Aloha to Elisabeth Barrett and DEEP AUTUMN HEAT

Today Elisabeth Barrett is my guest to celebrate the release of DEEP AUTUMN HEAT!

First of all, I’d like to give a warm aloha to Kim. I’m thrilled to be visiting today as I continue on my blog tour for my debut novel, Deep Autumn Heat! The book is set on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and is the story of two stubborn chefs who can’t help but fall in love. Star Harbor, the fictional town at the heart of the novel, plays a prominent role, and Boston also makes a cameo appearance. There was a very particular reason I set the book in New England: I grew up there.


I know that Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on Earth (I’m sure Kim would call it the most beautiful place on Earth), but for me, growing up in New England was a dream come true.


Let’s start with the people. New Englanders are very real. (Please keep in mind that I’m speaking from my experiences living in small town Connecticut—your mileage may vary). At first, the locals can be guarded, and sometimes even a bit gruff. It can take time for them to open up, but once you get to know them, they are warm and loyal. I appreciate their lack of airs, and their willingness to tell it like it is. In Star Harbor (a small waterfront town), many of the locals, especially those who are Star Harbor born and bred, are as much fixtures of the town as, say, the town hall. 

Next, let’s move on to the scenery. New England in any season is gorgeous (Woods! Water! Wildflowers!), but my favorite season is actually fall (the backdrop for Deep Autumn Heat). I love the damp smell of the fallen leaves following a rainstorm. I love the crisp air stinging my cheeks as I walk through an orchard filled with ripe McIntosh apples. I love the aroma of wood smoke at dusk on a chilly night. And I love the leaves in all their glory – crimson, flame, and even lemon yellow. No matter how many times I’ve seen the hills bedecked in autumnal splendor, it still takes my breath away. In each Star Harbor novel, the seasons are evocatively described, and in Deep Autumn Heat, I wanted readers to feel like they were really in the heart of fall and harvest season.


Finally, let’s move on to the food. New England is famous for it. For example, did you know that in 1895, the hamburger was invented at Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut? Aside from ground beef, what other things does New England have in abundance? Fruit and seafood, of course! No wonder that some of the region’s specialties involve one of these two categories. Here are some of my favorites: apple pie, blueberry crumble, strawberry shortcake, clam chowder, boiled lobster, lobster rolls, and birch beer! Food also plays a huge part in Deep Autumn Heat. The heroine, Lexie Meyers, bakes a fabulous coconut cake, and in one pivotal scene, the hero, Sebastian, challenges Lexie to a cook-off where they make New England-style crab cakes.


In my humble opinion, the charms and beauty of New England are unsurpassed, and I know why: to me, New England will always be home. 

About Deep Autumn Heat:

In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.


Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.


Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.


Pre-order Deep Autumn Heat: Kindle | Nook | ITunes | Other Formats 

About Elisabeth:


Raised in a sleepy little Connecticut town, Elisabeth draws on her upbringing to write small-town romances. Her summers spent living and working on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard were the inspiration for the Star Harbor series, which kicks off with Deep Autumn Heat (coming July 2012) and continues with Blaze of Winter (coming September 2012). Currently, Elisabeth lives in Northern California with her husband and three children, but she thinks New England is the loveliest place in the world. Find her online: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


How about a Giveaway?


One commenter on my blog will be randomly selected to win a NetGalley preview of Deep Autumn Heat. Contest ends July 3rd at midnight (EDT).You’ll need a NetGalley account, and to answer the question below:


What do you think is the most beautiful place in the world?

Mahalo, Elisabeth, for sharing New England with us!  My first assignment in the Air Force took me to Boston - this Florida girl loved it!  Your post brought back wonderful memories!   I'd like to share my love for New England by adding to the giveaway - a second commenter wins a ecopy of DEEP AUTUMN HEAT from me.   

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii