You know that minute when you're sitting there, minding your own business, and suddenly your muse taps you on the shoulder?

Muse: Ooh, here's some ideas for that Snow White story you wanted to write.
Me: Thanks, but I don't have time right now. I really need to do two content edits for other people, am supposedly going to get content and line edits for my March release sometime before then, and need to write a Valentine's novella about a kindergarten teacher, and hamster, and a cute uncle.
Muse: So, here's the whole first chapter, complete with dialog and character names.
Me: But--
Muse: No, seriously, go write it down!
​Me: Sigh.

Today starts a fun new series on my blog that I think we're all going to enjoy--a monthly book spotlight! Each month, I'm going to let another author take over my blog for a day to share a fun story about one of her books. Today, Suzie Waltner, a fellow Tennessean and fellow Anaiah author, is sharing about a fun roadtrip story. This sounds like a great read. And make sure you go all the way to the bottom because she's doing a giveaway too!

​As a romance reader, the friends-to-more trope has always been my favorite. Since my Love in Color series features a group of friends who not only grew up together and hang out often, but also work together, I knew from the first book that two of them needed to become more than just friends.
But what would be the catalyst for them to realize their feelings for each other went beyond friendship? My solution? Send them on a road trip across the country in search of answers to questions each of them has about their families.
​

Can you imagine turning what could be deemed a tragedy into something good? Guest author Jennifer Arrington did just that, and I am in awe of her ability to take a bad thing and turn it to good. You're going to love this interview!

You grew up in South Africa, but now live here in the USA. What are some of the things you miss from being over there?
 
I miss the windows-open lifestyle!
In Johannesburg, South Africa, we didn't have extreme temperatures like August in Florida or February in Minnesota, so our windows were open most of the year. When I went to college in the US, I was constantly in trouble for opening my 7th-story dorm window! My favorite time of year in Florida is what I call "windows-open weather."
 
I also miss what I perceive was a simpler lifestyle. I'm unsure if this still applies since I was 18 when I left, but birthdays, Christmas decorations, house décor, table settings, weddings, outfits, even make-up – it was all minimalist. Someone living in South Africa will have to chime in and tell me if things are still like this. It seems so based on my friends' Facebook posts, but I may simply have minimalist friends.
 
What do you hope readers learn about South Africa from your book?
 
I want readers to experience the country's beauty – that's why there are descriptions of God's Window, the drive down Van Reenen's Pass, and the South Coast beaches. My good friend Gillian (if you've read The Counting Tree, you've met her namesake!) recently sent me pictures of their travels along the Garden Route, the coastal drive that includes Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and the Storms River. The images call to me, and I need to return and experience it all again.
 
Conversely, I want readers to know the history of apartheid and how it stained the beautiful landscape with an evil perpetrated against millions of people. It's surprising to me when I encounter young people who don't know this history.