As I write this blog for The Good, The Bad and the Unread, I’m looking forward to the release of Claiming Colleen, the third book in the Home to Harbor Town series, while at the same time, doing edits for One in a Billion—Deidre’s story and book four in the series—and writing the fifth book—Ryan’s story. It’s one of those strange experiences that an author has, that by the time a book is ready to make its debut, the writer’s mind is months or years later in the character’s journey. But it’s a wonderful perspective, too, sort of like sharing familiar photographs with a friend or family member who hasn’t yet seen them and experiencing them fresh through another’s eyes.
Claiming Colleen is Eric Reyes’ and Colleen Kavanaugh’s love story—one I’ve been looking forward to telling since book one. The heat, conflict, and attraction between the two has been simmering just below the surface for two books, so it was so much fun for me to finally give these two special characters the full spotlight and their own unique romance.
One of the fun things about Eric and Colleen’s story is that the two have knowledge of things going on behind the scenes that other characters in the books (and thus, the reader) haven’t had thus far. Perhaps there’s a reason Colleen acted so uncharacteristically and slugged Eric in book one, and maybe there’s a thread of common history beyond their family tragedy that makes Eric always remember her with warmth and a touch of regret, despite their apparent coolness toward one another? These are the little elements that get to be brought to the surface as these two take the stage for their own passionate romance. One of the things that’s nice about this is that old readers can peek into formerly obscured events going on in the background of former books, while new readers can experience it new, fresh, and complete.
I noticed that as I wrote Claiming Colleen that the tone of the story was different than the two former books—a little lighter, less somber, and a bit more tongue in cheek. Eric’s and Colleen’s dialogue flowed in a quick, familiar rhythm, highlighting these two individuals’ inherent confidence, intelligence…and, of course, stubborn streaks that go miles deep. Their chemistry provided a nice alteration in the flow of the series. Yes, this couple has also been touched by past tragedy and their lives today show undeniable marks of it. But they are also both intensely vibrant and present individuals, and thus their romance has an active, vigorous feel to it.
I suppose some people might think it was strange that I came up with a romance series that was at least partially inspired by news articles of the Taconic Parkway crash. For whatever reason, I was deeply moved by this heart-rending story about senseless death, multiple families’ losses, and the inevitable grinding pain of the survivors. Romance novels are, at their essence, books about love, though; the power of love to transform, grow, and eventually heal our flawed human selves. What’s more, Harlequin Special Edition is an imprint that focuses on families. I thought it was a perfect home for this story about three very different families, their journey to forgiveness and acceptance, and, finally, happiness within the arms of the one they love.
For the giveaway today: Thank you to The Good, The Bad and the Unread for hosting me here today! I’ll give two randomly chosen commenters their choice of two books from the Home to Harbor Town series, The Hometown Hero Returns, Liam’s Perfect Woman, or Claiming Colleen.
~Beth
Great post. Your series sounds good. Thank you for the giveaway.
Can’t wait to read Colleen’s story (when it magically appears on my Kindle next week! ) I didn’t realize there’d be even more in the series.
Hi Crystal! Thanks for stopping by!
Julie–yes, two more in the series. Deidre’s story comes out this August, Ryan Itani’s this October! Hope you enjoy Claiming Colleen. Don’t you love how they just *twinkle, twinkle* magically appear? 🙂
I read some very good reviews of your first book and since it was no longer in the stores, I ordered it from Harlequin. It was my first Beth Kery novel and I enjoyed it. I remember Colleen hitting Eric and wondered if they would have a story of their own. I didn’t realize the series was inspired from a true news story.
Hi Kim! Thanks for trying out the series.
As far as the news story, yes, it was a partial thing. I wouldn’t want to insult anyone by saying it directly relates to real people’s circumstances or lives. I just meant that the story moved me very much, and the idea of all those families suffering and the inevitable conflict that comes from a drunk driving situation inspired me to write my own story–very different, obviously, than reality–but with the idea of that conflict at its core.
Thanks for stopping by!
I read the first book in the Harbor Town series and the whole family tragedy thing seemed like a tough story to write. All those emotions!
Congrats on having more Harbor Town books!!
I really enjoyed reading your post today. Your series sounds amazing. I love finding new authors, and series are my favorites. Thank you for the great giveaway.
Your stories are realistic and that’s something that I enjoy; same with Catherine Anderson.
Hello Beth! I really love this series. I have been looking forward to Colleen and Eric’s story since she punched him. I always wanted to know more about their history. I am so glad that there will be more books in the series. Congratulations on the new release!
enjoyed reading the comments. I am always looking for new authors to read so would welcome these books.
Hi Beth.
I love this series. It’s amazing what inspired you to write this.
Beth, can’t wait to read the new book in this series!
Beth I havent had the pleasure tor ead any of these books yet they are on my wish list but havent gotten around to getting them. I love when something can touchsomeone so profoundly that they celebrate the life and the tradgidy of an event where ppl can remember but also go beyond and past that to the good stuff too great post!
Your books are on my wish list for a long time already! They sound really good. Thank you for the giveaway!
Hi StacieD! Thanks, I hope you enjoy their story. I ‘heard’ them talking very loud in my head. Some characters are very fleshed out from the beginning, and some emerge more during the writing process. Eric and Colleen were very much the former. 🙂
Hi Dinca! I just saw the link up for One in a Billion over at B&N. Still not up at Amazon, but I was happy to see that. Still no cover for that one, though. Thanks again for having me here!
Mary,
Hi! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Yes, once again, it was more of a seed for the idea vs. anything specific, but–for obvious reasons–I, like a lot of people, was so heart broken about that entire story.
Hi Beth,
I really enjoyed the first two books in the series so I am eagerly anticipating Eric and Coleen’s story. I must confess that I initially found it incredulous that these characters who were full of mistrust againt each other would end up romantically entangled with one another as if they haven’t met anyone during the intervening 15 years. On the other hand these characters do share a past and thus would have remained interested with one another throughout the years. The writing is just wonderful and made me really care for each of the characters. I am really looking forward to a future book on Deirdre who I think will be paired with Nick.
Alicet,
Thanks so much for commenting and your support of the series so far.
Yes, Eric and Colleen are one of those opposites attract romances, although they are actually a lot more a like than Colleen has ever realized. I like to write a romance where one or both of the characters can learn something about themselves in order to be able to accept the romance. That’s certainly Colleen’s journey.
And yes…you are right about Deidre and Nick–well caught. 🙂 One in a Billion, out in August.
Hi Beth! You are a new author to me. Your books sound really good. I love books that are in a series.
Beth! Hope you are doing well! Well, now I have to add this series to my TBR list. Their story sounds great, but my series OCD will demand I start from the beginning.