If you are on this page, you must love to read as much as I love to write. And that is a whole lot!
I often get asked what inspired me to be a writer. I truly do not believe there was such a thing. I am a writer because it’s simply who I am. It is what I have always gravitated toward. I couldn’t not write.
As early as grade school, I proclaimed I was going to be a soap opera writer (yes, that is probably too young to be watching such shows). I loved the emotions and drama that were portrayed on the screen, plus the fact that you didn’t have to let the characters go … there was always another episode. I enjoyed mapping out the (very complicated) family trees, writing extended scenes, and creating my own characters and plots.
The passion for writing continued when I went to college and had some amazing opportunities. I created and wrote a campus television drama. I also spent two of those summers as an intern working in the soap opera industry. Those were beyond extraordinary experiences.
Upon graduation, I wrote and produced a local television show for a number of years. During that time, though, because I was writing for work, I did not write for pleasure. I missed that. I ached for and needed it.
An approaching college reunion changed that. I started thinking about what it would be like to see some of those classmates I hadn’t seen or heard from in a number of years. Where had their life led them? Where were they now? What triumphs and tragedies had they gone through? And as I imagined, so came a fictious tale …
My first book -- COUNTRY ROADS -- is a bestselling novel about a woman with a traumatic past reuniting with a college pal who is now a country music star. Two things most often said are how realistic the writing is and that is an emotional tearjerker. But Lara’s story didn’t stop at the end of that book. Like a great Netflix series or those daytime dramas I still sometimes watch, her saga continued. There are five books total in the series … each with an emotional and heartwarming pull.
After the Country Roads series, I wrote a stand-alone called EVERY MILE A MEMORY. I got the idea for that book as a group of friends and I were making our way out of a concert venue. We started talking with some other attendees who said they were going to follow the band to the Riviera Maya for another event. I thought, “what if we did that and if we met the band” … So, it was only appropriate that I named the main character Maya. My latest release is a special prequel to that book that takes place in the 1980s – THE DANCE is Maya’s parents’ story.
Then there is HEADS CAROLINA and TAILS CALIFORNIA -- a two-book series, which is sometimes called a duet … very appropriate since my main character, Bethany, is a singer-songwriter who ends up writing with a top music manager. The inspiration for these were two-fold: watching TV talent shows and remembering what it was like living in a similar residence in NYC where everyone was looking for their big break.
And, let’s not forget WHISKEY GIRL. This award-winning novel came out of the HEADS/TAILS duet. Bethany’s sister, Ella, is in a lot of ways different than her but mostly misunderstood.
Learn more by visiting my website – greawarner.com. In addition to blurbs, excerpts, music playlists, and buy links, there are also discussion questions for each book. You can use them to reflect on the story. Or, they are also ideal for book clubs! Let me know if you feature one of my books in your group. I’d be truly honored and would love to help if I can.
Happy Reading!
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Title Country Roads
Author Grea Warner
Genre Women’s Fiction
Publisher Inkspell Publishing
Book Blurb
A young woman content with her solitary life.
A rising country music star.
They were friends once …until their lives took them down separate roads.
Now, years later, when a child volunteers his uncle to sing for a fundraiser, LARA FAULKNER realizes it is none other than her college pal, FINN MURPHY. As the two get a chance to reconnect, Lara reveals to a compassionate Finn details of her shocking past and the traumatic decision she had to make.
Through trust and love, the bond between Finn and Lara deepens as the country singer manages to get an emotionally scarred Lara to let down her self-proclaimed walls. But will secrets, lies, and tragedy cause a bumpy detour on their road to complete happiness?
Emotional, dramatic, heartwarming… fall in love with COUNTRY ROADS – the first in a continuing series by author Grea Warner.
Excerpt
It was when I was looking at the board listing the arrivals and departures and thinking my nerves were too shot to even sit and wait, that I heard my name. It wasn’t loud. In fact, it was a bit winded. But I knew the voice well. Despite there being a number of people swarming around that area, I saw Finn instantly. He was a good few feet away. His head was shaking ever so slightly as he was pleading me with my eyes to come to him.
When I didn’t move, he looked around. I knew he didn’t want to be recognized. There were times when he didn’t mind it as much, but this…this certainly wasn’t one of them. And he didn’t have on any type of clothing that could be used as a disguise—not a ball cap, hoodie, or even glasses. Standing there in the brown suit he had worn to the party, it was probably close to a sure bet that someone would identify him.
But I guess he was willing to take that risk, because he walked toward me. I knew then that it was inevitable that we were going to talk. I certainly wasn’t going to take off running in my decorative heels and cocktail dress, after all.
“What? Where are you going?” His eyes swept repeatedly across mine.
“Home.” I kept it simple.
“Why? No. Lar, please…please don’t leave.” There was a bit of panic when he said that last word.
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BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/grea-warner
Goodreads: Grea_Warner
Author Biography/Social Media Links
Drama, angst, and realistic storylines … be prepared for a few tears shed and an emotional rollercoaster when you read a novel by Grea Warner. With a background in daytime dramas, Grea is able to beautifully weave characters and storylines together so that you’ll become completely immersed in the journey the book takes you on. At home in the Women’s Fiction and New Adult genres, these serials and standalones are great for binge reading and book club discussions!
Be the first to know … follow this Amazon best-selling, award-winning author to find out when there is a new release, preorder, or discount!
Website: www.greawarner.com
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Title Every Mile A Memory
Author Grea Warner
Genre Women’s Fiction
Publisher Inkspell Publishing
Book Blurb
A chance encounter leads to a road never imagined and the possibility of dreams coming true.
Going on tour with a band was never on Maya Shriver’s radar. But then neither was being a widow in her mid-thirties. And finding happiness again? Well, that was out of the question.
When danger erupts, Maya is abruptly thrown together with Hawk Brannigan—a country singer’s right-hand man. And she finds out that, once again, life can change in an instant. Suddenly, Maya is not only in a new career but she’s also allowing herself to love again.
As Maya begins to unpack her grief and move on, a misunderstanding from the past may cause the couple to travel in different directions.
Excerpt
I looked in his eyes, wondering if I could pre-read them…wondering if I could predict the future…if I could tell how everything was going to go…how he was going to react…if it was the last time I would look in those eyes…if that had been our last embrace. “Hi.” I got the one word out.
“I’m glad you’re here. What’s up? What took so long?”
I had originally planned on coming hours before—us spending more of the day together. But a mid-morning phone call had changed all that. I had needed to regroup and take as much charge of the situation as I could before finally making my way to his Tennessee townhome.
“I…I had to take care of some things.”
He had my hand and was leading me through the hardwood hallway into the similarly floored family room. “If it’s about the move…”
“No.”
“Come on, sit down.” He started toward the neutral-colored sofa. “I want to talk to you about th—”
“Hawk….” I didn’t sit.
So neither did he. “Maya? What is it? What’s wrong?”
I dropped his hand and turned from him. I looked down at the brown and white Oriental rug, over to the inactive brick fireplace with expansive art piece of the Nashville skyline above, to the beige-carpeted stairs leading up to the rest of the home, and to the door leading to the back yard. Finally, I glanced at the three framed photos of his family. I looked anywhere but at him.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/grea-warner
Goodreads: Grea_Warner
Title The Dance
Author Grea Warner
Genre New Adult Fiction
Publisher Inkspell Publishing
Book Blurb
Stepping onto the ice was frightening. Doing so required trust … and not just that of her feet. It also involved Cate’s head and heart. Trusting meant she had to forget what happened in the past.
At twenty-two years old, Cate Lentz is starting to understand Noah’s comparison of skating to a dance. The same, she realizes, can be said about life itself. You have to release the walls surrounding you in order to feel light and free. You also need the right partner. With the NHL rookie at her side, Cate is beginning to see a new and exciting life-canvas in front of her—similar to the paintings she creates in her art studio.
But as smooth as ice is, everyone tumbles and falls sometimes. When her ex, Leo, makes a reappearance in Cate’s life, his mental instability creates such turmoil and heartache that it’s hard for her to stand back up. Can she find a way to dance again after tragedy strikes?
Pulling at heartstrings and dealing with realistic issues, The Dance is a gripping tale that travels the reader back to the year 1980. This emotional story will leave you with a true appreciation for being both independently strong but also grateful for those who are by your side … no matter what.
Excerpt
There was only silence as Noah opened the passenger door for me and then walked around the car to get into his side. Leo stood once again against the gallery wall, with his hands shoved into his front pockets.
As we drove farther away, the image of my ex in the rearview mirror got to the small point in a perspective drawing known as the vanishing point. Even though I could no longer see him, I knew he was not gone. I could definitely sense him … and I wanted that to go away, too.
Like a near savage, I tore out the elastic band holding back my hair and flung it out the window. It was cathartic but not what I needed most. “Noah … hand.” It came out part demand, part plea, as I extended my left arm in his direction.
Silent until then, he looked over at me, paused for a beat, and then spoke softly but directly. “You didn’t want it a few minutes or so ago.”
Oh, man. In addition to the unnerving feeling of the unexpected encounter with Leo, I was emotionally toppled knowing I had, unwillingly, hurt Noah. “I’m sorry. It wouldn’t have gone over well with him, but, believe me, I did. You have no idea how mu—” As I started the last word, his hand encapsulated mine protectively, as if we were on ice and I was in danger of falling down a hill at the same time.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/grea-warner
Goodreads: Grea_Warner
Title Heads Carolina
Author Grea Warner
Genre New Adult Fiction
Publisher Inkspell Publishing
Book Blurb
How did a sheltered girl from Carolina end up in a national scandal involving one of Hollywood’s most powerful music couples?
When want-a-be singer Bethany Opala tries out for a TV talent show, she is rejected. But then comes an amazing offer … a songwriter’s dream. Bethany has the opportunity to learn and develop her skills with top music manager, Ryan Thompson.
With a mutual passion for music and words, Bethany and Ryan’s writing partnership develops into something more … something love songs are written about. And while it isn’t wrong, it isn’t right, at least in the public eye.
Surrounded by secrecy and half-truths, Bethany doesn’t know how much she should put up with. Especially, when one more rejection could scar her for good. Will her decision to leave not only Ryan, but the music business and California, come down to the toss of a coin?
Excerpt
As Sallie stepped aside, I more properly entered the residence and shut the door behind me. I normally would have instantly shrugged off my shoes and started walking further into the interior of the home. But my sandals remained fastened as did my stance.
Ryan, who I noticed was barefoot, answered his daughter’s question. “Bethany isn’t here to watch princess movies, Tink.” Her lower lip stretched out in the cutest little pout as Ryan continued, “You better go make sure your brother doesn’t change the channel. He’s the slyest four-year-old I know.”
With her eyes seemingly growing wide at Ryan’s suggestion, she belted, “He wouldn’t dare!”
My belly bounced at the little girl’s dramatic exit. Ryan actually laughed out loud and shook his head. And then … there we were. Alone.
“So … uh, about recording …”
Despite all the conversation starters I had internally scripted on the ride over, that was what came out. It was not even close to being as melodic or smooth as I had hoped. In fact, it was like a stuttering, old vinyl. I suppose anything was better than the silent tension that had invaded the foyer in the matter of seconds, though.
“Can we deal with the elephant in the room first?”
“There’s nothing—” I tried to just move past the fictional, ugly, gray mammal who wasn’t only occupying the room but also my brain.
But Ryan denied me. “Bethany, we have to talk about the fact that we kissed.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/grea-warner
Goodreads: Grea_Warner
Title Whiskey Girl
Author Grea Warner
Genre New Adult Fiction
Publisher Inkspell Publishing
Book Blurb
I've been called many names—mid-kid, wild child, Ella Bella, preacher's daughter, and probably a lot of others behind my back. Whiskey Girl, though, is top shelf. It's not necessarily the most accurate. But it's my favorite because of who crowned me with it.
Entering the bar, all I wanted was a temporary escape. I needed a moment of not comparing my life to my perfect sister's. And that definitely meant a shot of something strong ... something that would leave an impression. Little did I know, it wouldn't be the alcohol but the stranger sitting beside me.
When fate traumatically threw us together a second time, the initial bond I had with that man strengthened. Maks understood sister issues. He understood being the undervalued family member. He understood loss. He understood me.
What Maks didn't understand was my ability to protect myself from being hurt. I did it when playing sports, and I had learned to do the same with relationships. That's why when it came to our goodbye, I needed to be the strongest proof and fly away.
But bottles break. Wings get clipped. And my directionless life suddenly seemed to have a plan of its own.
Excerpt
“I’m ready to sit,” I reiterated. “I need to—”
And then, Boom, I did. I dropped right to the wooden surface of the porch. Thankfully, it was with somewhat of control, and I landed squarely, but not too harshly, on my bottom.
I could hear but not necessarily focus on Maks. I knew he had lowered his body to sit beside me. Actually seeing him clearly, though, meant too much concentration.
“You’re going to hyperventilate. Calm. Calm down.” When he scooted his knees right up against mine, I managed to finally see his eyes. “Breathe.”
But that was the problem. I couldn’t seem to do that … at least not correctly. The considerate Californian took my hand in his and placed it on his T-shirt-covered chest. What color the garment was or if it had any other details, I did not know. I could feel the thin softness of it, though, and his firm body moving ever so slowly and steadily underneath it. Then his other hand rested on my upper chest, close to my heart. There was an obvious imbalance of our breathing patterns, and I understood it was mine that beat in an imperfect rhythm. I also knew at that moment what his purpose was. He wanted to regulate me … to have his hands do what his words could not—help me be calm and breathe.
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Goodreads: Grea_Warner