Meet author Tara Taffera
Tara Taffera is an avid reader who writes contemporary Christian romance enveloped in God’s grace and love. Book two and three in her series, Love Unfailing, and Love Reunited, won the silver medal in the 2022 and 2023 Illumination Book Awards in the romance category. She lives in Virginia with her husband of more than twenty-five years. He is one of her biggest cheerleaders, along with her three daughters.
Tell us about your newest book.
Emily aches for a place to belong. Her fiancé left after discovering she couldn’t offer him the perfect life, a secret she holds close. She isn’t looking for a new man nor does she expect the electricity that crackles at a first meeting in front of a church bulletin board.
Jacob closed himself off when his wife left him, demanding perfection he couldn’t provide. And now, Jacob finds it impossible to stay away from Emily and her bright light that shines into his damaged heart. Still, he hides behind their nine-year age difference, fearing Emily will leave when she learns of his inability to give her a family.
While preparing for a mission trip to Guatemala, Jacob and Emily’s relationship blooms, and they gain a glimpse of the happiness they always craved. But when Jacob’s fears take hold, will he retreat, leaving them both tattered and torn?
What inspired you to write Stay?
I gained the idea for this group from a member of my writers group. She talked about how hard it is as a thirty something single woman to find a place in the church. That sparked this book idea and even served as the opening scene. She even served as a pre-reader for the book and gave me great suggestions along the way.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Stay is the story of Emily and Jacob, two wounded souls with secrets and fears keeping them apart, though they are drawn to each other from the moment they met.
What genre do you focus on?
I write contemporary romance as it’s my favorite genre to read. And I love getting ideas from everyday life.
Why do you write?
I love writing fiction, and the more books I write, the more I love it. I especially enjoy talking to people who have read all my books and notice my growth as a writer—that really makes me smile and gives me a sense of accomplishment as I think all of us should strive to always get better.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Emily is the main character. She is 31, and I think I chose her name based on popular names the year she was born.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I have a full-time job so most of my writing gets done on the weekends and early morning before work. I’m not a night time writer—I never have brain power left.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The marketing is the hardest part just because there are so many things you could be doing and it’s hard to figure out what to focus on. I think I am getting better at that as I go. But it’s difficult to find time for writing and marketing. It seems one of those always suffers.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Hearing from people I don’t know who love my books.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I published my first book at 47. It’s never too late to go after your dreams!
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I get better with every single book. I think reading great authors is a big part of helping authors grow. When you read a sentence that comes alive it makes you want to strive for that.
What is your favorite pastime?
It’s hard to find time for things other than writing and working. But in my free time I spend it with my husband and daughters.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes I have a complete Series, A Divine Love, with three books.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing a book called The Christmas Quest to come out in October and this is the most excited I have ever been about a book. I am excited every day I sit down and write. I haven’t hit writers block yet (knock on wood), and I’m halfway done.
Website: www.tarataffera.com
Link to book: bit.ly/3lu2t9j
Social media links:
Follow me on social media!
