Today I’m happy to welcome Cheryl Renee Herbsman to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel Breathing.
I had the chance to read an ARC of this book a few weeks ago. Here’s what I said on goodreads:
I have to admit I roll my eyes a little at the depictions in a lot of books and movies of two teens finding each other and acting as if they are soul-mates destined to be together forever. But there’s another part of me that desperately wants to believe that it’s possible. And BREATHING makes me believe. From the initial wild crush to the deepening connection, to the doubts and jealousies and abiding love, this book captured my heart and pulled me in to Savannah and Jackson’s world.
And then there’s the voice: I loved reading this book just to hear Savannah’s sweet, wry Southern voice telling me her story with honesty and good humor.
Lastly, I loved the fact that the romance isn’t all that’s going on here. Savannah and Jackson both have dreams of their own, and the value and importance of those dreams is not ignored by the narrative.
I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to believe that love can be true at any age, even if it is tested.
Q: Tell us about a scene or character from your novel that was especially easy (or especially difficult) to write.
A: Savannah was the easiest character I’ve ever written. I’m not sure why, but her voice just came into my head and told me exactly what to write.
Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?
A: I love the Baba Yaga tales and wrote a fantasy/fairy tale based on it that hasn’t been published.
Q: What has been the most exciting part of selling your book(s) and getting published so far?
A: So many: getting an agent, getting offers, accepting an offer, working with my editor, seeing the cover, seeing the ARC, getting to know other debut authors, getting to know readers… and on it goes!
About Breathing
What if the guy who took your breath away was the only one who could help you breathe?
Savannah would be happy to spend the summer in her coastal Carolina town lying in a hammock reading her beloved romance novels and working at the library. But then she meets Jackson. Once they lock eyes, she’s convinced he’s the one—her true love, her soul mate, a boy different from all the rest. And at first it looks like Savannah is right. Jackson abides by her mama’s strict rules, and stays by her side during a hospitalization for severe asthma, which Savannah becomes convinced is only improving because Jackson is there. But when he’s called away to help his family—and seems uncertain about returning—Savannah has to learn to breathe on her own, both literally and figuratively.
This debut novel has it all—an endearing, funny, hopelessly romantic main character, lots of down-home Southern charm, and a sunny, salty beach setting that will transport you to the Carolina coast.
About Cheryl Renee Herbsman
Cheryl Renée Herbsman lives in Northern California with her husband and two children, but she grew up in North Carolina and often spent summer vacations at the Carolina coast. Like Savannah, she fell in love as a teenager, and like Savannah and Jackson, she and her boyfriend carried on a long-distance relationship. They are now celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary.
Learn more about Cheryl at her website.
Breathing is available now! I encourage you to shop at your local independent bookstore!
Tags: debs blog tour
