Guest
Blog
Hi, Cheryl! Let me start by thanking you for hosting me
today.
There’s so many things we could talk about in my first book
release, Girl Spoken for, but let’s touch on a few messages and themes throughout,
not only this book, but the series.
Girl Spoken For was born from one simple idea. One simple
story; a girl’s rough road when she has a child while in high school. And as
the story blossomed into this other world, I intentionally wanted not only
Tatum Duncan’s story told, but I wanted to sneak a few messages in along the
way. Maybe they’re not so subtle to the reader which would be great.
Some
parents
typically make a huge mistake (NOT ALL PARENTS) in raising teens.
When a woman gives birth they’re are guilty of having a vision
of how their child’s lives will be (yes, I’ve done this too). So you take that
picture in your head and never see anything else.
A common picture some parents miss is reality—what’s really happening in their
child’s life. Or maybe you’re lucky enough that you were spot on. But most are
not.
Is that what happens to parents? From birth they wear
blinders? See what they only want to see? Yes. That’s what I believe. And
again, NOT all parents are like this.
But in Girl Spoken For, Tatum’s parents were, especially
her mother. She ignored how Tatum wanted to broaden her horizons. It can be fun
for a parent to watch their child spread their wings, but Tatum’s mom couldn’t.
Throughout the book Tatum jokes about how her mother wasn’t happy unless she
were dressed like Shirley Temple, the way her mother preferred. Her mother
wanted the sweet, innocent young girl who did what she wanted. Again, Tatum’s
mother wore the birthing life blinders.
What else does Tatum’s mother have issues with? Mutual
respect.
Tatum’s mother didn’t show nor give Tatum much respect. Tatum
had that with her grandmother, not her Mom. In the first chapter Tatum reads to
her little sister, Toni. A small gesture, but Tatum already knew that since
their grandmother was gone they were on their own emotionally. Their mother
couldn’t relate to them. Tate’s mother was fearful of her girls growing up, and
not being able to control them in the big bad world. So, instead she chose to
make them fearful of her. Instead of conversing and relating to how tough it
can be as a kid, she took the unhealthy route. Maybe that’s all she knew?
One thing I love about one of my characters is how she
provides Tatum with comfort and support. Diane is a great friend to Tatum—no
matter what, she’s got her back. Think how much better it is if you have (or
had) a friend like that in your teen years. Someone who respects you and makes
it clear they’re always on your side. Parents can be like that for their kids, but
Tatum’s mother wasn’t. Luckily, Diane
steps in to fill the void left when Tatum’s grandmother passes away.
As former (or current) teenagers, we have some kind of
bully story or another. We’ve all had family issues. But the difference is
communication and mutual respect. Respect each other’s differences. Respect
each other’s growth. Respect each other’s ideas. Respect each other. Period.
Sure, life can suck at times. It’s hard. But respect and
communication can make it so much better.
About Girl Spoken For:
I
was “spoken for” by a Mob grandson, which was either terrifying or kind of cool
– I wasn’t sure which one yet.
When the realities of life shatter her
fragile innocence, Tatum Duncan’s courage and resilience are tested. She’s
determined to be in control of her future. But the love of her life, Zach
Bertano, and his mob family may have other plans.
Will she “speak for” Zach, like he has
“spoken for” her? Or will Tatum walk away?
Add to Goodreads
Book Trailer:
Direct Link to Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydm7pta4Hxo&feature=youtu.be
Want to get to know Suzie better? Check out her Dear Reader post on Barclay Publicity's Book Scoop Blog!
About Suzie T. Roos:
Suzie T. Roos is from, and has settled in,
St. Louis with her husband, two children and a number of foster pets at any
given time.
She and her husband have lived everywhere
from Philadelphia, PA to out West in Santa Monica, CA. They’re thankful they
could expose their children to different American lifestyles and cultures.
Besides writing, Suzie’s hobbies include
movies, traveling, and especially concert going with her husband and friends.
She’s always been an animal lover and
animal rights advocate. She is certified by FEMA in IS-00011.a Animal in
Disasters: Community Planning. She’s also an active volunteer at the Humane
Society of Missouri.
*** Rafflecopter for Tour Wide
Giveaway:
Prize:
Grand Prize $25 Gift Card Amazon or B&N (winner’s choice).
Click the banner to enter into the giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
No comments:
Post a Comment