An Ozarks Christmas by Angela Drake #AHAgrp #MRFWauthor

Today, I'm having my first holiday visitor, Angela Drake, with her new release, An Ozarks Christmas. Let's discover Angela's thoughts on using real versus created settings....

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​WHEN THE SETTING REALLY DOES EXIST
By Angela Drake
 
An Ozarks Christmas is the first book in my Planned to Perfection series and is set in the heart of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Eureka Springs Arkansas is a quaint Victorian-themed tourist town. Decades ago, people came from all over the world for their healing springs. I have to tell you, that still today just driving into town puts me in total relaxation. I have the feeling of having come home.
 
Known as a stair-step town, many of the buildings built over one hundred years ago still house gift shops, restaurants and hotels. One of the most haunted hotels in the country, The 1886 Crescent Hotel stays booked year round and is where I set the opening scene for this book. There are steep winding streets, cobblestone walkways, stone walls and trolley cars to help you navigate all the nooks and crannies. There’s usually live music from traveling musicians in Basin Park. Every weekend is like a festival and there’s always something going on.
 
When setting this series in Eureka Springs, I was concerned about using actual places, such as the famed Crescent Hotel, in my book. Most places are public domain. As long as you are not going to say anything bad about a place, or persons, you should be okay. Most will recognize the free advertising you’re providing. I knew I’d be okay with a sweet romance. Would I have done the same if writing erotica, or even any hint at racy? No. I don’t want to offend anyone. Shine a bright, positive spotlight and let business owners know ahead of time you plan to feature their establishment. Most are thrilled. If they aren’t keen on the idea, change the name of the establishment. Make the place your own.
 
Whatever setting you choose, make the place come alive for your reader. Take them on the vacation of their dreams and they’ll love you.
 
To find out more about Eureka Springs, visit https://www.eurekasprings.org/
 
Christmas Blessings
~Angela

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I tend to do the same as you suggested, Angela. If I can't use a setting positively, then I change the names and descriptions. 

Tell us a little bit about An Ozarks Christmas.

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​From the moment he sees Stephanie across the crowded restaurant, Brendan Keane knows he has to have her… and does. Unaware that four years later, their lives would take different paths and Stephanie will marry someone else.
 
After the murder of her husband, Stephanie Douglas takes her two children and moves to the Ozarks, carrying with her a secret she’s harbored for ten years.
 
When Stephanie’s company, ’Planned to Perfection’, is called upon to plan his daughter’s wedding, Brendan’s back in her life.  And this time Stephanie fears she won’t be able to tell him good-bye.
 
 
Excerpt
“May I join you?”
            So much for wishes. Her heart felt as if a beat had skipped then fluttered back to life. She knew without looking the voice belonged to Brendan Keane – entertainer, playboy and thief. Focusing on her wish, she hadn’t heard him open nor close the ballroom door as he came outside.
            Glancing to her left she could see the tall, strong frame of the man she couldn’t forget. The man who had stolen her heart so long ago.
            “Of course.” She struggled to keep her voice even. She wanted to tell him to go away. Not just from the hotel but from the close-knit community she called home. She hadn’t wanted him here from the beginning but her ultimate goal for the event to be a success over-ruled. This fundraiser would insure that every child in Eureka Springs and the surrounding area would receive a visit from Santa Claus. Being the biggest draw in the music business, Brendan Keane would make that possible. The fact he had volunteered to perform was a big boost to the benefit’s bottom line.
            “I’m sorry if I intruded.”
            An apology? In all their time together she’d never heard him apologize for anything – and he’d had plenty of occasions.
            “Not at all. I need to go back in anyway.” She hated that her voice shook. His mere presence shouldn’t be affecting her.

Buy Links
Amazon USA -  https://amzn.to/2pItaXG   
Amazon UK             
Amazon Canada      
Amazon Australia    

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Sooo intriguing, I've got to add this to my TBR Holiday reads!

So Angela, what can we find out about you?

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​Angela Drake believes in happy endings, the magic of ‘what if’ and second chances. When not living vicariously through her characters, Angela spends her day working social media accounts for musicians and authors. She enjoys time with her granddaughters, gardening, journaling, and a myriad of artistic pursuits. She shares a home in the Ozarks with her husband, two dogs and three cats. She loves networking with readers and writers through her Facebook, twitter Instagram and blog.
 

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It's great to have you on my blog today, Angela, and I hope you have great success with your story.

Readers, please leave us a comment and let us know you've stopped by. We authors are sometimes a lonely bunch when writing, and love to hear from our readers.

Thanks
Connie