I adore today’s guest – and her acceptance speech at the ACFW Carol Awards this past weekend had me in tears! Congratulations, Nicole, for the Contemporary Romance win for A Season to Love!
Award-winning author Nicole Deese is a full time lover of humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled fiction. When she’s not writing a sweet romance, she can usually be found reading near a window while drinking a La Croix. She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious and smarty-pants sons, and a princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
You can connect with Nicole at her website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Her latest book, A New Shade of Summer, is the 3rd book in her Love in Lenox series!
As an artist, Callie Quinn relies on inspiration to guide her wandering soul. This summer she accepts a short-term muralist job in her sister’s charming town to spend some much-needed time with her family. After meeting her nephew’s friend, Brandon, she’s eager to draw out his untapped artistic talents—however, it’s the boy’s straitlaced single father who could use a little color in his life.
Davis Carter may be the town’s favorite animal whisperer, but his experience is limited when it comes to understanding his preteen’s rebellious behavior. Desperate for a breakthrough, he follows the lead of a free spirit who claims to know the way into his son’s closed-off world. Soon, Davis isn’t the only one caught up in the hope of a new beginning.
Just as Callie considers trading her unattached existence for a life rich with promise and permanence, an unexpected visit from the past threatens to send her packing once again. Davis and Callie must learn to surrender their fears so they can find a love that will outlast the summer.
Without further adieu, here’s Nicole! ♥
Hi friends!
I was chatting with Carrie the other day about one of my favorite fictional small towns—Lenox, Oregon. Have you heard of it? It’s such a lovely place to visit, especially this time of year when summer begins to fade in to fall. But seeing how the west coast is so very, uh, west for many of you to travel on such short notice, we figured it might be best if I just took you on a little tour. Don’t worry, no packing—or putting on real pants—required for this tour. Just sit back and relax while I show you some pics. Oh, and bonus—my good friends Davis Carter and Callie Quinn from A New Shade of Summer have offered to show us a few things as well.
Comment from Carrie: Well… hellooooooo Davis 
Like many small towns nestled along the Cascade Mountains, Lenox has a darling downtown area full of tourist shops and cozy cafes. But rather than spend our tour sightseeing all the boring stuff like post offices and coffee stands, let’s take a closer look at where Callie and Davis spend the majority of their time in A New Shade of Summer.
In between parenting his pre-teen son and romancing a quirky new-to-town artist, Davis makes his living as Lenox’s most-esteemed veterinarian. Conveniently located just a few blocks away from his home, Davis walks to his newly renovated clinic each morning and prides himself on providing the best care he can offer his furry—and sometimes his not-so-furry—patients.
Comment from Carrie: Now Zuzu is sending heart eyes in Dr. Davis’ direction….
Callie’s line of work is not nearly as conventional as Dr. Carter’s. Lead by her artistic instincts and restless spirit, Callie travels all over the country taking on large-scale art projects wherever her skills are needed. But, even a wanderer like Callie has a little place she likes to call home during the summer months—er, make that a tiny place she likes to call home.
A couple years back, Callie became a first-time homeowner of a two-hundred and twenty-two square foot Tiny House, which is currently parked on her sister’s property.
A minimalist at heart, the size and space are perfect for Callie—even though a certain veterinarian doesn’t quite understand the appeal. He does, however, enjoy the view of the stars from her loft.
But I’ll let you experience that revelation on your own when you read chapter nineteen.
Comment from Carrie: <turns rapidly to chapter nineteen> Ahem.
Well friends, I think that about wraps up our tour for today. I hope you feel a bit more connected to one of my favorite places.
And hey—don’t forget to give Callie a call the next time you’re in town, she’d love to put you up for a night or two. There’s always a few square feet to spare for a new friend. 🙂
Yay! Thank you so much, Nicole! I can’t wait to pop into Lenox and see the sights and … ahem…. Davis. Callie too, of course. Sure. 😉
What about you? Would you like to live in a tiny house like Callie? They are so popular right now!
I’ve always wondered who liked those tiny houses. 🙂 Love the way this sounds!
me too, Linda 🙂
Well, since I’m claustrophobic, I don’t think a tiny house would work very well for me. I prefer a few wide open spaces. It would be easier to keep clean–unless you’re a collecter of “things.” Where would I put all my books? 😀 Nope, I don’t think I’d go for the tiny house, unless I could just park it in the mountains all summer with a stash of books inside and a comfy chair outside. I might be able to manage that!
I just finished A New Shade of Summer and loved it! But I’ve loved every one of Nicole’s books so that’s no surprise. I’m not gonna lie though, I love Davis even more after seeing his picture!
Love this post! I love the idea of a tiny house, but I’m not sure where I’d put my hubby and five kids! ?
Tiny houses have their appeal but where would I put all my books, sewing, material, craft supplies?
Story looks cute!
Since I’ve been living in a hotel for the last month, a tiny house sounds lovely!
I WANT Callie’s hair! I’ve got the color, wish I had the length. *wink*
Where would I keep my books and my collection of lists?? Nope, not for me at all!! Lol
Not me. I like to have friends and family in and want them to feel comfortable but this story sounds interesting.
I already feel like I live in a tiny house! Six people, small 1920 house, too much stuff. We’re averaging about 200-sq. ft./person anyway. At least a TINIER house would make purging more stuff imperative. And I could use a nice view of the stars!
haha!
No desire to live in a tiny house. Maybe if I was single though. But Callie’s is adorable. And perfect for her!
i think i would get claustropic…. but i wouldn’t mind having a tiny house handy for a reading nook 😉