Virtual Book Tour + #Giveaway: Only in September by Cynthia Flowers @GoddessFish

ONLY IN SEPTEMBER

Cynthia Flowers

GENRE: Women's Fiction

BLURB:

When Jacqueline follows her trusty Labrador Bailey down a hidden path to the beach, she's unaware that her vacation plans on a small island off the New England coast has already taken her life in a new direction. Running into an unassuming local beach comber stirs new thoughts, desires, and a self-determination she never knew she possessed. Jacqueline will need to trust her instincts and make the most of what fate has in store if she wants the future that, until now, she has only dared to dream of.

Purchase ONLY IN SEPTEMBER on Amazon

Excerpt:

Wow, the description in the book was right,” Jacqueline shouted as she turned back toward Stephen who was a good distance behind her. Bailey tried to push past her to the bluff’s edge, but Jacqueline successfully blocked Bailey with her walking stick. It was quite windy on the bluff, and there was no mistaking the thunderous crash of the surf below, which prevented Stephen from hearing her. She figured he would catch up soon enough and find out for himself.

Jacqueline knelt next to Bailey to see the view from her vantage point. She hugged Bailey and whispered, “So what do you think? I’m sure you’d love to head down this bluff and jump into that surf, wouldn’t you?” Bailey responded with a quick lick to her face.

Jacqueline stood up and turned to see what was taking Stephen so long. She shouldn’t have wondered because it was no surprise that Stephen had stopped midway down the trail to answer a call.

During their return trip on the trail, they happened upon a series of small cottages. One of them was having exterior repairs done. The sudden screech of a buzz saw gave them a startle. Bailey was off leash and ran over to investigate. Stephen called after her.

The buzz saw suddenly stopped. Then someone from behind the cottage exclaimed, “Hey, I know you.”

The person behind the voice rushed out from behind the cottage and came into view. It was Michael. He looked at Jacqueline. Their eyes locked. She was happy to see him, and he seemed equally pleased to see her. Bailey jumped up on Michael like she had when they first met earlier in the week at the beach.

“Hey, there.” Michael motioned to Jacqueline. His smile was unavoidable.

Jacqueline slowly walked toward him. She didn’t want to seem too eager in front of Stephen.

Interview with Cynthia Flowers

What is your favorite part of the book?

My favorite part of the story is when Jacqueline takes a bold step toward change, setting her sights on a month-long stay on Block Island. As she wanders the island alone, soaking in its beauty and searching for a house to rent for the next season, she embarks on a profound personal journey—one that extends beyond the landscape and into the depths of her own aspirations. This pivotal moment brims with excitement, hope, and the promise of new beginnings, making it the most exhilarating phase of Jacqueline's transformation.

Does your book have a lesson? Moral?

Fully embracing openness—to yourself, to others, and to the unpredictable flow of life—paves the way for profound growth and transformation. By trusting your instincts as events unfold, you cultivate resilience and deepen your self-awareness, unlocking unexpected opportunities and forging meaningful connections that shape your journey.

Are your characters based off real people, or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

I drew inspiration from the people I know (including me), I’ve met and the stories shared, pulling together bits of real experiences and emotions. From those pieces, I built a story—one that my alternate ego could see herself living. While the characters aren’t direct reflections of real people, they carry familiar voices, moments, and emotions that make them feel real.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

Jacqueline is my favorite character because, at various points in my life, I’ve felt a strong connection to her experiences—her emotions, struggles, doubts. Parts of her journey resemble my own in many ways, making her story not only relatable but profoundly meaningful.

What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?

Stephen is my least favorite character because, no matter how hard I try, I just can’t imagine ever connecting with him—let alone marrying him. His indifference toward dogs, nature, and even a simple laugh makes him feel cold and distant, like he’s missing something vital. But it’s his self-absorption that frustrates me most—so wrapped up in his own world that he doesn’t seem to notice the life unfolding around him. It’s isolating, almost suffocating, and I find myself pulling away rather than trying to understand him.

What would the main character in your book have to say about you?

She would say that I truly saw her—not just her words, but the unspoken emotions, the hesitations, the quiet moments of self-discovery. That I was patient with her journey and stayed true to her character.

Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

That’s a good question. I’m not sure yet. Still exploring whether there’s more to Jacqueline’s story. I am open to reader’s suggestions.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Cynthia Flowers, a recently retired advertising professional, now grant writer, resides with her husband and four-year old Labrador named Eddie, at their “sanctuary” in Upstate New York, Although previously published, this is Cynthia's first book of fiction. Early on in grade school, Cynthia looked forward to creative writing class and enjoyed reading her stories aloud to her eager classmates. 

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon/BN GC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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