Rebecca Crowley stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the first book in The Accidental Detective series, Two Nights to Forever!
Where did you get the inspiration for Two Nights to Forever?
The Orchard Hill series is very much about the good, bad, and ugly of family, wrapped into the calendar of Jewish holidays. I’ve always loved Passover and the do-it-yourself nature of the seder dinner – one of my favorite-ever seders was a heavily improvised version a friend and I threw for our fellow grad students! – and what better place to explore who we consider family than over a meal with mandatory glasses of wine?
For Eve, an adoptee, she’s desperate to map her blood connections, whereas Saul knows exactly where he came from and is struggling under the weight of his family’s business legacy. Somewhere in between they realize that connection is more than blood or money – and that the one they share might be the strongest yet.
How do you relate to Eve, your heroine, and how do you hope readers will relate to her? How do you relate to Saul?
Eve and I are both go-getters who simultaneously strive for a solid work-life balance and, more importantly, we’re both former theatre kids who love a good musical!
I definitely relate to Saul’s independence and desire to do his own thing, but I can only aspire to his impeccable fashion sense!
What kind of research did you need to do for this story?
My personal experience is of Reform Judaism, meaning my family is less strictly observant than others on the religious spectrum, so for the character of Deborah and her more observant family I brushed up on some of the Passover customs that might differ at their house.
And although few details made it into the story, I invested some quality time into fantasy-shopping luxury watches like Keller and Sons might make!
What was your favorite scene to write and why? (include a snippet)
I loved any opportunity for Eve and Saul to spar, and my favorite of their encounters was when they team up in the chaotic afikomen hunt (sort of like a scavenger hunt) at a seder with Saul’s high-school friends. The host has hidden embarrassing photos of the guests around the house, and Saul and Eve go searching together.
They darted across the room, but Saul got there first, grabbing the white corner that poked out between the flat screen and the wall where it hung. He took one glance and then pressed it against his chest, simultaneously relieved it was in his possession and horrified that it even existed.
Eve’s eyes glittered. “It’s yours. Let me see.”
“Never.”
“Come on, Keller.”
“This is off the market.”
“Everyone has their price. What’s yours?”
“You can’t afford it.”
She stepped closer. “Try me.”
Her scent teased him, just-split pomegranate and champagne bubbles. “Make me an offer.”
“Verification. I’ll tell everyone at the table you have it. With proof of existence, you can use that photo for influence.”
He arched a brow. “That’s it? I’m disappointed, Klein.”
“Remember, I’m not looking for possession—just disclosure.”
“Which is half of its value, at least.”
“Your friends were there, Saul. They can attest to your adolescent geekiness with way more veracity than I can from a single picture.”
“This isn’t just any picture.”
The corners of her mouth lifted. She was intrigued. “No?”
He shook his head.
“All right—I’ll improve my offer. Lunch is on me every day this week.”
He didn’t care about who paid for the hastily ordered salads they ate without looking up from their laptops, but he saw potential to maximize the limited time they had together. “Three of those lunches have to be outside the office.”
“One.”
“Two.”
She propped one hand on her hip disapprovingly, but he could feel her about to cave. “We’ve got a lot going on. This deal needs to be signed soon—or not.”
“You’re right. Forget it. I’ll just put this away. Pretend it never existed.” He held out the photo and pretended to be about to rip it, unable to stop the smile that cracked through his fake-serious façade.
“Fine—two lunches outside the office.”
“Done. Always a pleasure working with you.” He stuck out his hand, which she shook firmly.
“Pay up, Keller.” She moved to stand beside him so they could both see.
He took a deep breath, bracing himself for her reaction, and lowered the photo.
What are you currently reading?
I’m just finishing up An Absence of Motive by the spectacular Maggie Wells! I’d previously enjoyed her college-sports series and it’s been so fun to revisit her voice in a totally different context. Definitely recommend!
About the Author
Rebecca Crowley inherited her love of romance from her mom, who taught her to at least partially judge a book by the steaminess of its cover. She writes contemporary romance with smart heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, and never tires of the happily- ever-after. Having pulled up her Kansas roots to live in New York City, London and Johannesburg, Rebecca currently resides in Houston.
