Synopsis

I came back to Mason Creek when my life was turned upside down, both literally and figuratively. Scared and alone, I packed my belongings and left New York where I’ve made a career as a writer for a national publication to stay with my parents in the town so different than the big apple they might as well be on different planets.

Getting to see my friends was a big plus, but meeting someone new never crossed my mind until a ruggedly handsome man in jeans and a worn baseball cap came over to say hello. Not knowing someone in this small town is like not knowing how to breathe. The slightly older man caught my eye, just as much as I caught his. A witty and roguish personality kept me on my toes, even if falling for someone new is the last thing I need.

Neither of us wants a relationship, yet we keep finding each other in this small town. Rumors fly, hearts connect, and there’s more at stake than either of us are willing to share.

This man has secrets everyone wants to know, but when more than he’s willing to share is revealed I hope I’m strong enough to help him. I may have come back to town to save myself, but saving him might be the real reason I’m here.

Synopsis

I knew, someday, I’d have the life of my dreams.
I just wasn’t prepared to lose him in return.

Growing up in small-town Mason Creek, it's hard for a girl to dream big. Since my mom was barely making ends meet, I knew moving away for college wasn’t in the cards. What I didn’t know was how singing a Miranda Lambert song while unpacking a box would change my life forever ... and take me away from the only boy I’d ever loved.

Matthew Simms was the guy I was destined to be with. Understanding, caring, and the town’s star athlete, he was my everything … including my first heartbreak. We both left Mason Creek to chase our dreams, leaving our love behind.

I never planned on coming back, but when a cruel turn of events strikes five years later, I’m shocked to come face-to-face with Matthew. Gone is the boy I left, and in his place is a man—handsome, strong, and rugged. There’s no denying our attraction lingers in the air, yet the reasons that kept us apart all this time are still as strong as ever.

He is the man of my dreams, but I chose the life I desired over him.

In the back of my mind, I always thought we'd be together someday.

Well, someday is today.

Only now, just as everything I’ve ever wished for is coming true, I wonder if I chose to chase the wrong dream.

Perfect Song, the story behind the story

I truly believe everything happens for a reason and there are signs everywhere, you just have to pay attention. 

When I was asked to participate in the Mason Creek series they said it was a small town romance with 12 different authors. I really wanted to do it, but didn't know if I'd have time since I was already working on the Falling for the Stars series with Jeannine Colette so I waited for a sign to see if I should jump in.

Then they called me and said the series would be called MASON CREEK. My mouth dropped open!

You see... My son's name is Mason. None of the other authors knew this! Talk about a sign! Of course, I was 100% on board after that. 

Then I have the real Justine and Tucker… My husband’s cousin, Julie, and her love, Terry, were my muse for this story. He’s a “local legend” around my small town with his own band and even has a houseboat named McLovin. Thank you both for being the fun couple I could write about!

Perfect Someday, the story behind the story

This was both the hardest and easiest book I’ve ever written. It was hard because I, too, am dealing with the exact things Hannah had to deal with. My mom has been diagnosed with a very fast-progressing form of dementia, so finding the time to write has been very difficult. 

When I could write, the story flowed because it is all true. Every part that Hannah had to deal with, with her mom is my own personal story. This book has become kind of a journal of sorts, and it was very therapeutic for me to be able to get it all out. 

The only differences in our stories were, I am in the same town as my mom, she was a mortgage broker—doing loans up until a month after I stepped in—instead of a grocery clerk, I’m chasing my writing dreams while Hannah was chasing her singing dreams, and of course, I’ve already found my own version of Matthew in my husband, and I couldn’t have lived these past months without the strength that he’s given me.

My writing career has been very slow-building, and last year was the first year I actually made money after five years of writing. I’m a huge believer that everything happens for a reason, and this is just another one of those times that my thoughts were proven right. 

I wanted to do something special with the money I was making, so I held on to it until I could figure out what that would be. Turns out, that’s the money I’m using to take care of my mom and put her in a home where she can be fully taken care of. Without you, my readers, who have supported me for all these years, I wouldn’t have been able to do that. 

So, thank you for reading my words. It truly means the world to me. Much love.

Lauren Runow