On tour with Prism Book Tours.
Thank You, Walmart!
From the time I was fourteen, I’ve been addicted to the promise of love, hope and happy ever after that Harlequin books bring to the world. These things are not fantasy. They are the very basis, the deepest foundation, upon which life rests. From the time I picked up my first Harlequin romance – a free copy being distributed at a grocery store checkout – I knew I’d found the true road to joy. I made life choices, ethical choices, based on what I thought a Harlequin heroine would do. I read a book a day back then. And would start to worry if I wasn’t in close proximity of an outlet that sold Harlequin books. To me, a Harlequin kiosk, or the Harlequin designated shelves in a bookstore, were as good as Santa’s bag at Christmas. They were filled with true joy.
I still feel that way. I write these books now. I create the story. And still, I always get that thrill deep inside me, when I’m pushing my cart at Walmart and see those Harlequin shelf talkers. I stop and look at the selection. I see the numbers of books…and something inside of me settles, just like it did when I was younger and needed to know I could get my fix.
Then the world changed. EBooks became more prevalent. Bookstores closed. Shelf space was limited. And some Harlequin lines were no longer available at any store. My worst nightmare. Not as a writer – though the circumstance was not a happy one – but as a reader. No matter what life dishes out, as long as I can access a Harlequin book – immerse myself in a world that engages all of my emotions for a while, remind me of the joy and love and hope that really do exist, and then gently set me back down in the life I face – I know that I will be okay.
And the world is changing again!!! This time in a very happy way! Walmart has signed on to put one of my favorite lines, Harlequin Heartwarming, on the shelves of over 400 stores! That’s four more Harlequin books a month. Books filled with emotion and strength. Books that embody the love and hope that the people in our world so desperately seek.
Thank you, Walmart!!
I still feel that way. I write these books now. I create the story. And still, I always get that thrill deep inside me, when I’m pushing my cart at Walmart and see those Harlequin shelf talkers. I stop and look at the selection. I see the numbers of books…and something inside of me settles, just like it did when I was younger and needed to know I could get my fix.
Then the world changed. EBooks became more prevalent. Bookstores closed. Shelf space was limited. And some Harlequin lines were no longer available at any store. My worst nightmare. Not as a writer – though the circumstance was not a happy one – but as a reader. No matter what life dishes out, as long as I can access a Harlequin book – immerse myself in a world that engages all of my emotions for a while, remind me of the joy and love and hope that really do exist, and then gently set me back down in the life I face – I know that I will be okay.
And the world is changing again!!! This time in a very happy way! Walmart has signed on to put one of my favorite lines, Harlequin Heartwarming, on the shelves of over 400 stores! That’s four more Harlequin books a month. Books filled with emotion and strength. Books that embody the love and hope that the people in our world so desperately seek.
Thank you, Walmart!!
— Tara
The author of more than 70 original novels, in twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestseller with over six million copies sold. A 2015 RITA finalist Tara appears frequently on bestseller lists, including #1 placement on Amazon lists, and multiple showings on the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller list. She has appeared on national and local TV across the country, including CBS Sunday Morning.Tara is a supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence in the United States, please contact 1-800-799-7233.
January 4th: I Am A Reader - Amy Vastine
January 5th: Mel's Shelves - Anna J. Stewart
January 6th: deal sharing aunt - Cari Lynn Webb
January 7th: Reading Is My SuperPower - Carol Ross
January 8th: Katie's Clean Book Collection - Catherine Lanigan
January 10th: Babs Book Bistro - Leigh Riker
January 11th: Love, Laughter, Friendship - Melinda Curtis
January 12th: Heidi Reads... - Pamela Tracy
January 13th: Christian Chick's Thoughts - Rula Sinara
January 14th: Bookworm Lisa - Tara Taylor Quinn
January 15th: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
15 - $10 Walmart Gift Cards
- Rules: To enter, take a selfie at a local Walmart with a Heartwarming book and post publicly on social media (can be your hands, your face, etc. with a Heartwarming book). Can enter once each day with a different picture each time. Those who post the same picture multiple times will be disqualified. Those who only post privately (so that it can't be viewed publicly) will also be disqualified.
- US Only
- Ends January 20th
Isn't it interesting how the journeys book characters take can make us think more about the challenges we face? Great post!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how a book can turn the light on your life. I knew when I read my first romance I wanted to write them. It was like a switch got flipped inside of me. Nothing works magic like a book...especially in a genre like romance. Wonderful post, Tara!
ReplyDelete