BooksChatter: ℚ♫ One More Sunset: Mystic Escapes [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Jolyse Barnett to talk about One More Sunset (18 September 2015, Booktrope Editions, 171 pages), a Romantic Suspense, book one of the Mystic Escapes series.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to Jolyse Barnett, thank you for joining us today.

To start, Jolyse has shared with us her music playlist for One More Sunset (albeit we were unable to locate the last track, Sandy Feet and Salty Kisses – Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24 ) - enjoy!

What was the inspiration for One More Sunset?

"Back in August 2012, I told my honey I desired to create a series with the magic and travel similar to Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House Series, but with romance for adults. A few days later, we were traveling upstate for Labor Day weekend when he said, “Hey, how about a magic suitcase?” That was the spark I’d needed, and five hours later we arrived at our destination, my journal filled with notes that became the outline for this series."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I like to believe those little miracles or unexplained coincidences are signs of powerful forces of good at work, helping us find our own happiness and true purpose in life, whatever that may be.

Like my heroine in One More Sunset, I faced the sobering reality as a single young woman that the guy I was dating viewed me as a possession rather than an equal with free will. When I attempted to end the relationship, he continued to show up in my life for months, each time insisting we needed “to talk” and trying to coerce me into reviving the relationship. Thankfully, he never became violent and ultimately got the message we had no future together. But as we know all too well from the news headlines, I was one of the lucky ones. There are many women (and men) far less fortunate when it comes to escaping an unwanted relationship unscathed.

Key West’s a mysterious paradise I’ve considered my home-away-from-home for more than a decade. I’ve travelled the Overseas Highway dozens of times, explored Old Town by bike and foot countless hours, learned the lore of Hemingway, and skimmed the island’s tropical waters by boat and Jet Ski. To me, Key West was the perfect romantic setting for Abby and Dylan to each heal and take a chance on love."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for One More Sunset - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I chose a close-up of a young woman’s face because I wanted potential readers to see Abby from the hero’s perspective and focus on the wary expression in her eyes, setting the suspenseful tone for the book. I selected the champagne and strawberries with a sunset backdrop to evoke the romantic Key West setting, giving our couple hope in spite of a seemingly desperate situation. Red depicts the novel’s danger, passion, and magical red suitcase. My designer Greg Simanson did a wonderful job putting it all together."

Why should we read One More Sunset and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"I’d recommend this book to readers of romantic suspense, readers who see the mystical in everyday life (or wish they did!), and readers who enjoy a happily-ever-after. Those readers who prefer closed door romances are advised to avoid this book."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I like to read and write romances with complex, realistic characters and emotional storylines."

What is in store next?

"One More Sunset is Book 1 in Mystic Escapes, a romantic suspense/magical realism series set in exotic locales . Lysis and Elpida, the two powerful ancients from the first adventure are at it again in Book 2, assisting another kori via the mysterious magic suitcase.

One More Touch is set mostly at a hedonist resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where a wallflower heroine is thrown together with the man she’d secretly desired all summer. Soon, she realizes the man she’s in danger of falling for is facing a different kind of peril from an unseen enemy…and only she can help."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?