This book began as an exercise, or maybe an exorcism. I’d been dinking around with some autobiographical stuff for a while, never intending to publish what I wrote. I sent a draft of the story to a friend and she made a few suggestions about cutting, pasting, and economizing. Come Back To Me was the result. I realized the story was publish-able.
Of course it was rejected by the first two publishers I sent it to. “It’s too dark,” one said. “Readers don’t want to cry,” said the other. I thought about that for a while, re-read the story, trimmed it further, and submitted it to Evernight. They snapped it right up and gifted me with this fantastic Jimmy Thomas cover, a cover that reflects the sweet romance inside.
Sometimes the safest path is to keep people at a distance…especially men.
Cara’s life has been one nightmare after another. Abused as a child and neglected by her parents, she’s quick to blame herself for every cruel thing that happens to her. And then there’s James, the only man capable of making her forget her misgivings and learn to love again.
James, a young doctor in training, is aware of Cara’s history. He’s determined to break through her barriers and build a life with her…and fails. Cara runs away in an attempt to reinvent herself and James fears he’s lost her for good. When she falls into the hands of a drug dealer and mob boss, life as they know it is about to get a whole lot worse.
Can their love withstand the demons of her past and present?
Truthfully, I think this book has the most satisfying ending of anything I’ve written. You can buy it here and here.
You know I don’t like stories that are too dark. But I will say that the characters who find love and salvation at the end of a dark tale bring a huge amount of satisfaction to the reader. The HEA is sweeter. I personally think the key part of incorporating darkness into a story is 1) not to get bogged down with overly graphic details, 2) to focus on the emotional impact and subsequent resolution, and 3) don’t skimp on the HEA. The end makes the journey all worth it.
Good advice, Penny. I did lighten the darkness to a great extent. And no skimping on the HEA for sure!
I was half way through this book when my edits attacked. Even as sad as the story is, I couldn’t put it down—until my editors made me.
Can’t wait to finish it.
I clearly remember reading this dark beauty last December. It was an intense and very cathartic experience for me that I am so very grateful, I said yes to. This is a beautiful, difficult and truthful book, period. It takes away your innocence without ever being overblown or melodramatic and it leaves you with hope.
This book demonstrated all your strengths as an author. I was impressed by the depth you took me to.
XXOO Kat
Thanks, Kat. It is a dark, yet hopeful story. At least I think so too.
Thank you, Rachel! I’m so impressed you’re reading my book! You rock!
You do know my TBR pile is growing larger by the day…right? You have such an eclectic mix of genres. You never cease to amaze me!
Girl, I’m the one impressed. It’s a sadly beautiful story. I cringe at how real it all is or could be. It also makes me want to hug my daughter every time I open the book.
Thank you so much, Rachel! I’m incredibly protective of my children.
Nina - ha! My problem is that I get bored easily so I am constantly changing genres.
That’s one of my favorite covers.
Ah yes, a good cover, Sandra!