Welcome, Darlene!
Tell us about your characters in The Story Between Us.
These were such fun characters to create and develop. When I decided to write about a children’s book author, I knew there had to be a child involved. Since I set out to write a romance, there had to be a single dad as the love interest…so, Kristen, Reed and Dylan were brought to life.
One of the challenges to adding a child to the mix was to still keep the romance as the central story line. I wanted an endearing kid, yet knew he had to be real and relatable. Anyone with kids needed to recognize moments of funny but inappropriate comments, the sweet moments of trust and affection, and the occasional bothersome whining or need for attention.
And, of course, there had to be an antagonist, so Dylan’s aunt materialized. Her abrasive attitude and questionable dependability keep the reader guessing about her motives and keep reminding Reed that he really is Dylan’s best option as guardian.
What I want more than anything when I write is to make an emotional connection with readers, whether that’s through a specific character or a familiar setting or experience. If I can evoke outrage, a smile, a sigh, or especially a tear, I’ve accomplished my goal!
According to a few reviewers, it worked with The Story Between Us and these characters.
Reviews…
--I fell in love with Dylan...who wouldn’t? .my gosh, he’s precious and my heart just broke for him and all he had lost in his young life. Reed’s character was so well written...seriously, I could sense his struggle of becoming an insta-dad his life and career careening so far off his desired path and goals...he accepted responsibility and mechanically bumbled his way through parenting...and little Dylan just snuck right into his heart. Of course, all of this being gently guided by the love of a selfless and compassionate Kristen. *sigh*. Just lovely...
-- The reader is immediately drawn into the character of Dylan. Every reader will just have their heart go out to that little gaffer. His tragic circumstances and his young bravery are beautifully presented.
-- You'll reflect, laugh and perhaps shed a tear or two, but you're sure to fall in love with all three of these characters. Great story!
The Blurb…
Even though The Story Between Us takes place in fall and winter, a spring tour of bluebonnet fields in Texas was the inspiration for the ranch setting.
Her agent warned her not to get attached to a fan. But children's book author Kristen Hanover is about to break the rules. Kristen meets a young boy who is a victim of a tragic accident and is drawn into the heartbreaking situation.
Six years ago, Reed Armstrong never imagined he'd actually become guardian of his sister's boy. Now he is, and most days he's not sure he's up to the task.
When he and Dylan meet Kristen, Reed downplays his nephew's crush on the author. But as their lives become unexpectedly intertwined, he finds himself captivated as well. Trouble is, she sells stories for a living. Does she truly care about Dylan…and Reed, or is she using them for her own career advancement?
For a visual snapshot of The Story Between Us, visit Darlene’s Pinterest board.
Excerpt:
Reed pulled his keys out of his pocket. In the doorway, he stopped then folded his arms and leaned against the casing. “Can I ask you a question?”
Chest pounding, Kristen forced a smile. “Of course.” She took a couple of steps toward him and braced a hand against the back of the sofa.
“Is writing your only reason for being here?”
Heavy, charged air closed around her. She wet her lips. How to answer that? Honestly, sure, but…how honestly? “Well, writing is my goal. But—” She glanced around the room before looking at him again. “I’d love to ride my horse, er, Star, and spend some time with…with people I like, too.”
As he pushed off from the door, a slow grin spread across his face. “Sounds like an excellent plan.” He sauntered closer. About a foot away, he stopped. “You’re good with dinner at the main house tonight? Don’t let Dylan bully you. You decide.”
She gave a shaky laugh. That was the plan, right? She couldn’t remember for sure. Her brain was going fuzzy—Reed’s proximity robbed her of oxygen. “I’d love to.”
He leaned closer, his breath warm on her cheek. She braced herself for a friendly peck, but when her eyes fluttered shut, his lips grazed hers. Hovered there, and when she thought her legs might give out, Reed caught her arm and pulled her slightly toward him, his lips covering hers again.
He threaded one hand into her hair while the other tipped her chin.
Sparks exploded in her brain, and she grabbed hold of his arm. All of her senses came alive and responded to the unexpected deluge.
A long moment later, he pulled back and brushed a thumb across her cheek. “See you in about an hour.”
Kristen couldn’t speak but managed a nod. As soon as the door closed behind him, she collapsed against the sofa and ran a finger along her bottom lip. That kiss…Oh, man. The chances of her getting any writing done this weekend just dropped from unlikely to who-said-anything-about-writing?
