Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Never Fall Again, as well as the Dive Team Investigations and Defend and Protect Series. She loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas.
In this interview, Lynn talks about the second book in her Gossamer Falls Series, Break My Fall.
FF: Please provide a brief summary of your novel Break My Fall.
Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she’s back home, she’s made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved communities. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way.
After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But when Meredith enters his life, his walls fall, and he’s left exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered?
FF: Dr. Meredith Quinn’s charitable work plays a central role in the plot. How did you research the challenges of providing healthcare in underserved areas?
A lot of internet research and some great conversations with dentists.
FF: Can you tell us more about developing Grayson Ward’s character and his journey?
Gray was not particularly easy to write. He held on to his secrets for quite a while. I don’t actually enjoy putting my characters through that much heartache, but it helped explain his unwillingness to risk his heart again and gave me so much sympathy for him.
FF: Break My Fall touches on drug trafficking in small towns. What prompted you to explore this issue in your novel?
I’m an Appalachian girl, and the people and places of Western North Carolina are dear to me. Unfortunately, drug use has and continues to be a major issue in mountain communities. I follow the law enforcement social media pages from my hometown, and I see how often there are drug busts and arrests, so it was a logical step to include this issue in this series.
FF: What themes do you address in Break My Fall?
There are several, including courage, forgiveness, and trusting God with the future.
FF: What do you hope readers will take away from Break My Fall?
That doing what’s right might be dangerous, but it’s worth it. And that it’s always a good idea to give love a chance.
FF: What inspired you to create the town of Gossamer Falls as the setting for this story?
I’m from Western North Carolina, and the mountains hold my heart. I wanted to set a story there, but I didn’t want it to be a real place. I think it’s more fun to write fictional settings because I can make them whatever I want them to be. I started thinking about a small town full of interesting characters, tight family bonds, and more than a few skeletons in the closet, and Gossamer Falls was born!
FF: How do you balance the romantic elements with the suspense in your writing?
I definitely lean toward the romance in my romantic suspense. It’s my favorite part of any story. But I do love the suspense elements and the way tense situations and dangerous circumstances can force the characters to evaluate and then act on their emotions.
FF: Can you share more about how living in the South influences your writing?
I love where I live. I’m a born and bred Carolina girl and proud of it! The people, food, and culture are always going to be a part of my stories. I don’t think it’s possible for me to write any other way.
FF: What are you working on next?
Right now, I’m working on the third book in the Gossamer Falls Series. It will release in March 2026.
Break My Fall
Gossamer Falls Series #2
Lynn H. Blackburn
Revell
Genres: Romantic Suspense, Mystery/Suspense
Release Date: March 18, 2025
ISBN-10: 080074537X
ISBN-13: 978-0800745370
Book Summary:
Dr. Meredith Quinn returns to her hometown of Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry and give back to her community. Her charitable work in underserved communities, however, inadvertently places her in the crosshairs of dangerous drug traffickers.
Police Chief Grayson Ward is well aware of the danger and suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way. As the danger escalates, Grayson must confront his fears of vulnerability to protect Meredith. Their growing connection challenges his long-held defenses, forcing him to choose between isolation and the possibility of love.
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