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| Book Hooks--excerpts from novels |
Book Hooks Blog Hop #MFRWHooks
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| Arranging a Dream: A Memoir by J.Q. Rose |
In 1975, budding entrepreneurs Ted and Janet purchase a floral shop and greenhouses where they plan to grow their dream. Leaving friends and family behind in Illinois and losing the security of two paychecks, they transplant themselves, their one-year-old daughter, and all their belongings to Fremont, Michigan, where they know no one.
Will the retiring business owners nurture Ted and Janet as they struggle to develop a blooming business, or will they desert the young couple to wither and die in their new environment?
Most of all, can Ted and Janet grow together as they cultivate a loving marriage, juggle parenting with work, and root a thriving business?
Follow this couple’s inspiring story, filled with the joy and triumphs and the obstacles and failures experienced as they travel along the turbulent path of turning dreams into reality.
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| Arranging a Dream: A Memoir by J.Q Rose A "feel-good story" Note: In this scene, we have moved to the apartment over the flower shop in December in order to learn about the business before purchasing it in January. Hattie, the owner, is supposed to be training us to take over. However, she has not been very cooperative. Agnese is the older woman who works for Hattie. |
Excerpt: Chapter 8, Gutted
A few days before Christmas, Ted came
upstairs. I had never seen him so dejected as if he were a boy and someone had
taken away his favorite toy. “What’s wrong?” I asked, not sure if he was sick
or upset about something.
He sat next to me on the couch. “Hattie
asked me not to hang around the shop anymore.”
My head jerked back to absorb the
shocking statement. The whole point of moving up here in December was to learn
about the shop and get experience with the operations. We had thought of Hattie
as our mentor.
“Why?” I scooted toward him. “Is she mad
about something?”
“She said I make Agnese nervous hovering
over her.” He hopped up from the couch too upset to sit still.
I sniffed at the idea. Agnese was no
withering violet. She was a capable, hard worker with years of experience in
the flower business. She had raised sons and knew how to handle young men.
I stood up, looking into his troubled eyes.
“I think the truth is you’re making Hattie nervous, not Agnese. We need to talk
to Hattie.” I threw up my hands. “Tell her the whole point is for us to be
around to learn the business.”
Her actions stirred up my protective Mama
bear state of mind. She had hurt my husband and I wasn’t going to let her get
away with it.
“No.
I don’t even want to look at her, let alone talk to her. I’m done with Hattie.
When we take over the business, I want her out of here as soon as possible. I
don’t even want her in my sight.” His rejection by Hattie had not only hurt his
feelings, but he had also lost his respect for her.
I folded my arms and took a deep breath. “I
guess the hours we put in for her are worth nothing to her.”
“Let’s
pack up the Christmas gifts and go home for Christmas. I don’t want to sit
around here.” His face blazed red with anger.
My eyes turned to stare out the windows at
the snowy landscape. I needed time to gather my thoughts. We would be like
little kids running home for comfort. But as the idea shaped in my head, my
mouth feathered up into a smile. Going home for Christmas would be the best
gift to give to our families and each other. My eyes misted over picturing Sara
spending this special holiday surrounded by the love of family.
Click the links below to download or order Arranging a Dream! Thank you.
Click here to order the Paperback at amazon.
Click here to download your copy from your favorite online bookseller.
Psssttt---Click here to purchase my romantic suspense novels and this memoir for $1.50 through December 25th during the Smashwords End-of-Year Sale.
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| The Rose Courier |
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| Merry Christmas from J.Q. Rose |
12 comments:
Happy holidays, J.Q.!
Thank you. Happy Holidays to you too!
Thank you for sharing. Happy Holidays to you!
And to you too, Tena.
Will they go home. Hattie is a real problem
Great excerpt from a great book. I've shared. :)
Merry Christmas, Janet.
I wonder what's wrong with Hattie? Great snippet!
Yes, Hattie is a thorn in our side.
Thank you Marsha for your kind words AND for sharing!!
Thanks, Joylene!
Thank you, Kate. I never really figured out what the problem was between us until I finished the book. The answer was a light bulb moment for me. Of course, I can't tell you. You have to read the book!! LOL..
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