Guest Post Behind the Scenes (and a Giveaway!): Tanya Eavenson & To Gain a Mommy

As part of the Celebrate Lit Blog Tour for To Gain a Mommy, I am pleased to welcome Tanya Eavenson back to the blog today for behind-the-scenes peek at her new story!

Tanya Eavenson is a bestselling and award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book.

You can connect with Tanya at her website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon and BookBub.

Her new novella, To Gain a Mommy, is the first novella in the Gaining Love series!

They had a plan, but will it work?

Thirteen years ago, pediatrician Hope Michaels was the fool-hearted girl who came home from college to learn the man she loved was engaged to her twin. But now to move on with her life and accept a proposal of marriage, she must confront the one man who holds the key to the wounds of her past.

Fire Captain Carl McGuire can put out any flame, except for the one Hope sparks within him. As she stirs up his life and heart, Carl knows some things never change. Even a past he’d rather keep hidden.

When a new neighbor moves in across the street who would be a perfect fit for their family, Mary and Brody form a plan to bring their dad and Hope together. But how will it work if Hope keeps pushing him away?

I’d like to thank Celebrate Lit for featuring my first novella in my Gaining Love Series, To Gain a Mommy, for this tour. I’m looking forward to visiting with you along the way!

Recently I was asked to share what inspired me to write To Gain a Mommy. Believe it or not, my inspiration came from a prayer.

Last year my employer offered me a great promotion, but the catch was I’d have little time to spend with my family. So I prayed, asking God for direction for my family, my job, and my writing.

God knows us so well. He knew I had a desire to work with other authors and to write my first novella. He also knew that without a push, I wouldn’t do it.

It all began with a simple post on my Facebook timeline. Another writer posted that she had messaged me but wanted to let me know since FB has a couple of message boxes (I had no idea!). I clicked on my messages, and there it was—the extra message box, filled. As I read through the messages, I found one asking if I’d be interested in joining a novella boxed set. Right away I knew God had answered my prayer.

Needless to say, I didn’t take the position at work and joined the boxed set. Since then, To Gain a Mommy has become an international bestseller and has been a finalist in two contests. My Gaining Love series continues to grow, with the third novella, To Gain a Bodyguard, releasing in time for Christmas. Isn’t God good!

The Lord tells us to trust in Him and that if we do, He will direct our paths. It still amazes me how the Lord works behind the scenes in our lives to give us hope and a future.

Yes, God gives us hope. He gives us a future. This is why I named my heroine in To Gain a Mommy Hope. Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (NKJV). Although my heroine can’t see her future or what it might hold, she is reminded that God will not disappoint.

The Lord reminds us of the same in our own lives.

Hi Tanya! Welcome back to the blog!

Q: Can you give us any behind the scenes facts about To Gain a Mommy?

Tanya: When I was looking at setting locations for To Gain a Mommy, I glanced at the US map and my gaze landed on Florida. Years ago, I lived close to Melbourne, Florida, and knew the area well, but I couldn’t think of a place I wanted for the setting. Later I Googled wedding locations in Florida and Melbourne popped up with a beautiful venue for my Death by Chocolate fundraising event. I contacted the owner, Mark Petroni, about using his facility in the book and asked if he would send me pictures. He did! You will find this lovely venue described in To Gain a Mommy. Here are a few of the pictures of The Court Yard at the Oaks:

Carrie: That looks gorgeous!

Tanya: I love pictures! But I had none of Goldie, the golden retriever from my story, so I made a call out on Facebook. While shuffling through the photos that were sent, I couldn’t believe I found him! Meet Goldie!

Carrie: awwww hi Goldie! My dog Zuzu wags her tail in greeting, too 🙂

Q: What are some of your fave lines and/or scenes?

Tanya:

1. The opening scene. I love Brody and Mary’s reaction to their new neighbor and her dog.
2. Carl’s hands stilled, and for a moment, she hoped he wouldn’t look at her, save her from this situation, but when he turned her way, she lifted her chin slightly. “Hi, Carl.”
3. She ignored the velvet sound of Carl’s voice calling her—for what? To talk? To apologize? She wasn’t doing this, not today, maybe never. She needed to tell the men unloading to put her stuff back in the truck.
4. She was scared of never feeling his arms around her ever again, but most of all, she was scared to death she’d never stop loving him.
5. “Then that’s what you need to remember. Don’t focus on the sin, but on the grace.”
6. That dream, like a burning star, streaked across her heart and buried itself in her soul.
7. Carl looked into her eyes and saw his own reflection, a vision of a desperate man who was about to lose the love of his life for a second time, and it almost drew him to his knees.
8. “No, Dad”—she stood—“Brody and I have been playing matchmaker this entire time. It’s good to finally know you’re in the game.”

Carrie: Oh i love this line – ‘That dream, like a burning star, streaked across her heart and buried itself in her soul.’ Beautiful!

In honor of her tour, Tanya is giving away a grand prize package consisting of a $5 Amazon Card and pillow cover from Redbubble! Click below to enter!

This giveaway is hosted by Celebrate Lit, not RimSP.
Follow along with the tour for more chances to win!