Dear Readers, Debby
and I have had a special connection for decades. I’m thrilled to share her new
book with you.
Welcome, Debby. How
did you come up with the idea for this story?
I’m a southern girl, and I’ve always enjoyed visitingNew York . I thought it would be fun to place
a romance heroine up there to show the differences in accents, food, and
sensibilities, and similarities in matters of the heart. And since this was
such a fun story to write, I have 2 more in the series to follow: One Foot Out the Door and Can’t Fool Me Twice.
I’m a southern girl, and I’ve always enjoyed visiting
If you were planning
a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would
you invite and why?
Paige Dooly, Cynthia Hickey, Gail Martin, Janice Thompson, Debra Collins, and Martha Rogers. I don’t like stopping at six because there are so many writers whose work I admire.
Paige Dooly, Cynthia Hickey, Gail Martin, Janice Thompson, Debra Collins, and Martha Rogers. I don’t like stopping at six because there are so many writers whose work I admire.
I love these authors,
too. I like to tease Paige saying that they don’t know how to spell Dooley. Now
let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six
people would you invite and why?
You, of course. And Rhonda Gibson, Julie Pollitt, Kathleen Y’Barbo, Brandi Boddie, and Debra Ullrick. There are a few others I’d sneak in, but shh, don’t tell anyone.
You, of course. And Rhonda Gibson, Julie Pollitt, Kathleen Y’Barbo, Brandi Boddie, and Debra Ullrick. There are a few others I’d sneak in, but shh, don’t tell anyone.
That looks like a fun
party. I’d be sure to accept the invitation. Many times, people (and other
authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most
difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?
I write mostly because I enjoy the process. My least favorite part is the marketing because it feels awkward to tell people I want them to read my book. There are so many wonderful stories by great writers it’s difficult to compete.
I write mostly because I enjoy the process. My least favorite part is the marketing because it feels awkward to tell people I want them to read my book. There are so many wonderful stories by great writers it’s difficult to compete.
I understand that. Tell
us about the featured book.
Trouble in Paradise is a “fish out of water” story about a woman who moves to NYC for a great career opportunity. She’s attracted to her boss, but he is very skittish—something she eventually discovers is the result of PTSD. When her mother has a serious health issue, she goes back home toGeorgia and
decides to turn her back on her career to help her parents. However, the Lord
has another plan for her, and she discovers surprises at every turn.
Trouble in Paradise is a “fish out of water” story about a woman who moves to NYC for a great career opportunity. She’s attracted to her boss, but he is very skittish—something she eventually discovers is the result of PTSD. When her mother has a serious health issue, she goes back home to
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Charlene stepped outside her apartment building and glanced up at the blue sky peeking out from between the skyscrapers. Here it was a beautiful Friday morning in September, the day before her much-needed vacation, but Charlene still dreaded going to the office. She hadn’t always felt that way. She had the job of her dreams, and she lived in the city that never sleeps. But hoo-boy, her new boss sure could be a bear.
Charlene stepped outside her apartment building and glanced up at the blue sky peeking out from between the skyscrapers. Here it was a beautiful Friday morning in September, the day before her much-needed vacation, but Charlene still dreaded going to the office. She hadn’t always felt that way. She had the job of her dreams, and she lived in the city that never sleeps. But hoo-boy, her new boss sure could be a bear.
And today would be extra rough since she had to tie up all
the loose ends before her weeklong vacation, which she'd decided to take back
home with her mama and daddy who lived on fifteen acres smack dab in the middle
of a sprawling Atlanta suburb. Grandpa had refused to sell his property to the
developer, so now her parents lived on the old family homestead surrounded by
modern mansions on postage stamp lots.
As Charlene hoofed it to her office in the heart of New York City 's garment
district, she took several deep breaths and then stopped to say a brief silent
prayer before entering the building. Lord,
give me the strength to get through this day without any tears, or even a
sniffle … She opened her eyes for a second and then shut them again. And help me keep my thoughts to myself,
because You know how mouthy I can be!
Once she entered her office building, she squared her
shoulders and forged ahead, her shoes tap-tapping on the tan marble floor that
sure could use a polishing. The white walls—with nothing but a metal
directional sign and a list of businesses—seemed even colder this morning. She
hopped on the elevator and rode up, hoping she wouldn’t have to face Alan until
the Friday morning meeting in a couple of hours.
Her heart sank the instant she stepped off the elevator.
Standing there in front of her was the man of her nightmares. Alan glanced at
the clock and then tipped his head toward her. “Ms. Pickford, nice to see that
you made it on time.”
“I'm always on time.” She forced a smile to take the edge
off the clipped tone that escaped her lips. Lord,
help me.
He shrugged. “Maybe so, but I thought you might be in
vacation mode. That’s what generally happens the day before someone takes time
off.” His lips flat-lined, making him look like a marionette as he lifted an
eyebrow, looked at her for several long seconds, and then turned around and
strode back to his office without another word. She stood there staring after
him as all kinds of comebacks flitted through her mind.
Ever since Alan Robards had arrived as the general manager
of Paradise Promotional Products four months ago, she’d felt that she couldn’t
do anything right. She thought her hard work for the past three years had paid
off when her boss and the general manager left and she got a promotion. Unfortunately,
that career boost came with a brand-new boss she would never have chosen to
work for. Mama always said to be careful what you wish for. Now she understood
that saying all too well.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Website: http://debbymayne.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debby.mayne
Twitter: @DebbyMayne
Website: http://debbymayne.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debby.mayne
Twitter: @DebbyMayne
Thank you, Debby, for sharing this new book with us. I'm eager to read it.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you
order, you help support this blog.
Trouble in Paradise (Belles in the City Book 1)
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.
You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us
where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America . (Comments containing links may be subject
to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the
number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of
eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any
pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on
this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You
will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz,
Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave
your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
13 comments:
Thanks for the interview, Lena! It's always fun to get to know readers!
This sounds like a story I would really enjoy.
Linda in So Cal
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
This book sounds fantastic. I think I would definitely enjoy it. Disabled due to medical error, so I enjoy reading when I win a book. Unfortunately income so low, I can't buy books right now. Thank you, Lena, for sharing Debbie Mayne's interview.
Barbara Thompson from West Monroe, Louisiana
barbmaci61@yahoo.com
sounds like a good book thanks for the chance to win live in ND
It's fun seeing people posting from different places! As a former military brat, I enjoyed traveling with my family, eating food from different parts of the country, and hearing accents. During my adult travels, I love going to NYC for short visits. The sights and sounds are so different from the places I've lived in the South. However, one thing that surprises me is the popularity of the southern-style restaurants there. Maybe people moved to NY from the South? Maybe they're homesick and miss their mama's cooking? Or maybe it's something they've never tried before, and they like to be adventurous? Whatever the case, they seem to like it.
Thanks for sharing Debby's thoughts and the first page of Trouble in Paradise.
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Love the cover! Sounds like a great story!
Beth in Montana
This sounds like a book I would really like to read.
Susan in Odessa, TX
I hope the winner of this book enjoys it! I bring this couple back and introduce new ones in books #2 and #3 in this series. All three are stand-alone books, but the heroines bond over their southernness and become close friends.
Looking forward to purchasing as I've lived just outside Manhattan
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
This story looks like a lot of fun! Would love to win.
Pam in OH
Looking forward to the series thank you for the giveaway.
Lourdes Long Island, NY
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