Thank you, Fresh Fiction for having me today. Oh, the options to choose from! Since I’ve been completing a playlist for my new release, SUGAR SNAPPED, (book 2 in my Juli Butler Mystery series) I felt talking about a Song Match was a perfect choice. This is not something that I’ve always done while writing. I create better with silence or nature sounds (ocean and beach sounds are my favorite). But while adding a subplot to Cracker Jacked (book 1), I started writing down songs I heard (usually while driving) that reminded me of the push/pull relationship and history between my main characters Juli and Chase. I was so pleased with the outcome I couldn’t wait to continue the trend with Sugar Snapped. And I have to say, while completing the latest set list I found myself compiling songs for books 3 and beyond! Listening to the playlists while I’m editing is great mood music and when I need to stay grounded in the story, I will listen to them in the car driving to and from work. I have 12 songs per playlist and today I’m going to touch on 5 of them from the playlist for Sugar Snapped. Plus a sneak peek at track 1 for book 3!
Manhattan From The Sky by Kate Voegele
It’s very upbeat and very much the vibe at the beginning of the book. It’s county fair time, which finds Juli and Chase reliving memories from fairs past as they navigate what a relationship looks like. We don’t really know yet what happened between them, but Juli has a lot to work through. She’ll be the first to admit she’s a mess with quite a few skeletons in her closet. For now, Chase remains patient and encouraging.
Lose My Mind by Brett Eldridge
Keeping with the upbeat vibe, this is 100% a Chase song. She makes him crazy by trying to help with the investigating, all while holding back about her past in Boston. He knows she’s not going to listen to his direct orders to keep her nose clean. He continues to be patient in her moments of weakness while being supporting enough to hope she will open up with him about her past.
What It Takes by Aerosmith
Because this is a romantic cozy mystery series and it’s that time in the book where I get to mess with their heads, their feelings and well … make them work for it. They each know their strengths and weaknesses, and they are being pulled to their collective limits. Which leads us to track #7.
Take It On The Run by REO
This kind of says it all. Chase feels like he’s at his breaking point after information from Juli’s past is discovered. When he voices concerns about not repeating their past, we are right there with Juli. We’re not happy about Chase’s decision, but we completely understand his need for space. What exactly does that mean? You’ll have to find out yourself because we’re skipping ahead a few tracks.
If You Don’t Know Me By Now by Simply Red
The murderer has been caught and the town shutdown has been lifted. The small town of New Hope returns to normal. Juli should be happy but she’s questioning everything, from her decisions since leaving New Hope, to if she will ever be ready for any relationship. Can she trust and let Chase into all the messy shattered parts of herself? You’ll have to read for yourselves. Sorry, no spoilers.
And there you have it – a glimpse into the playlist of Juli and Chase’s romance! Here’s a bonus sneak peek for Book 3, Track #1 – Hold On My Heart by Genesis. Thanks for reading along! I’m also including the Spotify playlist codes below for Cracker Jacked and Sugar Snapped. Hope you enjoy them!
SUGAR SNAPPED by Barbara Witek
It’s time for the Lewis County Fair and Juli’s organic human and pet café is the talk of New Hope. But amidst the excitement, her ex-boyfriend’s appearance and revelations about his murky past have thrown a wrench in her plans with the Sheriff.
When David announces he’s still married to Rita Davis, owner of Nailed It! Salon and Juli’s new friend, no one is happy about it, especially Rita’s fiancé Paul. When Paul winds up dead on the fair midway, David is the prime suspect. Juli knows he’s not a killer, but if she doesn’t help clear his name, he’ll be stuck in New Hope–along with all the chaos he brings.
When it appears David, Rita and Paul are caught in a tangled web of secrets, things take a dark turn. As Chase delves deeper into David’s shadowy past, he unearths more than he expected, bringing to light secrets Juli had hoped would stay buried. Can Juli navigate through this maze of deception and clear David’s name, or will the skeletons in their closets come back to haunt them all?
Mystery Cozy [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: January 14, 2025, Paperback / e-Book , ISBN: 9781648397882 / ]
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About Barbara Witek
Barbara lives in New York with her husband and two rambunctious black labs, Max and Marley. There’s never a dull moment in their world!
In the summer of 2021, Barbara discovered Captain Morgan Orange Cream and Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey—two separate drinks, mind you—and her mind was blown. She highly recommends both and gives them a 10/10!
When she’s not writing, Barbara is enjoying empty-nester life in her peaceful cul-de-sac. She loves cross-country skiing, skating, hiking, anything crafty, and especially competitive game nights with family and friends.
A firm believer in love at first sight and finding lost loves, Barbara brings that passion and belief into her writing, weaving heartfelt tales of romance and adventure.
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