TROUBLE IN PARADISE - Debby Mayne - One Free Book

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 visiting New 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.

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.

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.

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 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 to Georgia 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.

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.

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

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)

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