Welcome to the Blog Tour for Loving Sarah by Jo Huddleston, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Loving Sarah
Author: Jo Huddleston
Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications
Release Date: May 12, 2026
Genre: 1950s sweet small-town romance
Sarah wears William’s engagement ring. Then, Robert arrives in town.
In this love-triangle story, Sarah cheerfully manages the candy shop she inherited from her mama. Being engaged to be married to Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s most eligible bachelor, makes her life pretty much perfect. But then she meets Robert and has an unexplainable sense they’ve met before.
Robert travels from Michigan to operate Gatlinburg’s main-street SkyLift attraction while his dad recovers from a fall. He’s miserable being relocated to this Tennessee mountains hick town. That is, until he meets Sarah and feels an instant attraction to her. He’s unaware that the town’s biggest secret involves him.
Although she’s engaged to another, Sarah and Robert are mysteriously drawn to each other. This woman and her beloved mountains curb his desire to return to Michigan. Will Sarah give in to her feelings for Robert or be true to the man she’s promised to marry?
Loving Sarah is steeped in the easygoing culture and traditions of the Smoky Mountains in the 1950s. The story is a sweet, small-town romance with a heart-wrenching battle to make the right choice. This book will keep you turning pages with its mix of loyalty, betrayal, uncertainty, and emotional stakes.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub
Book Excerpt
Having grown up in these parts, Sarah knew many local people, but she wondered about this handsome stranger. He appeared extremely familiar, but she couldn’t put a name to him or remember where she might have met him. She didn’t want to be caught staring at him, but she continued to cautiously study him. Maybe it would come to her where she had seen him before.
Being engaged to William didn’t stop her from taking notice of a good-looking man near her age. It was like her frequent window shopping—she looked but didn’t choose to buy anything. After all, he didn’t wear a wedding ring.
His dark auburn hair held just enough curl to flip up in the back over the top of his white shirt collar. Many women in Detroit probably yearned to run their fingers through those curls, so unlike the shorter haircuts of the local men. The stranger didn’t appear to be from around here, with his expensive-looking suit, his shiny leather dress shoes, and the standoffish way he carried himself.
He unnerved her slightly by being near him. Alone in the waiting room, they were seated a respectable distance apart. Nevertheless, something like electricity buzzed between them in the small room. The sensation was like a magnet pulling them together. Once, he took a sideways glance at her. Did he feel the vibrations as well? His leather shoe tapped the floor continuously.
About the Author
Jo Huddleston writes sweet Southern romances set in the 1950s, where you can escape into wholesome, faith-based love stories of deep commitment, hope, and happily-ever-after endings. Readers describe Jo as a wonderful storyteller whose books are sure to inspire and entertain you. Reviewers say her books should be Hallmark movies.
She likes to laugh with people, but not at people. The beach is her favorite vacation spot. She’s a spectator fan of several sports, with tennis being her favorite. She doesn’t enjoy being in the dark and is fearful of snakes!
Jo holds a BA degree with honors from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), where she is a member of their Literary Hall of Fame. She earned the MEd degree from Mississippi State University.
Please visit Jo's website and get a free book when you sign up for her newsletter.
Author Interview
Q: What inspired you to write Loving Sarah?
Jo: Honestly, most of my story ideas just suddenly pop into my head. I don’t call them coincidences but God-incidences. I’ve never spent time searching for additional inspiration for a book. I write what God puts on my mind and heart.
Q: How long did it take to write this book?
Jo: After a book idea comes to mind, I don’t usually start writing right away. Oh, I may make a few brief notes about the general plot, main characters, a possible beginning, and how the story will end. Then, for some weeks, all that information simmers in my mind before I actually put words on a page. From the time I actually typed the first words of Loving Sarah, it took me almost seven months to finish writing the book.
Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?
Jo: When I started writing Loving Sarah, the story centered around a family issue. However, as I wrote the characters into the story, they began to interact and move the story more toward a romance. The original family issue is still there, but the story took on more energy and became more exciting to read because of the relationships formed among the characters.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Loving Sarah?
Jo: I have more than one favorite quote from Loving Sarah, but I’ll share this one from a conversation between Sarah and Robert.
“I still get the feeling we’ve known each other before.”
“Me too. But for whatever reason, I’m thankful God has given us time together. Maybe it’s best not to overthink His plans.”
Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Jo: In school, when we had to write themes (is that word even used now?). In writing those compositions, I learned I had a pretty good imagination, and I enjoyed using it to make up stories. Of course, after reading Gone with the Wind, I wondered if I could write such a story…I’m still trying.
Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?
Jo: I played varsity basketball in high school, but I never could skip rope or do a cartwheel.
Q: What are you currently reading?
Jo: I’m currently reading Closer Than She Knows by Kelly Irvin, a romantic suspense novel. I’ve never been disappointed with reading any of her novels and feel like I could pick out her characters on a crowded sidewalk.
Q: What is your favorite genre to read?
Jo: I’ve spent time reading several genres, from Amish to Regency to cozy mysteries. But psychological thrillers, or any mystery or suspense novels, are my favorite. I’ve never tried to write in any of those genres, but I enjoy reading them.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
Jo: Reading, of course.
Q: What is your favorite season and why?
Jo: My favorite season is spring. As the days grow warmer, we can break out the sandals and enjoy more abundant sunshine. Spring brings us closer to beach trips, which I thoroughly enjoy.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card + eBook of Loving Sarah!
(2) winners will each receive the eBook of Loving Sarah!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 12, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 19, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No delivery restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
This sounds like a very charming and wonderful read!
ReplyDeleteTaylor, thanks for commenting. Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI liked the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteRita, glad you liked the excerpt from Loving Sarah. Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteJolene, thanks for having me on your blog. I enjoyed visiting with you and your readers.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book! Ty for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDreaa, you're welcome. Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteThanks for the interview.
ReplyDeleteShelly, you're welcome. Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI like spring, too. Good interview.
ReplyDelete