Check out our interview with Patricia Leavy, the author of "Sugar Sand Land."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
I’m a romance novelist but I also have a background in sociology. I think that dual perspective shapes the stories I tell. I love intimate love stories but with themes that are relevant to all our lives. In the age of social media just about everyone has a public image whether you’re famous or not—a curated image—and I’m fascinated by how that impacts our lives. I’ve always been interested in the gap between appearance and reality. That gap is heightened in a world ruled by Instagram images, TikTok reels, and mass media stories. I’m obsessed with romance and so a love story was entry point for exploring appearance versus reality. By creating a love story between celebrities, I was able to show the reality of their lives and include media stories and public commentary in the form of social media posts. That allowed me to explore the gap between what people think is true and what actually is true.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
Opening yourself up to all kinds of stories told by diverse storytellers. I’m a huge believer that we need more stories and more storytellers, not less. Reading is so broadening, the way travel can be. It’s a chance to be exposed to new people with different perspectives and life experiences, and to come to care deeply about them. So I think it’s important to not just read the most famous five or ten people in your genre of preference, but to seek out lesser known authors, indie authors, international authors, and to read across genres with an open mind and heart.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
It’s important for people to see themselves represented in books. There’s a feeling of resonance when you see a character who is in some way like you. That moment of “me too” makes people feel seen, which is what all human beings want. It’s about inclusion. When you relate to a character you may also start to see new possibilities for your own life. If they can do something or overcome something, and they are like you, then maybe you can too. It’s equally important to be exposed to people who may be different than you in any number of ways or have different life experiences. It’s all about building empathy, compassion, and understanding. To me, empathy and compassion are the cornerstones of humanity. Part of our responsibility as storytellers is to build those bridges of understanding across differences. I think it’s especially important to represent those who have historically been underrepresented, misrepresented, or stigmatized. There’s an undoing that needs to happen. As we write, we rewrite culture. I think about all of this when I write each book and even more so when I look at my catalog as a whole. It’s important to me to use my voice well and to carefully consider what I contribute to the culture. As a novelist, I feel like my job is to both document the world as it is and to reimagine it. Writing is an act of hope.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
Sugar Sand Land is a contemporary romance—with a twist—about a media-savvy reality television star and a canceled country singer. It follows the love story of Emerson Blue and Renn Walker. Emerson, twenty-eight years old, is the second most followed celebrity on social media. She calls herself a “living piece of art.” She rose to fame as a reality star and then parlayed her celebrity into a megabucks career as an influencer. Renn, forty-eight years old, is a fallen country music star. He was canceled following allegations of sexual misconduct, and he has lived in seclusion for years. When Emerson and Renn meet, sparks fly. Against all odds, a star obsessed with popularity and a recluse shunned by the world fall in love. Everyone in the public and media has an opinion and thinks they know Emerson and Renn. But in a world dominated by social media—a world that blurs the lines between what’s public and private, what’s real and what’s illusion—do we ever really know anyone? I wrote the book for two reasons. First, I just love a love story. To me, the relationship between Emerson and Renn is really beautiful. Second, in contemporary culture we all need to think about what we share online, how we present ourselves, and how we judge others. Social media is a highlight reel. It’s constructed. It’s dangerous to compare your insides to someone’s airbrushed outsides.
What can fans expect from your book?
Sugar Sand Land is far and away my personal favorite of my novels to date. More than any of my books it encapsulates everything I’m most passionate about. At the center there is a sexy and deep romance. There is also an exploration of public myth versus personal pain. The novel raises questions about contemporary society—social media, cancel culture, fame, what is public and private, and the relationship between the art and artist. To me, it’s as much about all of us as it is about Emerson and Renn. Those are the kinds of books I love the most and I’m really proud of this one. All that said, at the end of the day it’s meant to be a fun celebrity romance and quick read. Readers can expect a cozy, satisfying romantic escape that maybe has a little food for thought.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
I’ve written a series called The Celestial Bodies Romances. It follows a best-selling novelist and a federal agent fighting to heal past wounds. The first two books, Shooting Stars Above and Twinkle of Doubt are already out. The third book, Constellations of Love, is coming out March 16, 2027. It’s the coziest book in the series with a holiday theme and a personal favorite. I adore the series. It’s sort of an adult fairy tale in a way, with epic and deep love, but also darkness the characters are battling relating to past trauma. It’s about the power of unconditional love to help heal our invisible wounds. There are six novels written to date and we’re releasing one each spring. For readers who enjoy Sugar Sand Land, I loved writing it so much that there’s a sequel. Evergreen will be out in September 2027. Beyond that, I have several other contemporary romance novels in the pipeline.
