Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Exploring Family Dynamics by Jannine Gallant



A special treat today on a Tuesday! Please welcome my guest, Jannine Gallant. She's on a blog tour that I'm proud to be part of. Please read on and enjoy...
Family is central in all my books. Let’s face it—we don’t exist in a vacuum, and neither should our characters. Most have parents or siblings who enter into the picture, even if it’s just on the periphery, but with my new release, I didn’t stop there. In Every Move She Makes, I take family to a whole new level. My heroine has parents who love to give advice, siblings who provide a sounding board and never fail to step in when she needs them, in-laws who drive her a little crazy (thanks to an ex-husband) and three daughters who create their own brand of drama. Too much? Maybe, but I hope all those relatives give the reader a more complete picture of what Rachel has to contend with in her life and why she’s hesitant to jump into a romantic relationship with the hero. Here’s a little glimpse into Rachel’s family…

After the earlier theatrics, the eighth-grade graduation ceremony was anticlimactic—the only bit of drama created when Lark walked across the stage wearing a summer dress that bared her tattoo for the world to see. Rachel’s mother sagged in her seat, her gasp audible through the applause.
A short time later, Audrey Hanover entered the kitchen of her big, rambling farmhouse, still in a huff. “Neither of you would have gotten away with a stunt like that when you were teenagers.”
Though she’d grown plump over the years, and her red hair was mostly gray, she was still a beautiful woman—and a force to be reckoned with. She cast another dark look in her granddaughter’s direction.
“Believe me, Lark isn’t getting away with it either.” Rachel washed her hands and dried them on a dish towel. “Now, what can I do to help with dinner?”
Audrey ignored her daughter’s attempt to change the subject. “Then why wouldn’t you let me speak my mind when we were at the school?”
“Because I didn’t want a public scene. I’m handling the situation, and Lark is well aware of my displeasure. Please, can we just drop it for now?”
Grace took her mother’s sweater from her and hung it on the hook by the door. “Don’t worry, Mom. Lark is in serious trouble. Rachel let her have it earlier. Now, let’s get the ham out of the oven and eat. I’m starving.”
Her sister led their mother away, and Rachel reached up to massage her temples.
“Here.” Will handed her two aspirin and a glass of water. “You look like you could use these.”
“My savior.” She gulped down the tablets.
“Is Mom giving you grief?”
“She doesn’t bother me. It’s the situation in general. Lately I feel like my life is one disaster after another.”
“Keep your chin up, kid. You’ll survive.”

I’d love to hear how you feel about family in romance. Is it important to you in the books you read or write? Please share your thoughts!

Blurb:

No matter where she goes, he knows her every move…

Long ago, Rachel Carpenter was a glamorous soap star. She gave it all up to move to Napa Valley with her daughters to open a bookstore near her family vineyard. Her life is safe and dependable, until she encounters Kane Lafferty at a wilderness camp in the rugged High Sierra. A burned-out police detective struggling with his own demons, Kane is instantly attracted to Rachel. And like Rachel, he isn’t sure if he’s ready to open his heart. But everything is about to change…

Someone is watching from the darkness. A fanatic obsessed with Rachel for years has decided to claim what he believes is his. It will be up to Kane to not only protect his new love and her family, but to uncover the identity of the stalker before it’s too late for all of them…

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About the Author:

Write what you know. Jannine Gallant has taken this advice to heart, creating characters from small towns and plots that unfold in the great outdoors. She grew up in a tiny Northern California town and currently lives in beautiful Lake Tahoe with her husband and two daughters. When she isn’t busy writing or being a full time mom, Jannine hikes or snowshoes in the woods around her home. Whether she’s writing contemporary, historical or romantic suspense, Jannine brings the beauty of nature to her stories. To find out more about this author and her books, visit her website atjanninegallant.com.

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10 comments:

  1. I love family in romance--and out of it. They are like seasoning. I loved this scene, though I can't imagine my moms (or for that matter, me) interfering in child-raising! :-)

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    1. Hi Liz, thanks for visiting. Rachel's mom is very free with advice. Actually pretty fun to write. I have colorful characters scattered throughout this book!

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  2. I love how family dynamics play out in books!

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    1. They're fun to watch, Jennifer. I hope I did them justice!

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  3. Hmmm. Write what you know. Great advice. I can identify. Your characters are so realistic. They are fun to watch. Best of luck with this one, Jannine. Hello, Brenda!

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    1. Thanks, Margo. Hope people can relate to the entire cast of characters.

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  4. I have four siblings, so a 'full house' is something I understand...and love to replay at family reunions. The interactions are novel-worthy, for sure. Good luck with your new book, Jannine. Waving to Brenda.

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    1. I hope the big family resonates with a lot of people, Rolynn. Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. I hope the big family resonates with a lot of people, Rolynn. Thanks for stopping by!

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