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First Class Christmas by Katy Eeten

 


Blurb:

When Mandy Brockman flies home from her friend's destination wedding, her heart is on empty at the thought of spending Christmas alone. It doesn't help that her ex is on the plane, seemingly unaffected by their breakup. But the kind-hearted man seated next to her seems to have it all together—and he's handsome to boot. She knows her emotional healing won't come in the form of another guy, but will the source of this man's peace and joy help Mandy find the Christmas she's looking for?

CJ Hawkins is captivated by the beautiful, feisty woman he meets on his flight. The only thing is, she's fresh out of a relationship, and he has no interest in being anyone's rebound. But the more he learns about Mandy, the more he's drawn to her unique mixture of compassion and spunk.

Can he figure out how to make their relationship take off before this First Class Christmas is grounded forever?

 

Excerpt:

With luggage in tow, they made their way toward the exit. “Do you have a ride home?” CJ asked.

Mandy nodded as they exited the building. “My friend’s picking me up. I texted her when we landed, so she should be here any second.” She scanned the area for her friend’s car. “What about you? Someone picking you up? A limo driver perhaps, Sir Olympian?”

CJ chuckled and shoved his hands in his jacket pockets. “No, ma’am. I always take the bus to and from the airport. It stops a few blocks from my house, so it just makes sense.”

The bus. Good. At least he wasn’t a snob, even if he did fly first class. Mandy mentally scolded herself for being so judgmental.

A black sedan pulled up to the curb, and she waved at her friend in recognition. “That’s Amber.” She turned to CJ. Now what? Was this good-bye? Despite her recent epiphany that she should get some distance from the male species, she couldn’t help but be sad at the thought of never seeing CJ again.

He was staring at her and rubbing his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “What’s up?” Mandy narrowed her eyes. “Everything OK?”

He nodded, crinkles forming around his eyes as he smiled. “I’m fine. You?”

She gave him a slow nod. “Fine, but it seems as if you have something on your mind. Care to share before I’m whisked away for good in my friend’s car?” Speaking of her friend, she glanced Amber’s way and held up a finger to let her know she’d be ready in a minute.

CJ finally stopped rubbing his chin and wiped his hands on his pants. “Honestly, I’m just trying to figure out a smooth way to ask for your number.” He sucked in a deep breath and laughed as he let it out. “And there it is, I guess. Not exactly smooth, but at least it’s out there.”

Mandy’s eyes widened. Was he serious? She was definitely interested in seeing the guy again, but she hadn’t realized the feeling was mutual. Hearing his confession caused electricity to surge through her body. Keep cool, Mandy. She flashed him a small smile. “Hmm, I think I could make that happen.”

 My reviewI loved everything about this story. From the way CJ and Mandy met while waiting for a plane, to the carol service, and beyond. Definitely one to read this Christmas. 


Buy Links:

Amazon US    Amazon UK  B&N


Bio:


Katy Eeten is married to a Pastor of Student Ministries and is the mom of two boys, ages 12 and 9. She lives with her family in southeast Wisconsin, despite her dislike for cold weather. She works full time in corporate America, but her true passion is writing.

 

In addition to First Class Christmas, she has three other Christian Romances available on Amazon. When she’s not working or writing, she can be found taking walks or bike rides with her kids, baking goodies, playing the piano, or spending time with her family.

 


 

Questions:

1.      Why this book? What inspired you to write it?

The idea of finding a connection with someone on a plane was intriguing to me, and I enjoy watching a character’s spiritual transformation over the course of a book. It’s also fun to watch when a hero or heroine puts their foot in their mouth from the start, so this was a good combination of all of the above.

 

2.      What is your favourite Christmas carol/song and why?

I like so many, but “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) is one of my favourites, as it just gives me that old-fashioned, innocent Christmas feeling that brings about a sense of peace.

 

3.      What is the best Christmas present you ever received and who was it from?

As a kid, my dad made an elaborate, realistic, homemade dollhouse that my sister and I played with for years. I don’t think I showed ample appreciation for his labor of love at the time, but I know now how truly special that was.


Comments

Carol James said…
Thanks for sharing, Katy. Congratulations on your new release. I loved the story. It’s a perfect read for the Christmas season.
Barbara Britton said…
I can't wait to read this story. Happy release day, Katy!
Jody said…
Congratulations! So exciting.
LoRee Peery said…
Hi Katy, this sounds like a wonderful story. It's hard to wait...
Great interview ladies!
Good luck and God's blessings to you both
PamT