Please welcome Darby Baham author of The Shoe Diaries
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
The Shoe Diaries
by Darby Baham
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GENRE: Contemporary Romance
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INTERVIEW:
1. Any weird things you do when you’re alone?
I don’t know if this is weird, but I love dancing with full abandon when I’m alone. I’ll put on Spotify, pour myself a glass of wine, and rock out to everything from Kelly Clarkson to Rihanna. Thankfully, I live on the first floor, so I don’t have to worry about bothering any neighbors below me.
2. What is your favorite quote and why?
“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.” -- Maya Angelou. To be fair, I have a lot of favorite quotes, but this is my favorite one right now. I think it’s because at this point in my life, it helps to be reminded that it may take courage to trust again, be vulnerable again, love again especially when you’ve been hurt by it before many times -- but it’s always, always worth it.
3. Who is your favorite author and why?
I can’t name just one--I have to name at least three! Maya Angelou was my first entry into reading the vulnerable words of a Black woman, so she shaped my very idea of being a writer. Nikki Giovanni’s poems lay me bare any time I read them. She finds a way to bring out such emotion in something that, on its surface, looks simple. Have you read Resignation? If not, please do. And Tia Williams. When I read Accidental Diva for the first time in college, I was awestruck that someone wrote a book about a woman I could actually identify with and she gets to be imperfect and have love at the same time. It was what prompted me to begin thinking about what would ultimately become The Shoe Diaries.
4. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
It has to be authentic and it needs to feel real. People can tell when writing is technically good, but there’s no soul that was poured into it when it was being done. It’s like good cooking -- you need more than just the ingredients in the recipe book. I know, at least, my writing is good when I have genuinely written through my fears and past my comfort zone and just left it all on the pages.
5. Where did you get the idea for this book?
Well I love contemporary romance novels and wanted to write about things that my friends were going through. I also had this idea of making shoes as a big part of the book because I am low-key a shoe addict. There is something that every woman has that they can tell their story through. Shoes were my way of telling a story. At the time I started it, I was also trying to figure out what made me happy, whether I was going to try dating my own Mr. Big again, and was desperately struggling with perfectionism. I figured, as I tend to, that if I started writing about it, even a very fictionalized version of all those things, that I could start to process them all. And that others might be able to relate.
BLURB:
It’s never too late to put your best foot forward
From the outside, Reagan “Rae” Doucet has it all: a coveted career in Washington, DC, a tight circle of friends and a shoe closet to die for. When one of her crew falls ill, however, Rae is done playing it safe. The talented but unfulfilled writer makes a “risk list” to revamp her life. But forgiving her ex, Jake Saunders, might be one risk too many…
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
The Friendship Chronicles/Book 1: The Shoe Diaries
"Reminiscent of Sex and the City and the Shopaholic series in the best possible way. Her stories are a lot of fun and yet she still tugs at your heartstrings."--Gail Chasan, Special Edition Editor
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EXCERPT:
Romance
February 13, 2016
“With this ring, I thee wed, and with it, I bestow upon thee the treasures of my mind, heart and hands…”
Staring at my friends from my seat, I noticed more than just their words as they recited their vows. I saw their hands clasped together throughout the ceremony, and the smiles they wore even through their tears; the way they focused on each other like no one else was present even while a hundred and fifty of us stared at them with glee. But most important, I saw the love that was undeniable between the two of them. Strange, but I was all at once happy and sad, amazed and hurt. In them I saw hope for a future. Here were two people who’d found love and decided that nothing else was more important than their union. Yet, standing less than two feet away from them, I also saw the man I’d hoped would be my future—and it hurt me to my core to know that we would never have this same moment.
Every few minutes I caught myself peeking over at him during the ceremony, hoping he would turn to me, and we would have some kind of knowing thought between us. That we would have a brief second where no words were necessary, and through our eyes, we’d say, “I know it didn’t work for us, but I still love you.” I craved that moment more than anything I’d ever wanted before, wishing with all my might he would just look over. Just glance at me…and smile.
That look never happened.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Darby Baham (she/her) is a debut author with Harlequin Special Edition and a New Yorker of five years who sometimes desperately misses the sprawling shoe closet she had while living in Maryland. She’s had personal blog posts appear in The Washington Post’s relationship vertical and has worked in the communications industry for more than two decades. The New Orleans, LA native is also a lover of big laughs and books that swallow you into their world. Her first book, The Shoe Diaries, debuts in 2022.
Author Website www.DarbyBaham.com
Linktree https://linktr.ee/darbybaham
Facebook /https://www.facebook.com/darby.baham/
Twitter https://twitter.com/darbybaham
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/darbybaham/
Darby Baham’s Washington Post bylines
I had the perfect date dress. Why did it hang in my closet unworn for more than a year? -- March 2016
When it comes to relationship advice, sometimes it’s best to ignore your friends -- February 2016
I’m the oldest sister in my family and I’m single. And that’s okay. -- March 2016
I was afraid to say ‘I love you.’ Here’s how I found the courage. -
NOTE: Here is the link to subscribe to receive books specifically from Harlequin Special Edition-- https://www.readerservice.com/content/series/harlequin-special-edition/
Darby's book will be included in the January edition.
The Shoe Diaries Sales Links
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shoe-diaries-darby-baham/1139911402
https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Shoe-Diaries/Darby-Baham/9781335408365?id=8355481149755
https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335408365_the-shoe-diaries.html
https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335408365
https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Shoe_Diaries.html?id=bU06EAAAQBAJ
https://www.target.com/p/the-shoe-diaries-friendship-chronicles-by-darby-baham-paperback/-/A-84253284
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4031