We got to ask Rebecca Shea a few questions about her latest new release, Fault Lines, her process, and celebrating Halloween.

It’s always fun to pick your favorite author’s brain for a few moments, so when we got an opportunity to ask Rebecca Shea a few questions, we jumped at the chance. Read on for some insight into how Fault Lines became the novel it is, some general writing stuff, and all her favorite Halloween things.

About ‘Fault Lines’

How did you go about creating Crescent Ridge? Were there any fictional or real towns that you based it off of?

I did some internet research for Sierra Nevada to get some of the landscape down. Overall, the “small town” description was taken from my late Grandmother’s small town in Iowa. I remember how small the main street was, the brick buildings, and the small cafe. I took a lot from that town in Iowa to build the overall concept of Crescent Ridge.


Fault Lines is designed as a stand alone story, any interest in writing more stories in this world now that you’ve finished Cole and Frankie’s story? Carter and Faith seemed to have a little chemistry…

Ha! You are NOT the first person to ask for their story. I loved writing Carter. He was one of my favorite male secondary characters to write. He was wise and instinctual and such a great character to write. I may consider a story for Carter and Faith, but it won’t happen in the coming months. I need those characters to start talking to me first.


Were there any scenes or traits/qualities of Cole or Frankie’s you had to edit out of the story that you wished had been able to stay?

There was a flashback scene of Frankie and her friend Ashely at college. I LOVED that scene, but it just didn’t add what it needed to the story. I kept it and may use it as a bonus scene on one of my social media pages at some time! 




Cole believes he’s doing the best thing for Frankie by breaking her heart and chasing her out of town. This happens a lot in romance, with men making choices for the heroine that ultimately come back to bite them in the ass. In this case, why do you think Cole couldn’t trust Frankie to choose her future for herself?

Because he knew her heart better than she did. He knew she’d selfishly give up her dreams, her chance for a better life for him. I hated writing it…I hated how he did it, but deep down, I felt his love for her and understood his reasons why he made the decision he did.


Cole and Frankie are definitely one of those destiny pairings, where everyone around them seems to know their future even if they don’t. You’ve also written stories, like Dare Me, where the hero and heroine have much less history together. Do you generally prefer one type over the other, or do they both have their perks?


Great question! Both have their perks. There are those souls that are destined for each other from the time they’re young….then there are those instant connections that are undeniable. Both exist and both are wonderfully beautiful! (for all the naysayers of instalove….it DOES happen, whether you like it or not!)



About writing and reading

What is your favorite genre/subgenre to read?

Ohhh…I love romance (obviously!), but I also love a good mystery or psychological thriller!


What is your most recent 5-star read?

Hands down, Mara White’s Heightsbound series! It’s gritty, and raw, and left me wanting MORE!

Are there any romance subgenres you haven’t written in yet that you definitely would like to try someday?

Maybe RomCom…except I don’t think I’m that funny. 


Is there anything unusual or fun about your writing process that you just couldn’t imagine writing without?

Starbucks. Not the coffee, but the locations. I write there a lot while my kids are at football practice or dance rehearsal. You find the strangest people at Starbucks and I find a lot of inspiration in just watching people!

About everyone’s favorite spooky holiday, Halloween

If you could dress as any character, person, or thing, what would your dream Halloween costume be?

Jackie Kennedy! I love the entire Kennedy history, Camelot, and I’ve always wanted to dress up as her. She was fiercely beautiful and THIN…so I’ve always been hesitant to try and pull that off!


What’s your favorite kind of Halloween candy?

Oh, gosh…I’m low carb this year…so I’m not having any, BUT Snickers and Butterfingers are a weakness of mine.


Haunted Houses: Terrifying houses of horror or a fun activity to do with your friends?

Both. There’s something to be said about confronting fears in a haunted house, but I’d need some vodka to force myself to do it!


What’s your favorite part of Halloween? 

The colors, the weather, the kids. All of it is amazing. October is my favorite month of the year. I feel like anywhere in the U.S. October is perfect!


What is your favorite Halloween-themed or scary movie?

Poltergeist. I can’t even believe my parents let me watch that as a kid. I’ve probably watched it one hundred times!

Make sure to check out Fault Lines which is available today on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. And make sure to add it on Goodreads, too!