Narelle here. I’m delighted to welcome my Aussie friend, Andrea Grigg, to our blog today. Andrea is giving away an ebook copy of her August release, Too Pretty, to one lucky reader.
Being beautiful isn’t easy – just ask Ellie Paxton.
Frustrated by a long string of empty relationships, Ellie makes a promise to God not to date for six months, a promise she’s determined to keep.
Tired of being continually misjudged because of her looks Ellie moves to Sydney for a fresh start. But when her path keeps crossing with the darkly handsome Nathaniel, that promise becomes much harder to fulfil.
As they battle with their attraction for each other, Ellie is not the only one to discover it takes more than simply looking in a mirror to find out who you truly are …
Could it be that God has a bigger plan? Could this really be one of those matches made in heaven …?
~~~
Narelle: I really like the premise for Too Pretty. Two years ago Andrea and I chatted at a writing conference about her ideas for Too Pretty, and I’m so excited to see the story in print. Andrea, please share with us your inspiration for Too Pretty.
Andrea: Strangely enough, the idea came while I was cleaning the bathroom (!) and it just wouldn’t go away. The more I thought about it, the more I liked it. I’d never read a book that dwelt on the problems of being outrageously attractive. (It took a ton of imagination, believe me!) I spoke to a couple of ladies about the idea and they were thrilled. They each knew of a stunningly beautiful Christian girl who encountered the same problems I’d mentioned and were very glad the subject was being written about. That really spurred me on!
Narelle: I love your book cover for Too Pretty. It’s memorable and makes a bold statement. Were you involved in the cover design process?
Andrea: I love it too! And yes, I was involved.
My daughter is a graphic designer and my publisher (the wonderful Rochelle Manners at Rhiza Press) has allowed her to design both my covers. I particularly love the one for Too Pretty.
Interestingly enough, when I showed a few people the draft, they said, ‘I like it but isn’t the girl too sexy for a Christian book?’ Ironic, as those kinds of remarks are exactly what poor Ellie has to contend with. It’s the perfect cover. :)
Narelle: Do you have any thoughts on what makes Australian contemporary romance different or unique?
Andrea: Apart from the obvious answer ie. setting, Aussies have their own unique voice. I love our sayings and colloquialisms – they set us apart! Having said that, I don’t think we’re so different so as to need a glossary in the back of our books – I hope. :)
Narelle: We often talk about heroes on Inspy Romance. Can you give us the scoop on Nathaniel, and share why you believe our readers will want to fall in love with him?
Andrea: Ah, the handsome and secretive Nathaniel. A hard-working and generous man, he’s been burnt in the relationship stakes, misunderstood by his family (except for his grandmother) and just wants to get on with his life. Alone. It’s better that way because love makes you vulnerable and he’s not going there again. Ever. What’s not to love?
Narelle: Too Pretty is your second book. Can you tell us a little bit about your debut book, A Simple Mistake?
Andrea: A Simple Mistake is the story of Lainey and Nick, high school sweethearts who reunite after a decade apart. Nick is now a famous celebrity and Lainey is the girl he left behind.
After discovering what kept them apart, they tentatively rekindle their romance. The feelings are as strong as before but Nick’s lack of faith may become a problem for Lainey. And she has a secret, one that may destroy their new relationship, if she can bring herself to tell him …
Narelle: What’s coming up next from Andrea Grigg? Do you have any upcoming releases scheduled? What are you working on now?
Andrea: My biggest problem is deciding on which book to finish next. I have several on the go and they’re all tugging at my heart. The Simple Truth, the sequel to A Simple Mistake, definitely needs to be written. But so does the story about Sophie, bullied mercilessly in high school by Will, now a washed up footy star. He’s quite different to how he used to be. In fact he even seems nice. Very nice. And Sophie’s different now too. Like 40kgs different. Will he even recognise her? And what will she do if he does?
Or Anna, who has run away from her fiancé to a little cottage by the beach where she meets Ryan, who has just broken off his own engagement. They become close friends, but it can never be more than that because Anna is hiding something and if Ryan knew what it was, he’d want nothing to do with her. After all, Anna’s father rejected her when she was only little because of it. Why wouldn’t Ryan?
And there are others. Perhaps I should just lock myself away for a year and finish the lot!
ANDREA GRIGG grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, but has lived more than half her life in Australia.
Andrea loves words, finding out what makes people tick, and romance. Her debut novel, A Simple Mistake, is a contemporary romance, and was a finalist in the Caleb Awards 2012. Her second novel, Too Pretty, was released August 2014.
Andrea lives with her husband on Queensland’s Gold Coast, where they have raised their three adult children – two daughters and a son. Recently retired from teaching ten-year-olds, if she isn’t being a domestic executive or socialising, Andrea can be found in her cave, writing stories.
Website: www.andreagrigg.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.andreagrigg?ref=hl
Twitter: @andreagrigg
Andrea, thanks for visiting with us today. To enter the drawing to win an ebook copy of Too Pretty, please complete the Rafflecopter entry below and leave a comment for Andrea on this post.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
RuthNsam Smith says
Hi Andrea, I loved the review of your book, Too Pretty and am honored to enter your giveaway in the hopes of winning the book. I have really started liking the Aussie books after meeting Narelle Atkins and reading her books! Aussie country sounds beautiful as well as having remarkable animals!
ajf54 says
Thanks Narelle for introducing us to Andrea. Both books sound good!
Andrea Grigg says
Hi Ruth – Narelle’s books are great, aren’t they? Thanks for the interest in us Aussies! Good luck in the draw.
Andrea Grigg says
Thanks for that! all the best in the draw :)
faithdp24 says
Thank you for this opportunity to have a place in your drawing. I would especially like to read your book because of the different locale it obviously has from many stories which, of course, take place in the U.S. I have always enjoyed reading about other cultures and I do have a couple of friends in New Zealand. One year for Christmas she sent me a calendar from N.Z. with the most amazing scenery! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
D K Stevens says
Australian contemporary romance would be a new type of read for me. Thank you for a chance to win a copy! Love their accent :)
Cm Dees says
This book sounds like a lot of fun, and I LOVE the cover! :-)
Andrea Grigg says
NZ really does have the most amazing scenery! However winters here on Queensland’s Gold Coast are much warmer and I have to say there are many beautiful settings to inspire over here too. I’m blessed for choice :)
Andrea Grigg says
And we love your accent! Good luck in the draw :)
Andrea Grigg says
It was definitely fun to write! Glad you love the cover too :)
Bonnie Traher says
New author for me to try. I’m game.
Dorothy Adamek says
Congratulations, Andrea!! So excited for you with this release, and it’s NEXT on my tbr stack. :-)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Ruth, I’m glad you’re enjoying reading our Aussie’s books and I hope you’ll have the opportunity to read Too Pretty. Australia is a beautiful country and you’ll see a range of Aussie settings in Andrea’s book. Good luck in the drawing :)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi ajf54, It’s an absolute pleasure to introduce Andrea to our Inspy Romance readers :) Good luck in the drawing!
Narelle Atkins says
Hi faithdp24, I’m glad to hear you’re interested in reading Andrea’s book that’s set in Australia :) New Zealand is on my wish list to visit, and the scenery is different to Australia. Good luck in the drawing!
Narelle Atkins says
Hi DK Stevens, I hope you’ll have the opportunity to read Andrea’s book :) Good luck in the drawing!
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Cm Dees, I agree, the cover is fabulous and the book is a fun read. I’m posting a book recommendation for Too Pretty on my author blog on Tuesday. Good luck in the drawing :)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Bonnie, I hope you’ll have a chance to read Too Pretty :) Good luck in the drawing!
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Dotti, I’m glad Too Pretty is at the top of your TBR stack! Thanks for stopping by :)
jenohagan says
Thanks Andrea and Narelle. I loved that your daughter did the covers Andrea. They are both great covers. It does seem that you have a lot of writing ahead of you – some great book ideas :)
Cate McKeown says
I had a best friend in High school, an amazing Christian girl, who was stunning. She had a lot of issues because she was so pretty, so exploring this topic in a work of fiction is a great idea. Can’t wait to read it!
Andrea Grigg says
It’s good to be brave, Bonnie!
Andrea Grigg says
Thanks, Dotti. Glad Too Pretty has made it to the top!
Andrea Grigg says
I’m very proud of Mel, that’s for sure. Thank you for your kind words. And I really need to get on with those ideas …
Andrea Grigg says
I keep hearing these stories, Cate, which makes me very glad I went with the idea. Thank you for commenting :)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Jenny, I’m looking forward to reading Andrea’s next book! Thanks for stopping by :)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Cate. I agree, the premise for Too Pretty is fascinating :) Good luck in the drawing!
KayM says
I really enjoyed “meeting” Andrea. I’ve always loved Australia from afar. Too Pretty sounds like a great book–and Andrea has some interesting ideas perking in her head for new books to come. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of Too Pretty.
Andrea Grigg says
Hi Kay – Lovely to meet you too! Good luck in the drawing :)
faithdp24 says
Thank you. Yes, I’d love to visit either or both countries. I see various places in Australia quite often on House Hunters on HGTV. I just love seeing the different settings and all the scenery!
Narelle Atkins says
House Hunters sounds fun! A great way to plan your dream travel itinerary :)
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Kay, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed Andrea’s visit to Inspy Romance and hearing more about her future book ideas :) Good luck in the drawing!