by Courtney Walsh
Many years ago, I had my first introduction to Nantucket. My kids were little, and I was not a go-with-the-flow kind of mom. I’m still not, if I’m honest, but when you’ve got kids who need naps and you know the value of the schedule, it’s hard to relax.
I don’t think I appreciated the island or its beauty at all. (Side note: I don’t travel well. I’m working on it.)
But then a couple of years ago, a mom with older kids now, we took a vacation to Cape Cod. We stayed in a house my kids swear was haunted, and we ventured out to do all the touristy-type things. One day toward the end of our trip, we decided to take the ferry over to Nantucket.
The island needed to be redeemed, I think, and I am so glad we went.
Looking at Nantucket through more relaxed eyes, I was instantly smitten. The charm of the cobblestone streets, the brick buildings, the cedar-shingled cottages, the lighthouses, the beaches—it was all breathtaking. And every single bit of it lent itself to romance.
"For many books, the setting is another character..."
For many books, the setting is another character, and getting it right can bring the story to life. I knew after this second visit that this was a place I could get lost in. This was a place where I would love to spend more time.
I’m not sure if this is an actual quote, but someone gave me the advice once that if you want to be inspired, change your routine. I couldn’t agree more. Getting outside of my Illinois town and letting my mind wander as I walked those streets and took in every single bit of the island was exactly what I needed to get my imagination going.
"there are stories everywhere. You just have to slow down long enough to find them."
The truth is there are stories everywhere. You just have to slow down long enough to find them. Millions of what-if questions floating through the air, waiting to land on someone willing to play along. Sometimes it starts with a setting: “What if two kids who had the same birthday spent their summers together on Nantucket and what if they made a pact to revisit the island on their shared golden birthday and what if something happened to drive them apart . . . ?”
For me, that’s how this story began.
Filling in the blanks and answering those questions made the process of writing this book so much more enjoyable, and setting it in a place that I absolutely love was like a mental vacation. My hope is that everyone who reads it will get to experience a sliver of Nantucket, whether they’re leaving their home or not.
I, for one, feel like it’s the perfect romantic escape.
Hi Courtney, so good to see you here!! Can you believe I am actually reading a Courtney Walsh marathon this week!? YES, I am finishing your Harbor Pointe series and have If For Any Reason on my Kindle to start reading today!!! Loved them all, and as you said...." I feel like I am on a mental vacay." Of course, I am anxious to get my hands on Is It Any Wonder! Thanks for your giveaway and please keep up the great writing. I plan to backtrack and read your Sweethaven Series very soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie! I loved Courtney's Harbour Pointe series. Happy reading and thanks for stopping by!
DeleteCourtney, what a great concept. I live in New England and have never been to Nantucket but always wanted to. It sounds glorious.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the drawing.
Kathy Bailey
Hi Kaybee! From my childhood memories, Nantucket was a beautiful place. It's been awhile but I would love to go back and visit. Thanks for stopping by
DeleteNantucket is on my bucket list! Your new book sounds great.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it Anne? I personally love all of Courtney 's books and those covers! Talk about cover love!
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Nantucket is one of my favorite places in the world! I love the ferry ride-- not only do I enjoy being on the water, but approaching the island from the water is extra magical. Having to take a boat somewhere just adds to the feeling of leaving the real world behind. Can't wait to read Is It Any Wonder to re-visit somewhere I haven't been in a way-too-long time!
ReplyDeleteHi Denise. I love what you said about a boat ride. I totally agree! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteOh Courtney, I totally understand how you mothered when your kids were young. I did the same thing with schedules. And though I have no regrets on how we parented in those early years, it did make it more challenging to go with the flow. :)
ReplyDeleteI have never visited Cape Cod or Nanctucket, but reading how you described it here re-ignited my desire to see the northeastern areas in our country. And I love your story spark. This story sounds amazing!
Would love to visit Nantucket but will settle for viewing it through your eyes. Thank you for sharing this and I look forward to reading. Blessings
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a delightful romance. I’ve always wanted to visit Nantucket. Maybe your book will be the catalyst to take a vacation there. Please enter me in the drawing. Have a glorious Easter!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, Courtney! Nantucket is on my bucket list. It sounds so delightful. For now, I guess I'll just have to read romantic stories about it! Yours sounds wonderful! I'd love to be in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Cape Cod, but not Nantucket. I would love to go there. Nantucket always makes me think of the television series Wings which was set there. Your book looks wonderful. Please put me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Cape Cod/Nantucket. So much history to be discovered!
ReplyDeleteYou are an automatic buy for me.
ReplyDeleteThose places are on my bucket list to visit. :) ( no need to enter me in the draw)
ReplyDelete