I haven’t read BREATHING yet, but I’m really excited for Cheryl’s debut. For one, I *love* books set on the beach in the summer. There’s something about the ocean that gets me every time! Bare feet, sun-warmed days, cool evenings, beautiful starry nights, summer love… *sigh!* I also love the Carolinas–such a beautiful area of the country and the perfect setting for a summer story.

About BREATHING

What if the guy who took your breath away was the only one who could help you breathe?

Savannah would be happy to spend the summer in her coastal Carolina town lying in a hammock reading her beloved romance novels and working at the library. But then she meets Jackson. Once they lock eyes, she’s convinced he’s the one—her true love, her soul mate, a boy different from all the rest. And at first it looks like Savannah is right. Jackson abides by her mama’s strict rules, and stays by her side during a hospitalization for severe asthma, which Savannah becomes convinced is only improving because Jackson is there. But when he’s called away to help his family—and seems uncertain about returning—Savannah has to learn to breathe on her own, both literally and figuratively.

This debut novel has it all—an endearing, funny, hopelessly romantic main character, lots of down-home Southern charm, and a sunny, salty beach setting that will transport you to the Carolina coast.

Savannah’s 2009 Debut Party

The Guest List

Savannah would invite all the young adult characters from other manuscripts I’ve written that didn’t get published. She’d want them to get to celebrate, too.

How thoughtful are Cheryl and Savannah? Most writers don’t even like to admit that there are manuscripts hiding under the bed, let alone invite those characters to share the spotlight at a debut party!

The Party

We’re in for an evening beach party near Savannah’s house with music and a bonfire. Guests leave with nothing but memories and the sand between their toes! 😀

*Sigh* I love that feeling. And I especially like going to the beach at night when you can’t really see the ocean — just hear it. That’s amazing, isn’t it?

The Guest of Honor: Savannah

Savannah is in her hot pink bikini with a mini-skirt and as the evening cools, Jackson’s sweatshirt. Her theme song? A Place In This World by Taylor Swift.

*OMG loves stealing sweatshirts from boys in the summer!*

Cheryl’s Advice for Savannah on Her Big Debut

Relax, have fun, and enjoy every moment!

I think Savannah and Twenty Boy Summer’s Anna would be great friends. 🙂

Congratulations, Cheryl, on your debut!

BREATHING is available in book stores now, and also online through Indiebound.

Cheryl Renée Herbsman lives in Northern California with her husband and two children, but she grew up in North Carolina and often spent summer vacations at the Carolina coast. Like Savannah, she fell in love as a teenager, and like Savannah and Jackson, she and her boyfriend carried on a long-distance relationship. They are now celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary. Visit her online.