We’re in that fun time of the year when the weather is changing and we get outdoors more often. I love seeing so many Harvest festivals advertised, wishing I could attend every one. I’m sure you have them where you live, celebrations surrounding pumpkin patches or a farmers market. I’ve always wanted to try out a corn maze, which sounds challenging and lots of fun. Hiking or camping may not be considered exclusive fall activities, but with the crisp clean air making an appearance, why not get out on a trail for exercise, enjoying nature at its best? And while you’re at it, why not indulge in a picnic?

I don’t live near an apple orchard, but to me, the scent of apples always reminds me of fall. And pie. I really like pie. Football is popular right about now, so why not attend a game? Perhaps you prefer to stay inside and roast pumpkin seeds while you stroke up the fireplace for the first time this season. Or host a bond fire. My family has spent many happy hours sitting beside a fire pit, enjoying the cooler weather and precious time spent together, talking, roasting marshmallows and drinking hot cider.

As a writer, including the seasons is an integral part of any story. The mood of a character can be brought out by memories of a particular birthday, Christmas, or any holiday, that will have an emotional bearing on how they act, or react, to others in the book. I’ve done a series of Christmas-themed books and that particular holiday evokes all kinds of emotions, which is a treasure trove for writers and pure enjoyment for readers. That is one of the aspects of writing I enjoy so much, using the seasons to enhance the story. Everyone can relate, we all live through the different seasons, so my characters benefit from my memories or experiences.

In my latest book, Trusting Her Heart, the small mountain town of Golden holds its annual Oktoberfest celebration. The townspeople in the book all join in to volunteer, creating opportunities for all kinds of interactions. This is the first time the heroine, Serena, is involved in a group effort where she really feels like she belongs. She works with friends who have become like family, and is also thrown together with the hero, which is tricky since she is keeping a huge secret.

The hero, Logan, has a wonderful heart-to-heart with his grandmother, with the Oktoberfest activities in the background. He left town for personal reasons years ago but is back for a job, which throws him into all the traditions he remembered from growing up in Golden. But is it enough to make him stay? He’s also falling for Serena, which makes his decisions even more difficult to make.

Using the Oktoberfest celebration enabled me to work in scenes that showed different aspects of my characters, and as an added bonus, it was fun to write.

I hope you enjoy the autumn season, get your fill of everything pumpkin related and I encourage you to try something new, like attending a festival or two. Serena and Logan stepped out of their comfort zones and, as you’ll find out in the book, where glad they did.

Can a love built on lies…

…survive the truth?

Serena Stanhope fears her dark past might ruin the life she’s built as a successful shop owner. Especially when handsome Logan Masterson suddenly arrives in town asking questions about her background. He seems to have his own secrets, but the pair share an instant connection and Serena finds herself falling for Logan. He could destroy everything—or he could be the chance at love she thought she’d never have…

Amazon

Harlequin

B&N

iTunes

Kobo

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, Always the One , available February 2020.  For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a link to download a free digital book.