Kim Loraine and “Restoration” & Free Giveaway

Kim Loraine is visiting today, bringing “Restoration: A Golden Beach Novel“, her first release from Soul Mate Publishing. I am happy to have Kim here to talk about her contemporary romance book.  Alert! She is also giving away one e-book copy to a random commenter so be sure to leave a comment below.

Welcome, Kim. Your book has such a pretty cover. What can you tell us about it?

KL: This is a story about self-discovery, a theme I am very ‘about’.  Below is the back cover blurb:

After the tragic death of her fiancé, Grace McConnell turns to the only remaining constant in her life, her work. So when she’s offered the lead position for an international restoration project, she jumps at the chance to get away from her small town, full of John’s memories. 

Drew Tensley has always been a hard worker. Dedicated to his family and community, he put aside his own London career to take over the family business after his mother’s terminal diagnosis. Five years later, he’s ready to start living for himself when he literally runs into his hometown’s newest architect. 

Grace quickly discovers that traveling halfway across the world was the best decision she’s ever made. Until she meets Drew, a man whose personality and lifestyle are the exact opposite of John’s, but whose face is the spitting image. Struggling with her own motivations and feelings, research uncovers secrets she isn’t ready for; secrets that could ruin her second chance for true love. 

RJS: Let’s have some fun with a few random questions.  First, what got you started writing this book?

KL: Restoration is my debut novel. I started writing it because this idea popped into my head and wouldn’t go away. I’d written lots of half-finished books but with this one, I knew I needed to get it all out. I wrote it while I worked a full-time job, mothered two small children, and then finished it as I completed my BA and moved to Japan with my family! To say it was a labor of love is an understatement.

RJS: Yes, I have to agree with that. As writers, I think we all have challenges that will make us give up or press ahead to, as you said, “get it all out”.  You certainly had several. So, what is a typical writing day like for you?

KL: My typical writing day starts after I drop my daughter off at her Yochien (Japanese pre-school). I usually get distracted if I am home by chores. I hop on the train and head into town where I find a place at the Starbucks we have right on the water. Gorgeous views. I’m the kind of person who won’t go out unless I feel presentable, but if I do take a writing day at home I’m in yoga pants and a work out top. It gives me no excuse to take a break to exercise if I’m already dressed for it. I’m a big snacker so I have to rein myself in or I’d weigh a thousand pounds. I like almonds, cucumber, and, if I’m craving a sweet treat I munch on chocolate chips.

RJS:  Ah, what is not to love about munching on chocolate chips? Or chocolate anything. How did you handle the news when Soul Mate Publishing wanted to publish Restoration?

KL: When I got my contract offer from SMP I was at Tokyo Disneyland with my family and my Mom who was visiting. Best Day EVER! The day Restoration was released we also went to Disney to celebrate.

RJS: That sounds like a cool way to celebrate almost anything. Is there anything else you’d like to mention? A little more about you perhaps?

KL: I started writing at a young age, scribbling down song lyrics, short stories, and poems I was too afraid to share with anyone. Busy working as a music teacher in my Pacific Northwest hometown, it wasn’t until my family of four picked up everything and moved to beautiful Japan that I decided to finally take the plunge and send my characters out into the world.

        The central theme in my books is self-discovery, whether that is found through taking risks, breaking down walls, or admitting mistakes. I like to write characters that seem like ‘someone you actually know’, who find that love is a journey not without its challenges. When not writing I spend my time with my husband, chasing around our crazy kids, exploring Japan, and binge-watching Doctor Who on Netflix.

RJS: Can you give us an excerpt of Restoration… just a little snippy tease? Please?

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“I’m saying this once more. Once, Grace. I love you. I want you. But I’m not perfect and I need time to sort this mess out, too. Don’t run from me.”

Her heart hurt. Physically hurt. And she fought down the urge to give in to him—to accept his love.

You’re sick Grace, you need help. Donovan’s hateful words barreled through her memory like a steamroller. How could you do this to John? She shook her head and had to clear the lump that gathered in her throat.

“No, Drew. I’m saying no.”

“Why are you doing this?” His face was heartbreaking beautiful, even as she could see the hurt coursing through him.

“Please, just go.” It was barely a whisper.

“Don’t do this.”

“Drew. I realized something the other day when you met Marianne. You are just a replacement for John, he’s the one I want, but can’t be with. I was using you and I need to stop. Now you should go and I have to get help.” The lie tasted bitter on her tongue.

His face fell as she said it, however untrue it might have been. She could see him fighting the words that were bubbling to his lips.

“Right. Thanks for that.” His eyes met hers, anger and frustration plain. “I guess you’ve put me in my place. I’ll let you alone then. Goodbye, Grace.”

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RJS: Awesome. I love it. Below are the links to connect with Kim:

AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00VS8X28U

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/kimlorainewriter

GOODREADS:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13787489.Kim_Loraine

 RJS: Now, our time is closing out, but we promised a giveaway, didn’t we? Kim, would you like to share what readers need to do to win?

KL: I’m gifting one copy of the e-book. Saturday, June 13th, we’ll pick one lucky commenter and give them a copy of Restoration. So be sure to leave a comment, with an email for me to contact the lucky winner.

RJS: Kim, it has certainly been a pleasure to have you here. Good luck with Restoration and your future endeavors. Good luck to the readers who comment and leave their email contact information.