We chat with author Cassie Miller about Meet Me on Mistletoe Lane, which is filled with swoon-worthy romance, lighthearted comedy, and upbeat holiday cheer, making for the perfect festive read for those looking to revel in the magic of unexpected love.
Hi, Cassie! Welcome back! What have you been up to since we spoke earlier this year for your debut novel, Meet Me Under the Lights?
ALL of the things! I drafted Book 3 this summer and just turned in edits for that one. I started Year 20 in the classroom back in August as well, so with Mistletoe Lane just hitting shelves, it’s been a kind-of full-throttle Fall!
Your latest novel, Meet Me on Mistletoe Lane, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Hallmark, romcom, cozy, Christmas, love triangle
What can readers expect?
Small town Christmas vibes, a loud, chaotic Italian family that’s in everyone’s business, TONS of nods to Christmas movies, and a love triangle where both boys are total green-flags.
Where did the inspiration for Meet Me on Mistletoe Lane come from?
I’ve always loved My Big Fat Greek Wedding because of the multiple-generation storyline, so I thought it would be fun to take that dynamic but make it Italian to pay homage to my and my husband’s heritage! The Farmers Market focus came from places around my hometown. I love writing about small-town life and small business owners, and I wanted to show the highs and lows of trying to hold on to that kind of lifestyle in a world that’s constantly growing and changing. The idea of home being more than just a place but also a community and a form of family is very important to me.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I LOVED writing the eccentric cousins and aunts and uncles into this story—truly I laughed out loud mulitiple times with some of their scenes. There were so many moments where I stopped writing and literally said to myself, “What ridiculous, outlandish thing would Aunt Sofia say here?” I feel like we all have that one family member who is the one you want to sit next to at large family gatherings because you never quite know what they will say or do, so writing those kinds of people was an absolute blast.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Honestly, this story came together very quickly for me. I was fortunate enough to write it during the month of December last year. I mean, what better time to write a Christmas romcom then when I’m watching those movies and listening to that kind of music while snow is falling outside? It was magical.
Can you share some insight into the timeline for your two releases this year?
It was a total surprise, actually. We sent my editor two pieces as the “option” part of my contract last November, and she and her team at Viking Children’s came back and said they loved them both, but would I be interested in setting my Farmers Market romance in Christmastime? Once I agreed to that, we had a QUICK turnaround because we wanted Mistletoe Lane to be out in October of the same year as my debut.
So while I was gearing up for my debut Meet Me Under the Lights and it’s launch, I was working on edits for Meet Me on Mistletoe Lane, and while I was getting ready to launch Mistletoe Lane, I was working on edits for Book Three! Honestly, I’m surprised my brain handled all of that while teaching full time and being a mom as well.
With the holiday season drawing near, what are some books, movies, or shows you turn to for the festive spirit?
I’m a big fan of what I call “the classics,” so any of the Charlie Brown specials will always kick off any holiday season for me. I also love the movie musicals: White Christmas and Holiday Inn being my absolute favorites. A Muppet Christmas Carol is a must in my house as well, and yes, I sing all of those songs. I used to re-read Little Women every year for Christmas, but it’s been a few years since I did that – maybe this will be the year I bring back the tradition!
What’s next for you?
Book Three, a fall romance! Can’t wait to share more about that one. I also have an idea for a fourth book for the “Meet Me” universe that I’ll need to draw up and get some sample pages for sometime in the early New Year.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
I cannot wait to dig into more of BK Borison’s work, specifically the Lovelight Farms series, and I’m really excited for Ally Carter’s It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder. I haven’t read nearly as much as I would’ve liked so far this year (not enough headspace sadly), but I devoured Sarah Adams “Rome Kentucky” series this year, and Our Strange Duet by Erin Craig was such a great read for this big Phantom of the Opera “phan”!
