Series: Gold Creek #1
By: Eileen Goudge
Narrator: Almarie Guerra
ISBN: 978-1662518126
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Pub Date: 09/24/2024
Format: Other My Rating: 5 Stars + (ARC)
COVER REVEAL
A woman escaping a violent past finds new friendships, romance, and tenuous sanctuary in an emotionally gripping novel by New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge.
On the run from her abusive husband, Kyra Smith hits the road. Destination unknown.
With a neglected dog she rescued in tow, she lands in the peaceful California town of Gold Creek and is immediately befriended by an openhearted group of women called the Tattooed Ladies Club. They’re there for Kyra—and for each other.
The maternal Frannie is a tattoo artist struggling with a troubled daughter. Suzy is a self-described fashionista grandma bearing a painful estrangement from her son. Then there’s Jo, whose enviable marriage is coming undone. And bookstore owner Marisol. She longs for the kind of romance she only reads about. For them, and for Kyra, fortunes can change.
Just as Kyra parlays her artistic talents into a new career, and finally meets a man she can trust in and love, her ex tracks her down. He has a twisted plan to upend everything she now holds dear. Marshaling her renewed power and wisdom, Kyra will stop at nothing to put the past behind her. Once and for all. Whatever it takes.
About the Author
Eileen Goudge is the New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels, including Garden of Lies, One Last Dance, and The Diary. Together, they have sold over six million copies worldwide. Eileen draws from her own experiences in writing women’s fiction, exploring recurring themes of sisterhood/friendship bonds, the joys and heartaches of romance, and reversals of fortune.
Eileen got her start as a ghostwriter for the popular teen series Sweet Valley High, which spawned multiple spin-offs and a TV series. Between cooking up plots for her novels, Eileen can often be found in her kitchen kneading bread or rolling out pie dough. In 2005 she published a cookbook, Something Warm from the Oven, filled with family recipes and recipes contributed by readers.
She lives with her husband, Sandy Kenyon, the entertainment reporter and film critic for WABC-TV, in New York City. (now they reside in Sacramento, California renovating a 1940’s with a new chapter in their lives)
For more information, visit www.eileengoudge.com
Connect with Eileen
"Behind the Book & The Author"
with New York Times bestselling
Author Eileen Goudge
Exceptional Authors. Standout Books. Elevator Talk.
INTRIGUING QUESTIONS. INQUIRING READERS WANT TO KNOW.
Welcome to the second September 2024 #AuthorElevatorSeries! Joining us for the first time is a longtime personal and fan favorite—special guest New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge, with her 20th published novel, the highly anticipated and first in the exciting new Gold Creek series, ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW.
In Goudge's winning signature style, a woman escaping a violent past finds new friendships, romance, and tenuous sanctuary in this emotionally gripping novel, which will leave you anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
I became a fan of Eileen's instantly when her debut novel, Garden of Lies, came out many years ago, (it was a blockbuster New York Times bestseller), and I have loved every novel since! You will also want to check out her sensational backlist and yummy cookbook.
Honored to host Eileen as she shares some fascinating behind-the-scenes exclusives from the book and up-close and personal fun moments from this talented author!
Welcome, Eileen!
Behind the Book
Q. Give us your best ELEVATOR PITCH for your new novel, ALL WE NEED TO KNOW.
EG: It’s a story about a woman escaping her abusive husband and finding refuge in a small, California mountain town where she reinvents herself as a police sketch artist. Kyra “draws lines to stop crimes,” as they say in the business. But she’s put to the ultimate test when she must stop the scariest criminal of all: her husband.
Q. DESCRIBE your novel in three words or less.
EG: Story of redemption.
Q. INSPIRATION: The spark that ignited the novel (or series). Where were you when the idea came to you?
EG: This book was inspired by events in my own life. Years ago, I fled an abusive relationship and moved across country to New York City, where I found success as an author. With ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW, I wrote what I know, which I hope will inspire other women who might find themselves in similar situations.
Q. SETTING: Tell us more about the book setting and why you selected it.
EG: The setting is the California gold country, which I have visited many times, and where my family used to go camping every summer when I was growing up. I have such fond memories of exploring its terrain and visiting its towns. So my fictional town of Gold Creek and its environment were inspired by those real-life places.
Q. RESEARCH: Any fascinating research for the novel, or anything you learned along the way?
EG: The most fascinating thing I learned from my research was about the mechanics of being a police sketch artist. It requires a combination of craft, skill at reading people, and drawing out any memories their interviewees (witnesses and victims of crimes) might have blocked.
Q. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Your favorite character to write, and/or most challenging?
EG: I loved writing about my heroine Kyra, who is a lot like me in the sense that she’s capable of far more than she realizes. I constantly remind myself “I can do hard things.”
Q. SERIES: Tell us more about your new series, Gold Creek and when shall we expect #2?
EG: I’m working on the first round of edits for Book 2 of the series as we speak. The title is A HERO LIVES HERE, and it’s about Jo, who’s introduced in Book One and in this book is a new widow coping with her grief and trying to make a new life for herself and her two young children as a “suddenly single” parent. I don’t have a pub date yet, but it will most likely be in 2025.
Q. ADAPTATION: For fun, do you have any cast of stars in mind for any of your leading roles for a movie or TV series?
EG: Gosh, that’s a hard one!! I would cast the actress Natalie Martinex in the role of my heroine Kyra, who is mixed-race.
Q. WRITING: Do you have a favorite chapter or scene in the novel you enjoyed writing the most?
EG: My favorite scenes are the ones in which Kyra takes her power back after rediscovering her inner strength.
Q. TAKEAWAY: What important message, theme, or takeaway would you like readers to be left with when reading your book?
EG: I want readers, especially those who are or have been in abusive relationships, to know it’s okay to “tell,” and that keeping secrets only makes it worse.
Q. FAVORITE THING: What is your favorite thing about the novel or this series?
EG: I love delving into the lives of characters who continue throughout the series. In this case, the female friendships of the Tattooed Ladies, as they call themselves, and all the ways it affects their lives and support them. It echoes the love and support of my own female friends through the years.
Q. DID YOU KNOW? Name 1-5 things that readers may not know about your new book.
EG: It’s a bit edgier than some of my other women’s fiction novels, and also deeply personal.
Q. GENRE: What continues to draw you to this genre?
EG: Writing about women and their personal journeys, I never run out of things to write about because I’ve traveled many a mile of hard road in my life, and had so many interesting and unusual experiences.
Q. UPCOMING: Can you share what you are currently working on or what is next in ten words or less (or more)?
EG: Book Two of the series, A HERO LIVES HERE, is taking up my brain space and desk space right now. (see my above answer for more details)
Thank you, Eileen. This has been fascinating! I can't wait for the next book in the series. Readers, continue reading below for more up-close and personal from the author.
Behind the Author
BIRTH STATE? or (Country)
California
CURRENT STATE?
California (returning after 45 years of living in New York City)
ZODIAC SIGN?
Cancer (I’m your textbook homebody)
FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHERE YOU RESIDE?
Sunshine 6-7 months out of the year. The fruit trees in my backyard and the ready availability of fresh produce here in the fruit bowl of America.
FAVORITE FLOWER?
Roses & Lavender. Any flower that’s fragrant has my vote!
FAVORITE COLOR?
Red
FAVORITE KITCHEN/COOKING/HOME/GARDEN PRODUCT OR TIP
That would be my cookbook SOMETHING WARM FROM THE OVEN. I love having all my favorite recipes in one volume.
FAVORITE MAKEUP/HAIR TIP
Ha! I quit wearing makeup during the pandemic and haven’t resumed. Oh, the freedom.
FAVORITE FOOD/DRINK?
Fruit (here on Earth) Bread (when I die and go to Heaven where I can eat anything I want without penalty). My favorite beverage is tea. I must have my morning tea.
MORNING/NIGHT PERSON?
Definitely a morning person. I’m usually up by 4:30 A.M. I spend an hour doing my yoga and other exercises, and then after breakfast, I’m at my writing desk.
DOG/CAT LOVER?
I love both, but my last pet was a dog. Sadly, my little terrier crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
FAVORITE HOBBY?
Baking
YOUR FAVORITE LIFE LESSON QUOTE?
When a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade.
FAVORITE TYPE OF MUSIC?
Classical
DESCRIBE A PERFECT DAY.
Me with my feet up someplace outdoors on a sunny day, with a book in hand.
IF YOU WERE STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR ALONE WITH ONE CELEBRITY, AUTHOR, OR CHARACTER— WHO WOULD IT BE? (Male or Female)
My husband! A former TV reporter covering entertainment in NYC, Sandy Kenyon is a local celebrity and my absolute favorite person to hang out with.
THE FIRST BOOK YOU REMEMBER READING THAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME AN AUTHOR—THE ONE YOU CANNOT STOP THINKING OF.
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte. I read it when I was in fourth grade and was captivated.
FAVORITE HOLIDAY OR SEASON?
Fourth of July because it’s also my birthday.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH READERS KNEW ABOUT YOU?
I wish for all authors, not just me, that readers could know how HARD it is to write a book, even a not-so-good one. Maybe they would think twice before posting an unkind review.
FAVORITE READING FORMAT?
Digital (It’s easier on my eyes)
FAVORITE TV SERIES? (Or Movie/Video) binge-watch, series, etc.?
Lately, I’m all about “Slow Horses.” I love British mysteries and crime shows!
MOST MEMORABLE PLACE YOU HAVE TRAVELED?
The country of Bhutan, which was like a trip back in time, and where there is such a thing as “gross national happiness.” Seriously, I’m not making that up. We should all adhere to that principle.
IF YOU WERE GRANTED 3 MONTHS OF UNINTERRUPTED WRITING TIME—WHERE WOULD IT BE?
A Countryside Farmhouse surrounded by animals and organic gardens.
WHEN YOU RECEIVE A SPARK OF INSPIRATION FOR A BOOK:
Save it for later when back at my desk or office during your working hours.
YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO WRITE?
My desk.
IF YOUR LIFE WAS A BOOK, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE OF YOUR CURRENT CHAPTER?
“My Epic Encore.” I’m working harder now than ever before and have a new book coming out at the age of 74. I also recently remodeled a 1940’s home, soup to nuts. It’s been a journey, and I constantly surprise myself by learning what I’m capable of.
WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS IS YOUR FAVORITE? WHY?
Always my latest title, which in this case is ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW. Because the new “baby” needs the most care.
IF YOU COULD ELIMINATE ONE THING FROM YOUR DAILY LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Stress.
HOW DO YOU RELAX?
Read or watch TV when I’m sitting down. Baking when I’m standing up.
WHICH DO YOU ENJOY WRITING MORE: DIALOGUE OR INTERNAL THOUGHTS?
Probably dialogue because it comes naturally.
DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE WRITING?
Never. I find it distracting.
YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM? (Or would you prefer none of them)?
HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?
ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW is my 20th published novel. I’ve also published roughly 60 teen novels. I was one of the original ghostwriters for “Sweet Valley High,” and I penned my own teen series, titled “Seniors.”
YOU WOULDN'T BE CAUGHT DEAD, WHERE?
On a cruise. Something about the thought of being trapped on a ship for days or weeks on end freaks me out.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS OR LESS.
I am strong.
YOUR MOST PRODUCTIVE TIME OF THE DAY?
Mornings.
YOUR GO-TO RECIPE FOR A NIGHT IN?
Stir-fry veggies with rice
NAME A TRAIT YOU INHERITED FROM YOUR DAD OR MOM. (Good or bad)
My mom was a fabulous baker, and my dad was an artist. I got some of both from them.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?
My iPad
IF YOU WERE IN WITNESS PROTECTION, WHAT WOULD YOUR ALIAS BE?
Baker and possible amateur sleuth.
WHAT WERE YOU DOING AT MIDNIGHT LAST EVENING?
Sleeping
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR?
Being kind to others.
WISH STATE OR COUNTRY? (Where you would love to live)
I’m happy here in California.
A WISE MESSAGE OR ADVICE FROM YOUR GRANDPARENTS (OR ELDERS)
“Don’t forget to dance with who brung you.” Meaning, never forget to acknowledge those who helped you along the way in life.
WHAT IS YOUR WRITING PROCESS LIKE?
• PLOTTER
• PANTSER
• BOTH
YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO READ?
In bed
A HIDDEN TALENT?
My ability to multi-task.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON TODAY?
My next novel, A HERO LIVES HERE.
PIE OR CAKE?
Pie.
JEANS, LEGGINS, YOGA, JOGGERS, OR SWEATS?
Jeans.
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK?
Robert Louis Stevenson’s “A Child’s Garden of Verses.”
NAME SOMETHING YOU FEAR.
Snakes and cocktail parties. (Don’t ask!)
IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF WISE ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Believe in yourself, and don’t let anyone else whittle away your dreams.
YOUR FAVORITE AGE (in your life)?
Now, because I’m an empty nester and I’m old enough to be selfish and stay home in the evenings, as I like to do.
IF YOU COULD HAVE A TV SERIES OR MOVIE ADAPTED BASED ON ONE OF YOUR BOOKS, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?
My first novel, GARDEN OF LIES, was made into a miniseries in Korea. Unfortunately, I don’t speak Korean, so I couldn’t understand a word of it without subtitles.
Thank you, Eileen, for spending time with us today! PS, I loved your first novel, GARDEN OF LIVES, and of course, many more of your books, over the years.
Praise
"This straightforward tale of a woman taking back her power is a good fit for readers who appreciate a heartfelt story of romantic love and female friendship with a dollop of suspense in the vein of North Roberts' Three Sisters Island trilogy." —Booklist
My Review
One of my long-time favorite NYT bestselling authors is back with her 20th published novel, the highly anticipated and first in the dazzling new Gold Creek series, ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW.
With the author's unique winning narrative style, she takes us on a journey of a woman escaping a violent past, finding new friendships, romance, and tenuous sanctuary. This emotionally gripping novel, the first in the Gold Creek series, is a testament to the author’s storytelling powers, leaving readers eager for the next.
About...
Krystle Stanhope (changes to Kyra Smith) is fleeing and on the run from her abusive husband, Rory (a powerful man and District Attorney in Rochester, New York, with all the law enforcement in his pocket). She was married to the devil and had finally escaped. Will he track her down?
Full of fear, afraid he may catch up with her, she stops at a gas station, discovers a dog mistreated by its owner, rescues him, and takes him along on her journey. Her buddy (she names Ranger), due to his black markings, like the Lone Ranger, turns out to be a fierce protector as she drives cross-country to a mountain town in California in Gold Creek.
First, she is in a “Bates motel,” and then she winds up in an Air Stream on the sexy Coop Langston (landlord) property. She also meets a group of ladies called The Tattooed Ladies, who take her under their wing. They are so much fun!
~Frannie, a tattoo artist struggling with a troubled daughter.
~Suzy is a fashionista grandma with an estrangement from her son.
~Jo, a marriage collapsing.
~Marisol, bookstore owner longing for romance.
Kaya puts her artistic talents to good use and accepts a position as a police sketch artist. Although she is apprehensive about cops due to her husband and his relationships, she wants to help other victims.
As Kayra becomes acclimated to her new life, she is still untrustworthy of others, especially with Coop; however, will she be able to trust him? Is she safe in her new life? Will Rory track her down? She knows if he does, she is dead.
My thoughts...
ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW is a gripping and emotional tale celebrating women's power, resilience, and strength in transforming from victim to survivor. It's a character-driven narrative that skillfully weaves together domestic suspense, family drama, female friendships, humor, and light romance, leaving readers feeling inspired and uplifted.
A riveting story of reinvention, second chances, and empowerment, with a smart, tough woman on the run from an abusive husband. The narrative is written with heart, humor, and a realistic view of domestic abuse, highlighting the fears and dangers. But amidst these, a cast of supportive characters provides comfort and reassurance to the readers. I appreciated the author's note.
I loved this book! I have been a huge fan of Eileen’s since her debut novel, Garden of Lies, back in 1989, which was an NYT instant bestseller, and I have read all her books since. I’ve witnessed her rise to stardom with each subsequent bestseller. Her 20th novel, ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW, is a testament to her enduring popularity. If you’re new to her work, you’ll also want to explore her sensational backlist and her delightful, yummy cookbook.
After reading ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW, I eagerly anticipate more from Gold Creek, Kyra, the gals, and Ranger (the dog) coming 2025! This book was a delight to read over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and I'm sure you'll love this cast of characters. Add this gem to your TBR list now. #CoverCrush
PS. I loved the wink to Bisbee, Arizona! (It’s a favorite of mine; I spent much time there working on a hotel project, researching its history, and naming it.)
Recs...
This exciting must-read series is for devoted fans of the author and those who enjoy works by Mary Ellen Taylor (Mary Burton), Nora Roberts, Karen White, Jessica Strawser (The Last Caretaker), Kimberly Belle (Dear Wife), Donna Ball (Ladybug Farm series) and Virgin River. (all favorites)
Interview...
Sign up for on my newsletter on my blog for my upcoming (Sept 24) #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A as Eileen shares some fascinating behind-the-scenes exclusives from the book and up-close and personal fun moments from this talented author!
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing, the author, and NetGalley for a digital reading and paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Sept 24, 2024
From the Author
This novel is about one woman’s journey. In many ways, it was my journey when I started over in my mid-thirties. Like my heroine, Kyra, I fled an abusive relationship and made a new life for myself and my children at the other end of the continent from where I’d started. Unlike me, Kyra is childless, but she befriends a dog named Ranger along the way, who ends up becoming her road buddy after she “liberates” him from his cruel owner. I’m a writer. Kyra is an artist. I found love again, though not right away. She finds herself drawn to her sexy landlord, Coop, after checking out of the “Bates Motel” and moving into the old Air Stream on Coop’s property. Though, as you might imagine, she’s mistrustful of men after she’s been through. Will she overcome her fears and find love again? Read the book to find out!
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