Title: The Broken Road
Author: Grea Warner
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Book Blurb:
Teagan Thompson always knew the road she was traveling on in life. She was a farm girl, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Teagan loved the animals, hard work, feeling of accomplishment, and being a part of her family’s heritage. It fit her. Strong and independent, if there was a problem, Teagan found a way to solve it … even if she had to do it all by herself.
When she visits her brother in California, Teagan meets winery-manager Griffin Pearce and learns that like objects, people can be broken, too. But no matter her determination, Griffin might be something Teagan can’t fix, especially after he discovers the secret she’s been hiding A part of her personal journey that can't be altered, it's also a sad reminder of Griffin's past and one of the reasons he cannot heal emotionally.
Do unexpected circumstances give Teagan a reason to stay and try to put the broken pieces together? Or does she follow the road back home to her beloved farm as was always the plan?
From best-selling & award-winning author Grea Warner, THE BROKEN ROAD is a realistic story about inner strength, going for what you want in life, and the different bonds that create a family.
Excerpt:
I actually stopped myself a couple times. I tried the distraction of browsing online and even slapped my own hand to encourage myself to sit back down. But it was no use. I had it in my mind. I had him on my mind, and I was going to act on it. God help me.
With Dylan, Aleia, and Levi at their once-a-month game gathering with friends, the only one to see me walk out was Vino. And, thankfully, I would not need to explain, rationalize, or defend myself to a furball canine. I simply shut the door and started across the yard.
The creak of the gate made me cringe. What had I thought about it being a warning? I shook my head to mentally clear that thought and walked on—straight to the winery’s garage and then up the outside stairs. As I climbed each step, I became more confident. I was more like the Teagan I knew. Everything had been messing with my head, and I needed to reclaim my center.
When Griffin answered his door, there was silence and a stare, which seemed to have a pulse of its own. It had been a couple hours since he wrapped up the sales at the store and had immediately left without a word between us. I noticed he had since changed out of his work attire and into the simplest of clothing—a white T-shirt and loose, light-gray sweats. In contrast, I remained in my lilac top and black shorts—the ones his hands had briefly been on at the bar.
He was the first to speak, and, in typical fashion, it was one word. “Teagan.” My name came out almost matter-of-factly.
Two could play at that game. “Mmmm-hmmm.”
The slightest of grunts proceeded his question. “Do you need something?” His face moved a smidge to the left before he added a sarcastic, “I have my coat back.”
I wanted to smile, and I’m pretty sure there was a flinch of response in my mouth and cheeks. But, for the most part, I remained focused. I had my groove on, and I didn’t want to break it.
Moving silently past him, I entered his studio apartment. Immediately in front of me was a tiled orange counter, which made an L-shape to separate the step-saver kitchen from the living area. The latter was to the left and where I went next.
I could see Griffin from the corner of my eye. He remained at the open doorway, as if he thought I would quickly turn around and leave. But when I didn’t, he expelled a breath and closed the door. He was following me around but in an opposing sequence—sort of like boxers in a ring before the first strike. I mentally noted the two sofas on either of the two main walls. There was also a table, built-in bookshelves, a desk, television, mirror, and sliding doors I knew led to the skinny balcony I had seen from the outside. Except for one impressionistic painting of a vineyard, there were no decorations, knickknacks, or photos. It was void of any type of personalization.
When there was nothing else in the immediate area I could land my gaze on, I stopped my waltz and looked at Griffin. He did the same with me. I literally bit my bottom lip so I didn’t say anything—anything simply to fill the silence. Because, no doubt, it would have been something stupid that would have ruined why I had come. I would have said a generic “nice place” or mentioned something about the success of the tour group that afternoon. No. I knew how to play it—hold on and remain silent.
Griffin “blinked” first, and with it another sigh. “I can’t give you what you want.”
Yep. Uh-huh. Exactly. He didn’t say it specifically, but we both knew we were on the same sexy wavelength.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
On sale for 99 cents for a limited time!
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/grea-warner
Goodreads: Grea_Warner
What’s your favorite thing about autumn:
While I treasure the relaxed pace summer provides, I am really a fall gal at heart. I like the dark, cooler nights where the breeze whispers through open windows. Jeans and light jackets are clothes I could wear all year long. And, I grew up in a family and town that loves their football and hockey. So, the autumn season brings both of those on full force!
What inspired you to write this story:
I cannot say what prompted this story because it will give away the main character’s secret! But there are a lot of people out there who have gone through what Teagan does, and I wanted to write about it through the eyes of a strong, independent woman. Using a sister briefly mentioned in one of my other books provided the perfect setting and occupation. For Griffin, I wanted a damaged character to contrast Teagan’s strong family bonds. With that in mind, I thought about what three things might most profoundly shape your life for the worse.
The Broken Road explores Teagan’s internal struggle with finding out what she wants in life, as well as Griffin’s personal demons, too. The readers experience not only their growth as individuals but as a couple. I am always honored and touched when I hear how people have related to the characters of this book. There is a lot of drama and emotions, but it ends with the readers — and characters! — happy.
The Broken Road is a standalone. But a couple of the side characters have their own books, too. Pick up Whiskey Girl for Ella’s tale and Heads Carolina & Tails California for Ryan’s saga.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs September 1 – 30, 2024
Drawing will be held on October 1, 2024.
Author Biography:
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!
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Social Media Links:
Website: greawarner.com
Instagram: greawarner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Grea-Warner
Twitter/X: @grea_warner