Today's Special - - Carly Phillips

I first discovered Carly Phillips with the publication of her Hot Zone books.  Since then, I've devoured her back list of books and eagerly await each new book that's released.  Her newest, SERENDIPITY, kicks off her new series of the same name and is a heartwarming, emotionally complex story you won't want to miss.  Carly is the New York Times Bestselling author of over 30 romance novels with contemporary characters and plotlines that today’s readers identify with and enjoy. She's a stay at home mom of 2 daughters (now almost old enough to read her books!), one soft coated wheaten terrier and a brand new Havanese puppy. She’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. More information on Carly can be found at www.carlyphillips.com, www.twitter.com/carlyphillips and www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage.  She's also a regular blogger at http://www.plotmonkeys.com/.  Please welcome Carly to The Romance Dish!



All About Serendipity 
By Carly Phillips

SERENDIPITY, both the town and the stories, were born of trying to take what I love to do – write contemporary romance – and focus on how living in a small town affects all dynamics – family, friendships and especially love.

Serendipity is a fictional upstate NY town, about an hour outside of New York City. It’s a contemporary romance that turns the concept of the bad boy around when former troublemaker Ethan Barron returns home after ten years, determined to make amends and reclaim the family he left behind. He thinks he has no time for romance because he has to focus on making amends, but his brothers want nothing to do with him. But just because Ethan is ready to move forward doesn’t mean everyone else is … and so begins the story of SERENDIPITY and the first Barron brother.

Book #1 - Sept. 6, 2011

Despite his brothers’ resentment, Ethan’s not going anywhere and while waiting for them to come around, he is reacquainted with Faith Harrington, the girl who got away. Faith is special because she’s back in town to face her demons and find a new life, no matter how hard it may be. She returns to Serendipity and opens an interior design business – and her first big job offer is Ethan’s house – her family’s old mansion that he bought on the SEC auction block. But Ethan doesn’t only own her family home, he was her one time teenage crush. When she meets him again, she realizes the old feelings only burn stronger. Can she redecorate her childhood home and face those demons while dealing with a man who affects her on so many different levels?

I think we can all relate to someone like Faith. She has to dig deep and find the courage to stay, to face people, to fight for the life and ultimately the man she wants. She will hold her head high no matter how humiliated she is over her father’s Ponzi scheme or her family’s fall from grace. She’s got guts and I admired that about her.

As for Ethan, once he is reunited with Faith, he can’t stop thinking about her. Offering her the decorating job seems like a way to help her get back on her feet and keep her in his life.

I loved writing SERENDIPITY. Someone asked my favorite scene and that would have to be the love scene after Ethan has an ugly fight with his brothers where they confront him over leaving them ten years ago, making him face the kind of life he abandoned them to and his new half sister overhears it all. He’s at his darkest point and wants nothing to do with anyone. And Faith comes to him because she knows he needs her—even though she promised herself she’d never compromise herself for a man, she’s willing to take whatever he dishes out because she cares and he’s so lost. For me, writing it, it was such a sexy, emotional scene coming from such a dark place. I just loved this hero and heroine!! And add Tess—the delinquent half sister that the brothers didn’t know about, and the story came alive. Tess is a hellion and she says what’s on her mind. She’s sad and funny and brave all at the same time.

Book #2 - Nash's story - Jan. 3, 2012

I hope readers fall hard for the small town of Serendipity, the family dynamics of the Barron brothers, and the push, pull and the pain that so many families feel when dealing with each other.












What do you love about small town contemporary stories? What makes you come back for more?

Three randomly selected people leaving comments on Carly's blog today will each receive a set of her Serendipity series trading cards.  Thanks, Carly! 

~PJ