The Inspirations Behind Memory Lane

My next book, Memory Lane, is releasing in just two and a half weeks!

I thought I’d dip into my files for this book and share some of my inspirations as well as a fun “book trailer” video with you.

Inspiration #1: MAINE

I’ve always been captivated by the pictures and videos I’ve seen of Maine. The rugged shore! The moody water! The dense forests! Plus, when I asked my readers which book settings they loved best, Maine ranked very high. Plus, I reasoned, if I set a series of books there, I’d have an excellent reason to plan a trip and see it for myself.

My husband and I made it to Maine last summer and it was even better than I’d expected.

Acadia National ParkCamden Maine, the inspiration for my fictional town of Groomsport. When you read Memory Lane, you’ll see that I gave a nod to Camden in one particular way.In the novel, my heroine walks along the breakwater (as I did) to the Rockland Lighthouse pictured above.My husband an I hiked up to Maiden’s Cliff — which plays a role in the story.Inspiration #3: MY HEROINE

Remy Reed is an artist who creates wood sculptures. She lives in a cottage on the tip of one of Maine’s most remote “unbridged” islands.

Remy is:

Quirky, artistic, imaginative, feistyNatural. She doesn’t care much about her appearance. She enjoys art, nature, music.She’s not trying to prove anything to anyone. She doesn’t want money or approval or fame. She feels things passionatelyProtects herself by controlling her life and remaining isolatedInspiration #3: MY HERO

My hero is a mystery man. After Remy rescues him from the ocean, she gets him situated in her cottage. He’s injured can’t remember his name or history.

He’s:

Charming, handsome, athleticHe has an air of easy intelligence and lazy intensityHe’s in control of himself. Very confident and secure.Observant and quick-witted, with a great sense of humorInspiration #4: THE PREMISE

If you’re familiar with my recent books, then you know that I love to incorporate mystery into my romances! In this one, the story questions are… “Who is he?” and “What happened that landed him in the Atlantic Ocean with no memories?”

Inspiration #5: THE HERO AND HEROINE’S DYNAMIC

In terms of romantic tropes, I had a great time with “opposites attract” and “heroine saves hero” tropes in Memory Lane. These two rub each other completely the wrong way at first. But their differences made their banter and their chemistry so much fun.

I’m delighted to say that Memory Lane is now widely available for pre-order! I recommend heading to my site HERE because I’ve compiled lots of buy links all in one place. Note: If you’re interested in pre-ordering the paperback, the ebook, or the audiobook, you’ll find the best deals for those on my website bookstore. I wouldn’t pre-order the paperback on Amazon at this point. Right now it’s priced high (I’m trying to fix that). It will be $5 less there once it releases. You can add it to your Goodreads shelves HERE.

I’m so excited for you to meet these characters and read their love story!

Have you been to Maine? Thoughts about any of the above?