The Book Connection...: Interview with Richard I. Levine, Author of Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea

Richard I Levine is a native New Yorker raised in the shadows of Yankee Stadium. After dabbling in several occupations and a one-year coast-to-coast wanderlust trip, This one-time auxiliary police officer, volunteer fireman, bartender, and store manager returned to school to become a chiropractor.

A twenty-five-year cancer survivor, he’s a strong advocate for the natural healing arts. In 2006 he wrote, produced, and was on-air personality of The Dr. Rich Levine Show on Seattle’s KKNW 1150AM and after a twenty-five-year chiropractic practice in Bellevue, Washington, he closed up shop at the end of 2016 and moved to Oahu to pursue a dream of acting and being on Hawaii 5-O.

While briefly working as a ghostwriter/community liaison for a Honolulu City Councilmember, a Hawaii State Senator, and volunteering as an advisory board member of USVETS Barbers Point, he appeared as a background actor in over twenty-seven 5-Os, Magnum P.I.s, NCIS-Hawaii, and several Hallmark movies. In 2020, he had a co-star role in the third season episode of Magnum PI called “Easy Money.”

While he no longer lives in Hawaii, he says he will always cherish and be grateful for those seven years and all the wonderful people he’s met. His 5th novel, To Catch the Setting Sun, was inspired by his time in Hawaii.

Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea is Levine’s first foray into the romance genre.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ http://www.docrichlevine.com

X ➜ https://www.twitter.com/Your_In8_Power

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/RichardLevineAuthor/

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/rilevinedc

Where did you grow up?

New York City and Yonkers.

When did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing on and off for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first novel in 2011.

What is this book about?

Mitch and Jess met in the fourth grade. It was love at first sight for both of them. He was the freckled-face kid who had stood up for her honor when he silenced the class bully who’d been teasing her because of her accent. She was the new kid whose family had moved to San Juan Island, Washington, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and whom Mitch had thought was the most beautiful girl in the world. She was his salvation from a strict upbringing, and he was her knight in shining armor who had always looked out for her. They were inseparable...until 9/11, when the real world interrupted their Rockwell-esque small town life, and Mitch had joined the Marine Corps.

The story is a romance, but it’s really more than that. It’s the story of a wounded warrior finally coming home to search for the love and the world he abandoned twenty years before. It’s also the story of a man who is seeking forgiveness and a way to ease the pain caused by every bad decision he’d ever made. It’s the story of a woman who, with strength and determination, rose up from the ashes of a shattered dream to forge a successful life; but who never gave up hope that her one true love would return to her.

What inspired you to write it?

I definitely didn’t plan this book or these characters in advance. As with my other novels, the idea, the people, and the basic story simply come to me in a vision. When it happens, it’s as real to me as anything anyone sees in front of their eyes. And then there’s this little voice in my head that says something to the effect, “This one, do this one.”

How is it similar to other books in its genre? How is it different?

I’ll admit that I can’t recall the last time I’ve read a romance. So, I can’t say how it is similar or different. However, I can share portions of a few recently posted reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, which should answer your question.

“Like Driftwood On The Salish Sea gives you more than a sweet love story. It touches on how the past can haunt you, how forgiveness isn’t easy, and how some connections don’t fade no matter how much time passes. It’s thoughtful, heartfelt, and worth the read if you want romance with depth.” ~Ghulam Mustafa

“Richard I. Levine’s Like Driftwood On The Salish Sea is a romance that goes way beyond the usual stuff and really hits you right in the heart. Forget just another small-town love tale—this one dives deep into fate, sacrifice, and how first love sticks with you forever.” ~Piaras Cionnaoith

“It was such a sweet, slow-burn kind of romance that really hit me in the feels. The love story isn’t flashy or overly dramatic—it’s mature, tender, and just real. I loved how the characters weren’t perfect; they’re a little bruised, a little weathered, like actual people trying to figure it all out.” ~Grace Eliot

What is the most important thing readers can learn from your book?

Some of our greatest lessons in life hit us right between the eyes when we least expect it. While it’s not for me to preach to anyone, there are many themes, or lessons if you prefer, that are subtly woven into the story, such as faith, family, honesty, integrity, loyalty, the list is almost endless. There’s pretty much something for everyone, and hopefully the right thing will jump out to the right person at the right time.

Where can readers purchase a copy?

The book is available in ebook format and in paperback on Amazon.

What is up next for you?

Right now, my little voice that brings those story ideas to me wants me to concentrate on an upcoming interstate move. I am presently putting all the pieces together in preparation for moving day, and in a few weeks, I’ll be embarking on a 1300-mile journey with a packed-to-the-rafters car and my two kitties, Koa and Peanut Butter.

Is there anything you would like to add?

It is said that a good, hearty belch after a meal is like music to the ears of a chef. It is the ultimate compliment. To an author, that belch is a good, but honest, review posted by a satisfied reader. If you’ve been entertained, introduced to new friends that you’d love to hang with, taken on a journey that you didn’t want to end, or if you were transported to world that made you forget the stresses of the day, then write a nice review to compliment the author who made you laugh, cry, imagine, or filled you with even the smallest amount of wonder.