FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, Illinois – Seamlessly blending romance, drama and suspense against the picturesque backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, author Andrea Thome is releasing her third novel, “House of Belonging” on June 5, 2018, completing her award-winning Hesse Creek Series.
“House of Belonging” follows Laina Ming, a chef opening a new concept restaurant in Aspen, Colorado, as she unexpectedly and reluctantly falls for handsome local, Logan Matthews. Chemistry between them builds, despite Laina’s initial hesitation stemming from an upsetting breakup with her ex.
“I’ve enjoyed every moment I’ve spent with the characters in the Hesse Creek Series,” says Thome. “House of Belonging’ was the perfect vehicle to bring the stories of some old favorites full circle, while exploring new relationships at the same time. I hope readers will enjoy reading ‘House of Belonging’ as much as I loved creating it for them.”
“House of Belonging” is the final book in the Hesse Creek Series, and while each title in the series can be read independently, Thome’s dedicated fans will recognize some familiar characters who peppered the pages of her first novel, “Walland,” and her second book, “Seeds of Intention.” “Walland” won the National Indie Excellence Award in the romance category and bronze in the eLit Book Awards Popular Fiction. The book introduced readers to her sexy, witty style of storytelling and her ability to invoke a setting of tranquility. “Seeds of Intention” was recently named a finalist for the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award.
ANDREA THOME is a former broadcast journalist, having covered both sports and news during her career. In her novels, she explores some of her favorite travel destinations, from the foothills of the Smoky Mountains to the Colorado Rockies, painting rich backdrops that become characters themselves. Thome lives in Chicago with her husband (a retired Hall of Fame baseball player and their two children. She spends her spare time traveling and pursuing her other passion—photography. See a sampling of her photography and learn more about her books at www.andreathome.com. “House of Belonging” follows “Seeds of Intention” and “Walland” in the award-winning Hesse Creek Series.
About the Book
“House of Belonging”
Andrea Thome | June 5, 2018 | Hesse Creek
Paperback ISBN: 978-09978504-4-4 | $14.95
Ebook ISBN: 978-0-9978504-9-9 | $2.99
Women’s Fiction
Renowned chef Laina Ming walked away from the culinary spotlight and an unhealthy relationship—one that still haunts her a year later. She’s trying to start fresh in the Rocky Mountains, opening a concept restaurant on the banks of the Roaring Fork River, where she hopes she’ll be able to express her passion for food and bury her heartache.
Horse rancher Logan Matthews moved to Aspen to be near his sister and her husband, grateful for his newfound family. Since a chance meeting with Laina the previous summer, Logan’s been enchanted. But she doesn’t want anything to do with him—which makes her all the more appealing.
Despite Laina’s efforts to protect her heart, Logan has been on her mind, too—and he has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places. Can they learn to trust one another and finally find the sense of belonging they’ve both been searching for?
An interview with Andrea Thome
What will fans of “Walland” and “Seeds of Intention” like about “House of Belonging?”
I’m hopeful that fans who’ve read the first two books will enjoy revisiting some of their favorite characters, while learning a little bit more about Logan and Laina, who they’ll get to know in this third book. I’m excited about how the series as a whole comes together in this story.
What do you want new readers to know about your books?
I write my books for my friends. Which means I write them mostly for readers who are looking for an escape and want to spend the precious free time available to them with compelling characters in beautiful places. And it’s no secret at this point that I love a happy ending. I’m hoping to balance out some of the negativity in the world with something that makes people feel good.
Why did you decide to set your newest book in Aspen, Colorado?
I consider all three of the books in the Hesse Creek Series to be destination love stories. The locations are as much characters in the book as the people are. I hope I was able to express my love for the beautiful, cultured, and still wild town that is Aspen. It remains one of my favorite places in the world.
One of the main characters in “House of Belonging,” Laina Ming, is a chef. Are you a foodie?
I’m not really a huge foodie, but I fancy myself someone who appreciates art, and in this case, food as art. My husband and I had the pleasure of experiencing Aspen’s Food and Wine event last summer, and I was blown away and obviously inspired by what the chefs created. It was fun to write about the food that Laina creates, and a blast to write my first “restaurant review.”
You’re the photographer behind all of your book covers. Where was the image of “House of Belonging” taken?
The image on the front cover of “House of Belonging” was actually taken in Tennessee a long time ago. It’s a nod to the genesis of the series having been set there. I thought it bookended the series nicely, and the symbolism of the single empty swing juxtaposed perfectly with my characters finally finding their sense of belonging as a whole.
“House of Belonging” is the third and final book in the Hesse Creek Series. Is this an emotional finale for you?
Yes and no. I’ve loved living in the world of Walland for these three books, but I’m excited to have the freedom to create something new. That said, the Hesse Creek Series will always hold a very special place in my heart, no matter how many books I go on to write.
Which character will you miss writing about the most?
I could never pick just one; I’ve loved them all so much!
What’s next for you?
I’m working on a brand new series, set in the Pacific Northwest. It centers around three brothers, and they are pretty interesting guys, so far. I can’t wait to see where this first story leads me!
Praise for The Hesse Creek Series
“In her debut novel, author Thome writes with a winning charm and peppers her prose with a quirky wit…an enjoyably readable love story.” — Kirkus Review
“Thome’s followup to her well-received Walland takes readers on a gentle ride through a rustic Tennessee setting, perfect for cultivating romance as well as lush fields. Garrett and Willow’s relationship grows in a relatable fashion, with plenty of plot twists along the way. A cast of lovable if meddling friends are well drawn and highly endearing. The second book in the Hesse Creek series treats fans to new developments with old favorites, while also welcoming newcomers.” — RT Book Reviews
“Fans of Nicholas Sparks’ books will enjoy Andrea Thome’s writing. She manages to tell a classic romantic story that is interesting, vibrant, and surprising.” — Windy City Reviews
“Andrea Thome brings the glories of the intimate, nature-focused escape to the wonderful world of romance. Seeds of Intention is delightful escapist fare. This is one series that you are definitely going to want to own the physical copies of, because the covers are absolutely stunning.” — Hypable
“Seeds of Intention is a captivating, intricate love story with relatable, layered characters, well-drawn settings, and a satisfying ending. Andrea Thome is an excellent, graceful writer. Her characters are so real you’ll feel as though you’ve known them for years. Thome deftly builds the romantic tension and chemistry between Garrett and Willow, keeping readers engrossed until the end. A tasty treat for romance fans!” — NY Literary Magazine
www.JKSCommunications.com
237 Old Hickory Blvd., Suite 201, Nashville, TN 37221
Ellen Whitfield
(616) 258-5537
ellen@jkscommunications.com
A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.
Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.
