When I created my Champion Chocolatier series, I had so much fun writing about the city of Duluth. I enjoyed reliving vacation memories and my favorite tourist spots. Because the pages were built on a foundation of real experiences, the words came easy and the process of world building, one that is normally time consuming, went a whole lot quicker.

As I embarked upon writing my new series, Close Quarters, I fell in love with the idea of placing the story in my hometown of La Crosse. My characters were bound to visit restaurants and hair salons and go on dates, right? Why not use real locations, ones that already held a host of memories fueled by dozens of sensory details that I’d already experienced? The decision was a no-brainer.

Today in my blog post I am going to highlight a few of my favorite local locations featured in the book and share how these places impacted my life. As a special treat, I’m even going to share a few sneak peek snippets from the book, Close Quarters!

Hold tight, we are about to take a virtual tour of the town I call home, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Freight House

As a child, The Freight House floated in my mind as an adults-only establishment. It was where my parents went on dates or company Christmas parties. It was a place for dressing up and special occasions. When I was finally old enough to visit the restaurant myself, I was awed by the décor, the menu … even the bathrooms felt fancy! One “rule” we had growing up in my house was that hamburgers were for kids and steak was for grown-ups. I’ll never forget my first bite of filet at the freight house. Honestly, it ruined me forever. I’ll never order anything else. Sirloin? Psh, please. I remember selecting the Freight House for dinner with my friends for prom and going to my best friend’s rehearsal dinner in the back dining room. It was easy to imagine the Ames family going to dinner here and feeling the exact same way.

The Waterfront

My mom’s retirement party was at The Waterfront. My sister and at least one cousin had their reception here as well. Just stepping into this restaurant makes me feel classy and elegant. I know that my military family friends often pick this location for date nights because of their military discount, but it’s not just military personnel that they treat like royalty. Our server once brought me his manager’s coat because I said I was cold. Plus, it’s location right on the river made including it in the book an easy choice. I can’t share this scene from the book because includes a MAJOR SPOILER! I guess you’ll just have to pick up a copy and find out yourself what happens at this local spot!

The Pearl

I love ice cream. Everything is better with it. My parents must have agreed because we often tacked on this downtown hot spot to the ends of family outings. I’m not sure if the traditional food associated with first communions is ice cream, but in our family it was. It also doesn’t matter if it’s twenty below zero, we always get ice cream after walking through the Rotary Lights (which also show up in the book!). When the youngest cousin Harper is having a rough day, Mia resolves to make it all better with ice cream, from The Pearl.

These aren’t the only local locations that show up in Close Quarters. Over 30 La Crosse area businesses and organizations make an appearance! To help readers experience these destinations for themselves, I’ve created this bookmark. Treat it like a scavenger hunt or a checklist and you are sure to have a great time!

To celebrate their inclusion in my book, several local businesses are contributing goodies to the launch party which will take place on Monday, November 11th. Party attendees will gifted with…

Java Vino Coupons

A chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Lamke Tree Farm

Luggage Tags from The Charmant Hotel

Canvas Totes from Olive Juice Quilts

Cupcakes from Meringue Bakery

Can koozies from Goli’s Avenue of Travel

AND MORE!

Stop by The La Crosse Distilling Company between 5:30-8:00 for this free and open house styled event. In addition to the giveaways mentioned above, appetizers, a cash bar, an opportunity to thank Veterans, a reading (at 6:30) and book sales await you. If you are unable to attend, but are interested in purchasing a book, you can purchase them locally at The Local Maven (in Holmen) and Olive Juice Quilts (Onalaska) starting Tuesday, November 12 or on Amazon.

Close Quarters

Kelly, Lindsay, Mia, and Harper grew up not only as cousins but as best friends. Kelly has always been the dreamer and Lindsay the one with all her ducks in a row. Mia claimed the role of wild child the day she was born, and Harper will forever be the baby. Separately they are flawed, but together, the Ames cousins are convinced they can do anything.Then, without warning, their grandmother, the infamous Midwestern literary critic, Ingrid Ames dies. Suddenly, they each find themselves unsure of how to move forward without her guiding presence in their lives. As they attempt to pick up the pieces after the funeral, the cousins come together to open a bookstore in her honor. Unfortunately, their vision of tribute seems to be jeopardized at every turn. A surprising pregnancy, mysterious deliveries to the store, a deployment, and — most unexpected — time with each other, threaten to collapse the entire operation.This new novella from Amanda Zieba, explores the tribulations of being a woman in today’s high expectation world, the complexities of close-knit families and the power of friendship.

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