ONE FOR THE ROAD - Mary Ellis - One Free Book

Welcome back, Mary. Let’s do some fun questions first. What song most closely resembles your life? I guess that would be “The Long and Winding Road” by the Beatles. I have reinvented myself many times during my lifetime. Even my name was changed not long after my birth. And talk about careers! Good grief. I’m sticking with my current—an author. Nobody knows when you’re goofing off in your office, playing Solitaire.

When I need a quick break from the writing, I do play Solitaire. Of course, it’s always when my husband comes by the office and teases me for “goofing off.” Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite? My favorite changes often. With what I’m going through now in life, it’s Psalm 121:1-2. I will lift up my mine eyes to the hills, from whence shall my help come.

What is the one thing you wish you could go back and change in your life? I truly wish I hadn’t worried so much about other people’s opinions. I spent way too much time garnering praise or at least, acceptance. At my current ripe, old age, I endeavor to please the Lord (first), myself (second) and my husband (third). If anybody else likes my books, my politics, or my new dress/haircut it’s gravy on the meatloaf!

You definitely aren’t old. What is the most important characteristic for a good friend to have? Loyalty. A good friend must be loyal, first and foremost. We don’t turn our backs on best friends, no matter how difficult the situation. And that loyalty goes in both directions. It can’t be one-sided.

That is so true, but often lacking in our society today. What extracurricular activities did you participate in when you were in school? I played girls basketball because I was tall (I was terrible!) along with volleyball and tennis. I was much better at the latter two, but still not great. The only thing I was good at was sitting in my treehouse, reading a book. Reading was my escape, my passion.

I can’t remember a time in my life when books weren’t an important part. Before my parents could afford to buy books, the library was my favorite place to go. What is your favorite movie of all times? That would be Fried Green Tomatoes with Jessica Tandy, Kathy Bates, Mary Louise Parker and Mary Stuart Masterson. I loved the dual plot between current day and the past, and the marvelous friendship between women. I watch that movie every time it’s on.

I love that one, too. Tell us about why you wrote this book. I wrote this book because I love traveling around the country, being a tourist. So if I’m writing a cozy mystery about a travel writer, there’s no better place to find a body than on a tour. Research for this story was great fun, at least before the Covid lock-downs.

Please give us the first page of the book.

‘There it is!’ Jill exclaimed as they passed a bright blue road sign. ‘“Welcome to Kentucky – the Blue Grass State”. I’m so excited I could spit.’

Michael Erikson, her videographer sidekick, took his eyes off the road long enough to scowl. ‘Don’t you dare! I just had this car washed and detailed. What’s so exciting about the countryside of Kentucky? We’re talkin’ grandma rocking on every porch and pickup trucks driving like an Indy race.’

‘Sounds like the perfect spot for a travel piece.’ Jill rubbed her stomach with a circular motion. ‘I can almost taste the flapjacks, corn pone and deep-fried everything now.’

‘You don’t even know what corn pone is.’ Michael slugged his cold coffee with a grimace.

‘No, but I aim to find out. This could be my big chance to advance beyond travel features and blogging to the news service. We have ten expense-paid days to discover why thousands of tourists flock to bourbon country every year.’

‘You don’t even like whiskey. You drink grocery store wine out of a cardboard box.’ Michael held his gut while he laughed.

‘This will be bourbon, not whiskey.’ Jill pulled down the vanity mirror to check her teeth for remnants of lunch.

He shook his head. ‘Bourbon is a type of whiskey. If we’re doing this, partner, start doing your homework.’

‘I intend to, tonight. I would’ve already if the boss hadn’t handed us this at the last minute. Besides, my wine comes in bottles with real corks.’ Jill lifted her chin with indignation.

‘Yeah, right. I stopped at your apartment last Christmas, remember?’

‘Of course I do. What woman could forget a pair of lime-green, six-toed socks?’

‘What can I say – they were on sale. We’re on the outskirts of Louisville. Better program the GPS with the hotel’s address.’

‘We’re not staying at some boring chain hotel.’ Jill produced a cat-in-the-cream grin.

‘I get the feeling I’m not going to like this.’ Michael rubbed the back of his neck.

‘Why on earth would we stay in Louisville when the charming town of Roseville is close to two distilleries? If you recall, bourbon distilleries are why we’re here.’

‘This motel in Roseville . . . is it one of those turquoise mom-and-pop’s with a soda machine permanently out of order?’

‘Absolutely not. We’re staying at Sweet Dreams Bed and Breakfast. The online pictures looked gorgeous, truly elegant and historical.’

‘In other words flowery wallpaper, lace doilies, and threadbare rugs.’

‘Have you ever even been to a B and B?’

‘Yup, remember my ex-fiancée, Cindy? She took me to one in the Alleghany Mountains. Each night I expected Jack Nicholson to axe his way through the door. I didn’t sleep a wink.’

‘If anyone was going to take an axe to your head, it would have been Cindy.’ As usual, her insult had zero effect on him. Jill shook her head. ‘This place serves a gourmet breakfast each morning, plus either tea with scones or cocktails and canapés in the evening. Sweet Dreams is not only in the heart of bourbon country, but the proprietor might be a long-lost relative of mine, which for now we’ll keep quiet about. And her husband owns a craft distillery outside of town.’ She braced herself for Michael’s next parlay – which never came.

How can readers find you on the Internet? I love hearing from readers at: http://www.maryellis.net/

http://www.facebook.com/Mary-Ellis.Author/

Thank you, Mary, for allowing me to share this new book with my blog readers. I always love your books, and I’m eager to read this one.

Readers, here are links to the book.

https://amzn.to/38fFfLg - Paperback

https://amzn.to/3ndrn8t

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

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