Playing Favorites by Nancy Fraser #RomanceGems

Have you ever been asked which of your children is your favorite? Which grandchild? How about whose apple pie is better? Your mom's or your mother-in-laws?

One of the questions authors get asked quite often is: Which of all the books you've written is your favorite?

Like choosing that favorite child/grandchild, it's difficult. Well, not so much difficult as wrong. No matter which you choose, the other books are going to be upset. Each book, like each child, brings something different to the table. One is strong in conflict, the other in action. One brings you to tears, while the other makes you laugh so hard you pee a little.

Because I write across multiple genres, I can cheat and choose an "out" ... a favorite in each genre perhaps. Still, I'm probably hurting the other books' feelings. I truly believe, when I'm not looking, my characters talk to each other. From one book to the next, they discuss why this book got two love scenes, why this one got none. Just like teenage sisters, they're often jealous of one another.

Despite our assurances (or at least mine) that we don't play favorites, it's not true. Deep down, if we look hard enough, every author has a favorite. That book of our heart. The one we had to write.

For me, it was an idea I tweaked based on a true story. I'd met these two women at one of my son's sporting events. Sisters actually. The older of the two was obviously fighting an illness but determined to watch her little boy at play. The younger sister was equally invested in the boy's activity and for a very good reason. Their story moved me. So much so, I knew I had to turn it into a romance. Even though I couldn't change the older sister's destiny, I could create a conflict, a solution, and what we all long for...a happily ever after.

Their story became that book of my heart.

When globe-trotting photographer Allison Cain comes home to her family ranch in Montana it’s to get to know her nephew and to make amends with the widowed brother-in-law she’s left alone to raise his young son.

Evan Carver could never deny his late wife’s younger sister anything, despite the fact she’s been conspicuously absent over the past three years since her sister’s death. Now she’s home again on what she’s called an extended vacation. Evan’s first concern is for his son, Cody, and how his aunt’s visit will affect the five year old when she decides to return to her high profile career.

Allison has no intention of going back to work. In addition to getting to know Cody, she needs to confess her biggest secret to Evan. How do you tell the man you’ve always loved that you’re not just his son’s aunt, but also his mother?

Amazon | B&N | Chapters/Indigo

First Place: International Digital Award for Contemporary Romance

Watch the Trailer

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Until my next turn on the blog, stay happy, stay healthy, find a favorite something, and stay well read!

Nancy