Romantic Reads: A Date for Daisy

Welcome Tara Grace Ericson to the blog today!

She's here to talk about her new novel, A Date for Daisy.

Tara has graciously agreed to give away a copy of her story to the winner of the book giveaway contest! Enter the contest via the Rafflecopter widget that's located at the end of this blog post.

Happy reading!

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Interview with Tara Grace Ericson about her book, A Date for Daisy:

Alexis: What inspired you to write this book?

Tara: This book was one of my favorites to write. The characters are strong and independent, but very different from one another, much like my (very loved) analytical-thinking husband and my more ‘free-spirited’ self! I wanted to write a story about characters like us, whose differences make them a better match, providing balance and encouraging growth. It’s not without its challenges, though, which the characters work through in the story.

Alexis: A Date for Daisy is the first book in The Bloom Sisters book series. What makes this series special to you?

Tara: More than my first series, The Bloom Sisters series is all about the family. I grew up with three older brothers, and the dynamics of a household with lots of siblings is so much fun to write. The family is close-knit, grounded in faith, and rooted deeply in the farm they love and work together.

Alexis: The opening line for your book blurb is hilarious! It reads, “He thinks she’s the captain of the Hot Mess Express.” Why does your story’s hero Lance think that about Daisy?

Tara: Daisy has her priorities, and organization is not one of them! Lance is very orderly and logical, and he has built a life and a business that leaves very little room for impulse decisions or off-the-wall ideas. When Daisy crashes (quite literally!) into his life, his first instinct is to back away slowly into his universe of lists and predictability.

Alexis: Why does Daisy Bloom who is the heroine of this story, think that Lance is too rigid?

Tara: Daisy lives in the moment, follows her whims, and searches for ways to channel her creative spirit into her world. It leaves little room for planning or schedules. To her, Lance’s structured world would mean giving up the flexibility and chaos she thrives within.

Alexis: What role does the renovation project play in bringing Daisy and Lance together?

Tara: Daisy is renovating an old house on the Bloom’s Farm property. Her previous contractor (Lance’s dad) has to have a knee replaced and is out of commission. Lance agrees to take over the project for his father.

Alexis: Did you, in real life, visit a bed and breakfast to scope out this story? If not, how did you do the research to write this book?

Tara: In college, my husband and I lived on the property of a bed and breakfast! In exchange for a rent-free apartment above the garage, we took care of the grounds, and occasionally checked in guests or threw sheets in the wash if the owners were busy. It was a pretty sweet deal for us, and it gave me some firsthand exposure to the reality of the innkeeper’s life. On the renovation side, my husband and I tackle renovations together. We’ve done two complete kitchen remodels and several bathrooms, basements, and flooring. Everything from electrical to plumbing so I was able to sprinkle realistic projects into Daisy and Lance’s schedule.

Alexis: How did Lance become a construction guru and business owner? Why is it his passion?

Tara: Lance’s father was a contractor and a single dad. Which meant Lance spent more time on a jobsite than off it. He grew to love the process as well, and built his own business. He loves taking something old and ugly and making it new. It reminds him of how God restores broken hearts and makes us new each morning.

Alexis: What is it about Daisy that Lance thinks is beautiful yet infuriating?

Tara: For someone straight-laced as Daisy, there is something magnetic about someone so vivacious and full of joy as Daisy. At the same time, she is impulsive and messy and it makes him crazy!

Alexis: What role does your characters’ individual faith in God play in this story? 

Tara: Both Lance and Daisy are being called to step out in faith. Lance, as someone who wants complete control, trusts God up to a point, but no further. As Daisy approaches the finish line with the renovation, obstacles make her doubt the call she was given. Through the story, each has their assumptions about God challenged and they have to trust him deeper in order to embrace their call and each other.

Alexis: What do you want readers to take away from this book?

Tara: I want readers to laugh and appreciate the complicated relationship of the characters. I want readers to fall in love with the Bloom Family as much as I have, and I want them to be encouraged that love is a daily choice, possible regardless of the differences we have with someone. I hope readers are encouraged by the steps of faith each character takes and how it blesses them.

Alexis: Now for the quick and fun questions in italics with your answers in plain font …

Starbucks or Subway? Starbucks.

Autumn or Winter? Autumn

Peaches or Nectarines? Peaches

Kindle or Paperback books? Both!

Country living or City? Country, but close enough to a city to go to Target 😉

Brownies or Pie? Brownies.

Who is your favorite Christian author? Francine Rivers or Becky Wade

What is your favorite book? The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Tara! Do you have closing comments?

Tara: Thank you so much for having me!

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Author Bio:

Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. 

She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. 

She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab Ruby, and a good cup of coffee or tea. 

Tara unashamedly watches Hallmark movies all winter long, even though they are predictable and cheesy. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living. She wants to encourage her readers with stories of men and women who live out their faith in tough situations.

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A Date for Daisy book blurb:

He thinks she’s the captain of the Hot Mess Express.
She thinks he’s rigid and wound too tight.
And this renovation is about to get complicated.

Daisy Bloom is determined to turn her 100-year-old house into a bed and breakfast. The only problem? She knows nothing about renovations.

Enter Lance Matthews, construction guru and business owner. He is determined to tackle this project with his usual methodical, organized approach. His only problem? The beautiful and infuriating homeowner -- deeply involved with the project and completely averse to lists, schedules, or any form of organization.

When sparks fly between these wildly different personalities, will they find common ground? Or does God have other plans for each of them?

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Buy Tara's book on Amazon, B&N, or Eden

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Connect with Tara:
My website: www.taragraceericson.com
Free Story/Newsletter Signup: www.taragraceericson.com/mailinglist.html
Facebook: www.facebook.com/taraericsonauthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/taraericsonauthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/taragraceauthor

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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