Books set in TN & Atonement, TN Revisited

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Saturday, June 23, 2018

I can’t believe that it was way back at Christmastime, 2012 when I published my urban fantasy novel Atonement, Tennessee.  That makes it downright embarrassing that I still haven’t released the second book!  It’s written, but I have little time to give the editing and proofing process.  Although I’m getting closer.  

Marketing Graphic for Teagan's Books
Image by Chris Graham

It might not be okay for me to mention it outright, but if you miss the “Sookie” books, now that the well loved series set in a small Louisiana town (with HBO series based on it), has come to an end (wink-nudge-wink), then I think you will like my Atonement, Tennessee series.  There are no vampires (not that I know of), rather there are characters loosely inspired by ancient Celtic mythology.

I wanted this post to be about more than me.  I was surprised to learn how many books had the (USA) state of Tennessee as their setting.  Here’s a Goodreads page listing amazing books that are set in Tennessee. 

Many of you are new and not familiar with my novel.  So while I’m scrambling to get Atonement in Bloom (book 2) out there, I thought I would use my Saturday posts to revisit that… erm, let’s say unique little town.  Today we’ll get reacquainted with the the heroine and narrator, Ralda (Esmeralda) Lawton.  Here are some fun (I hope) facts about her.

1.  Is she fictional or a historic person?

Ralda-in-car_dreamstime_xs_28934268
Ralda Lawton, Dreamstime Image

Ralda (Esmeralda) Lawton is a fictional character.  Atonement, Tennessee, the first book in the series, was a National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) novel.  I designed everything about that story to be something I could do in the single month of NaNoWriMo — in other words, fast.  Typically none of my characters are based on real people.  However, with the need for speed in mind, I let Ralda share some of my outlooks. Plus her profession is similar to mine.  But she isn’t me, I promise.

Ralda is the narrator for all the Atonement books.  However, her cat, Lilith, takes a turn for important scenes that Ralda could not witness.

Lilith and mirror
Lilith, Dreamstims

2.  When and where is the story set?

Following the advice “Write what you know,” I wanted a small southern town as the setting.  I chose Tennessee for the state of my fictional town.  (Even making up a fictional town was also intended for speed – it wouldn’t need as much research!)  Yet what to name this town?  I was thinking about what kinds of people might live there, their attitudes and opinions.  Suddenly “Atonement” popped into my mind as the name for the town.  So my setting is the fictional town (and the title), Atonement, Tennessee.

3.  What should we know about the heroine?

That’s really hard to say without giving away parts of the story.  I don’t want to spoil anything for people who have not read the book.

3 friends oval
Neighbors & Friends, Dreamstime

I’ll tell you that Ralda has been hurt badly in the past, and more than once.  She’d like to keep an open mind about things like relationships, but she’s afraid to try.  Besides, she doesn’t think the “pluses” outweigh the “minuses.”  On the other hand, she makes friends readily.  If she cares about someone, she’s fiercely protective.

She’s highly intuitive, and smart.  Those assets lead her to unravel the mysteries that surround her in her new mysterious old house, in Atonement, Tennessee.

4.  What messes up her life?

Ultimately, that would be (repeatedly) the supernatural beings that either live in or frequent the strange little town and the old estate house in which she lives — and its graveyard.   Yes, I said graveyard. 

5.  What is the personal goal of the character?

Ralda Lawton just wants a peaceful life in her new town.  She succeeded in getting away from the big city by moving to quaint Atonement, Tennessee.  However, so far, her new life has been anything but quiet.  How could she know the tiny town rests on a very powerful ley line?  It seems to draw mythological entities like a magnet.  (I took creative license with the ley line idea and their actual locations.)
TN_Ley-Lines

6.  Do the same characters return for book 2?

You’ll meet many familiar characters in book-2, Atonement in Bloom.  There are also several new supernaturals in town for the sequel.  And yes… I do intend a third book for the series.  Eventually I plan to do a “three things” type serial for it here on this blog.  That seems to be the only way I have time to write. 

 If you have any questions about the “Atonement-verse” feel free to leave them in a comment.  I love to hear from you.

***

Here’s my own shameless self-promotion…

Atonement Video Cover copy

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This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2018 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved.

No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise. 

76 thoughts on “Books set in TN & Atonement, TN Revisited”

  1. Sounds like a book i need to check out, Teagan. I will add it to my TBR list which is quite full but promise to read and review when it is next on the list. Good luck with book 2 and editing. Hugs xx

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    1. I appreciate this wonderful feedback, Andrea. The story and the name of the town — it’s sort of a “what came first, the chicken or the egg?” I’m not sure which, but I’m happy to know that you picked up on it. Hugs.

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    1. I could tell that you were from a southern state, Linda. I love your stories.
      I only referenced Louisiana as the state for another small fictional southern town — where Charlaine Harris set her “southern vampire” series.
      I’m not well acquainted with your home state, but people are always telling me that New Orleans would be a great fit for me. Huge thanks for visiting — and a great big hug!

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  8. This sounds so good, Teagan. I love the sound of the old house and the graveyard. I already have Atonement Tennessee on my Kindle. I’mm finishing up my current read and AT is next in my TBR!

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    1. Oh, you are so kind, Jacquie. It’s not a romance, but I think it could still appeal to the romantic in you. What I vaguely have in mind for book 3 will probably be the closest to romantic of the Atonement books. But I feel there is a different kind of romance about mysterious old houses. Many thanks for taking time to visit. Huge hugs.

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  12. The cover to “Atonement Tennessee” was the first thing that drew me to the book. And, while it still sits patiently on my Kindle, I WILL get to it! I want to read it before the sequel is released. 🙂 Congrats on getting this far with the second one, Teagan. You can do it!

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    1. OMG, Jan… at this rate, you’ll have plenty of time. I managed to edit only 2 more chapters today (and they aren’t long chapters). At least I also finished the next chapter of Hullaba Lulu (still need to format the post though).
      I was very lucky to find artwork that felt so right for the story. I am happy to know you like it.
      Thank you so much for this comment. It really does mean a lot to me. Happy weekend hugs!

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  14. Excellent to learn about Ralda… She seems to be a strong woman, hence perfect for your book.
    I love characters that show vulnerability as well as strenght as that tends to resonate with readers.
    Interesting that you define her as a fictional character, without excluding the fact that she could somehow echo a you as author at times. Don´t you just love when we discover that some famous books characters might share things with authors. I´d say that Ernest Hemingway is a good example.
    Thank you for telling us about Ralda… & Tennessee as well 🙂
    Love & best wishes, dear Teagan ❤

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    1. Thanks Aquileana. I always enjoy your thought-filled comments. This one made me think in return, as always.
      Some people believe that writers always put themselves in characters, that the character is always really the writer. Or enough people have told me that anyway. Maybe that’s why I try so hard to *not* put myself in the characters. I guess that’s why I feel the need to justify letting Ralda share some of my opinions. LOL, and Lulu shares my snarky side. She’s a little more crass though. I hope. 😉
      I lived in Tennessee two times, and grew up just across the state line. It’s beautiful. But the minute I moved to the west, that became “home.” My longing to get back to the west again never stops. Thanks for this lovely conversation. Hugs. ❤ 🙂

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  15. Sometimes the heroines in my stories are based on who I once was but not who I am now. I find it really easy to make fun of my other selves and make them look ridiculous. They were – not that I’m no longer ridiculous – I am but in a different way. Nice introduction to the gang, Teagan!

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    1. Hi Jan. I know you are not ridiculous, but this was a fun comment. I really do try to keep my “self” out of my characters, but naturally it colors them to an extent.
      Here’s to our whimsical, unique, even eccentric selves. Happy weekend hugs!

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    1. Hi Diana. Thanks for taking time to leave these encouraging words. The technical part of the writing was difficult with years of stop and start, and finding a big flaw in my mythology that I had to fix. But the storytelling was a lot of fun. So I hope others will think so too. The gal pals are back (with a twist). Happy weekend hugs!

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  17. Hi Teagan,
    I hate to admit, I haven’t read Atonement yet, but it is on my list. Like everyone else, my list gets more massive and it’s a real problem to priorities. Between promoting my latest release and getting started on a new one my time for reading is short. But I’m not telling you anything new. Good luck with the new one.

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  20. A delightful revisit to your marvelous book, Teagan. I remember when I read it how I was carried into the story. The idea of a cat narrator blew me to St Louis and it worked so well. This post is a great idea. Hugs

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    1. John I appreciate that feedback. You have your daily post mapped out so well. I’ve felt at loose ends for what to do on Saturdays, but I can’t handle 2 serials going at the same time.
      Tee-hee, I’m glad you enjoyed Lilith as part-time narrator. She’s back for Atonement in Bloom and getting into more trouble than ever. I’ll see you at your SoCS post soon. Happy weekend hugs!

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  21. I would encourage anyone and everyone to read this book, If you’re thinking “that’s not te kind of book I go for…” think again. I said the same thing, but I chose to read it based on the strength of Teagan’s writing and I was extremely pleased! Read the book!

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    1. Thank you kindly for this glowing endorsement, Dan. With so many female characters (now that I think about it, I could have at least made Lilith a boy…) I’m delighted to have a man’s point of view on the book. Huge thanks again for doing an advance read of Bloom.
      I’ll be over your way for SoCS/Having a Beer soon. Happy weekend hugs!

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  22. First off, of anyone doesn’t own at least one copy of this book. “Atonement, Tennessee” in their collection, then that collection, I hate to said, is lonelier than you know and this book will add joy and hours of lost-in-a-book-fog that compares to nothing else.
    Dear Teagan, books come to us when the time is right and I believe that most of all with your works. There is no rush, The oxen are slow but the Earth is patient and all that; just know your devoted readers and friends will stick with you always.
    Of to share so others can find this as well. 🙂
    Hope this weekend treats you kindly.
    Mega I still want to believe the pluses outweigh the minuses hugs, dear friend xoxoxoxo

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  25. I have the first book very fresh in my mind, Teagan, but enjoyed the reminder and the snippets and hints at things to come. Oh, I’d love a three thing serial set in Atonement! That would be fabulous! Have a great weekend!

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    1. Kudos to you, Christoph for becoming so active in your new community. I’m still struggling to get to my small town — wherever it may be.
      I’m delighted that you enjoyed the novel. I really appreciate you stopping to comment. Happy weekend hugs to you too! ❤ 🙂

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