A few years ago, my daughters, a close friend, and I traveled to the historic Tampa Theatre to see the classic movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on the big screen. We’d seen it numerous times on television, but our familiarity with the story didn’t take away from the magic.
The Tampa Theatre, built in 1926, transported audiences “to a lavish, romantic Mediterranean courtyard, replete with old-world statuary, flowers and gargoyles. Over it all is a realistic night sky filled with twinkling stars” (Tampa Theatre website).
After an extensive restoration, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Another friend and I once toured the theatre and sat beneath those twinkling stars while an accomplished musician played the pipe organ.
Ohio Theatre Lobby
Photo by Tom Thacker
Inspired by this experience, I arranged the perfect first date for Brett and Dani, the main characters of When Love Arrives.
The novel takes place in Columbus, Ohio so the date takes place at the Ohio Theatre, “a 2,779-seat Spanish-Baroque masterpiece,” which opened in 1928 and was restored in the 1960s.
On the night Brett takes Dani to the movies, the feature film is one of my favorites–Notorious starring Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.
I wish I had been there with them! (Or at least in the auditorium.)
Celebrating with Giveaways
We’re celebrating the release of When Love Arrives with giveaways galore.
Friday Feature appears on June Foster’s blog. This contest, which highlights When Love Arrives, ends September 23rd.
Visit Karin Beery’s blog to find out how I got tripped up on Snickerdoodles–and now keep a more detailed style sheet. The contest ends September 26th.
The Singing Librarian is giving away THREE BOOKS! The prize package includes Where She Belongs, the first novel in the Misty Willow Series, When Love Arrives, and Jane Kirkpatrick’s latest novel, The Road We Traveled. This contest ends on October 4th.
Soul Inspirationz shines its Novel Spotlight on When Love Arrives and includes an interview. This drawing, hosted by Ellie Whyte, ends on September 28th.
Two fun poems–the chore I hate and the chore I love–appear on Emilie Hendryx’s Thinking Thoughts blog. This drawing also ends on September 28th.
I’d love to have you join me for each of these giveaways. Wishing you luck! (Please confirm with each giveaway for the ending date and time.)
Beautiful and inspirin writing in this post.
Thanks, Clella. Do you ever get a chance to visit the Tampa Theatre?
I loved that scene in the book! And When Love Arrives was so hard to put down and I hated it when it ended!
Aw, Pat! Thank you! Thanks for the five-star review, too. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story.