Delighted that we get to visit with Courtney Walsh today! A couple of years ago, I interrupted a meeting Courtney was having with her publicist to say hello. When you have travelled halfway across the world, you take opportunities to meet authors when you can grab them. Fortunately, Courtney was very gracious and it is a joy to know this talented and passionate author. Love her writing and her heart for children and teens, born out in their performing and visual arts studio in Rockford, Illinois, The Studio, that she co-owns and operates with her equally talented husband!

Enjoy getting to know Courtney some more today and enter the giveaway below. Her latest novel, Just Let Go, is a gem!

Over to you, Courtney!

*****

Cake or Cookies

Cookies. Specifically frosted sugar cookies. More specifically Eileen’s Cookies, which my sister, who lives in Lincoln, introduced me to. They’re a Nebraska thing, and they are hands down the best cookies I’ve ever had!

Call or Text

Anyone who knows me would laugh at this. Always text. I absolutely hate talking on the phone. I love meeting my friends for coffee for face-to-face conversation, but texting is by far my preferred form of communication!

Coke or Pepsi

I’m a recovering Coke-aholic. Sadly, I no longer drink any soda, but if I were going to, it would definitely be a delicious Coke from McDonald’s. Yum!

Dogs or Cats

I just got my very first puppy! I’m allergic to cats, so definitely not a cat person, but we took the plunge and brought our sweet-ish Bernedoodle puppy, Luna, home in early May. I say “sweet-ish” because she’s also sometimes “stinker-ish.” Anyone who has a puppy probably understands!

Photo Credit: Courtney Walsh

Eggs or Pancakes

Oooh, what I would actually eat or what I would want to eat? I would probably be more inclined to eat eggs, but I would enjoy pancakes much more!

Facebook or Twitter

Facebook. 🙂 I’m too long-winded for Twitter!

First person or Third person

Third person. Although I’ve read a couple of books recently that might have me warming up to first person!

Instagram or Pinterest

I love Instagram! It’s my favorite of all social media platforms by far!

Marvel or DC

Considering my years-long crush on Robert Downey Jr., I am a Marvel girl all the way! I actually liked a few DC movies, but they tend to be darker and edgier, and I’m far more drawn to light and bright. I think there have been some really fabulous Marvel movies too—they really are more than just “comic book” characters.

Paperback or EBook

Paperback all the way. I’ve always loved paper. . . . I used to cruise the office supply aisle at the grocery store for fun (as a child). I’ve long been a collector of notebooks and notecards and stationery and pens, so maybe it has something to do with that. And I love the way a new book smells!

Summer or Winter

Summer! It’s probably our busiest season, so that’s not ideal, but I absolutely love the sunshine.

Sweet or Spicy

Sweet. All the sweet things! I try not to be addicted and do regular detoxes, but I sure do like sweet things.

Tattoos or Piercings

Hmmm . . . neither? I only have my ears pierced, and that’s good enough for me. My daughter is begging for a nose ring (#helpmerhonda), so we’ll see how that goes!

Tea or Coffee

Coffee . . . always coffee! I drink decaf and have a bit of a problem with Starbucks iced coconut mocha macchiatos, but I’m working on that—they are so good!

Thornton or Darcy

Ahhh! Mr. Darcy. Though I do find it funny, as a romance writer, that I can swoon over someone who—let’s face it—is not very likable at the start. I like how his layers are slowly peeled away to reveal his true character, and I love anyone who uses the word ardently. 😉

Yoga Pants or Jeans

This one makes me giggle because I am 100 percent in favor of wearing the comfiest clothes possible at all times. Sadly there are moments in my life when yoga pants are not appropriate, but if I had my choice I would ban jeans from my wardrobe.

Zoo or Aquarium

I’m fascinated by sea life. I’m terrified of swimming in the ocean, but whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and even ocean vegetation are so interesting to me. I would choose the aquarium over the zoo without a bit of hesitation.

Thanks Courtney!

Just Let Go

For Quinn Collins, buying the flower shop in downtown Harbor Pointe, Michigan, fulfills a childhood dream but also gives her the chance to follow in the footsteps of her mother, who owned the store before leaving town twenty years ago and never looking back. Completing much-needed renovations, however, while also preparing for a prestigious flower competition with her mother as the head judge, soon has Quinn in over her head. Not that she’d ever ask for help.

Luckily, she may not need to. Quinn’s father and his meddling friends find the perfect solution in notorious Olympic skier Grady Benson, who had only planned on passing through the old-fashioned lakeside town. But when a heated confrontation leads to property damage, helping Quinn as a community service sentence seems like the quickest way out—and the best way to avoid more negative press.

Quinn finds Grady reckless and entitled; he thinks she’s way too uptight. Yet as the two begin working together, Quinn sees glimpses of the vulnerability behind the bravado, and Grady learns from her passion and determination, qualities he seems to have lost in his pursuit of Olympic gold. When a well-intentioned omission has devastating consequences, Grady finds himself cast out of town—and Quinn’s life—possibly forever. Forced to face the hurt holding her back, Quinn has to choose: let go or risk missing the adventure of a lifetime.

Includes discussion questions.

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. Just Let Go will be her eighth inspirational romance novel. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.

Relz Reviewz Extras

All Things Walsh @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Courtney’s website and blog
Buy from Amazon: Just Let Go or Koorong

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And FYI, Courtney is hosting a super fun Launch Party on her FB page with fantastic giveaways! Hope you can join in 🙂