Big things are happening around here! In addition to some other developments I’ll be sharing soon (stay tuned), I’m so excited to share the news about Her Hometown Dream.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the amazing team at Anaiah Press. I can’t wait to introduce you to my fictional small-town and the wonderful characters living there. I’ll be sharing more, so be sure to follow along on the latest step in my writing journey!

She scrunched her nose. “I think you’re mistaken.” Dragging out the words for clarity, she grasped her understanding of their situation. He should have started blaming and berating her by now, not worrying about details of her vacation. She prepared for raised voices and an uncomfortable silence. Within the next ten minutes, he’d leave the ship and any discussion over payment was moot. She tightened her hands into fists and stood tall. “I reserved this cabin. You are standing in my stateroom. I’m taking this trip.”

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he rocked back and forth on his heels several times. “No. You’re not. I’d like to pay for your half of the room.”

She gasped. Why was he acting like he had an undeniable right to the trip? For years, she saved for her passage. Between the two of them, she should remain onboard. Adam Benson wasn’t an unkind or thoughtless person, but at the moment, he bordered on cruel. Clarity chilled her bones, and she shook her head and studied the floor. Her sister couldn’t be added to the manifest because her cabin already had another occupant.

With an outstretched hand, he stepped closer. “My wife is ashore and waiting to board. I’ll cut you a check now. We can get your name stricken from the room, and she and I will then take our honeymoon. Just be reasonable, Caitlyn.”

She recoiled, drawing back her chin and crossing her arms.

He dropped his hand.

For the second time in as many minutes, he shot her a pitying look. She placed a hand against her swirling stomach and darted her gaze about the room at everything she stood to lose.

Excerpt From: Rachelle Paige Campbell. Love Overboard

Lately, I’ve been having a fun time exploring new characters and settings with each book (aka writing standalone stories and not interconnected series books). From Chicago (A Perfect Picture of Us) to a dream Alaskan Cruise (Love Overboard), I love telling stories about finding romance when and where it’s least expected.

But, I did realize one common theme throughout my stories (including my current works in progress): an instant connection when the hero and heroine first meet.

I don’t think of this as love at first sight. When my characters are introduced (or re-introduced), they are in a heightened situation. And then they lock eyes on each other, and they share a moment of understanding. A spark. But it’s not necessarily instant passion. They have a flash of deep insight that if they let the other person in, they will be forever changed. And then the characters push back! Because personal growth is hard and demanding long before it’s rewarding.

I keep including this moment because it mirrors my real life. When I first met my husband, I was overwhelmed by a sudden, sharp sense of knowing we were meant to find each other. In a second, I thought we were exactly what the other needed (I was correct). When I held both of my sons in my arms after their births, that was the moment of love at first sight (and totally overwhelming).

How do you feel about an instant connection with another person? Do you believe in it? Is this a trope you’re not a big fan of? Have you ever experienced a spark at first sight?