...
April 17, 2020
Encouragement for Our Stay-at-Home
Some people are having a hard time with this stay-at-home order. Ive seen some on-line complaining. I get itI mean, as much as an introvert can understand why people dont like staying at home.
Im happy as a kitten in a sunspot. I have projects to finish, books to finish, recipes to try. I work from home anyway, so my schedule isnt really any different. I just have people here with me, so I have to be aware if theyre on the phone not to go banging on the piano when I need a break from my...
April 7, 2020
Forever Music Book Trailer
The book trailer for Forever Music is ready for viewing!
If youre tired of Netflix and Amazon Prime, go here to watch it. What do you think?
The book releases May 19th from Mantle Rock Publishing and is available for pre-order now on Amazon. Go to this link to order your copy!
The post Forever Music Book Trailer appeared first on Hope Toler Dougherty.
April 4, 2020
Irish Encounter FREE
Do you need something new to read? Travel to Ireland without breaking the stay-at home orders by downloading the e-book version of Irish Encounter.
Already have the print copy? Download the e-book version, too!
The back cover copy:
After almost three years of living under a fog of grief, Ellen Shepherd is ready for the next chapter in her life, perhaps an adventure during a visit to Galway. Her idea of excitement consists of exploring Ireland for yarn to feature in her shop back...
March 31, 2020
Still Going Strong
Still flying.
In the past few weeks, it seems that the world has gone upside down. Everything seems changed with Coivd-19 commanding almost every minute of air time on every news program. I captured several pictures around my home that speaks to continuity in these unsettling times. We added this flag last year to the banks of our pond, and people comment all the time about how much they love seeing it.
Still farming.
My cousin, Mel, lives across the road from me. Hes preparing...
