Good Morning Friends,
You may have heard Liz Flaherty mentioned here on the blog before as a gift card winner Sept 2020, but she has never been a guest so please offer her a huge SW Louisiana W...E...L...C...O...M...E!
I kept looking at today’s date in my datebook when I chose it to be a guest on Pam’s blog. And looking. What was so familiar about it? Why did it matter? On a gloomy and wet April morning, I remembered. And, for a couple of moments there, I was sad.
My senior-in-high-school boyfriend and I had a fraught relationship. I was the one who liked more, tried harder, cried copious tears over every argument, and thought life would probably end if we weren’t together forever. On May 11, two weeks before both of our graduations, we went to his prom. I can’t remember now why we went to his instead of mine, but that was how it worked out. I loved my dress, hated my hair, and was soooo excited.
But, you know, it wasn’t fun. We as a couple weren’t fun, either. Although we laughed that night, I knew in my heart of hearts that we were done. He’d asked me to the prom coming off of a fight, and I think he’d regretted it. Retrospect is so 20/20, isn’t it?
It was the last date we had. I only saw him a few times after that, after we’d both married. I was happy. I don’t know if he was, although I hope so. The reason May 11 stuck out in my mind was that it was a day that changed the rest of my life. It was when I learned (although I would have to relearn it again and again) that the word relationship requires more than one active member.
In a sweet but not quite inspirational romantic novel, Life’s Too Short for White Walls, Joss leaves her 25-year marriage when her husband falls in love with her sister. Bewildered by a new beginning she didn’t want, she drives to her grandparents’ farm in Banjo Bend, Kentucky, not even sure it was still there but knowing she needed to be in a safe place. She can’t even begin to think of trusting another person with her heart.
But the farm is a campground now, owned by Ezra McIntyre. The former pilot and college professor suffers from “a little” PTSD and although he knows he needs the new beginning the property offers, he’s also terrified of it. In his relationship with life, he doesn’t want to be an active member.
Lives change, so often in the space of a conversation, an event, or even a senior prom, and we learn from those changes. And relearn. Life’s Too Short for White Walls is a story so dear to my heart for those reasons. I hope you try it and that you like it, too.
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Still reeling from her divorce, Joss Murphy flees to Banjo Bend, Kentucky, where she'd been safe and happy as a child. The family farm is now a campground. Weary and discouraged, she talks owner Ezra McIntire into renting her a not-quite-ready cabin.
With PTSD keeping him company, Ez thrives on the seclusion of the campground. The redhead in Cabin Three adds suggestions to his improvement plans, urging color and vibrancy where there was none.
Neither is looking for love, yet the attraction they share is undeniable. Can the comfort of campfires, hayrides, and sweet kisses bring these two lost souls together?
Hope you enjoyed the post friends, be sure and leave a comment to be eligible for a prize from Liz.
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
22 comments:
Great post. You have to love a book with in it camping. Thank you for sharing, ladies. D.
Lol. I knew you'd feel that way. I have to admit, the campground was one of my favorite parts, too.
Thanks for having me here, Pam!
Liz, I don't remember the date of my high school prom, but it wasn't a memorable night. :) I like that yours is story of second chances. I love your writing--and you.
Congrats! I love the book title, so original. Best wishes.
Super post, Liz. I loved it!
Interesting post and book premise, Liz. Congratulations on the book.
Really enjoyed the post, Liz. I'm an advocate for second chances too-- All the best :)
Oh, boy, Caroline, can I ever relate!
Thanks, Jacqueline. I love that title, too, and I have the dark blue kitchen, gray living room, and hunter green bedroom to prove it. :-)
Thanks, Bonnie!
Thanks, Barbara. Although the book wasn't an easy write, the title and the premise WERE easy, and they weren't moving!
Thanks, Barb. I do love those second chances, both in books and in real life.
Life does indeed change.
Enjoyed the post!
I always wondered about those campground hosts. They seem poised on the brink of having a potentially great time, living in nature! Good luck for your book!
Whether you're ready for it or not, right, Mary? Sigh.
Thanks, Kara!
Hi, Babs. Thank you. I'd never even wondered about them before--I was young when I camped last! But Ez has a good time and creates a good place for people who need it.
Funny how those highschool "tragedies" stick in our memories! Great post, and best of luck with the book.
Yes, Alina, they retain a special, rather dark place, don't they? Lol.
Congratulations, Babs Mountjoy. You're the winner of the prize! Thanks again to Pam for having me and to everyone who stopped by.
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