Secrets, Sisters and Summer Escapes
An interview with RaeAnne Thayne
It’s the perfect weekend for some armchair summer traveling! I loved escaping to a scenic cabin in Wyoming in The Lost Book of First Loves — for not one, but two heartwarming romances.
This week, New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne gives us the inside scoop on the long-lost sisters, secret manuscript and swoonworthy summer setting at the center of this novel.
I'm always interested in the origin stories of books. What was the kernel of inspiration for you this time?
So many things inspired the idea! I’m very intrigued by the idea of found family. With the prevalence of DNA testing now, many secrets from the past are coming to light. It actually happened in my own family, where a loved one who is adopted found his birth family through DNA tests. It’s been a wonderful experience for him, creating new family ties. I also wanted to write about a heroine who has recently been diagnosed with a life-changing medical condition trying to deal with the changes in her life circumstances.
The Lost Book of First Loves has several love stories woven throughout. It was delightful watching Juniper and Allison's unfold (I won't say with who, so I don't give any spoilers!) How do you approach creating a satisfying romantic journey for each of your characters?
I started with June and Allison, fleshing out their conflicts, wounds and conflicts and then tried to think about what kind of man each of them needed to find their happy-ever-after. I loved that I was able to write a friends-to-lovers trope for Ali and an enemies-to-lovers trope for June.
I savored descriptions of the beautiful Wyoming setting. Is this location based on a real place you've spent time?
I love this area! I live in extreme northern Utah, about three hours from Jackson Hole, WY. We visit often and it never fails to take my breath away. I actually spent a summer while I was in college (many, many years ago!) working at Grand Teton National Park and grew to love the terrain, the wildlife and the spectacular scenery. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
At one point the characters struggle with whether a book is too personal to publish and share with the world. Have you ever faced a similar struggle as a writer?
That’s a great question. Yes, actually. My second son, who is now 27, has severe disabilities and requires total care. Much of my life when I’m not writing is spent on caregiving. I often have people ask if I will ever write about our journey as his parents. I’ve thought about it over the years and while I have kept sporadic journals, I’m not sure I would ever be vulnerable enough to write about the deep joy and sometimes equally deep heartache of our journey with him over the years.
What is the last romance you read that stole your heart?
Historical romances are my happy place. I loved Eloisa James’s latest, Hardly a Gentleman. And anything by Julie Ann Long!
About the Author: New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne has written more than 70 books since selling her first book in 1995. She has received a career achievement award from Romantic Times for series romantic adventure, as well as a Pioneer of Romance award. She finds inspiration from the beautiful mountains of northern Utah, where she lives with her family. Learn more: https://www.raeannethayne.com/