Shannon here: Contemporary Romance author, Valerie Comer shares how her characters meet in her lastest title, Sprouts of Love. Comment or answer the question at the end of the post to enter the drawing for an e-book copy. Deadline: May 27th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Valerie:
How did your hero and heroine meet? Let’s jump right into Chapter One and find out!
Excerpt from Sprouts of Love by Valerie Comer:
“You’re Evelyn Felton?”
Whatever that was all about. The man blocking the entrance to Corinna’s Cupboard couldn’t be a minute over twenty-five, but that didn’t stop him from acting like he owned the place. Eyebrows raised, he appraised her from steely blue eyes.
What had she ever done to him? Nothing. She’d never seen him before… had she? Evelyn stiffened her back and kept the smile in place. “Yes, I’m Evelyn, and I’m here to meet with Ben Kujak about donating garden-grown produce. Is he in?”
Silence reigned for several heartbeats.
Had she asked such a difficult question? The building this charity operated just north of Arcadia Valley’s Main Street wasn’t that big. If Mr. Kujak wasn’t stocking shelves or applying for grants, he likely wasn’t on the premises.
The upstart chewed his lip then nodded, stepping aside. “With a name like Evelyn, I was expecting someone older.”
He had to be kidding. Her name wasn’t Matilda or Ethel. Evelyn tightened her grip on her messenger bag and raised her eyebrows. “I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean. You haven’t answered my question. Is Mr. Kujak available? If not, when’s a good time to meet him?”
Muscles rippled the length of his arm as he stretched out his hand. “I’m Ben. Come on in.”
“I, um…” She blinked and shook his hand briskly. “Hi.” Nobody had told her the man who’d worked miracles starting a charity from nothing was little more than a kid. Scratch that. Definitely not a child, not with how attractive he looked in those cargo shorts and gray T-shirt. Not with his light brown hair matching the stubble that graced his cheeks and chin.
Evelyn shook her head and took a deep breath. “Like you, I thought I was meeting with someone older.”
(End snippet)
As an author, I love finding the right moment for the hero and heroine to meet. Sometimes, like in Sprouts of Love, it happens right at the beginning of chapter one. Other times, that happens a bit later in the chapter, but chapter one is always the magical place! Evelyn was a pre-existing character from my first Arcadia Valley Romance, a novella called Sow in Love, which released in the collection Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley in January. Evelyn’s daughter, Maisie, had a pivotal role in Sow in Love, and now that it is her mom’s turn to fall in love, Maisie once again has a lot to say. Kids of any age — Maisie is just turning eleven — are so much fun to write into romance novels!
My co-authors and I spent a lot of time imagining the world of Arcadia Valley. Then we created the themes for six series to take place in that world. I’ve just begun writing my next Arcadia Valley Romance to release in November, and I’m having a good time in the meanwhile reading the linked stories from my co-authors.Come visit Arcadia Valley were a foodie culture and romance grow hand in hand!
About Valerie: Valerie Comer is a USA Today bestselling author and a two-time Word Award winner, writing contemporary romance with engaging characters, deep faith, and strong communities. She hopes her imaginary friends enjoy their happily-ever-afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughters. Learn more and connect:
Valerie’s Website Arcadia Valley Website Inspy Romance Blog
Valerie’s Facebook Valerie’s Twitter Valerie’s Pinterest
About the book – Sprouts of Love: An Arcadia Valley Romance 5: 
Single mom Evelyn Felton takes on a third part-time job managing a greenhouse and garden project for Grace Fellowship. Formerly homeless, she’s thrilled to offer truckloads of fresh produce to the Arcadia Valley food bank.
If only Ben Kujak weren’t running Corinna’s Cupboard singlehandedly, he’d be delighted to be on the receiving end. But Evelyn and her dynamo daughter, Maisie, won’t take no for an answer, even if it means restructuring Ben’s charity.
Soon Ben finds himself wishing they’d transform his personal life, too, but can true love sprout when their pasts collide with the present?
Click here for more information: http://valeriecomer.com/sprouts
Question for Readers: Did you ever have a preconceived notion about someone because of their name that turned out to be completely wrong? Tell us about it in comments!
no thanks goodness
No preconceived notions associated with names. Thanks for the post and giveaway!
What a person’s name is has no bearing on what is inside their heart.
I’ve never really had a preconceived impression of a name. But my mom’s name is Veta (pronounced Veeda). I’ve always had a hard time picturing a baby named Veta.
No, I’ve never experienced that. Thanks for the introduction to this book. It sounds like it is a great one.
I have a winner! MH won the drawing. I appreciate Valerie for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.