Hello, reader friends! Author Michelle Sass Aleckson is stopping by for a quick visit as part of a JustRead Publicity Tours blog tour and giveaway celebrating her new release presented by Susan May Warren, Crazy for You!
about the authors
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit her website or connect with Susan on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
After growing upon both the east and west coasts, Michelle Sass Aleckson now lives the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and their four kids. She loves rocking out to 80’s music on a Saturday night, playing Balderdash with the fam, and getting lost in good stories. Especially stories that shine grace. And if you’re wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name. Visit her website, or connect with Michelle on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills. Visit their website or connect with Sunrise on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or via email admin@sunrisepublishing.com.
q&a
Share your inspiration behind Crazy for You.
M: For this story, I wanted to do a twist on Beauty and the Beast. Instead of the male beast-like character, I wanted my heroine to be the prickly one. I thought it would be fun to see how an urban street-tough chick, Ronnie, would do in a small town. The hero, on the other hand, Peter, is the quintessential small-town guy: well-liked, knows everyone, easy-going. It was fun to see how they clash at first and then find their way to a happily ever after.
B: You nailed it! I love those two!
What are some of the challenges you faced while writing Crazy for You?
M: I had to walk a fine line between making my beastly heroine blunt, tough, flawed, and yet not completely unlikeable. Of course, I knew that deep down she had a huge heart, but it wasn’t always easy to get that on the page.
Also, my hero is a fire chief, which I know nothing about. So my friend gave me a tour of a local small-town fire department. She talked me through the different scenarios and showed me the equipment and tools they use. It was fascinating. I’m impressed by those who run toward danger instead of away from it!
B: As a small-town girl, I have to say that you gave an accurate portrayal of the volunteer first responders!
What book(s) are you reading right now?
M: I just finished Winning the Gentleman
B: Oooo! I’m looking forward to reading both of these too!
What is your reading style?
M: I’m an eclectic reader. I will read ebooks or print copy, utilize the library as well as bookstores, drink coffee or tea, but whatever the story is, there must be romance!
With writing now, I don’t get as much reading time in, but one of my favorite ways to do so is to read while I eat lunch. I also take a book wherever I go. At this stage in life, when I get out it’s mostly dropping off or picking up kids, so I get a lot of reading done in the school parking lot! ?
B: Love stories are my favorite, too!
What is your next release and/or what are you working on now?
M: I’m in the editing phase of Right Here Waiting
At the same time, I’m brainstorming two different books: a new Deep Haven book to be released in summer 2023 and a spin-off story I’m setting in eastern Idaho. Exciting stuff!
B: I. Cannot. Wait! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit with us, Michelle!
about the book
Crazy for You by Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren (Deep Haven Collection book 3)
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: May 25, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
The problem with being related to everyone in town is that there is no one left to date…until now…but will this outsider survive his family?
Former soldier Veronica “Ronnie” Morales isn’t going to let her kid brother, Tiago, get pulled into the gangs of Minneapolis, so, seeking safety and a fresh start, she heads to sleepy Deep Haven on the north shore of Minnesota. She’s hoping to put down roots as the paramedic for the new Crisis Response Team, but it’s not easy to be the town outsider.
Fire Chief Peter Dahlquist is a peacemaker—he has to be. After he’s related to both of the Deep Haven dynasties – the Zimmermans and the Dahlquists, Deep Haven’s version of the Hatfields and the McCoys. Worse, Peter is the holdout vote for a landmark project, which also makes him the loneliest guy in town when both sides demand that he pick sides. The only one who seems to understand his plight is the newcomer in town…his pretty, street-tough paramedic.
When Tiago finds himself caught up in small town shenanigans and the town blames Ronnie for tragedy, Peter is forced to pick sides. But will his choice cost him the home—and the woman—he loves?
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my thoughts
This was a cover-to-cover-in-one-day read for me and I loved every moment!
Peter embodies just about everything I could ask for in a hero. He’s a friendly, loyal, strong, hard-working, humble, man of faith who loves kids and as a bonus, he’s also easy on the eyes. Everyone loves Peter because he’s simply a loveable guy. Ronnie’s military precision and Tiago’s inner-city toughness leave them a bit rough around the edges for small-town living. In true small-town fashion, the friendly folks of Deep Haven extend a warm welcome, except for the few who seem determined to keep big-city outsiders out.
With themes of healing and hope, Crazy for You by Michelle Sass Aleckson is headed straight for my favorites shelf. I highly recommend this book and eagerly anticipate future work from this promising debut author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. Additionally, as a co-owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC, I received compensation from the publisher and/or author to coordinate a promotional tour for this title. The opinions expressed are my own.
Deep Haven Collection
tour giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Crazy for You ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 25, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
enter giveaway here
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Follow along at the link above to learn more about Crazy for You by Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren and earn more giveaway entries!
Faithfully Bookish 
Thank you for your thoughts! Glad to hear you loved this one! – JustRead Tours
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Do you have to read the original Deep Haven books?
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Beautiful cover! I’ve been anxiously awaiting this release! Thanks for sharing!
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I cant wait to read this! I enjoyed the previous story!
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Thanks so much for sharing, Beth!!! You are a CF hero! Knowing how much you read your thoughts carry so much weight. Thanks for the kind words, friend! ❤
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I’ll have to clear my todo list for one whole day to read this.
Thanks for the contest.
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