To celebrate the release of Beyond The Mist, Book #2 in Lake Lanier Mysteries, I wanted to bring back a few of my favorite highlights from Book # 1, Beneath The Lake. So, let’s travel back in time to Sidney, GA before the construction of Lake Sidney Lanier, where you’ll meet Bobby Reynolds. What better way to draw interest in a debut novel than a hunky hero that’s the epitome of the perfect man? But before we dive into his attributes, let me give you a taste of the backdrop.
A ghost town submerged beneath Atlanta’s famous man-made Lake Lanier reportedly lures victims to a watery grave. But when Lacey Montgomery’s car spins out of control and hurtles into the depths of the icy water, she awakens in the arms of a stranger, in a town she’s never heard of—34 years before she was born.
When the 2012 lawyer tangles with the 1949 hunk, fire and ice swirl into a stream of sweltering desire.
Let’s meet Bobby Reynolds.
Where are you from, Bobby?
Bobby Reynolds: I was born and raised in Sidney, GA, a little town north of Atlanta the skeleton of which now rests beneath Lake Sidney Lanier.
Tell us a bit about Beneath The Lake.
Bobby Reynolds: I’ve never been a romantic, but when destiny opens a door, you’d be a fool not to walk through it. My sister, Sandy, swears Lacey and I were meant to be, like soul mates, and that fate would draw us together across space and time even if love had to thrust Lacey backwards thirty-four years before she was born to find me. I don’t know about all of that stuff, but I do know that once I held Lacey in my arms, gazed into her emerald eyes, I was mesmerized. I knew I could never let her go. Beneath The Lake is our story; it’s a gripping tale of treacherous bootleggers, twists of fate, a mysterious stalker, star-crossed love and second chances, all in a race against time in a town destined to be erased from the face of the earth.
What did you think the first time you saw Lacey Madison Montgomery?
Bobby Reynolds: Drenched in mud, her dress soaking wet and draped around her waist, I can’t say she was a vision of beauty. At first glance, I thought the storm-ravaged woman was dead, but when I pulled the mud-soaked locks from her face, she looked like an angel—bruised, cut, and filthy, but an angel nonetheless.
That is so sweet. What was your second thought?
Bobby Reynolds: Ornery, stubborn, determined, and fascinating, Lacey stole my heart, like no woman I’ve ever known.
That’s better. Did you feel it was love at first sight?
Bobby Reynolds: I’ve never thought much about love at first sight, but I guess that’s what happened between us. We certainly had a connection.
What do you like most about her?
Bobby Reynolds: Her determination and tenacity stands out the most. She’d say fate brought me a strong woman from the future to get my attention.
A determined tenacious woman brought to you by fate. Very cool. Let’s get to the nitty gritty. How would you describe Lacey?
Bobby Reynolds: Beautiful, sensual, sexy as hell, but most of all, she has guts, compassion and integrity.
Perfect. How would she describe you?
Bobby Reynolds: Ha, that depends on what I was up to before you ask her. In truth, she has the crazy idea that I’m perfect.
What made you choose architecture as a career?
Bobby Reynolds: I think I was a born architect. From ABC block towers to tree houses to the homes I built for Sandy and Lacey. Architectural design is just in my blood.
What is your biggest fear?
Bobby Reynolds: You’ll have to read Casi’s book for that one. If I told you, well let’s just say I’ve never known a woman who could keep a secret.
How do you relax?
Bobby Reynolds: That depends on the year, dear lady. In 1949, working on my car relaxed me, but in 2012 I found a whole lot more I could get into. Lacey relaxes me too, but I understand the details of that may not be acceptable on this venue.
Who is your favorite fictional character and why?
Bobby Reynolds: Ha, ha. That’s an easy question, Kilroy. I suspect he was way before your time, though. Kilroy was an apparition, and a familiar super GI during WWII. He was always the first one to every battle and the last to leave. A simple note, “Kilroy was here” with an identical notorious scribbled cartoon face showed up everywhere like a familiar buddy. We could always depend on the guy. Eventually the message migrated worldwide.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Bobby Reynolds: Without a doubt, when my sister, Sandy, said, “Don’t give up on Lacey. She never gave up on you.” Hey, thanks for the interview on Wild Women Authors. Lacey has had the spotlight a few times, but this was my first interview and I enjoyed being here.
And we enjoyed having you.
Now let’s talk with Casi.
What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer and why?
Madeline L’Engle’sWrinkle In Time inspired me in forth grade. From that moment on, time slips intrigued me. But my first romance was with Nick Montgomery, Jude Deveraux’s Knight In Shining Armor. My heroine, Lacey Madison Montgomery, evolved from Nick. Time travel movies usually catch my attention too, from Back To The Future to The Lake Houseto a little known 1979 love story that starred Lindsey Wagner, The Two Lives Of Jennie Logan. If you haven’t seen it, pick up a copy. It will touch your heart.
What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel?
I definitely pulled my dysfunctional past relationships into Lace, and some of her broken past. The internal conflict of Bobby and Lacey both came from my past as well. They worked through their issues quite a bit faster than I did, though.
Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them?
What project[s] are you working on now?
What’s up next for you?
We just purchased a home on the north shores of Lake Lanier and who knows what my muse may find lurking beyond the Lake.
To purchase Beneath The Lake, go to:
So how do you feel about your first interview, Bobby?
Casi, I’m impressed with these wild woman. Lacy has my heart, but I have to admit the women in the 21 century … how do you say it?? Oh yes, they Rock.
I agree, Bobby. Thank you for having us on your wonderful blog today ladies!
ReplyDelete
Now this is an out of the ordinary premise – both fun and intriguing. Best of luck.
REMullins
Reply
Replies
Thank you!!! So happy you stopped by!
Delete
There is a submerged town just over the state border from me, Casi. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of that. Love the sound of your book. I’ve absolutely got to move it up on my Kindle!
Reply
Replies
You’ll have to go visit it and take notes. There’s so much inspiration lurking in the whispers of a ghost town! Let me know when you read Beneath The Lake 🙂
Delete
Such an amazing idea for a story! It really hooks the potential reader—you’ve got me wondering how on earth all that can ever work out! Best of luck with the book.
Reply
Thank you so much, Laura!
ReplyDelete
Very intriguing story line, Casi. I’m looking forward to reading it. The drought in CA and Mexico have uncovered several ghost towns and a 16th-century Spanish church-Settings for more stories? Meredith
Reply
Replies
Wow! That’s what happened at Lake Lanier near too. Looper speedway was uncovered in a major drought a few years ago. It was so cool to see ruins of the ghost town and it truly inspired my story. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting.
Delete
Love these character interviews! Sounds like another great story.
Good luck and God’s blessings
PamT
Reply
Replies
Thank you, Pam. I hope you get a chance to read Beneath The Lake.
Delete
Busy girl, you are Casi. Enjoyed the interview and love the premise of your story. It’s on my ipad waiting to be read. Seems the more you write, the less you read. But I have time set aside as soon as I finish the WIP due end of March.
Reply
Replies
That’s very true. I can’t wait to get settled in my new home so I can take a few months and finish several books I’m working on. Thanks so much for stopping bye .
Delete
Another great post and interview and fab book form TWRP. Much enjoyed!! Linda
Reply
Replies
Linda, thank you for stopping by. This was such a fun interview to do. I absolutely loved Bobby’s point of view!
Delete
I love the concept of this story, and it was nice hearing from the hero. Dude, I’ve got to read that Jude Deveraux book. Everybody and their dog says that’s their favorite book. I think I have it on my Kindle. Thanks for sharing your talent with us, Casi!
Reply
Replies
MJ, so nice of you to stop by. That’s funny. I fell in love with romance books when I read Knight in Shining Armor. And I had so much fun with this interview. I’ve done interviews with Lacey, my heroin, but this is the first one with my hero
Delete
Chills down the spine! I live on a lake and it’s deep, cold, dark and mysterious. The idea of a world beneath? Well, you got me with that one! Best of luck to you.
Reply
Replies
I’m so glad I piqued your interest, Susan. So nice of you to stop by. I hope you pick up a copy of Beneath The Lake… And when you do I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for taking a few moments out of your busy day to stop by and leave a comment.
Delete
Yes, chills indeed! Great excerpt. Sounds like a fantastic read!
Reply
Replies
Hey Alicia, so nice of you to stop by! That’s high praise coming from such a terrific editor. I’d love for you to read my book!
Delete
What a fun interview! The whole story sounds fabulous!
Reply
Replies
Thank you so much, Diane. I hope you get a chance to read my story and I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Delete
Great interview and really fun story idea! Congrats!!!
Reply
Replies
Thanks so much, Abigail. So glad you stopped by!