Karina Bartow and I “met” through the fact that we’re both being published by Vinspire Publishing in Fall 2018. Oh, um, hey. Forgetting My Way Back to You is AVAILABLE TODAY. *squeal*

Okay, okay, I should let Karina share about the setting of Forgetting My Way Back to You, and be sure to keep scrolling to read about her new book (and get your own copy).

Coatesville, Pennsylvania: An Unforgettable Town

While Jadyn Simon dreams about painting and finding her space in the world in Teal Paisley Tights, Charlee Stoll lives over 250 miles in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Like Jadyn, Charlee expected a much different future than staying in her hometown, but her dad’s stroke, among other concerns, have kept her there.

My recent visit there proved Coatesville to be the cozy hometown environment I had in mind for my new novel, Forgetting My Way Back to You. While it isn’t the middle-of-nowhere neighborhood where I grew up, it’s far from life in the big city. Because it lacks the frills and thrills, a dreamer like Hunter Jett, Charlee’s high school sweetheart, could easily become restless. At the same time, the tight-knit community and warm landscapes would draw him back in time.

That’s just what happens at the love story’s beginning. Fresh off a successful career in arena football, Hunter returns to Coatesville to coach football and teach at his alma mater. Meanwhile, Charlee works as a trainer for his team, which leads to the exes’ unexpected reunion. The same school—and field—saw the couple meet and fall in love years ago, so the familiar surroundings make for quite the Déjà vu sensation.

Their old stomping grounds play a major part in rekindling their romance. After the initial awkwardness wears off, Hunter invites Charlee to go out for ice cream at Double D Diner, their former hangout.

They revisit several of their other favorite spots, but the locale that contributes most to reviving their love is one they’ve never been to before. An hour’s drive away, The Cameron Estate sets the ideal mood for the couple to rediscover why nobody else could break their bond. As this scene shows, however, the date had a rocky start:

… With a red-brick exterior accented by a white wrap-around porch, the nineteenth century Cameron Estate mansion embodied the perfect blend of New England elegance and southern charm. As they approached it, she imagined they were stepping into a classic movie over two-hundred years in the making.

After complimenting Hunter on his choice, Charlee noticed a sign that announced, “Cameron Estate Inn and Restaurant,” prompting her to tease, “A bed and breakfast on our first date? What kind of girl do you think I am?”

“Did I mention we’re out of gas, too?” he retorted in jest, known for running on fumes in the past.

Stepping out of the truck, she noted the crowded parking lot and the two limousines parked up front. It concerned her, but gazing at the mansion, she assumed there’d be enough room. Upon noticing a bridal party posing for photos in the back lawn, however, she began to figure out that they’d unwittingly landed a cameo appearance in somebody else’s movie.

“Did you make reservations for us?” she asked Hunter, who walked along, oblivious to the event.

“No, I couldn’t expect you to agree to come,” he admitted. “Besides, I didn’t think many people knew about this place.”

“Apparently, a lot do in the wedding-planning community,” she remarked, pointing to the plaque that boasted its win for the year’s best wedding venue.

“I’m sure they have a separate room for that.”

They walked into a dining room full of wedding guests, debunking Hunter’s theory. A banner reading, “Congratulations Darren & Kim” hung above their heads, with pictures of complete strangers displayed everywhere. They couldn’t see an empty seat, leaving no way to slip into a corner even if they tried. Charlee could only look at Hunter, who pondered the predicament.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to find someone I know.” He stated what had to be his master plan without shame. “Guess I’ll have to fake it.”

“Hunter! Don’t you dare!” she threatened, grasping his shoulder before he could pretend to be the groom’s cousin from Utah.

 

To find out how Hunter handles the debacle, as well as how the settings affect Charlee’s selective amnesia later in the book, read Forgetting My Way Back to You, available TODAY at VinspirePublishing.com!

Buy on Amazon!

 

Karina Bartow is the author Husband in Hiding and Forgetting My Way Back to You. The Ohio native, who’s affected by Cerebral Palsy, has never allowed her disability to define her. Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters who have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want. She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart!

To learn more, visit www.KarinaBartow.com.