For Tara Geerlings Cummins, the magic of the mountain community where she grew up has always been something worth capturing.
The Crestline native, who graduated from Rim of the World High School in 2010, is now a published author, bringing the familiar charm, traditions and heart of the San Bernardino Mountains to readers through her latest release, Never Fall For a Friend.
Set during Crestline’s beloved Jamboree Days celebration, the short romantic comedy takes readers to the early morning bustle of the Fourth of July festivities where neighbors gather, booths line the streets, fireworks light up the sky over Lake Gregory and small-town memories are made.
“I wanted to capture the feeling of Crestline,” Cummins said. “The community, the traditions and the people who make this place special. It’s the heart of the story.”
The book follows Eva Gonzalez, a baker who loves everything about Jamboree Days, from her famous firecracker cake pops to the chaos and connection that come with a mountain-town celebration. Her perfectly planned holiday takes an unexpected turn when her best friend Vincent Sanchez, a tattooed motorcycle-riding carpenter, comes to town.
Between playful banter, old friendships, community events and Fourth of July traditions, Eva discovers that the best part of Jamboree Days might not be the fireworks, but the possibility of finding love right in her own backyard.
“Crestline has always had such a unique personality,” Cummins said. “There’s something special about a place where people know each other, show up for each other and celebrate together.”
Never Fall For a Friend is part of Cummins’ Never Say Never series, a collection of short, sweet romantic comedies designed for quick reads and for every age. Each book features a different holiday, a different couple and can be read independently.
Cummins’ journey from a Rim High School graduate to a published author began with a lifelong love of storytelling. Her books focus on small towns, big emotions and the unexpected moments that bring people together.
For mountain residents, Never Fall For a Friend offers more than a romance story – it’s a reminder of the traditions, places and people that make Crestline home.
“Jamboree Days has always felt like a little bit of magic,” Cummins said. “I hope readers feel that when they open the book.”
Never Fall For a Friend is available now at Goodwin & Sons Market and online retailers.
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