Kris Bock's Blog, page 2

Get cozy for 99 cents with “A sweet romance, with cats, kittens, yummy pastries (and recipes for some of them), and a hunky hero.” #romance #books

Readers say: “I absolutely love this heartfelt series.”

“A sweet romance, with cats, kittens, yummy pastries (and recipes for some of them), and a hunky hero.” 

Kari doesn’t have time for love when she’s opening her new cat café. She’s busy hiring employees, fighting with the health inspector – oh, and welcoming 16 shelter cats. But when a tattooed military vet comes in claiming he’s a master baker, she can’t let him get away. Maybe her sister will fall for a guy this sweet.

Colin has other ideas. It’s Kari who makes him want to turn up the heat. But he’s spent the last two years recovering from physical and psychological wounds. Is he ready for a relationship? He’s not even sure he should commit to Samson, the sweet Siamese cat who steals his heart.

The Furrever Friends series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats looking for their forever homes. Each book is a complete story with a happy ending for one couple.

“I loved this book so much that I purchased the next in the series, and it is just as sweet!”

Visitthe Furrever Friends Sweet Romance serieson Amazon US or AmazonUK or seethe series with links to all retailers .

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, andsuspense. Get a free 30-page story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for Kris Bock’s Romance and Mystery newsletter. You’ll also get a printable copy of "22 recipes from the cat café” and a free Accidental Detective mystery short story with bonus material.

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboysseries , a Texasranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams andfind love amidst the chaos? 

Inthe Accidental Detective humorousmystery series, awitty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges ofturning fifty. Learn more at KrisBock.com. 

Kris alsowrites a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote theoriginal screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanieseries follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decadebefore the events of the movie. The series starts with Felony Melanie inPageant Pandemonium. Sign up for their romantic comedynewsletter andget Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin. Or find thebooks on Amazon US or All E-book retailers .

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Plus see some of my favorite items for Writer and Reader Comfort: tools to make writing and reading time easier  in these posts.
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It's International Cat Day! Celebrate by cuddling your cats, reading about cats, and/or helping cat rescues. #internationalcatday #cats #catlover #books

International Cat Day takes place on 8 August of every year. It was started in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare as a way to raise awareness and teach ways to help and protect cats. 

Celebrate by cuddling your cats, reading about cats, and/or helping cat rescues. There are many local rescues and shelters doing great work in trying to reduce the population of feral pet animals, through Trap Neuter Release programs and finding homes for strays. They can always use donations, volunteers, foster families, and people to adopt!

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, andsuspense. Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customersat a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. Start the series for only 99 cents/pence with Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café: Kari doesn’thave time for love when she’s opening her new cat café. But when a sexymaster baker walks in, how can she resist?

Get a free novella, Lions and Love at the Cat Café when you sign up for Kris Bock’s Romance and Mystery newsletter. You’ll also get a printable copy of "22 recipes from the cat café” and a free Accidental Detective mystery short story with bonus material.

The Treasure Hunting Romantic Suspense series page  also stars a feisty orange cat. Desert Gold follows the hunt for a long-lost treasurein the New Mexico desert. In Valley ofGems, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following aseries of complex clues. In Silver Canyon, sparks fly when readerfavorites Camie and Tiger help a mysterious man track down his missing uncle. 

See the Treasure Hunting Romantic Suspense series page on Amazon or at allother major retailers .

Kris's other novels include  the Accidental Billionaire Cowboysseries : a Texasranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams andfind love amidst the chaos? 

In the Accidental Detective humorousmystery series , awitty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges ofturning fifty. 

Kris alsowrites a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote theoriginal screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The Felony Melanieseries follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decadebefore the events of the movie. The series starts with Felony Melanie inPageant Pandemonium. Sign up for their romantic comedynewsletter andget Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin. Or find thebooks on Amazon US or All E-book retailers .

Learn more at KrisBock.com. Sign up for KrisBock’s Romance and Mystery newsletter. 

August is Read-A-Romance Month! Celebrate by reading #romance all month long. #books

August is Read-A-Romance Month! Celebrate by reading Romance (or reading even more romance than usual). Lots of libraries around the U.S. are posting blogs about Read-A-Romance Month and several online magazines have articles. Who doesn't love a holiday that gives you an excuse to read?

Check out these options: 

In the AccidentalBillionaire Cowboys series , a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in thelottery. Who wouldn't want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning the lotterycauses as many problems as it solves. Readers say: “Lovely feel good story.”

“I can hardly wait for the next in this series.”

“I highly recommend this book. Kris has a winning series here.” 

The  Furrever Friends SweetRomance series features theemployees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with eachother and shelter cats. 

Readers say:“I absolutely love this heartfelt series.”

“I loved thisbook so much and absolutely loved the concept of the café.”

“One of myfavorite series of all time.

Get Lions and Love at the Cat Café, a 30-page story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café, for free when you sign up for the  Kris Bock newsletter . You’ll also get a printable copy of 22 sweet recipes mentioned in the cat café novels, plus fun content about cats, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

The Felony Melanie: Sweet Home Alabama romanticcomedy novels follow the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the eventsof the movie. These are written by scriptwriter DouglasJ Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama, and his sister (me). Readers say: “Fun loving, laugh out loud read!!!!” – Christina D.

“Such a fun book to read! If you enjoyed Sweet Home Alabama this will be a treat.” – Mara B.

Sign up forthe romantic comedy newsletter to get a short story preview or find the books at all E-bookretailers .  (Also available in print.)

TheSouthwest Romantic Suspense series includes Desert Gold, Valley of Gems,and Silver Canyon.  Each novel stands alone and is complete,with no cliffhangers. This series mixes action and adventure with light romancein the Southwest. Desert Gold, “Smart romance with an ‘IndianaJones’ feel,” is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars with over 230 reviews and is only 99cents! 

Readers say: “Fast, fun, romance and adventure. What more can you ask for?” 

“Kept me on the edge of my chair. It’s one of those books I couldn’t put down.” 

Seethe Treasure Hunting Romantic Suspense series page onAmazon US or at allother major retailers.  (Also availablein print.)

For even more romance, check out the SweetRomance Giveaway! Explore romance stories featuring cats and dogs,cowboys and brides, cozy small towns or adventurous holidays. Each is free whenyou sign up for the author's newsletter (unsubscribe any time).

Check out even more romance novels (plus mystery novels) from Tule Publishing here.

Get The Billionaire Cowboy's Proposition FREE! “I would give it more than five stars if I could.” - Reader #BookRecommendation This sweet #romance is free until Aug. 1. #books

Who wouldn't want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning thelottery causes as many problems as it solves.
The Billionaire Cowboy's Proposition is FREE until Aug 1, 2024! 
She’s ready to put on the performance of a lifetime.
Cody Tomlinson and Mallory Moore have struck sparks off each other since high school theater, where she was sunny and talented while he was injured and angry. A decade later, Mallory is working to save Last Stand’s movie theater and convert it into a performance space for live theater and music. Thanks to his family’s lottery win, Cody has plenty of money to help. But Mallory’s the only woman in town who doesn’t want Cody’s charity.
It's bad enough that Cody is sexy as sin with his tough, scarred cowboy looks. Now he’s rich and Mallory refuses to be another woman fighting for his attention. She won’t accept a financial gift for her business, but she’s not above a fair trade. Mallory offers a deal: Cody can invest in the theater if he volunteers on the renovation. Meanwhile, she’ll play the part of his fiancée to ward off fortune hunters. But Mallory immediately realizes her mistake. Cody’s always driven her crazy, and now they’re spending all their days—and nights—together.
In theAccidental Billionaire Cowboys series , a Texas ranchingfamily wins a billion-dollar lottery. They’re advised to go into hiding, butthey have animals needing care. They'll have to stay and fend off enviousfriends, scammers, and fortune hunters. Can they build new dreams and find loveamidst the chaos?

Readers say: “Kris has a winning series here.”

“All of these books have been marvelous.”

“This has been one of my favorite cowboy series to read as itis so unexpected.”

KrisBockwrites romance, mystery, and suspense. Her Furrever FriendsSweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as theyfall in love with each other and shelter cats. Get a free 30-page story set inthe world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for the Kris Bocknewsletter . You’ll alsoget a printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café novels, plus funcontent about cats, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

In theAccidental Detective series , a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles thechallenges of turning fifty.

Readers say: “Full of fun, excitement and witty humor.”

“I always enjoy reading about Kate and her team of family and friends who work together to solve crimes. They might not always play by the rules, but they can solve the crimes just as good as the police.” 

Learn more at www.krisbock.com.

Krisalso writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrotethe original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The FelonyMelanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends adecade before the events of the movie. Sign up for the romanticcomedy newsletter to get ashort story preview, or find the books at allE-book retailers .

Check out new authors with ebooks from 99 cents to $4.99, plus grab some freebies! #books #mystery

Enjoy summertime reading by finding new authors! These ebooks are 99 cents to $4.99, with some freebies!

Cozy Corner - Cozy Mystery Book Sale: Cozy mysteries canmake great beach reads, poolside reads, or “I'm not going out in that heat”reads. Check out a selection here!

It's Hot Outside! Relax with a new book: Some of these look fun! There is a zombie detective, a paranormal espionage thriller, a canine Christmas caper steam punk, and more mystery and romance. Browse here.

Mystery & Suspense Giveaway: each of theseselections is free when you sign up for the author's newsletter (unsubscribeany time). Browse cozy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, and thrillers. See them here.

Kris Bock writesromance, mystery, and suspense. In theAccidental Detective series , a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles thechallenges of turning fifty. 

The FurreverFriends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as theyfall in love with each other and shelter cats. 

In theAccidental Billionaire Cowboys series , a Texas ranching family wins abillion-dollar lottery, which causes as many problems as it solves.

Signup for the Kris Bocknewsletter and get a free Furrever Friends novella, a printable copy of “22recipes from the cat café” and an Accidental Detective short story, plus funcontent about cats, announcements of new books, sales, and more.

Krisalso writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrotethe original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The FelonyMelanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends adecade before the events of the movie. Sign up for the romantic comedy newsletter to get ashort story preview or find the books at allE-book retailers.

Introducing The Haunted States of America! Fifty two different stories. Fifty two different Authors. Endless fright for all ages. #KidLit #MGLit #books

The HauntedStates of America  is out!

Every state has an urban legend that evokes fear and curiosity in equal parts, and we've chronicled all of these logic-defying horrors here in the Haunted States of America anthology.

Fifty two different stories. Fifty two different Authors. Endless fright for all ages.

From the Jersey Devil to La Llorona, each story included introduces a new chill inducing, stomach churning monster, spectre, or poltergeist certain to keep you up at night. A broad ranging collection of authors, including seasoned veterans and some first timers making a fright-tastic debut, have all united to unearth the scariest lore from each state in the US, as well as D.C. and Puerto Rico. Make sure to strap in for this spooky cross country tour, but be extra careful not to let any of these terrors follow you home.

Featuring stories from Ellen Hopkins, Rae Rose, Daniel Barlekamp, Aixa Perez- Prado, Paul Lubaczewski, Jan Eldredge, and many more. 

Kirkus Reviews called it, “An entertaining, fright-filled geographical tour” and mentioned "The entries offer frights for a variety of tastes: Many of the stories are good for a mild frisson; a few are truly creepy and chilling. Among the most accomplished narratives are Chris Eboch’s 'The Ghost in the Gold Creek Mine,' a ghost story set in Alaska..." and listed other favorites. Chris Eboch is the name I use for children's books; I went to high school in Alaska. See the full review.

Chris Eboch is the author of over 100 books for children,including nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels forages nine and up include The Eyes ofPharaoh, a mystery in ancient Egypt; TheWell of Sacrifice, a Mayan adventure used in many schools; The Genie’s Gift, a middle easternfantasy; and the Felony Melanie series featuring the characters from the movieSweet Home Alabama as teenagers. 

Chris's writing craft books include You Can Write for Children: How to WriteGreat Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers, and Advanced Plotting.

Learn more at chriseboch.com or her Amazon page.

Krisalso writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrotethe original screenplay for the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The FelonyMelanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends adecade before the events of the movie. 

Sign up for the romanticcomedy newsletter to get ashort story preview, or find the books at all E-bookretailers.

Chriswrites mystery, romance, and romantic suspense novels for adults as Kris Bock. 

In theAccidental Detective series , a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles thechallenges of turning fifty. 

Kris’sFurreverFriends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. 

In the AccidentalBillionaire Cowboys series, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, whichcauses as many problems as it solves.

Sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and Romancenewsletter and get a free Accidental Detectiveshort story and bonus material, a free 30-page sweet romance set in the world of the FurreverFriends cat café, and a printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat cafénovels.

Enjoy #ChristmasInJuly with two sweet and fun cowboy billionaire #romance novels! #Books

Who wouldn't want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning thelottery causes as many problems as it solves.

When a Texas ranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery,they're overwhelmed. The standard advice is to go into hiding, but how can theywhen they have animals needing care? They'll have to stay and fend off enviousfriends, scammers, and fortune hunters. Can they build new dreams and find loveamidst the chaos?

TheAccidental Billionaire Cowboys series  includes two sweet holiday romances!

The Billionaire Cowboy’s Christmas 

He has everything this Christmas,but all he wants is the quiet ranch life he’s losing…

When Josh Tomlinson’s mama wins a fortune in the lottery, the formerly tight-knit Texas ranching family is suddenly on edge. Josh contacts family friend and now attorney, Carly Garza for advice.

Carly’s crushed on Josh for years, but now his client and billionaire statuses put him firmly out of reach. They’re already keeping the family’s lottery win a secret from the town. Can they also hide their budding romance during the most magical time of year?

Readers say: “What a wonderful book! I loved every word of this book andhighly recommend it.”

“I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see wherethese characters go next.”

“I can hardly wait for the next in this series. I highlyrecommend this clean, romantic Christmas story.”

The Billionaire Cowgirl’s Christmas  

Ava Tomlinson raised four sons to adulthood but lost her husband too young.When her boys start pairing up and planning families of their own, Ava doesn'twant to be a bother to them or her future daughters-in-law. Most of all, shedoesn't want to grow old alone. 

But now that she’s rich, Ava doesn't trustherself to find a man who wants a 59-year-old woman for herself. She hasfriends and work managing the family charitable fund, but will she ever havelove again?

Readers say: “All of these books have beenmarvelous.”

“I was hooked from the start. This book seriesjust keeps getting better.” 

“Kris has created a beautiful family withspecial significant others. I highly recommend this book and series.”

“This book proves you’re never too old for love. This is a well writtenstory with great characters. It is a story about family, friends and love. Thisbook is the perfect way to end this series.” 

Get the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series in print or ebook at all retailers.

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, andsuspense. Learn more at  KrisBock.com . 

Get a free 30-page story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for Kris Bock’s Romance and Mystery newsletter. You’ll also get a printable copy of "22 recipes from the cat café” and a free Accidental Detective mystery short story with bonus material.

The  Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customersat a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. 

Inthe Accidental Detective humorousmystery series, awitty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges ofturning fifty.

Christmas Cookies at the Cat Café #SweetRomance is on sale for only 2.99! #Romance lovers will love this sweet mature romance for #ChristmasInJuly

Christmas isn’t the same since Diane’s kids grewup and her husband died – so when her high school sweetheart comes back totown, maybe it’s time for some cozy new holiday traditions.

Christmas Cookies at the Cat Café is on sale for only $2.99 for the month of July.   Plus, book 1, Coffeeand Crushes at the Cat Café, is just 99 cents/pence! The series is available at all ebook retailers, so grab them both now!

Visit the FurreverFriends Sweet Romance series on Amazon US or Amazon UK or see the series with links to allretailers. For an even better deal, buy the FurreverFriends Cat Café Sweet Romance Collection of six books directlyfrom the author.

“In many ways a story of how we must reinvent ourselves. It really was a joy to read and I can't wait until the next one.” - 5 stars from PAR  

Diane had a greatmarriage and a wonderful life. Now she’s a widow at 53, and her grown childrenare encouraging her to slow down and do less – but she wants more. She startsplanning for a new career by arranging a photo shoot at the cat café herdaughters run. Unfortunately, the cats won’t cooperate.

Rick loved Dianein high school, but he chose to travel the world while she settled down withanother man. Now he’s back for a visit, but he’s not planning to stay – even ifDiane still tugs at him. He’ll help her get what she wants from life, and thenhe’ll say goodbye.

Rick temps Dianeto quit her job, sell her house, and travel. But she can’t leave the people sheloves so dearly, the family that might still need her just a little bit. Dianetempts Rick to end his wandering ways, but he can’t simply step into the holeleft by her husband’s death. As the weeks pass from Thanksgiving to Christmas,the holiday season brings out complicated emotions.

Can Diane and Rickfind a way to make a new life together while holding onto the best parts of thepast? They'll need more than attraction and affection. They might even need aChristmas miracle.

“Iespecially appreciated Bock’s insights into a ‘second chance romance’ as itreflects on the hopes and fears in a later-life relationship I’m experiencingin my own life.”  – reader Linda W.

The FurreverFriends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-towncat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes.Each book is a complete story with a happy ending for one couple (and maybemore than one rescued cat). These sweet romances will leave you with the warmfeeling of cuddling a purring cat.

Visit the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series on Amazon US or Amazon UK or see the series with links to all retailers. For an even better deal, buy the Furrever Friends Cat Café Sweet Romance Collection of six books directly from the author.

“This is a sweet and clean book full of hope, joy, delicious baked goodies, and cats.” – reader Lori on BookBub

Kris Bock writes romance, mystery, andsuspense. Get a free 30-page story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for Kris Bock’s Romance and Mystery newsletter. You’ll also get a printable copy of "22 recipes from the cat café” and a free Accidental Detective mystery short story with bonus material.

In the Accidental Billionaire Cowboysseries, a Texasranching family wins a billion-dollar lottery. Can they build new dreams andfind love amidst the chaos? 

In the Accidental Detective humorousmystery series , awitty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges ofturning fifty. Learn more at KrisBock.com . 

Meet teen “Felony Melanie” years before the movie Sweet Home Alabama in this laugh-out-loud #RomanticComedy series #MFRWhooks #romcom #romance #books

Check out the romantic comedy seriesfeaturing “Felony Melanie” seven years before the events of the movie SweetHome Alabama.
Before Melanie Smooter became hot fashion designer MelanieCarmichael, she was known as Felony Melanie, the teenage troublemaker of PigeonCreek, Alabama. Aching to escape the boredom of small-town life, she gets intomany reckless adventures. Her boyfriend, Jake, is always by her side – and thelocal sheriff is usually close behind.

The  Felony Melanie: SweetHome Alabama romantic comedy novels are available in ebook and print. Seethe books with links to all retailers here.

See excerpts of other novels from the MFRW romance blog hop here or go directly to each excerpt at the links below.

Felony Melanie in Pageant Pandemonium
When Melanie qualifies for the Miss Alabama Princess Pageant Southern Regional inthe big city of Mobile, the first prize scholarship could be her ticket out ofPigeon Creek. But can her homemade dresses compete against the expensive gowns,and can a "trailer trash" girl survive when a haughty debutante willdo anything to destroy the competition.

Meanwhile, Jake thinks beauty pageants are silly, but he’ll be there to supportMelanie – as long as he can avoid getting kicked out by hotel security. ThenJake and his friends start to suspect someone is sabotaging the whole pageant.They try to follow the clues, but it isn't easy when everyone dismisses you asredneck kids.

Melanie needs to prove herself on stage. Jake and the gang need to make sureshe gets the chance. Can they show they're more than what people see on thesurface? 
Sign up for ournewsletter and get Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner's Cabin.These first two chapters from the novel Felony Melanie in PageantPandemonium stand alone as a short story. In the future, you'll getfun content about upcoming Felony Melanie novels and other romantic comedynews and links.
Excerpt:

“Upand at ’em.” Melanie’s mama threw open the curtains, sending a flood ofsunlight into the room.

Melaniemoaned as the sunlight stabbed right through her eyelids into her brain. Sheshaded her eyes and squinted at the clock. The numbers danced and blurred. Shemight still be drunk. Finally, she made out the time. Nine in the morning. Wasthis part of her mama’s revenge?

Hermama bumped the bed with her hip, rocking it, and Melanie’s head spun.

“Let’sgo. We gotta get you cleaned up for the pageant. And the way you look, that’sgonna take some time.”

Thepageant? Right, today was the Pigeon Creek Princess Pageant.

“Ithought I was grounded.” Her voice sounded like sandpaper on gravel.

“Youare. ’Cept for school and pageants. Those are important to your future. Now getin the shower. I’ll pack up your stuff.” Mama opened the closet and pulled outMelanie’s fancy pink gown with the big, ruffly skirt and poofy shoulders.

“Mama,that dress is so old-fashioned. Can I wear the new one I made?”

“Youmean that plain, off-the-shoulder one?”

“It’snot plain. It’s sleek. Y’know, modern. It’s the kind that’s in all the fashionmagazines now.”

“Well,that modern look may win pageants up in New York or Chicago, but Southernjudges are traditional. You want to win, don’t you?”

Melanierolled onto her side. The bed bobbed and pitched like a leaky rowboat on awindy lake. “I want to sleep,” she mumbled.

“Lordy,I swear girl, you’re gonna end up spending your whole life working down at thetire factory if you don’t shape up. You know the winner of today’s pageant getsto compete in the Miss Alabama Princess Pageant Southern Regional.”

Oh,right. The Pigeon Creek Princess Pageant was not only the most important localpageant of the year, it was a qualifier for the regional pageant over in Mobile.

“Firstprize at the regional pageant includes a big ol’ scholarship,” her mama said.

 The scholarship wasn’t as tempting to Melanieas her mama probably hoped, but it would be so cool to go to Mobile, hang outin the big city. She had to get up. This was just a little ol’ hangover. Itwouldn’t be the first time she’d powered through one of those.

Shetried to sit up. The room spun. She fell back onto the bed. “I don’t feel sogood, Mama.”

“Ishouldn’t wonder. You hear about the judges for the regional pageant?”

“Whatabout them?”

“Well,one is a former Miss America,” Mama said slowly, “and one is the Miss AlabamaPrincess from a few years back.”

Nosurprise there.

“There’sa professional dancer, and a cheerleading coach.”

“Uhhuh.”

“Andone man is a fashion designer. From New York City.”

Fora moment, Melanie didn’t move. Then she pushed herself up to sitting andsquinted at her mama. “For real?”

Mamanodded. “It’s in the brochure, which you’d know if you bothered to read. Nowget your lazy biscuits out of bed and into that shower. I’ll make hotcakes forbreakfast. Not that you deserve any after what you pulled last night.”

Areal fashion designer. From the biggest, most glamorous city in America.Melanie had never met anyone who actually designed clothes before. Someone who knew thelatest trends before they hit the streets of New York, years before cheap knockoff versions made it to Pigeon Creek.Better than that, he actually createdthe trends.

Shecould meet a real, live designer.

Ifshe got to Mobile.

Ifshe won this pageant.

Melaniehad to rally. She forced herself out of bed with one big heave. Stumbled to thebathroom. Her teeth felt fuzzy as peach skin. Her eyes were red-veined marblesin sooty sockets, and her tangled hair could be hiding any number of bird’snests. She stuck out her tongue at her reflection. Some beauty queen.

Nodoubt about it, the bill from yesterday had come due.

Melaniegathered her energy to pay the cost of that bill. She turned on the shower anddove in with a yelp. By the time the water warmed up, maybe she’d be awake.

Douglas J. Eboch is a screenwriter and author who wrote theoriginal screenplay to the movie Sweet Home Alabama starring Reese Witherspoon.  website  or his Amazon page. He is also the author of  Totally Rad Wormhole : Two nerds from the eightiesaccidentally open a wormhole to today, go to their high school reunion, andmeet their future selves. Horrified at what they’ve become, they set out tochange their fate.

His sister Kris Bock is the author of The Accidental Detective humorous mysteryseries, the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys sweetromance series, andthe Furrever Friends cat cafe sweet romanceseries.