The serene Virginia landscape holds not only Sophie Quinn's refuge but an escape for a world-famous pop star, a handyman's secret, and a past that won’t stay buried. Readers who enjoy stories with broken pasts and redemption such as Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover will devour Sun in My Heart by Tricia T. LaRochelle, a small-town, second-chance romance.
“Tricia T. LaRochelle's Sun in My Heart is an emotional rollercoaster, a story skillfully crafted to keep readers engaged and invested in the lives of the characters. The narrative weaves complex relationships, familial dynamics, and personal secrets into a thrilling tale of survival, resilience, and the healing power of love.” —Readers’ Favorite “LaRochelle skillfully envelops readers in a poignant, romantic story tinged with tension and intrigue in her latest novel Sun in My Heart. A stirring celebration of the bonds of love, family, and friendship, this is a surefire winner.” —Prairies Book Review
Dive into the tumultuous world of Sophie Quinn, a brave young woman trapped in a perilous marriage to her unpredictable husband, Chad. With Chad being a VP in her distant father's company and the only man her mother ever approved of, breaking free won't be easy. However, Sophie is determined—knowing that leaving Chad is not just about finding happiness but surviving.
As she takes her first steps towards independence, Sophie crosses paths with Brian, a rugged handyman with a heart of gold, challenging her perceptions of love and trust. Yet, nothing is ever straightforward. When Sophie learns Brian's connection to Julian Sommers, the world-famous pop star who fell out of the limelight when a deranged fan murdered Julian’s companion and herself in a Vegas hotel room two years prior, the plot thickens. With secrets swirling around her, and a dangerous husband in pursuit, Sophie's newfound happiness is on the line.
"Sun in My Heart" speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. We all face challenges, make mistakes, and yearn for redemption. This story offers a mirror to our own vulnerabilities, reminding us that even amidst darkness, love and hope can light the way.
Excerpt
Copyright 2024 Tricia T. LaRochelle
Sweat seeped from her pores like blood seeping from a wound. Why did she agree to his terms? When was she going to be free of him? Deep down, she worried that it might never happen. “Argh,” Sophie grunted and rubbed at her abdomen, her stomach knotting. “You son of a bitch. I hate you!” she yelled at the dead phone, her body doubled over. “I hate you with every fiber of my being. You are evil.” If only she could say that to him. If only she could stand up to him for good. If only she could— “Are you all right, miss?” The man’s voice from behind her reverberated through her nervous system, nearly stopping her racing heart. “Ahhhh!” She jumped up and back when she screamed. Whoever was standing behind her had just scared the crap out of her. “No, no, no. It’s okay. I just saw you were upset … My bad … I can go.” The man behind her stammered. “I didn’t mean to intrude.” In Sophie’s periphery, he pivoted his body back and forth as though unsure whether to run away or stay and help. Feeling totally embarrassed for being caught chastising an inanimate object, Sophie prepared her apology. If she were on her own property, she’d feel more justified about screaming like a crazy person at her phone, but she wasn’t. She was on the community path that connected with several of the properties in the area, most of them worth millions, the ones with big windows and incredible views. If her mother could see her now, she’d roll her eyes and, with arms crossed over her chest, stare down her nose at Sophie for, once again, being a doofus. “No, you’re fine.” Sophie finally turned and faced the man who looked like an axe murderer (although she didn’t see an axe) or maybe one of those survivalists, judging by the way his long, scraggly brown hair spilled out from under his green baseball cap. The words “John Deere” were sewn into the fabric with what used to be yellow thread but was now smudged and grimy. Standing at six-foot, two inches tall, the man had a beard that was also long, its length uneven, like someone who couldn’t care less about his appearance. It surprised her. Everyone in Sophie’s world cared about nothing but. His T-shirt outlined the shape of a robust chest and muscular arms. The brown shirt was either stained or dirty, and his tan pants were a durable canvas material. His Timberland boots had definitely seen better days. Everything about this man screamed danger, except for his voice and the vibe he was giving off. And for some unknown reason, Sophie wasn’t scared. She knew all too well that you couldn’t judge a book by its cover. Chad had proven that to her. Is he on a construction crew for one of the mansions here? That would make sense, considering these places went through remodels all the time. Stop staring and say something. “I was just …” Words escaped her. You were just what? Screaming “I hate you” at your phone? The man raised a calloused palm. “Miss. You don’t owe me an explanation. I thought you were hurt by the way you were doubled over, is all. Didn’t mean to startle ya.” He spoke in a low voice, his head bowed slightly in a nonthreatening manner. He even backed away a step, his brown eyes wary. Sophie exhaled, realizing she’d been holding her breath. “Oh, I understand now. No. I’m okay. I just got off the phone with my … ex.” She half-smirked. “Sorry you had to hear that. The man is an asshalf.” The stranger’s brow bore down, his head tilted slightly. “Asshalf?” “Yeah, it would take two of him to make an asshole.” First came a pause, and then the man unloaded with laughter. The portions of his cheeks, not rooted in hair, turned the color of watermelon, his brown eyes watering. He shook his head as he struggled to gain his composure, Sophie smiling proudly at her sense of humor. She made jokes all the time. It was just that no one had ever gotten them before. Until now. “That’s a good one, miss.” He wagged a finger. “I’ll have to remember that one. ‘Asshalf,’ ha.” A few lingering giggles escaped his lips. “I’ve known a few of those myself. Asshalf,” he repeated. The joke had taken hold of him, his entire face brightening. Sophie couldn’t help but wonder what he looked like styled, shaved, or even showered, for that matter. He had a pleasant aura about him and kind eyes. And after that stressful phone call, she was enjoying the reprieve. She had truly tickled this guy. He placed his hands on his hips and caught his breath as one would do after a hearty bout of laughter. “Man. It’s been a long time since I’ve laughed like that.” He took a breath as he ran a hand down his beard. “So you’re okay, then? I won’t keep you.”
About Tricia T. LaRochelle
Since she was a little girl, award-winning author Tricia T. LaRochelle has been obsessed with tragic love stories. No beach reads for her. Bring on the grit with a double side of turmoil. She likes to feel the character’s anguish as they fight to overcome obstacles to be together. Growing up in central Vermont, she has seen her share of tragedy but remains a hopeful romantic. She now lives in central Virginia, where she continues to foster the possibilities of how love can conquer all.
For her Sara Browne Series, Flickering Heart won a Gold Medal in the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Contest for Fiction – New Adult, first place in the 2022 Incipere Awards for Romance, and was a finalist for Best First Book in the Hold Medallion Romance Contest. Revive received an honorable mention in the 2022 Incipere Awards for Romance. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Threads, or sign up for her newsletter at TriciaLaRochelle.com.
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