Pat Nichols and Free Books!

Hollywood swoops into Willow Falls, creating chaos and disrupting a wedding, a debut novel, and a budding romance.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of MaryLu Tyndall's time-slip romance, Timeless Treasure, is:

jrs0350@...

Congratulations! We'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's meet Pat Nichols, author of the women’s southern contemporary novel, Starstruck in Willow Falls (LPC Books, a division of Iron Stream Media, February 2021).

Retired from a twenty-seven-year corporate career, Pat Nichols launched her career as an author and is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Drawing on her experience working with hundreds of women from all walks of life, she creates stories about women facing tension-laced challenges and heart-warming triumphs in the pursuit of their dreams. 
Pat is the mother of two and grandmother of four. One precious granddaughter lives with the angels. Pat and her husband of fifty-plus years live in Duluth, Georgia. 
When she isn’t writing she enjoys jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, watching movies, reading, and spending time with family and friends. 
Pat's debut novel, The Secret of Willow Inn, Willow Falls series book one, which released January 2019, is a 2020 Selah Award winner. Book two, The Trouble in Willow Falls, released November 2019. Book Three, Starstruck in Willow Falls, released February 2021.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

My husband and I have been blessed with opportunities to visit thirty-one countries, nineteen during cruises. Our most enjoyable cruise? The eastern Mediterranean because we shared the two-week trip with my mom and dad. Our two favorite destinations? Hands down, Venice Italy and Eze France where we stayed at Chevre D’Or, a magical hotel built in the side of a mountain.

How lovely, Pat! I've only done one cruise, but my sister and I always dream about doing European cruises together. Yours sound wonderful. I love Venice.
Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Starstruck in Willow Falls.

A Hollywood film crew and famous actors swoop into Willow Falls to film a full-length motion picture, disrupting the town’s new normal as a popular North Georgia tourist destination and turning the town’s lovable, quirky residents into groupies and wannabe movie stars.

Rachel Streetman worries her life-long dream to act is drifting into oblivion and leaving behind bitter regret. Weeks away from marrying Charlie Bricker, she questions if auditioning for a role in the movie will boost her lackluster career or open the door to a lifestyle incompatible with the small-town life she has come to accept.

Emily Hayes’ release of her debut novel is upstaged by the Hollywood invasion. When she and Rachel accept the job as the director’s liaisons, their patience is stretched to the limit by starstruck residents and ego-driven stars. An unexpected visitor and a medical emergency create additional challenges and eye-opening revelations.

What is it about your lead characters that will make your readers care about them?

Emily, the town’s newspaper editor and an aspiring author, grew up in Willow Falls. She wrote her first novel to draw attention to her town’s unique history and encourage folks to visit. Rachel abandoned her dream to act to follow in her father’s footsteps in his Atlanta-based business until she met Charlie Bricker and discovered the truth about her past. Sadie returned to Willow Falls after serving a thirty-year sentence for killing the town hero. 
The three women were strangers until tragedy and a long-held secret brought them together in The Secret of Willow Inn. In Starstruck in Willow Falls they each face new challenges and triumphs as they continue to pursue their dreams in a small southern town populated with lovable, quirky residents, where everyone knows everyone’s business.

Share with us one line or paragraph from your novel that will give us a good feel for the tone of the story.

Tomorrow’s edition of the Willow Post loomed large in Emily Hayes’ mind as she drove past Willow Falls’ picturesque, century-old storefronts. No one—other than the mayor, the town council, and the paper’s reporter—had a clue about the chaos scheduled to descend on this quaint little town. As editor of the weekly newspaper, she knew all too well that more than a handful of residents would blame her for keeping the news under wraps.

Sounds like fun!
What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I was privileged to read an advanced copy of Bent Tree Bride which releases April 2021. Author Denise Weimer masterfully weaves historical events with engaging fictional characters in a heart-warming romance set against the backdrop of the War of 1812.

What are you working on now?

Two weeks ago, I finished a complete re-write of the first manuscript I wrote back in 2014, a fictional story inspired by a young woman who drifted in and out of our lives for three decades. Next step? Submit a proposal to my publisher, then wait for a response. Nail-biting time again. 
Blessings with that, Pat.

Where else can readers find you online?

patnicholsauthor.blog
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Goodreads
Bookbub


The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

What is your favorite travel destination and where would you most like to visit?

Thanks, Pat, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Pat has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, click on the word "comments" below to reach the comments page, and leave your answer and your email in answer to Pat's above question. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com. 
Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.

Also readers, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post title.

Annoying legal disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE