BooksChatter: ℚ Handling the Rancher: Graciella [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Sara Ohlin to talk about Handling the Rancher (15 October 2019, Totally Bound Publishing, 215 pages), a Contemporary Western Romance, book one in the Graciella series.

“It's like a Nora Roberts meets Jodi Picoult sort of situation, but unique in more ways than one, a comparison I don't make lightly. I do smell a trilogy, and can't wait for this initial book to grace my book shelf.”

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

A very warm welcome to Sara Ohlin; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Handling the Rancher?

"Definitely the beauty of the West Coast (US). The rocky cliffs, wide flat beaches, rolling green farmlands and all the senses the land evokes, the salty sea air and fresh farmland. I wanted the land to surround and seduce the characters too."

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

"Not much! Except for Miranda’s loneliness and vulnerability. I started this book years ago when I was a new mom and I was so lonely in a city with not many friends or family. I wanted to write those connections I was missing in my real life, into this book."

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

"Totally Entwined Group has amazing cover art designers. As an author I just describe the characters and setting to them and they come up with the design. I love this one, because the coast is so important to Cruz & Miranda."

Why should we read Handling the Rancher and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"There are so many great writers out there! It’s hard to be unique. But I think my voice, which I like to think is full of emotion and longing will be attractive to the right audience.

I also love to build entire communities with families, friends and fun side characters, including animals! So if you like a good community and characters that carry on to the next books in the series, you might like my writing."

Can you tell us something quirky about Handling the Rancher, its story and characters?

"There’s a scene where Cruz is eating strawberry ice-cream and shares it with Miranda. My sister read an early draft of the book and made me promise not to ever let them cut that scene."

Who would you recommend Handling the Rancher to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Anyone who loves contemporary romance with an intimate, small-town feel, great cast of characters, lovely setting and lots of sizzle!!!!"

If you could / wished to turn Handling the Rancher and the Graciella series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"There are some amazing directors out there.

I LOVE Patty Jenkins and Ava DuVernay! Danny Pino would be a great Cruz Megan Fox or Katie Holmes for Miranda!

In a dream world they would film where I live on the gorgeous Whidbey Island in the middle of Puget Sound."

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 love romance because for me it is so much fun to create fictional worlds and issues. I also love trying to figure out the madness and beauty of the world through creative non-fiction. I love to write about food too. I’m obsessed with food!! And yes, I love to read all of these."

What is your writing process?

"I usually don’t get started writing till after I get my kids off to school, so somewhere around 9am. And I try to keep my butt in the chair and write for 3-4 hours. I get up for breaks and snacks but try to stay off social media, because I am AWESOME at procrastinating!!!

Sometimes at night I’ll get another hour or two in. It flies by! There’s never enough time, is there!"

What is in store next?

"I have another series with Totally Bound/Totally Entwined Group and the first one, Salvaging Love, comes out Dec. 3rd.

And I just signed the contract with Totally Entwined Group for book 2 in the Graciella Series, so the one following Handling the Rancher. It’s Lily & Turner’s story, and I can’t wait for you to see them in action!"

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?

"Yes! We recently got a rescue dog named Fionn. He’s almost three and he is so gentle, loving and funny. And he’s attached to my hip unless we’re at the beach or dog park."

Hello gorgeous Fionn; lots of head-scratches and belly-rubs to you from all of us at BooksChatter!

Sara, thank you so much for sharing Fionn with us; we hope you are having a great tour!

What's a sexy rancher to do when an uptight accountant falls into his lap?