BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Sweet Water

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Cara Reinard to talk about her latest release, Sweet Water (1 January 2021, Thomas & Mercer, 360 pages), a Domestic Thriller.

“A remarkable tale of family loyalties and lies set in a fresh new world. Fans of Defending Jacob—both the book and the television show—will relish this sinister story of the lengths two parents will go to in order to protect their child.” —J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author

“Hypnotic and absorbing, a compulsive page-turner to the very end.” —Minka Kent, Wall Street Journal bestselling author

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

A very warm welcome to Cara Reinard; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in Sweet Water , or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"Hello! Music was a huge part of my book. One of the characters in Sweet Water is a guitarist and the book has an alternating timeline to the 90s. I’ve included some of the 90s songs and artists referenced in the book below. The last six tracks are favorites on my current playlist."

What was the inspiration for Sweet Water?

"The title of my novel, Sweet Water, is the Native American translation for Sewickley, which is the town where the book takes place.

I’ve always loved the historical homes in Sewickley, many of which were owned by wealthy executives in the early 1900s. The premise of the book came from my short story published in the Mindful Writer’s Into the Woods anthology.

The anthology is a completion of stories, poems and short essays all set in the woods. My story [Geneva: Into The Woods] is about a couple of college kids who mess around in the woods with drugs, but only one comes out alive."

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

"I tend to delve into worlds and create characters who are nothing like me – they’re far more interesting that way!

I am a huge lover of music, particularly rock, and I’ve weaved it into this story."

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

"The title of the book has “water” in it, so I’m sure that was influential in deciding on the cover, which is a replication of the pool in Sarah’s home with rose petals draped all over it.

The pool is significant because that’s where Sarah had her first romantic interlude, the catalyst for all events that happen next.

A special shout out to my cover designer at Amazon Publishing, Shasti O’Leary Soudant, for creating a stunning design for Sweet Water."

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

"Sweet Water has been described as a novel where the town feels like its own character. If you enjoy books with rich settings and appreciate novels that include alternating timelines, you’ll enjoy Sweet Water."

Can you tell us something quirky about Sweet Water, its story and characters?

"Sarah’s house in the book is based on the real party home of B.F. Jones, a former Pittsburgh steel tycoon who gifted the house to his wife on their wedding anniversary."

Who would you recommend Sweet Water to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I think anyone who enjoys adult thrillers and mysteries, particularly the domestic brand, will enjoy this book.

For a warning, as an adult thriller, it is rated R. So, if you’re put off by things that occur in rated R movies this book might not be for you. Fans of Kimberly McCreight and Ruth Ware will enjoy Sweet Water."

If you could / wished to turn Sweet Water into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I think the actual location, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, would be a perfect setting.

If I had to cast my characters I’d pick Rosamund Pike for Sarah, Josh Hartnett for Joshua, and Hugh Jackman for Martin."

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 enjoy writing thrillers the most, but I also write women’s fiction.

I read a little bit of everything, but primarily stick to my own genres."

What is your writing process?

"I don’t really have one! I work full-time in an unrelated field and have two elementary-aged children, so I write when I have the time.

The colder months are more productive for me because I’m inside more, and I do attend a Mindful Writers retreat once a year in Ligonier, PA where I get a ton of writing done. If I have a deadline, I join in on #5AMWritersClub, and knock out some early morning edits."

What is in store next?

"I have a second domestic thriller coming out, Into the Sound, which will be released from Thomas & Mercer on 4 January 2022.

In this novel a woman is forced to expose long-buried family secrets in order to find her missing sister who’s suspected of being swept away in a Long Island superstorm."

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?

"I’m absolutely in love with my two-year-old Bernese Mountain dog, Lily. She’s a giant teddy bear and she loves to lay at my feet when I’m writing, always eager for a walk when I’m ready for a break.

I love all dogs, but if I had a farm big enough to house more animals, I’d have an army of Bernese mountain dogs. They’re the sweetest!"

Lily

Oh, wow! Lily, you are definitely beautiful and very sweet-looking. Lots of head scratches and belly rubs to you from all of us at BooksChatter.

Cara, thank you so much for sharing Lily with us. We hope you are having a great tour!

THIS IS THE LIFE SHE ALWAYS WANTED.