Someplace Familiar (Teresa Tysinger) – Review + Giveaway

Posted 12 June 2017 by Katie in Christian Fiction, Contemporary, New Releases, Review, Romance / 0 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Someplace Familiar by Teresa Tysinger. This debut novel—a contemporary southern romance with themes of faith, hope in new love, and grace—is the first in a series of books set in Laurel Cove, a fictional town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. I’m joining other bloggers this week to tell you a little about the book and spread the news about the giveaway Teresa is hosting! Be sure to enter to win a signed book and more from Teresa at the end of this post. And leave your comments and questions below—Teresa will be stopping by to visit with us!

~ About the Book ~

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 home 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?
Release date: 30 May 2017
Pages: 358
Publisher: Good Day Publishing

Amazon US // Amazon AU // Goodreads

~ Excerpt ~

“Fancy seeing you here again so soon.” Jack stood across from her.
She looked up from her book and smiled. His heart jumped. “Oh, hey! Yeah, the chilly morning called for some hot tea. But your aunt insisted on feeding me a home-cooked breakfast this morning. She sure knows how to welcome someone into town.” She sat back and patted her belly, grinning. “I’m not sure I’ll eat again all day after those pancakes!”
She seemed so much more relaxed than the night before. A sparkle in her eye danced in the midday sunlight.
“Not everyone gets her cooking on a Monday. She must really like you.” Jack shook his head in awe. Aunt Bea was known for her fluffy buttermilk pancakes. No doubt, she showed off in grand form for her only guest.
“Where are my manners?” Livy waved at the empty seat across from her.
“You’ve not been back south for too long. I’ll forgive it.”
His eyes scanned the place for Meredith so he could introduce them. But the midday crew had already taken over. He approached the counter to order lunch then took the seat opposite Livy.
“Reading anything good?” he asked.
“Well, I’m not really sure.” She turned it to glance at the cover. Remodeling Your Home for Beginners showcased a young woman on the cover donning safety goggles and holding a hammer with a cheesy smile and gorgeous home behind her.
“I’m getting ready to drive up to the house for the first time since I’ve been back and see what I’ve gotten myself into.” She let out a tentative laugh. “I bought this book in New York after the sale was final in hopes of having a game plan when I arrived. But after reading a lot of it, I have to remind myself it’s just a house and won’t hurt me.”
Jack could help her—wanted to. But was it just being a nice guy, or was something else encouraging him to seize the chance to spend more time with her? A jolt of energy surged through his arms, standing the hairs on end, as if he were a schoolboy about to ask a girl to the prom. Ridiculous, of course. But Livy did that to him. It was undeniable.
“I’d be happy to drive up with you to the house, if you’d like.” Jasper could manage at the store without him. Besides, when Jack brought Livy to the story, Jasper would probably be incapable of arguing anything.
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to put you out. I bet you’re working today, right?” Was that a subtle hopefulness in her eyes?
“My brother can handle things for a while. Best to get started on the right foot with such a big project. I don’t mind at all.”
“Thanks so much, Jack. Really.” The smile that lit her whole face left Jack no choice but to smile back. He released a breath he only then realized he’d been holding. Being in her presence relaxed him. Like coming home.
As they stood to leave, Jack pointed to her University of North Carolina Tar Heels sweatshirt and cocked his head. “I won’t help a Tar Heel. Deal’s off!”
“Don’t tell me you’re part of the Wolfpack. Well, I guess nobody’s perfect.”
What a night and day difference from the reserved woman he’d dined with last night. Reserved one moment and cracking jokes the next. She’d keep him on his toes, for sure.

~ Review ~

Teresa Tysinger’s debut novel is full of southern charm and romance, with an additional side-serving of angst thanks to Livy’s controlling ex-boyfriend and Jack’s unfaithful ex-wife. Despite almost twenty years having passed since they played together one summer as children, Jack hasn’t forgotten his childhood crush, and although Livy doesn’t immediately recognize her scrawny, gap-toothed playmate in the handsome, muscular handyman she literally bumps into, it doesn’t take long for the two to rekindle their easy friendship. Well, maybe not quite so easy if you add in the attraction that sparks to life!
Just as Jack and Livy’s friendship is quick to take off, so they are quick to acknowledge their attraction to one another. The difficulty for Jack and Livy is dealing with the emotional pain of their previous relationships and not letting that affect their budding one—more so when their pasts seek them out. Jack’s ex-wife was perhaps a little clichéd, and Jack definitely has some issues to work through there, but this part of the story took a surprising turn right at the end that highlighted the kind of person Livy is (in a good way!)
Those who enjoy lots of sweet sparks of attraction and flirtation between their hero and heroine will definitely enjoy spending time with Jack and Livy.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

~ Giveaway ~

ENTER HERE (https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e36c22633/) to win a signed paperback copy of Someplace Familiar, a custom 8×8” canvas painting by artist Cyndi Browning (in honor of the book’s heroine, Livy, who is an artist), and $10 Amazon Gift Card. Winner will be announced on Teresa’s website on June 18 once the tour wraps up. (Open to continental US residents only; sorry international readers!)

~ 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.
Connect with Teresa: Website // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Goodreads