One of the greatest joys of being an author is introducing readers to new stories, and sometimes, new authors.
Today, I’m delighted to welcome fellow author Angie Tompkins to the blog. Her debut novel, Christmas in July at Harbor’s Hope, releases tomorrow, July 9! If you enjoy heartwarming, clean contemporary romance filled with hope, community, and second chances, I think you’ll enjoy meeting Angie.
I’ll let Angie take it from here…
The Story Behind My Debut Novel
By Angie Tompkins
Thank you, Sylvia, for inviting me to visit your blog!
I have to admit, this is a little surreal. Tomorrow, my debut novel, Christmas in July at Harbor’s Hope, will officially be out in the world. That’s both exciting and just a little nerve-racking.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved stories that leave me smiling after I turn the last page. Life can be challenging enough, and I’ve always appreciated books that remind us there’s still kindness, hope, and love to be found in everyday moments.
Some of my favorite authors, including Debbie Macomber, inspired me to write that kind of story. Their books showed me that a novel can be uplifting without feeling unrealistic, emotional without becoming heavy, and romantic while remaining clean and wholesome. Those are the kinds of books I hope to write.
When I began creating Harbor’s Hope, I wanted it to feel like a place readers would enjoy visiting again and again. A charming coastal town where neighbors know each other, local businesses matter, traditions bring people together, and even difficult seasons can lead to unexpected blessings.
In Christmas in July at Harbor’s Hope, you’ll meet Margot Pine, an event planner determined to prove she can rebuild her life after a painful professional betrayal. You’ll also meet Evan Cole, a marina handyman who’s learned to keep people at a distance after experiencing his own heartbreak.
Neither of them is looking for romance.
Instead, they find themselves working together when a missing ornament collection threatens the town’s Christmas-in-July celebration. As they search for answers, they slowly discover that healing often begins with friendship, trust, and a community willing to stand beside you.
My hope is simple. I hope Harbor’s Hope becomes a place you’ll want to return to. I hope these characters make you smile, maybe even laugh once or twice, and remind you that second chances are possible.
Most of all, I hope that when you finish the book, you close it feeling encouraged.
Thank you for welcoming a debut author today. I truly appreciate every reader who chooses to spend a few hours with the characters I’ve grown to love. I can’t wait to share more stories from Harbor’s Hope with you.
Happy reading!
About Angie Tompkins
Angie Tompkins writes clean contemporary romance celebrating faith, friendship, family, and second chances. Her stories are filled with heart, hope, and the kind of small-town communities readers wish they could visit.
You can learn more on her website, follow her on Goodreads, or visit her Amazon Author Page.