Friday, April 2, 2021

Nantucket . . . the Perfect Setting for a Romance

 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.




Welcome back Courtney, and thank you for sharing your story with us! 

About Courtney:

Courtney Walsh is the author of more than ten contemporary romance books. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, was a New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller and a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. In addition, she has written two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives with her husband and three children in Illinois, where she is also an artist, theater director, and playwright.






About Is it Any Wonder

Can a promise made as kids bring them back together as adults? In this Nantucket-set beach read, “master of the genre” (Midwest Book Review) Courtney Walsh delivers a sparkling inspirational romance about first love and second chances. 

Twelve years ago, Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers made a pact that no matter where their lives took them, they’d return to Nantucket Island’s Brant Point Lighthouse on July 30, their shared golden birthday, and continue their tradition of exchanging birthday wishes. But that was before a tragic accident upended both of their lives, irrevocably pulling them apart.

Their worlds collide just months before that particular day when Louisa’s fledgling event planning company is hired by the local Coast Guard station, where she discovers Cody has recently returned to the island as the second in command. As they plan a regatta fundraiser, hoping to promote positive PR in the community, neither can deny the fireworks each encounter ignites. But working together also brings up memories of the day Cody’s father died, revealing secrets that have Cody and Louisa questioning everything they thought they knew and felt about their families and each other.

GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment for Courtney to enter for a chance to win a copy of Is It Any Wonder, releases on April 6, 2021.  

Giveaway prize courtesy of Tyndale Publishers. (Seekerville's Giveaway rules applied. Open to US residents with a US mailing address only.)

16 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. Hi Jackie! I loved Courtney's Harbour Pointe series. Happy reading and thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Courtney, what a great concept. I live in New England and have never been to Nantucket but always wanted to. It sounds glorious.
    Please enter me in the drawing.
    Kathy Bailey

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    1. 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

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  3. Nantucket is on my bucket list! Your new book sounds great.

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    1. Doesn't it Anne? I personally love all of Courtney 's books and those covers! Talk about cover love!
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. 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!

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    1. Hi Denise. I love what you said about a boat ride. I totally agree! Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. Oh 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. :)

    I 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!

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  6. 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

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  7. This 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!

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  8. Thanks 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.

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  9. I 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.

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  10. I would love to visit Cape Cod/Nantucket. So much history to be discovered!

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  11. Those places are on my bucket list to visit. :) ( no need to enter me in the draw)

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