Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, as well as the Dive Team Investigations Series. She loves writing swoonworthy 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 with us about her new book, Never Fall Again, the first book in her new Gossamer Falls Series.
FF: Can you please provide a brief summary of your novel, Never Fall Again?
Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, she is finally ready to build a new life and home for her and her daughter—with the help of a handsome former Marine. But when danger threatens them, can Callum Shaw help protect both their hearts and their lives?
FF: Never Fall Again is the first book in your new Gossamer Falls Series. How will the books in this series be connected?
The heroes of the first and third books and the heroine of the second book are cousins. They are part of a large, close family that has been living in Gossamer Falls for over one hundred years.
FF: What inspired the idea behind this series?
All of my books have a strong ensemble cast. In previous books, the glue connecting the characters has been law enforcement–related. But I wanted to do a series where the characters were connected by blood instead of a workplace. And as a native of Western North Carolina, I knew I wanted to set the story in my mountains and give my characters a sprawling family that will both love and annoy them.
FF: What makes this series stand out from your previous works?
My romantic suspense has always leaned heavily toward the romantic side, but with this series, I was very intentional about that decision. The suspense is still there and the stakes are high. But it was a delight to put more words on the page that focus on both the romantic relationships as well as the friendships and family relationships.
FF: What type of research was required to write Never Fall Again?
Both of my main characters have unique hobbies/skills. My heroine is a potter, and I spent time with a potter who generously gave of her time and teaching skills—the two bowls I made during our lesson are some of my favorite things ever! And I got to watch the wood turning/burning process that creates the unique wooden vases, bowls, and bookmarks that my hero creates. It was wonderful! I now have two vases that I adore—one in my office and one on my piano.
FF: Is Gossamer Falls inspired by a real location?
Gossamer Falls is an amalgamation of multiple towns in Western North Carolina. I borrowed bits and pieces from places I’ve lived and visited.
FF: Landry Hutton is known as the artist-in-residence at The Haven. What does this mean for Landry?
The Haven offers their guests everything from guided hikes to private art lessons. As the artist-in-residence, Landry spends half of her time catering to the needs of the guests by providing private and group instruction in painting and pottery. The rest of her time is spent creating pottery that is sold online and in The Haven’s gift shop, Favors.
FF: Can you share more about Cal’s background as a former Marine turned construction worker?
Cal has a four-year degree in construction management. He joined the Marine Corps as an officer after graduation. He had always planned to return to Gossamer Falls and join his family’s construction firm, but he wanted to serve his country first.
FF: What do you hope readers will gain from reading this novel?
I always want my readers to come away from my stories with a renewed sense of hope and a deeper faith.
FF: What do readers have to look forward to in the rest of the series?
Books two and three will cover everything from meth addiction to corporate espionage. The romances are going to be intense and will hit some of my favorite tropes: friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and second-chance romance. There will also be a novella with a plucky chef, a deputy with dark secrets, and a devious villain.
FF: What do you love most about writing romantic suspense?
I truly wanted to be a spy when I was little. I was also (and still am) a hopeless romantic. Romantic suspense is truly the best of both worlds!
Never Fall Again
Gossamer Falls Series #1
Lynn H. Blackburn
Revell
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 12, 2024
ISBN-10: 0800745361
ISBN-13: 978-0800745363
Book Summary:
After being hidden away for three years at The Haven, an exclusive resort in Gossamer Falls, North Carolina, Landry Hutton finally believes her life is coming together. As the artist-in-residence, her pottery is prized by The Haven’s guests. Maybe she and her daughter, Eliza, can truly call this place home. But to make it permanent, she’ll need a safe house for her little family, and former Marine Callum Shaw is just the man to help her build it.
Growing up in Gossamer Falls, Cal knew what his future held. He’d come back to his hometown after his military career and join the family business. What he didn’t foresee was how badly he would long for a family of his own. While Landry is funny, talented, and gorgeous, Cal can’t let himself fall for her. He barely survived his last relationship, and he can’t imagine going through the pain of losing both Landry and her daughter too.
Just as Cal is preparing to begin construction on Landry’s house, a mysterious fire destroys all of her pottery. The fire is only the beginning, and Landry and Eliza are obviously in danger. But who could have a death wish for them?
Though he wanted to maintain his distance, Cal can’t leave Landry to face this threat alone. He knows Landry needs him—and he fears that he may need her just as much.
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