My publisher wanted some stories set in the National Parks across the US. So, I started doing some research. Finally, I zeroed on the Great Smoky Mountain Park. Next, I needed to figure out who my heroes would be. I then settled for a medically discharged US Marine. I wanted him to be a park ranger. But, the circumstances under which he would be discharged medically would not be compatible with life as a ranger. The what-if game began.
What if he needed to adjust to his “new normal”? So, I decided to have him spend Thanksgiving with a friend’s family. He would become friends with his friend’s sister who volunteers at the park. With no immediate plans, their Grams would suggest he volunteers too and he agrees. Except that he would still be dealing with the after effect of his injuries and he would determine to shut her out. But would he succeed?
My heroine is vivacious, refreshingly so. I wanted someone who would be an exact opposite of my hero’s reserved personality. Someone who would make him yearn to live again. And I found her in a blogger and amateur photographer who was volunteering at the park. She is determined to dispel the gloom he carries around. But there is only so much she could do if he wouldn’t let her in.
The book was fun to write.
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Rose Verde is an avid reader and writer of romance. Her story tells of real life issues and God’s dealings. She loves to see two imperfect people overcome hurdles and fall in love. In her other life, she is a Nurse/Clinical instructor. Check out her national park story here: A Time to Heal.
Be sure to watch out for Spring Beauty Inn. It will be free for five days, July 1st-5th.