Our guest today: Tracey Garvis Graves
Why we love her: We LOVE her books. A LOT. (And she's really cool too!)
Her latest: Covet (Out September 17th!)
The Scoop: What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else? Chris and Claire Canton's marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he's offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire's concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can't weather. Their suburban life may look idyllic on the outside, but Claire has never felt so disconnected from Chris, or so lonely.
Local police officer Daniel Rush used to have it all, but now he goes home to an empty house every night. He pulls Claire over during a routine traffic stop and runs into her again at the 4th of July parade. When Claire is hired to do some graphic design work for the police department, her friendship with Daniel grows, and soon they're spending hours together.
Claire loves the way Daniel makes her feel, and the way his face lights up when she walks into the room. Daniel knows that Claire's marital status means their relationship will never be anything other than platonic. But it doesn't take long before Claire and Daniel are in way over their heads, and skating close to the line that Claire has sworn she'll never cross.
Our thoughts: Whew! Hands down, one of our fave books of 2013. An addicting narrative on love and marriage--you must read this!
Giveaway: Two copies! Leave a comment and we'll choose a winner on September 8th after Noon PST.
Fun Fact: We met Tracey at BEA last Spring and she is delightful!
Where to read more about Tracey: Her website, Facebook and Twitter.
CHICK LIT IS NOT PRESENTS...TRACEY GARVIS-GRAVES 5 LOVES AND A DUD
Coffee
When I come downstairs in the morning the first thing that hits me is the smell of fresh-brewed coffee. I always get the coffee pot ready the night before because I want – no I need – the coffee to be waiting for me. I have these big mugs that look like bowls with a handle, and I fill one with coffee and a big splash of vanilla soy milk. I used to dump in a packet of Splenda, but I’ve since given it up (and don’t really miss it). I received a lovely gift bag from a book club whose meeting I attended. In it was a bag of coffee called Mississippi Grogg (which is made in Dubuque, Iowa). It has hints of hazelnut, caramel, and butterscotch; it smells and tastes fantastic. I was thrilled to discover it in my local grocery store and now it’s my coffee of choice. I also have a Keurig coffee maker for those mornings when I’m in the mood for a variety (or was too lazy to get the coffee ready the night before). I might start out with a blonde roast from Starbuck’s and then switch to a mocha K-cup if I feel like mixing it up a little.
Extreme weather/change of seasons
I live in Iowa where our motto is, “If you don’t like the weather just wait a minute, it will change.” That’s exactly what I love about my home state. I would go crazy if I lived somewhere where the weather stayed the same all the time. I love a good thunderstorm and nothing excites me more than an approaching blizzard (provided my friends and family aren’t trying to drive in it). I love living in the Midwest because I also love the change of seasons (fall is my favorite). I have certain candles, recipes, and music that I gravitate toward depending on what season we’re in. Now that September is approaching, I’ll be burning cinnamon and pumpkin candles, making chicken tortilla soup, and listening to the Moody Blues and James Taylor.
Room service breakfast
Do I like it when someone else makes the breakfast and delivers it to me right in my room? Yes, yes I do. I don’t even care if they see me in my pajamas, with crazy hair. I’m invisible to room service waiters (no really, they can’t see me). No one ever makes me breakfast at home (except for Mother’s Day), so when I travel I look forward to a lovely meal delivered to me on a tray.
Cardigan sweaters
I love them and think they’re a necessary (and adorable staple) of anyone’s wardrobe. Who doesn’t want to rock the sexy librarian look now and then? I’m especially fond of longer-length cardigans (the softer the better) and I love to cuddle up in one when I’m writing. I just counted and I currently have twenty-seven cardigans hanging in my closet, which sort of makes it sound like I have a problem.
Driving alone. I’ve driven all over the state of Iowa in the last year for book signings and library presentations. I always go alone, and I don’t mind at all. I love music, so I listen to various playlists on my iPod and let my mind wander. I love to plot books when I’m in the car, and if I’m having trouble figuring out a scene I can usually solve the problem with a nice long drive. Sometimes I’m so deep in thought I miss my exit.
DUD
Male strippers/dancers. I may need to turn in my girl card because Magic Mike did absolutely nothing for me, and not even Matthew McConaughey and Channing Tatum could change my mind. I think the concept of watching men dance around while taking their clothes off is hilariously ridiculous, but I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to be laughing. I think the appropriate response is to scream and swoon, but unfortunately I’m incapable of it.
Thanks, Tracey!