Idaho Roots & Sweet Reads: Cozying Up with Kiri Patterson
Building a sanctuary for readers takes time. While our doors aren't quite open yet, the heart of The Book Lounge is already beating. As we polish the shelves and dial in our espresso machine, we’re most excited about one thing: the incredible local voices we get to share with you.
Even before our Grand Opening, we couldn’t wait to introduce you to a writer who perfectly captures the Idaho spirit. Meet Kiri Patterson, the Star-based author behind the heartwarming Hillsdale series.
The "Basics"
Book Title: Secrets in the Snow
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Home Base: Star, Idaho
Favorite Local Reading Spot: "I LOVE coffee shops. Bordertown is a place in Star I often write at. If I can get in nature, it instantly makes everything better."
Behind the Pages: A Q&A with Kiri Patterson
We sat down (virtually!) with Kiri to talk about small-town roots, neurodiversity, and why Idaho is the perfect place for a love story.
How does living in the Gem State influence your writing? "My Hillsdale series is set in a small Idaho farm town. I grew up in a tiny farm town called Carey, Idaho, so some of the inspiration definitely came from there. Then my novella is set in Boise."
What is your "elevator pitch" for Secrets in the Snow? "It’s a sweet romance with secret pasts, second chances, and a hot single dad worth being extroverted for!"
What was the most surprising thing you learned while writing this book? "Faith is my character most similar to me (minus the secret access to a bunch of money!). It was fun to explore the idea of forgiveness for past mistakes, as well as being curious if my unique 'neurospicy side' could be something that wasn’t good or bad, but just was."
What do you wish people would ask you about your work? "What scene made me laugh the most! For this book, it was the pushups by the Christmas tree or Danny getting his money’s worth out of everyone. I also love talking about my side characters—I LOVE them!"
Which other Idaho authors should we be reading? "I love Cindy Steel (who lives near Pocatello) and Kasey Stockton in Meridian."
The Lightning Round
Current Read: The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold by Ally Carter.
Format of Choice: "Yes please! I usually have one of each going. Currently: How to Keep House While Drowning (Audio), Ally Carter (Paperback), and Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair (E-book)."
Favorite Trope: Brother’s Best Friend or Enemies to Lovers.
Must-Visit Idaho Landmark: "I grew up next to Craters of the Moon, so I’m biased, but it is pretty cool!"
Looking Ahead
Kiri’s books are exactly the kind of stories we can’t wait to stock on our "Local Legends" shelf. We are currently planning our opening month events, and you can bet we’re looking to bring Kiri in for a live chat and signing once the wine is pouring!
In the meantime, we want to hear from you: Kiri mentioned Cindy Steel and Kasey Stockton—which other local authors are on your "must-read" list?
Stay tuned for our official opening date announcement. We can't wait to welcome you home.
Happy Reading,
The Book Lounge Crew
