Melissa McClone stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the third book in the Silver Falls series, A Cup of Autumn!
Where did you get the inspiration for A Cup of Autumn?
A Cup of Autumn is book 3 in my Silver Falls series. When I wrote the first one, the heroine had three brothers so I had in my mind they would each take place in a different season. I also was trying to decide which of her friends would match with which brother. The coffee shop owner, Raine, and the professor, Keaton, seemed like it would be a fun story. Most of the stories have some event happening in them, so I tried to come up with something fall-related. I live in a small town and they have a trick-or-treating event at businesses in town so I decided to use that
If you visited Raine’s coffee shop, what would you order?
I don’t drink coffee, so I would get one of her hot chocolates. They are loaded with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. I’m sure I could get her to add a little chocolate sauce and a candy cane in it, too!
If you could spend the day with Keaton or Raine, who would you choose and what would you do?
I would spend the day with Raine. I’d ask her to teach me how to make all her wonderful coffee drinks and how to do the latte art because my husband is a coffee lover. I’d love to surprise him with something special. He was my test tester for a recipe of hers I made up for a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
What was your favorite scene to write and why?
I loved when Keaton offers to help Raine organize the Boo Bash. This is what will bring them together (besides his sending resumes and writing in the coffee shop each day). It was just fun because he’s a bit out of his element trying not to be and she’s a bit in shock over the offer since she’s desperate for help. It was just fun to write and showed me these two opposites could have an HEA after a rather rocking start when he first arrives in town.
Here’s a snippet:
“Hey. I didn’t see you come in.” Raine had been focused on making sure Heather left. “Sorry for the wait.”
“Not a problem. Quite a morning you’ve had.”
“How much did you see?”
“Enough. You okay?” Keaton asked, his tone concerned.
“Yes.” But her staffing issues might be behind her. A warm, fuzzy feeling, as if she’d sipped a hot cocoa drizzled with hot fudge sauce and candy cane sprinkles, flowed through her. “An Americano this morning?”
“I want to try another pumpkin spice drink. Something different from the lattes yesterday.”
“There’s plenty to choose from on the menu.”
“Surprise me again.”
“Living dangerously?”
“It appears so.”
She ran through the pumpkin spice drinks. “I know exactly what you need.”
“And so do I.” His face reddened. “I mean what you need.”
Her heart thudded.
Whoa.
That was a strange reaction. Keaton’s words sounded a little flirty. But he wouldn’t, would he?
His smile wavered. “I want to offer my services.”
The words hung in the air between them.
Raine thought she’d heard him correctly but maybe not. “Your what?”
“My services.”
O-kay. Except it wasn’t. “You lost me. Not surprising given you’re a professor and I’m me, but what services?”
Because after yesterday, she couldn’t imagine him working for her as a barista. Strike that. She could imagine it. He couldn’t. Wouldn’t. Of that, she was one hundred percent certain.
“At dinner with my family the Boo Bash came up,” he clarified.
“You mean, the thorn in my side.”
“How would you like help pulling out that thorn?”
She was missing something. It wouldn’t be the first time given how long she’d missed the signs of Emmett’s unhappiness in Silver Falls and with her. “Huh?”
“I want to help you organize the Boo Bash.”
The words rushed out as if he were nervous, so much that Boo Bash sounded like one word. The result was adorable.
He adjusted his glasses. “That is, if you want help organizing it.”
“Are you kidding? They gave me a bin of stuff, and I haven’t opened it. The event is four weeks away, but I have no idea where to start. No time…”
It was her turn for the words to gush out one on top of another. She didn’t care. An unlikely hero was stepping in, and she couldn’t be more grateful.
“I’d love your help. Like love it so much you’re my new best friend, and I want to name a tea blend or coffee drink after you.”
He laughed. “There’s no need for the latter, but a person can never have too many friends.”
She nodded, back and forth as if her head had turned into a rocking chair. “Like I said we have some time…”
“I’m the planning type so what if we get started sooner rather than later?”
Raine needed the help. Somehow, she would have to make time to work on the Boo Bash. “Sure, when?”
“Today.”
She swallowed.
He laughed. “Don’t look so worried. The Boo Bash doesn’t have to be built in a day, but it’ll be October soon.”
“I didn’t realize I looked worried.”
“When your eyebrows draw together, little lines form above your nose. That suggests worrying. Or at least contemplation. And not in a positive way.”
“No one’s mentioned that before.” She touched the spot to double-check. “I was worrying.”
“Stop. You’re no longer on your own.”
With each of his words, her stress lessened.
“I’m working here this morning,” Keaton continued. “When things slow down, we can discuss the first steps. How does that sound?”
Like she wanted to drop to her knee and propose on the spot.
Okay, not really, they were too different, but a part of her was in shock. The other part would be eternally grateful to him. “Sure. Sounds great. Thanks. Your drinks are on the house.”
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading A Sprinkle of Spring, Book 4 in the series, that I just finished writing a few days ago, and this book. I’m doing a workshop on revisions and using examples from both for it.
For a chance to win Melissa’s fun giveaway including a $10 Amazon.com gift card, pumpkin spice tea bags, pumpkin spice ground coffee, stickers, bookmarks, recipe cards, and more, comment below what your favorite thing about autumn is!
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED – CONGRATULATIONS TO JESSICA A!
About the Author
With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Melissa McClone worked for a major airline where she traveled the globe and met her husband. But analyzing jet engine performance couldn’t compete with her love of writing happily ever afters. She’s now a USA Today Bestselling author and has also been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, a spoiled Norwegian Elkhound, and cats who think they rule the house. They do!
cooler weather
Oh there is so much to love about Autumn… the pumpkin & apple goodies, the cooler weather, the colors, Halloween, etc. :D
Cooler weather, colors, and flavors
Fall foliage, apple picking, sweaters and boots.
Halloween. It’s my favorite thing about the year period haha
The cooler weather and watching the leaves fall.
Definitely the cooler weather and pumpkin spice goodies.
I love the weather.
I like that it’s not so hot outside
I love cold nights.
Cooler weather
Coller weather and the leaves changing color
The slight break in the heat and humidity here in West Central Florida
God’s paintbrush of leaves and trees, which is only made better by the radiant sunlight in my region during the month of November. It’s a photographer’s dream come true. Thank you!
Ilove that I get to make chili, soups and stews in the crockpot plus the cooler temperatures.
Cooler nights
Cool temps, yummy smells, bonfires!
Warm color’s of fall and warm snuggly fireplaces with candles
I love the changing colors of the leaves. I adore the colorful mums and all the fall decorations.
i love the cooler weather and all the Fall festivals!
the cooler weather
Cool weather.
Fall festivals and pumpkin patches with my grandchildren
My favorite things are the cooler weather,the changing of the leaves and pumpkin spice!
I love the changing leaves.
I love the smell of wood stoves, bon fires and scents of spice, cinnamon and cedar in the air
I love the cool crisp air and the changing colors. Oh and the apple orchards visits!
Much cooler weather. This summer was brutally hot and dry.
What is there not to love. You got the changing of the leaves that brings the smell of autumn. There is the cooler weather that brings sweaters,chilli,and bonfires. And lets not forget spooky season. I love autumn
Cooler weather, leaves changing colors, pumpkin spice, mosquitos dying.
My favorite thing is cooler weather and less humidity as i live in FL
Cooler weather and the fall colors of the leaves.
i love the cooler weather and the beautiful fall colors
This was a great post! My favorites are the much cooler by weather for sweaters and Soups and Stews!
Love the tree leaves changing color as if to say ‘here I am’ in all my glory
Cooler weather and colorful leaves!
The cool weather
I love the colours of Autumn and the perfect temperatures to explore nature walks
Cooler weather, pumpkin everything and bonfires.
Cool wear….sweaters and sweatshirts..and the colors..oh the colors.
I truly love everything about fall. But if I had to choose one thing it would be all the gorgeous colors. Thank you for the chance.
I like making homemade vegetable beef soup and homemade apple dumplings for family and friends.
Love the cooler weather and everything about pumpkin!
I liked the beautiful fall colors and college football.
I like the changing of the trees, though I don’t like raking the leaves. I also love the cooler weather.
I love the cooler temps & cooking hot meals!
Love the cooler weather and snuggling up in blankets
I love the changing colors of the leaves
So many the Fall colors, Halloween, Lots of delicious apples. Mums
Everything pumpkin spice! Do love to wear sweaters also.
I love the drinks associated with Fall. Mulled apple cider and hot chocolate. Prefer in front of a wood burning fireplace
I love that we start getting cooler weather. We don’t have much of a fall but at least our heat index isn’t usually in the 100’s in autumn!
I love the colors, the cooler weather, and especially Halloween!
The cooler weather
Leaves changing colors, sweaters, apple cider and candy/caramel apples.
love the cool weather love the color of the leaves when all the trees are changing nice pitfires with the grandkids baking with the grandkids
Congratulations, Jessica! You are the winner of this giveaway. Check your email so we can get you your prize! :)
I love being able to wear my hoodie when the mornings are crisp.
Cooler weather and beautiful fall colors and everything pumpkin spice and hot chocolate!
Summer is my favorite but there is so much to love about fall too! The colors, pumpkins, scarecrows, pumpkin spice, snuggling under a blanket with a good book and hot toddy.
the weather , the fall colors and the holidays are coming
I enjoy apple picking and then slicing the apples and dipping them in caramel.
I really love watching the leaves change color. When I was younger I use to love to go apple picking.
My favorite thing about autumn is when the temperatures start going down. I love the crisp cool air.
I love the crisp mornings and being able to cuddle up with my favorite blankets and read.
My Favorite this about Autumn
is the beautiful Leaves
Taking Long car rides just
hits different
Favorite is cooler weather
Favorite is the autumn holidays
My favorite thing is the cooler weather and football!
My favorite thing about autumn…hmm the change in colors. Absolutely stunning colors.
Crisp mornings, hot chocolate, and football.
I love Fall for the leaves changing colors on the trees, cooler weather for wearing leggings and sweatshirts, going to the pumpkin patch and picking out pumpkins. Thanks for this amazingly generous giveaway.
Oh my goodness, it’s the cooler weather that brings on the easiness to breath in fresh air. The holiday Thanksgiving, fall festivals, and riding bikes with my son without sweating are also what fall brings which I love!
I love the cooler weather and Halloween. I love dressing up my kids!
I love the cooler weather and seeing the leaves change colors – so pretty!
The cooler weather!
cool weather, my sisters birthday is first and mine is next month.
my birthday
The beautiful changing leaves, cooler weather, and our Anniversary 4 days before Halloween :)
Cool weather, beautiful colors, Halloween, and birthday month!
I like all the different colors the trees the flowers mums and taking walks outside
Cooler weather and changing of the leaves
Fall colors and aromas
Colorful leaves and Pumpkin Spice. :) Thanks for the chance!
My favorite thing about Autumn is when the leaves on the trees change color and the weather turns cooler.
Also it means that Halloween is returning.
Halloween!
My favorite thing about fall is when the leaves start to change colors and on a windy day, all the leaves start to blow it is pretty magical.
I think my favorite Fall thing is watching earth and it’s animals getting ready for winter. The vivid colors, the thicker and shaggier coats on animals all seem to say it’s time to slow down and rest.
My favorite thing about Autumn is the soon to come cooler temps and the changing colors of the leaves.
I love EVERYTHING about Autumn. The beautiful colors in nature, the weather turning cooler but not cold, bringing out sweaters and leggings and boots, some hot tea, and a warm blanket snuggled on the swing reading!
I love going for walks in the beautiful fall weather.
My favorite thing about fall is the beauty of the colorful leaves, and especially when you see the grouping of the trees, sometimes a bright yellow beside a vibrant red, and spectacular orange!
The cooler weather is always a blessing, but I also have a birthday in the fall.
The cooler weather, open windows for fresh clean breezes. Sitting by the fire pit.
The weather and the leaves.
Great sweaters ,Boots . Beautiful trees.warm goodness hot chocolate and hot apple cider .can’t wait
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The buttery golden light and the fresh, crisp air!
Fall is my favorite season. Warm days, cool nights. Football games, bonfires, smores, hot chocolate, beautiful New England trees.
I love the cooler temperatures and that there are no bugs and no humidity.
I have a bunch of favorite things about fall, wearing cozy sweaters, boots, crunching in the leaves. Drinking hot chocolate or tea, my husband is the coffee drinker. Campfires
Definitely the cooler weather
Fresh apples and apple pies sooo yummy
Pumpkin patches and bon fires!
I love the colors associated with autumn … rusts, orange, browns, olive green.
Cooler temps and Colored leaves.
I love the weather, low humidity and cooler temperatures.
I love the cooler weather, the changing of the , and picking, hayrides, wearing and hoodies, apple cider donuts and drinks, and hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream and marshmallows and cnat forget watching all the Michael Myers Halloween movies!
The best thing about autumn is camping after the first big freeze. Cool enough for a big bonfire, and no bugs.
My favorite thing about fall?!? That’s so difficult from the cooler temperatures to the yummy smells…I think I’ll choose the beautiful fall colors as my favorite! Nothing beats the beauty of the variety of hues in the leaves and trees in autumn. Thanks so much for this chance to win! Happy Fall!
The cooler weather, the foliage and I get to drink hot chocolate again.
My favorite thing about autumn is the fall colors!
I like the cooler weather and less humidity. however, my favorite things are the fall dog show and horse show where i get to see friends that I only see at dog and horse shows.
It’s the season of the Great Pumpkin, beautiful color and bulky sweaters… best time of the year!
Favorite thing about autumn is apples from the orchard and wearing sweaters and jeans again!
Fall – the change of leaves and crispness of the air.
Fall Festivals and Bonfires
I love the fall mountain hikes with the gorgeous, colorful leaves!
I love the cooler weather and the peacefulness at the lake
I love to walk in the woods and see all the changing leaf colors.
The cooler weather for sure, but the fact that the bugs are starting to die is also another big plus in my book. It also means we’re one step closer to Christmas and I really love Christmas.
I love the changing colors of the season
My favorite thing about Fall is the beautiful colors of the leaves and bonfires.
I love taking my grandson to the pumpkin patch in the fall.
The cooler weather and pumpkin everything!
The slightly cooler tinge to the air (I live in Florida, saying cooler weather is a stretch).
EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the cooler weather, the leaves changing colors and football!
I love getting my costume ready for Halloween in the Fall!
My favorite thing about Autumn? My wedding anniversary is in October and we often get in the car and go different places to view the changing colors of the season. It’s been 39 years this year. My favorite time of autumn still is my anniversary and the guy that laid claim to me.
baking pumpkin pies. and getting back to reading great books by the fireplace with hot tea
I love it because out electric bill goes down some :)
My favorite things are the cool, crisp air, my hubby’s birthday & our wedding anniversary (2 days apart!!!) & anything & everything pumpkin!!!
I love the cool, crisp air, the sounds of leaves being shuffled on the ground, Hallowe’en, Sweaters, football…..
My favorite thing about autumn is having bonfires.
Apples, Pumpkins & Soup season + cooler weather
My favorite thing about fall is the cooler weather and pumpkin spice!
I love the changing colors of the leaves and the crispness in the air that Fall brings.
Thank you for the chance
Halloween
I like the cool weather in fall and the smell of freshly baked pumpkin pie.
My favorite thing about fall is the changing colors of the leaves and nice sweaters
The colorful fall leaves
The weather is amazing! But I love everything about autumn.
So much I love about fall!! The cooler weather, all the beautiful colors, and pumpkins
Fall is so beautiful and my most favorite time of year. All the colors of the leaves. Perfect sweater weather. The beginning of Football Season. Hot Coco for the kids and Pumpkin Lattes for me. Apple and Pumpkin picking. Apple and Pumpkin pies.Halloween seeing kids dress up and happy.So many great things about the Fall. ☕
The foliage, apple picking & pumpkin spice anything!!
I love everything about Autumn! It’s my favorite time of the year! I love the cooler weather, the changing colors, snuggling with a book, enjoying a cuppa, walking in nature, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and comfort foods.
My favorite thing about Autumn is the beautiful leaves how it changes color this time of year.
The weather and the decorations
I love when the leaves start to change and the feeling of the crisp fall air.
Being able to curl up with a fire and cozy blanket and a cup of spiced tea or coffee. The leaves turning. Wearing sweaters.
Going to orchards and pumpkin patches