Press Kit
Bio
Chandra Blumberg writes funny, heartwarming love stories about characters that feel real and relatable. Born and raised in Michigan, Chandra moved to the Chicago area after majoring in English at Michigan State University. When she’s not writing, she enjoys lifting heavy barbells at the gym, making a mess of the kitchen while baking alongside her four kids, and traveling with her family.
Books
SECOND TIDE’S THE CHARM
On sale August 6, 2024 – Canary Street Press
Format: trade paperback, ebook, and audio
Description
Love puts you in uncharted waters.
At first glance, Hope Evans just landed the perfect job: spending the summer on a shark research boat. Except as every marine biologist knows, it’s what’s going on beneath the surface that counts, and Hope’s new position comes with a big catch—the boat belongs to her ex-boyfriend, Adrian Hollis-Parker. For three years Hope’s been treading water, staying away from anything that reminds her of their past. It’s time to dive back into a job that could springboard her career—and maybe offer much-needed closure.
Since their split, Adrian has risen to internet fame as a shark expert with the launch of his YouTube channel to dispel myths and educate viewers about sharks. But success rings hollow without Hope. Embracing this new career trajectory was a risk, but working in cramped quarters with the woman he never stopped loving? That has the potential to backfire in heartbreaking ways.
Side by side, weathering storms of every kind, they’ll have to navigate the murky waters of past hurts…and hope it’s not too late to chart a new course…
STIRRING UP LOVE
Taste of Love series Book 2
Montlake – July 26, 2022
Format: trade paperback, Kindle, and audio
Description
From the author of Digging Up Love comes a heartfelt story about two rivals whose passion for food and their communities brings them together in ways they never expected.
After doing her time in corporate Chicago, Simone Blake returns to small-town Illinois to tackle a new venture: her grandfather’s barbecue restaurant. The secret, as they say, is in the sauce. Simone’s plan is to sell Honey and Hickory’s signature sauce to put her hometown on the map.
But she’s not the only one with a recipe and a plan: chef Finn Rimes from nearby Springfield has a similar vision. To jump-start his dream of opening a culinary school, he shows up at the local farmers’ market with his own barbecue sauce.
When Simone’s plan to outsell Finn falls flat, she auditions for a reality show to pitch her brand. But she’s horrified to discover Finn’s had the same idea. As Simone and Finn wage barbecue war on television, their feud turns into an undeniable attraction.
With their livelihoods on the line, it may not be so much about making the best sauce—but finding their way to each other.
Praise for Stirring Up Love
“Rival chefs are forced into a business partnership that sparks unlikely love in Blumberg’s sweet second Taste of Love romance…Readers will root for this couple in both business and love.” — Publishers Weekly
“Simone, the sister of Alisha, featured in Blumberg’s Digging Up Love (2022), gets her own love story in this fun enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity rom-com. This smart, sweet romance from rising star Blumberg uses favorite tropes in a deliciously entertaining adventure.” —Booklist
“She couldn’t surrender to love; he didn’t think he was lovable. And yet, they are drawn together. A gentle soul, he brings steadiness and steadfastness into her life. She brings caring and a sense of home to his. Together, they feel hopeful for their future for the first time. A moving story imbued with thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Stirring Up Love is the perfect mix of strong characters, sweet moments, and delicious romance. It’s a completely charming read that will leave you smiling.” —Denise Williams, author of The Fastest Way to Fall
“Like a good barbecue sauce, Stirring Up Love is sweet, tangy, and has the perfect amount of heat. Small town romance fans will adore watching Simone and Finn fall in love.” —Jennifer Bardsley, author of Sweet Bliss
“Stirring Up Love by Chandra Blumberg is simply delicious. Readers will devour this sweet small town romance sprinkled with saucy banter and plenty of heart-warming moments to savor.” —USA Today Bestselling Author Melonie Johnson
“Stirring Up Love is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Finn and Simone have crackling chemistry and the people of Hawksburg are so much fun you’ll wish you could be eating BBQ or hanging out at the farmers market with them. A five-star read that will make you hungry!” —Addie Woolridge, author of The Checklist
DIGGING UP LOVE
Taste of Love series Book 1
Published by Montlake – January 1, 2022
Format: trade paperback, Kindle, and audio
Description
From debut author Chandra Blumberg comes a playful, heartfelt romance about chasing your dreams and finding love in the process.
Alisha Blake works her magic in the kitchen, creating delectable desserts for her grandfather’s restaurant in rural Illinois. Though Alisha relishes the close relationship she has with her family, she can’t help but dream about opening a cookie shop in Chicago. She may be a small-town baker, but Alisha has big ambitions.
Then a dinosaur bone turns up in her grandparents’ backyard. When paleontologist Quentin Harris arrives to see the discovery for himself, he’s hoping that the fossil will distract him from a recent painful breakup. Instead, he finds Alisha—and sparks fly. The big-city academic and the hometown baker seem destined for a happily ever after.
But Alisha is scared to fall in love. And Quentin’s trying to make a name for himself in a competitive field, which gets even more complicated when the press shows up at the dig site. For love to prevail, the two may have to put old bones aside—and focus on the future.
Praise for Digging Up Love
“Blumberg’s charming debut combines true love, delicious cookies, and dinosaurs…fans will adore the well-drawn love story between these funny and lovable dinosaur lovers.” —Publishers Weekly
“Replete with instantly likable characters and relatable pop-culture references, Blumberg’s debut is warm, engaging, and emotionally honest. Alisha and Quentin’s gradual movement toward companionship hits all the right notes, and their interactions are both meaningful and fun.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The headline-making dinosaur dig offers a unique spin on the classic small-town contemporary romance, and readers will be craving treats after reading the descriptions of Alisha’s baked goods. Blumberg’s sweet romance offers a perfect recipe for a delectable read, combining diversity, smart characters, and a delicious love story.” —Booklist (starred review)
“A sweet romance with a ton of heart, Digging Up Love is a charming story about unearthing your deepest dreams and finding love along the way. I loved Alisha and Quentin’s connection, and the baker/paleontologist pairing was so unique. A delightful debut!” —Farah Heron, author of Accidentally Engaged
“Chandra Blumberg has penned such a lively, romantic debut! Digging Up Love spoke to me in so many ways with its characters with heart, a delicious slow burn romantic arc, and secondary characters that I want separate books for. I can’t wait for Blumberg’s next work!” —Tif Marcelo, USA Today bestselling author of It Takes Heart
“A charming romance full of humor and heart, Digging Up Love is the perfect escape.” —Allison Ashley, author of Perfect Distraction and Would You Rather
Author Photo
Photo credit: Maia Rosenfeld Photography, LLC
Photo may be used for publicity purposes.