In association with Goddess Fish Promotions, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for
Lost Until You by
Kimberly Daniels!
Author Interview
Welcome to Jersey Girl Book Reviews Kimberly!
Before we get to the interview, can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
My name is Kimberly Daniels and I just released my debut contemporary romance, Lost Until You. I am currently a teacher in addition to launching my writing career. I am also an avid reader myself, I enjoy getting sucked into Netflix, and running my kids to every activity they convince me they need to do. My husband is the most understanding and supportive man I know as he deals with the random story ideas that I blurt out.
Interview Questions:
1) How long have you been a writer?
I like to joke that I began writing when I was eight years old and my short story was selected to be in the school library. Really, ever since then, writing has been an important part of my life. So, it seems I have been writing for 28 years!
2) Do you have a day job, or is being an author your career?
I am a middle school English teacher. It’s a career that has always inspired me and to be able to share the love of reading and writing with my students is a real blessing.
3) What inspired you to become a writer? Describe your journey as a writer.
Writing has always been a hobby, something I would do daily in my life. My former grade partner read this story in its infancy and pushed me to get an agent. Fast forward 4 years and I no longer have the agent, but I have a published novel. That former grade partner is still a great friend and remains the best beta reader I could ever have.
4) Please give a brief description/storyline about Lost Until You.
It explores the idea that love can set you in the right direction. That certain people you meet in life will be the ones that ultimately help you find your true self.
5) What was the inspiration for this story?
Watching my husband struggle with the death of his dad, this whole idea of losing something you love and finding it again through love came to mind. The original idea morphed into something so large that I had no choice but to write it!
6) How did it feel to have your first book published?
This whole process has been surreal. Having my characters and story live with only me for so long, I never could imagine what it would be like if they were released into the world. I have a hard time believing it actually happened. Sometimes I search my book on Amazon just to make sure I was imagining everything!
7) Do you write books for a specific genre?
So far I’ve only written contemporary romance. However, I would love to write a historical fiction romance one day and I did promise my daughter I’d take a stab middle-grade or pre-teen story.
8) What genres are your favorite(s)? What are some of your favorite books that you have read and why?
I love contemporary romance through and through. The Thoughtless series is by far my favorite new adult romances. Kellan Kyle has stuck with me for years, becoming the hardest book boyfriend breakup in history!
9) Do you have a special spot/area where you like to do your writing?
Since I write a lot early in the morning or late at night, I find that being in my bed is most comfortable. I love writing when I am at the beach. It’s the one place where my body automatically relaxes and I am easily inspired.
10) How do you come up with the ideas that become the storyline for your books?
I blame it on my overactive imagination. I usually see something when I’m driving or hear something in a song and this whole plot unravels in my mind. It’s really a crazy thing!
11) When you write, do you adhere to a strict work schedule, or do you work whenever the inspiration strikes?
A little bit of both. I try to put words down every day, even if it’s only one paragraph. However, I really cash in on those times where inspiration hits and I allow myself to run away with my characters.
12) What aspects of storytelling do you like the best, and what aspects do you struggle with the most?
I love writing from the first point of view. I feel like it’s a challenge as I, in a way, have to become that character, but it’s so much fun being someone else for a little! I struggle with time the most. Finding time to write, edit, and outline can be challenging with my schedule.
13) What are your favorite things to do when you are not writing?
My two daughters are my life outside of teaching and writing. So I am often found at dance recitals, gymnastics meets, softball games, field hockey matches, horse shows. Wow! My kids do too much! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I also like to sneak a date night in there with my very loving and understanding husband.
14) What is/was the best piece of writing advice that you have received?
The best advice I received is to keep writing no matter what. This business is so tough and subjective that it’s easy to fail or give up. However, going back to why you began writing really puts everything in perspective.
15) What is the most gratifying thing you feel or get as a writer?
Finding readers who personally connect with a character or a subject in my story is the most gratifying thing I’ve experienced so far. I love hearing that my story gave them comfort or inspiration.
16) How do you usually communicate with your readers/fans?
I am on many social media platforms and try to visit on a daily basis. I also have a few signings scheduled, which is really exciting!
I absolutely love when I get an email or comment on social media that something I wrote hit close to home for them. I recently had someone, who just lost her own mother a few years ago, find peace in Camryn’s mom’s letter in the story. I felt so amazed that my words gave her comfort through a tough time.
17) Is there anything in your book based on real-life experiences or are they purely all from your imagination?
Gavin, the young child is a real reflection of my own two children. I wanted him to be a “real” kid when I wrote him. The setting is also based off a real place, even though it has a fictional name. It reflects my three favorite beach towns growing up, Ocean City, Sea Isle, and Long Beach Island. I am lucky enough to own a summer home in Ocean City, NJ now.
18) What authors have been your inspiration or influenced you to become a writer?
A.L. Jackson writes beautiful stories and her writing is simply poetic. S.C. Stephens wrote my all-time favorite romance series, Thoughtless, Effortless, and Reckless, and those inspired me to share my own stories.
19) What is your definition of success as a writer?
I believe being able to share your stories with others defines my own success. Just getting them out there really is what leads to being known as an author. Evernight Publishing took a chance on a debut author and provided that outlet for my stories.
20) Are you currently writing a new book? If yes, would you care to share a bit of it with us?
Yes, I am almost finished writing the first draft of the sequel to Lost Until You. It’s going to explore Cole and his story in more detail. It continues a few months after the end of this one, but you will see a lot of flashbacks to his past.
Thank you, Kimberly, for spending time at Jersey Girl Book Reviews and letting the readers get to know you!
About The Author
Kimberly Daniels is a middle school English Teacher who took the advice of her students to pursue her writing hobby as a career. When she’s not at her laptop dreaming up new happily-ever-afters, she can be found glued to the TV or Kindle consumed with a new show or book addiction. She lives with her husband and two daughters in the suburbs of Philadelphia, spending weekends at basketball games, softball fields, and dance recitals.
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Book Review
Lost Until You by Kimberly Daniels
Book 1: Finding You Series
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Publication Date: eBook - April 24, 2018 / PB - May 2, 2018
Format: Paperback - 278 pages
Kindle - 1569 KB
Nook - 808 KB
ISBN: 978-1773396668
ASIN: B07CMXFGY1
BNID: 2940155212553
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Book Description:
Camryn Singer never imagined that she would return to the place where she lost everything. To grant a dying wish, she and her young son make the move back to the small Jersey beach town where she grew up, hoping to somehow find the missing pieces of her life. Determined to keep her heart guarded, the last thing she needs is the force that is sexy surfer, Cole Stevens, literally slamming into her life.
Struggling against growing feelings for Cole, Camryn tries to focus on life with her son. But when Cole picks the lock to her heart, Camryn knows he might be the one to change everything. Just when Camryn thinks she's finally finding her happiness, a ghost from the past comes back to haunt her.
Camryn must now decide between letting Cole stand with her in the fight for her life, or staying lost in the pain of the past.
Book Teaser:
Book Excerpt:
The walk home is spent talking about the normal things: work, surfing, summer plans. As we approach the end of our walk, three crazy people waving and yelling our names block the entrance to our houses. Gavin bolts toward us, jumps into Cole’s arms, and reaches one arm out for me to pull me in for a group hug. The change in his demeanor from yesterday is astounding, and I know the sight of Cole and me together is part of that. Surely Carter also helped by pumping him with junk food all night at their sleepover. Lila and Carter join the hug seconds later, making me feel like I can call this home again.
We break apart from our embrace with Lila begging for the scoop, Carter complaining of hunger, and Gavin bragging about winning his bet with Cole. Before I can answer anyone, Cole puts his arm around me and looks at Gavin.
“Gavin, I want to make sure that you’re okay with your Mommy and me spending a lot of time together.”
Gavin looks from me to Cole and replies, “Does it mean you’re gonna kiss each other a lot now? Because that’s kinda gross.”
“Well, I think you better get used to that.” Cole leans over and whispers to him, “Because your mom’s way too pretty not to kiss.”
With a disgusted look, Gavin yells out, “Eww, gross!” He then reaches around Cole’s neck again and says, “But it’s okay if you and Mommy see each other. Even if you have to kiss.”
“Aww, thanks, buddy.” Cole reaches his fist up to Gavin.
Gavin taps his fist back to Cole’s and replies, “You’re welcome, buddy.”
Watching the two of them interact like this creates a feeling of contentment and satisfaction that is so new and refreshing. Everyone starts walking toward the back deck while I take one more look out toward the vast stretch of sand. This beach town holds the reason for my nightmares and heartache. But today, it represents the birth of my new life, one that includes Cole. However, looking toward the water’s edge, my elation is quickly stripped from me as I stand staring into the aqua-colored eyes of my biggest fear.
My Book Review:
In her debut novel,
Lost Until You, author Kimberly Daniels weaves a lighthearted romantic tale of friendship, love and second chances.
Set in the fictional beach town of Sea City Island, New Jersey, the reader is easily drawn into this witty and caring story as they follow a group of friends who help each other navigate the trials and tribulations of life and love.
After living in California for the past five years, single mom Camryn Singer honors the final wish of her late mom Milena to move back to their seaside hometown of Sea City Island, New Jersey with her five-year-old son Gavin. It is Milena's wish for Camryn to face her troubled past, consider the best interest for her son, move forward with her life, and take a second chance at finding love and happiness.
Five years ago Camryn's ex-high school boyfriend Todd Connelly made it clear that he did not want a child, and that he was going to pursue his law school dream. Completely broken and feeling abandoned, Camryn and Gavin moved from New Jersey to California to forget her past, but she has been haunted by the same nightmare, the fear of losing her son to Todd. With the support of her childhood best friend Lila Walters and fiance Carter Benson, Camryn starts to rebuild her life in Sea City Island, including a budding romance with her son's sexy surf instructor Cole Stevens. But just when Camryn and Cole find each other, Camryn's fear becomes a reality when Todd comes back into the picture and wants to get to know his son and a second chance with Camryn. Camryn is forced to face her fears and troubled past in order to move forward with her life ... but what will she decide to do?
Lost Until You is a wonderful story that will keep the reader engaged as they follow Camryn's story. I really enjoyed following Camryn as she struggled to overcome life issues and find the determination to move forward with her life. There was a great mixture of emotion, drama, angst, and humor mixed in this story, you can't help but feel compassion for Camryn as she faces difficult life decisions, but with the caring and protective support of Lila, Carter, and Cole, she is determined to move forward with her life and get that second chance at love and happiness. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I loved five-year-old Gavin, he is so adorable and his loveable antics made me laugh. Finally, as a born and bred Southern Jersey Girl (raised in Brigantine), I absolutely loved the beach setting and greatly appreciated the author's rich description of our beautiful shore towns (two thumbs up). I look forward to reading the next book in the series which the author says will delve into Cole's life story, as he has his own troubled past and demons that he has been dealing with!
Lost Until You is a lighthearted and sweet story that has enough emotional depth, drama, romance, and witty banter, that makes it a delightfully feel-good and entertaining must-read summer tale that romance fans will certainly enjoy!
RATING: 5 STARS
Contest Giveaway
Win A $25 Amazon Or B&N Gift Card
Kimberly Daniels will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
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Virtual Book Tour
Tour Schedule:
June 25: Long and Short Reviews
June 26: Romance Novel Giveaways
June 27: Mixed Book Bag
June 28: Fabulous and Brunette
June 29: Straight From the Library
July 9: Nickie's Views and Interviews
July 10: Bookaholic
July 11: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
July 12: Christine Young
July 13: Jersey Girl Book Reviews
