Blog Archives
Like Most Mom’s Do
Composing Laney follows a bitter divorcee and novelist who meets a washed-up country music superstar on an island, where they help each other rekindle their passion for life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I think it was an odd combination of being a stay-at-home mom with a husband who traveled a lot and getting lost in my own daydreams. Also, I have single parent friends and saw the struggles they were going through and I thought, that I rarely read a good divorced-mom romance novel where the heroine was true to what it feels like being in that position. The tight budget, being left for a younger woman, having all the responsibility but none of the benefits. Laney always puts her kids and family first (like most mom’s do) and that sometimes makes us forget that we’re also women and humans with needs and wants and viable dreams. I wanted to have her find someone who supported her dreams and saw her as an entity not just an object.
There is a sense of love and innocence throughout the novel. How did you capture those feelings and put them into words?
What I love about Laney and Jamie is that, despite where they are in their lives now, they were both raised in small towns, as oldest children. They sort of have been living for other people their whole lives and when they finally find each other, they get to be themselves. I also love the interplay between Laney’s kids (Charly and Sylvia) because it brings out that dynamic of being a parent and still appreciating the joy that childhood adds to humanity. And Jamie is just kind of a big kid so, he’s playful and sweet and I think Laney really needs that lightness.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
I think I planned it to be much darker. I always knew that Laney would be struggling with body issues and depression. In fact, in early editions she was pretty self-loathing. But my beta readers and some of my good friends pointed out that that was annoying and it didn’t fit her. And they were right (Beta readers are gold!) So even though she is a little bitter, its hard to write dark when you’re setting a story in a bright and easy-going place like St Croix, with a bright and easy going guy like Jameson Clark. I think he brings the sunshine to her and so I think the tone came about organically as they started their journey together.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on finalizing a regency/time travel romance “Westbury Falls” that will be out in August, and it’s sequel “Courting the Lion” should be available in late fall. Beyond that, I’m editing and finishing up a new series for (hopefully) 5 Prince Publishing that’s set in the Ornkey Islands (between Norway and Scotland) It will be an Urban Fantasy Romance. I’m really excited about it!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Composing Laney
Composing Laney by S.E. Reichert, the third book in The Sweet Valley series, is a meticulously crafted romance that will captivate you. This novel stands out with its unique approach. Laney Sullivan is barely holding on, embittered by a recent divorce, and her career as a romance novelist is stagnating. When her ex-husband plans an exciting trip to Europe with their two daughters and his new, younger girlfriend, Laney seizes the opportunity to travel and rediscover herself. During this journey, she meets Jameson Clark, a washed-up country singer trapped in a cycle of dating beautiful young women, partying, and drinking. Their meeting is serendipitous; Laney brings meaning and stability to Jamie’s life while he reignites the passionate and wild side Laney thought she had lost with age.
The story’s pacing and Reichert’s excellent writing allow the characters to grow and come alive. Unlike some romance stories that progress too quickly to be believable, Laney and Jamie’s relationship develops naturally, immersing the reader in their complex journey. The writing is detailed without being exhaustive, offering insights into the characters’ thoughts, desires, fears, and hopes, gradually building the tension between them. Initially, they may not seem like an ideal match, but as trust grows, they discover how they complement each other.
Set primarily on an island, the narrative allows readers to feel as though they are enjoying a relaxing vacation alongside Laney. The story is consistently engaging, with hints of romance and tension throughout. By the end, readers will feel fully satisfied as the characters undergo significant development, and the relationship between Laney and Jameson blossoms beautifully with each chapter. Will their one-month vacation honeymoon transform into a happily ever after?
Composing Laney has it all: complex, well-developed characters, a unique attraction between polar opposites, exciting moments, and a tension-filled romantic plot that will make you want to devour the book in one sitting. If you enjoy romance and escapism, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 324 | ASIN : B0CKKCLFJ4
LITERARY TITAN 