Welcome to the blog again, June! What can you tell us about your latest book?

 

Ashton Price inherits her aunt’s B&B in Cranberry Cove, Washington. But before she can open, she must discover the identity of an elusive intruder who appears by night. Could the handsome gardener who claims he once knew her aunt be the prowler?

 

Gardener James Atwood is actually a corporate executive in the cranberry business but can’t allow the beautiful Ashton to learn of his true identity or why he works in the peaceful gardens at the inn. He’d like nothing more than to help Ashton discover the secret that dwells within the walls at The Inn at Cranberry Cove.

 

What is the inspiration behind your story?

 

About fifteen years ago when my husband and I lived in Lacey, Washington, we took a weekend jaunt to Ilwaco, a coastal town on the southern end of the state. We stayed in a lovely B&B which was once an old church. Today the inn is called The Inn at Harbor Village. I always knew I’d write a story about what secrets lurked within inn’s walls, and now, I have!

 

Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?

 

Yes, when I send the book to the editor, my sweet husband usually says, “Let’s go out to dinner and celebrate.” Since I love to dine out, I say yes! With this last book, we went to a wonderful Italian restaurant, Carlton’s, in our little town.

 

Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

 

Yes, my lovely and proficient free lance editor found some “holes” in the plot so she recommended several changes which I incorporated into the story. I couldn’t do without my friend and editor, Fay Lamb.

 

Who was your favorite character to create?

 

In this story, I had fun with the villain, Robert Atwood. Though I didn’t like him very much, it was amusing to give him some negative traits I see in others and in myself—selfishness, greed, telling lies.

 

Are you part of a writing group?

 

I’ve recently joined the North Alabama Word Weavers group that meets once a month in Hartselle, Alabama. Best of all is the fellowship and camaraderie available with other authors.

 

What’s next for you as an author?

 

I’m beginning book two in my Cranberry Cove series. The story is set in Cranberry Cove, Washington, as in book 1. Gracie Mayberry is a barista at the local coffee house in book one, and she will be the heroine of book 2. The hero is a new character who’s visiting from Seattle Washington. Watch for that book around May 1. Book three will be out in September 2021.

 

Wonderful! Here’s your lovely book cover:

 

Share your favorite excerpt from your book:

 

James’s pulse surged when Ashton strolled from the kitchen to the deck. Well, why not? Wouldn’t a good-looking woman in form-fitting jeans and bright red t-shirt catch any man’s interest? He propped the shovel against the elm’s trunk and took a few paces toward her. “Morning.”

“Thanks for fixing the faucet.” Ashton descended the steps, paused on the lawn, and smiled. “Is there anything you can’t do around here?”

James swallowed. I can’t fix the past. He coughed a fake laugh. “Plenty. Like baking that delicious coffee cake you served me last week.”

“There’s more where that came from. You’re welcome to breakfast anytime. My guests might enjoy the company.”

He rubbed his stomach. “You got a deal.”

She looked somewhere into the distance. “I’ve been here awhile and haven’t taken a moment to walk the entire grounds.”

“Let me go with you. If there’s one thing I know, it’s Gina’s property. Did she ever tell you the legend of the missing gems?”

“Oh, I’ve been on many treasure hunts looking for those elusive gems before I realized it was a made-up tale.” Ashton laughed.

“Oh, I don’t know about that. Look at the home you live in. The original structure has been changed somewhat, but it’s one of the most beautiful homes in the area. Look at the land they owned. The family was wealthy, especially for their time. The original owners were speculators and bankers. It’s rumored that those seeking gold in California would barter anything and everything to make the journey. They even gave up true worth, like precious stones, even inheritances, because of the fever the hunt for gold caused.”

“You said the original structure?”

“The inn has been remodeled and updated several times. I’ve read a little of the history of this area.”

She smiled. “I’ll do the same so I can share the inn’s background with the guests, but Aunt Gina told me she had problems with guests showing up so they could actually sneak around and hunt for the gems.”

He glanced around the perimeter of the yard. “Your neighbor to the north moved in a couple of years ago. You want to walk in that direction?”

“Let’s start here and follow the path around the flower bed toward the azalea bushes.”

“Sure.” He started down the road. “Before you got here, it was covered in red flowers. You’ll see next spring.” But what would twelve months bring?

“A whole year running the inn. I hope I can make a success of it like my aunt did.”

The trail curved around the elm where the stone marked Gina’s grave.

Ashton touched her parted lips. “Oh.” She gasped. “More yellow roses. Did you leave them?”

“No. I figured you had.” He leaned forward and sniffed. “These are fresh from a green house or floral shop. They weren’t here Saturday, either.”

They passed the fountain and headed toward the west side of the inn.

Ashton looked skyward. “What if whoever left the flowers did it in the middle of the night? It could account for the sound I heard. Maybe the muddy footprints were left there when the person meant to tell me so that finding the flowers wouldn’t alarm me. I thought I saw a shadow pass the window while I was stuck in the shed.” Even Ashton couldn’t convince herself that she either was forgetful or crazy with fatigue. She had called out while in the shed. No one had answered her.

James looked around. “The ground is covered with grass here so we wouldn’t likely see footprints. We could check with the local flower shop.”

“Flower shop?”

James laughed. “There’s only one. Cove Creations.”

“It wouldn’t hurt to ask.”

“I’ll go with you.”

Thanks for sharing that with us, June. Where can readers find you online?

junefoster.com

Amazon Author page

Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster

An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written over twenty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. She loves to compose stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives. She’s published with Winged Publications. Visit June at junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.

June will be giving away a copy of her book to one lucky commenter. Have you ever stayed at a B&B? Did you like it or were you disappointed in the amenities? Share your experience to be entered in the draw!