Sexy Book Reviews : BLOG TOUR: Searching for Tomorrow by Kathryn McNeill Crane

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Some people are blessed to find that one certain person who completes them.

Wrynn’s yesterdays were what others only dream of having. She and Tripp were the best of friends before they even thought about love. They had the fairy tale life where ‘like’ turns into ‘love’, and ‘love’ becomes ‘happily ever after’.

What happens when life conspires against you, and snatches your soul mate from your arms?

…only her forever love ended much too soon.

Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Wrynn boxes up her grief and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Wrynn relives her life with Tripp while struggling most days to get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.

How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?

Wrynn tries to find the joy in life every single day through her daughters, family, and friends. Her twin brother Liam has dedicated himself to helping Wrynn put her life back together after losing his own love. On the other hand, her mother-in-law lives to torment her at every turn. Wrynn can't even find a chance to breathe, much less a desire to somehow search for her tomorrow.

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If you are reading this, I think you should know that "About me" sounds so very pretentious to me. I guess that is what I am supposed to write about, so here it goes!

Kathryn is a simple country girl who likes to spend time with her hubba, hunka hubby, her three kids and her friends. She loves to cook and really loves to eat! During the spring and summer, you will more than likely find her outside puttering around in her garden. When the veggies start coming in, she will probably be sweating over a hot canner in the kitchen, canning all the goodies she is blessed with. Kathryn likes to hike and go camping, and as a Girl Scout leader, she gets to do this pretty often! On cold winter nights, you will probably find her wrapped in a warm blanket, lost in a good book, while sitting in her rocking chair on the front porch!

Kathryn was born and raised in North Carolina, and while she loves to travel, she can't imagine ever leaving the mountains that she has come to call home. Not a day goes by that Kathryn doesn't thank God for abundantly blessing her. He has been so good to her, and she is very grateful. She holds Jeremiah 29:11 very close to her heart and believes it with every fiber of her being. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Kathryn loves flip flops, chocolate, sweet tea and dirt between her toes. As far back as she can remember, she's had a book in her hand. Reading has carried her to places she will never go. It has introduced her to people that she will never meet. When life is great and when it is rough, she's always been able to find a book to carry her through. She finally decided to write down some of the stories in her head (yes, be scared) and heart after dawdling around and wasting years dreaming. She hopes you enjoy reading those stories as much as she loves writing them!

Author Interview

Katie Mac interview

Katie thank you for taking time out to talk to us. We are so excited to finally talk to you.

For those who don't know much about you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Well, I am a simple country girl. I was born in raised in North Carolina. I’ve relocated from the eastern part to the mountains, and I love the simple living here. My hubba hunka hubs and I have been married for twenty years, and we have three kids, and a grandson who totally rocks my world. I love being in the great outdoors, no matter the weather. My temporary office is actually on my front porch. If I have a craving, it’s normally for chocolate; add peanut butter, and we’ve got a deal. I love music, but not when writing, and I love, love, love to read. Food is also one of my passions, both eating and cooking.

What made you choose to write in this style?

Hmmm… that’s a hard question. So many books today are all about sex and alpha males, and sex. There’s hardly a story to read between the sex. I wanted to write something that has meat to it, substance, if you will. I also wanted to leave something behind that my children and grandchildren could take pride in. My parents are in their mid-seventies, and I really didn’t want my mom to read my book and question how she raised me. My hope is that Searching for Tomorrow makes you laugh, ticks you off, shatters your heart, mends the pieces back, and leaves you with a little more hope for your Tomorrow. I might should warn the readers, this story is told with a very distinctive Southern voice. If you’re not familiar with Southern voices, search Youtube for Steele Magnolias.

If you had 24 hour with your lead male what would you want to do?

I’ve had nine months with Tripp in my head, LOL. If I could spend 24 hours with him, I would want to go on a waterfall walk with him. I would want him to woo me the way he woos Wryn. I would also love to hear about all his adventures in the Army.

Did you do any research for your book?

Oh yes. I researched 9/11 and also the United States Army. I’ve read heart-wrenching stories from women whose husbands never made it back home. I’ve been privileged to speak to many soldiers to hear their stories.

What type of research did you do?

I Googled, of course. I also talked to friends and total strangers. I joined Military Boards and Widows Boards to research the emotions.

Is Searching for Tomorrow a book in a series?

Yes, and no. It is a stand-a-lone, but there will be a follow-up for Wryn’s brother Zack. The working title is Tomorrow Found.

Is there a hide message in Searching for Tomorrow?

Never, ever give up on love. Faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love.

Do you have any plans for other series?

That is undecided right now. I’ve actually started four other novels, but whether or not I publish them, that’s yet to be seen.

Are the names of the characters in Searching for Tomorrow special to you?

The names and the setting. Highlands NC is one of my favorite places to run to when my soul is dry and weary. I actually had a great-grandma Tiddy! You’ll also find the names of my hubs, my children, and several special friends in it. Also, Wryn’s name is Kathryn. That’s my name. Strange, but hey, it works for me.

Can you tell us one of your favourite quotes from Searching for Tomorrow?

“I’m really not that complicated. I reckon I’ll cry when you say ‘yes’, and then again when you say ‘I do’. Then later on down the road, it’s pretty much a guarantee that I’ll cry when our kids are born. Those sort of things would bring this boy to his knees, cause those things are what’s really important.”

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

What I’ve learned could fill a book! There is no just sit down on the weekend and write a book. This labor of love has taken over 300 hours just in the writing. Research was probably another 100. I’ve also learned that it is possible to have a family and a full time job, and still make a dream come true.

What do you use to write your book?

I used several spiral bound notebooks and a pen. If I was inspired and empty handed, I would record messages on my phone or text myself. Then, there were days when I was glued to my computer for hours on end.

Do you listen to music while you writing or reading?

No. As a matter of fact, if my family is around, I have a tendancy to wear earplugs. I am a no noise kinda writer and reader.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

It’s important to surround yourself with supportive people who want the best for you. There’s no room for spite, anger, or jealousy. Since you don’t get a lot of sleep, coffee is always good too!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Actually feeling the grief over losing a spouse, and the struggles a young widow had trying to just live and breathe. I cried ugly tears while writing some parts.

Describe in 5 words, your writing: Witty Southern old fashioned values.

Who designed the cover?

My son and L.U. Ann

When can we expect to see your next book cover?

Ha, probably after I have it made! Sorry, but I’m not that far yet. Dang it, now I want to go look for cover pictures.

What are you currently reading?

Does my own book count? I’m doing edits on it and rewrites. I did read That Girl by Colleen Hoover, and Sempre by J.M. Darhower

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

Not really, though I would love to be Bella to Edward in the Twilight series. To know such love and devotion … amazing!

If you could write with another author, who would it be?

Wow, uhm, LOVE Nora Roberts, but she is way out of my league. There are a ton of Indie authors I would love to write with, but I’m too chicken to ask!

When your were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher and a writer

Do you have a nickname?

Kat

What are your pet peeves?

Selfish people, people who don’t use their turn signals, people who only use and never give back

Do you ever write naked?

That would be so unfair to the human race!

If you were trapped on an island with a man, what 5 things would you take with you?

If it’s my hubs, you have a deal. After 20 years, I’d need a toothbrush, sunscreen, lip balm, chewing gum, and chocolate. He’ll take care of the rest!

Quick Fire

Favourite Authors?

Nora Roberts and Karen Kingsbury

Favourite books?

The Red Tent by Anita Diamante

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

My Year of Meats by Ruth Ozeki

Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin

Favourite colour?

Burnt orange

Favourite eye colour?

Chocolate brown like my hubs

Favourite hair colour?

I wish I were a red head

Favourite song?

Love is by Brandon Heath

Favourite place to write/ read?

My front porch

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Let’s have some fun.

Answer the first that comes to you. No cheating

Hot or cold. hot

In or out. out

Up or down. up

Boxers or briefs. Boxer briefs

Night or day. day

Toys or no toys. Depends

Chest hair or no chest hair. Chest hair

Lace or no lace If it’s not itchy

Tell Us Five Surprising Things About Yourself

I am a PK. If you know what that means, then you know what that means.
I have always wanted to be a red head with long, beautiful corkscrew curls.
No matter what I’m doing, I would rather be outside, day or night, hot or cold, rain or shine.
I I was awarded two separate scholarships when I graduated high school. One was a teaching fellowship and the other was for writing.
I love to cook, almost as much as I like to eat. I spent a couple of years as a private cook for a local family and loved every minute of it

What is your writing environment?

I have a small office tucked in the back corner of my house. I need quiet to write, so I’m as far from the family room and TV as I can get.

One of your favorite quotes.

To whom much is given, much is required.

Top three things on your bucket list.

1. Run a marathon

2. Visit Scotland and Ireland

3. Stay on an Amish farm for a month.

Random Things About My Novel

The story is set in Highlands, NC. It is one of my most favorite places to visit. Something about it soothes my soul. All of the locations that I wrote about are real places that I try to visit every time I go.

I based the teenage Tripp and Liam on my own 16-year-old son. I’m blessed to have a teenage son who is respectful and polite, and he isn’t ashamed to show his ol’ mom affection, even in the halls of his HS.

Searching for Tomorrow has a definite Southern voice to it. If you ever hear me speak, you’ll definitely understand. If you’re curious what I sound like, watch Steele Magnolias. J

What is your favorite scene in your new release?

I loved the spider scene with Mother Tidwell, but really, the whole engagement scene steals my breath.

Flirting Questions

What does love feel like?

Warm, fuzzy, secure, safe, sheltered

When was your last kiss?

Before my hubs left to go out of town Monday. He comes home tonight, so that will have changed by the time you read this!

What’s an absolute no-no in a relationship?

Infidelity…period

How did you meet your significant other?

In the lobby of the bank that I worked in. I was on all fours under a Christmas tree tightening the screws in the base. What can I say? Baby got back!

If you could take a romantic trip, where would it be?

Any trip I take with Hubs is romantic. One of his favorite things to do is to whisk me away to wine and dine me.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Absolutely! Ask me how I feel about my grandson Grayson!

Flirting Quickies:

Boxers or Briefs?

Boxer briefs

Facial hair or clean shaven?

Facial hair

Alpha or Beta?

Gamma

Planner or Panster?