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Y’all, this is an exciting time to be a Christian fiction enthusiast!!! Can you believe we have yet another debut author to spotlight?! It’s amazing!!! I’ve read some delightful short stories by today’s featured author and her debut novel near the tippy top of my tbr!

About the Author

Teresa Tysinger is a wife and mother transplanted from North Carolina to North Texas. When not working as the Director of Communications for a large downtown church, she writes charming southern romances inspired by grace.

A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Religious Communicators’ Council, and the Association for Women in Communications, Teresa has spent over a decade committed to telling stories of faith through written word.

She loves coffee, caramel, and stories with happy endings.

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Five Favorites of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Teresa: Raised in muggy and tourist-invested Central Florida, it took me about one minute to fall madly in love with the mountains of North Carolina when I moved there to attend college.

I then married a native and we spent the first ten years of our marriage enjoying the state. I am so enamored with the area that I chose it as the setting for my debut novel, Someplace Familiar.

I thought it would be fun to share with you the top five reasons I love the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Beth: Great idea! I need to make my way to the eastern side of the Appalachians some day soon!

Teresa: The Pace – The mountains of North Carolina truly encourage you to slow to a pace as gentle as the rolling hills. Rocking chairs and porch swings invite respite and conversation.

Antique stores and farmers markets are meandered through on a whim. Winding roads even beg one to slow down in the car, for safety and to enjoy the views!

Beth: Ahhhh, the mountains are so soothing!

The Views – Speaking of the views, you can’t beat the sights of the Blue Ridge. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled off the road while driving from one place to the next just to admire a grand sunset over the vast mountain ranges.

And, they really do often appear blue thanks to lush forests and misty low clouds. It’s truly breathtaking. The photo above is the view from my best friend’s parents’ front porch! I can feel the cool breeze and hear the song birds…

Beth: I love a nice mountain view! I’m not so comfortable with heights though so I prefer to be in the valleys looking up and around. 😉

The Culture – From southern manners to roadside farm stands, bluegrass music to patriotism, and eclectic art to earthy pottery, the Blue Ridge Mountain culture is hard to rival.

You may encounter a quiet old farmer who simply nods as you pass or strike up a conversation with a stranger-turned-old-friend. The culture is rich, friendly, and creative.

Beth: So much to treasure! Bluegrass is the music of my heart.

The Seasons – Growing up in Central Florida, we basically had two seasons: pre-summer and summer. Ha! So, without a doubt, one of my favorite things about the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are the changing seasons. Each one has something unique and beautiful to offer.

Summer offers cool evenings and warm drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fall’s foliage in brilliant hues of orange, yellow, red, and purple are unrivaled! Winter’s snowy wonderland invites nights in front of the fire. Spring, in its glory, welcomes gorgeous blooms and sweet scents around every turn. I don’t know if I can pick my favorite season!

Beth: Variety is the spice of life! Summer is definitely NOT my favorite because humidity, bleh.

The Fun – If you think the mountains of North Carolina are just for hiking, be sure and grab a pen and paper so you can take some notes! Outdoor enthusiasts can also find rock climbing, white water rafting, hunting, fly fishing, zip lining, and so much more.

If you’re looking for a slower pace, there’s relaxing hot springs, countless art galleries, gardens, and historical sites—such as the Biltmore Estate (Asheville), one of America’s largest private homes that will make you think you’ve stepped back into Downton Abbey.

Last, but not least, the celebrated food ranges from southern staples, like fried chicken and biscuits, to gourmet cuisine by some of the country’s top chefs. There’s truly something for everyone.

Beth: Oooo, I would love to take a dip in the hot springs then sit down some good ol’ southern comfort food! Oh, and the Biltmore is on my bucket list! 

Teresa: This is just a small glimpse into the many reasons why I’m inspired to write stories set in the great Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. There is no shortage of ideas coming out of this rich, eclectic region!

Beth: Now I can’t wait to go back! 

 

Books

Tell us about your latest release

Teresa: The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina really play a supporting role in Someplace Familiar. I hope readers will really get a feel for the place, people, and culture. I was also inspired by memories of my own great-grandmother’s small home when writing about Livy’s Gram’s cottage. There’s a lot of my own experiences and memories within these pages!

Someplace Familiar (A Laurel Cove Romance)
Releases in Print & E-Book May 30, 2017
Pre-Order Kindle Today for only $0.99!

Artist Livy Johnson needs a fresh start. That’s what a broken heart and forgotten dreams can do to a person. On little more than a whim, she reclaims her grandmother’s old mountain cottage in quaint Laurel Cove, North Carolina and vows to restore its original charm. When she literally collides with childhood friend, Jack Bowdon, Livy wonders if she’s back for an entirely different reason.

Jack can’t believe his childhood crush is back. As the owner of Bowdon’s Supplies, and once again the town’s most eligible bachelor, he offers to help Livy with repairs. Together they embark on the project—and an undeniable whirlwind romance.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Can they survive the destructive pain of their pasts to discover God’s grace waiting to renovate their hearts?

goodreads | amazon

 

Beth: Squeee!!! This story sounds so sweet, I can’t wait!

 

Tell us about your next release

Teresa: With Someplace Familiar releasing, I’m now working on the second Laurel Cove Romance novel, tentatively titled Someone Forgotten. It still has a lot of growing to do, but we will revisit the quaint town and discover the unlikely love story of Quinn and Eli. I can’t wait to introduce you!

Beth: Sounds great, Teresa! Thank you for the virtual trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains and for sharing your bookish news with us!

Giveaway

Teresa Tysinger has generously offered to send one fortunate Faithfully Bookish reader an ebook copy of Someplace Familiar!

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If you’ve visited the Blue Ridge Mountains, what might you add to this list?
If you’ve not been, what intrigues you the most?