Last spring we went to visit our son in who attends college in the Seattle area. While we were there we rode the city bus to the downtown area and then walked to Pikes Market and the wharf. The Reluctant Groom was already written, but I realized as we were walking that it was missing some key ingredients. For example, I noticed the smell of garbage and the seagulls, as well as some sketchy looking alleys. My book needed these things. LOL I know they aren’t pretty, but everything in life isn’t pretty–especially in a big city.
The Reluctant Groom is a sweet story and will leave you feeling content and happy inside, but getting to that point wasn’t easy. I put my poor characters through the ringer. They have to deal with some messy stuff, so it seemed fitting that I include the messy stuff found in a city, such as the stinky smell of garbage.
Here is the back cover blurb.
When everything goes wrong, can two friends discover true love?
When Ray O’Brien’s world is turned upside down, Katie Fairchild wants to help, but the personal cost is high. Neither desires a marriage of convenience, but when Katie blurts the first thing that comes to her mind Ray can’t dismiss her offer of marriage. It would solve all his problems except for one thing—they aren’t in love.
Can these two friends team up for the greater good and perhaps find love along the way, or are their expectations impossible?
I’d marry Ray in a heartbeat, where he real, and I was single. He is probably my favorite male character I’ve ever written.
Last week in my Facebook readers group we discussed the idea of a marriage of convenience. I asked them if they would ever consider one and if so what would compel them to do so. I am asking the same question here. What do you think?
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Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance, romantic mystery, and romantic suspense that warms the heart and feeds the soul. Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Hi Kimberly, I enjoyed The Reluctant Groom, Ray and Katie were likeable characters. I actually enjoy reading marriage of convenience stories, the modern setting makes it more interesting. As to whether I could enter into one- I pray to God never to have to be in the position to decide!!
Blessings:)
I also enjoy marriage of convenience stories in a modern setting. Being married, I hope the decision to enter one of convenience never comes up. I think it’s one of those things that I wouldn’t know the answer to unless I was faced with it.
Hi Kimberly! I also enjoy reading marriage of convince romances in a modern setting. Life is expensive and there are many reasons why? For a roof over one’s head, food in one’s stomach – then two can often live cheaper than one or health care (insurance). Unfortunately in today’s world, young people often prefer to just live together, even have children without marriage. Different times and the church is often silent. Interesting question. Enjoy that you also want to include negative aspects of big city life. I love it. Makes the story real. Best wishes. Happy writing.
Hi, Kimberly!
I look forward to reading your book. As a 20-something young woman, I don’t think I would have considered this type of marriage. But, I can’t say that for sure. The circumstances weren’t such that it was ever presented.
Now, in my 50’s, I can only say that it is possible. For a friend, I would consider it.
Looks like a fun book. I’m not sure if marriage of convenience is for me…..
Live reading about marriage of convenience. I think I would consider it depending on the circumstances. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and it might be fore the best. So yes I would do it .
Amen to that, Wemble. I pray the same. I’m pleased you enjoyed the book. A Facebook group I’m in was talking about hero’s not long ago, I realized Ray is my favorite of all the ones I’ve written. :)
That’s the truth! You make a great point, Sherri. There’s really no for sure way to know unless we are facing it ourselves.
I agree, our perspective changes depending on the stage in life we are in. Well said, Linda!
Thanks, MJSH. I can understand that.
Hi, Colleen P. You are correct in saying life throws us curve balls. I love reading these kind of stories too. :)
I really enjoyed this sweet book! I loved what you shared about life including the messy, smelly parts. Under the right circumstances, and only if I knew the man to be a practicing Christian and felt God’s peace after I prayed & sought Him, I think I would have considered a marriage of convenience. I tend to be an adventurous person.
Kimberly,
Congratulations on this book release.
It’s so fun to see this out. I can’t wait to read it.
Good post!
I also love Austin’s photo, he’s such a fantastic photographer.
Can’t wait to read it….sounds like a fantastic book!
Ii like marriage of convenience stories. In fact, I’m writing one now. :)
I read your blog post first, then picked the book up. I started it this morning and had to smile when I read the bit about Ray walking by the trashcan and the seagull lol It’s definitely got my attention and I can’t wait to get back to reading. Congratulations on your new release!
Thanks, Marylin! I’m a proud mama.
Thanks, Jackie!
They seem to be very popular right now. I keep seeing them pop up. Whenever I see common themes pop up I think the Lord is up to something. :)
LOL You found a part added. I also had to rewrite the ally that is behind his business and the community center. I hope you enjoy it!
I’m not married but I don’t know if I would consider a marriage of convenience or not. I imagine that there would be a lot of things to consider before making that decision.
I believe you are right, Jessica B.
I enjoyed the book very much! I’m thankful I didn’t have to consider a marriage of convenience :-) I like the fact that your characters pray about it!
Thanks, Margaret. A decision like that needs prayer for sure! :) I’m glad you enjoyed the book.
A marriage of convenience should be considered only after much prayer and communication.
I would consider a marriage of convenience if I felt it was the right thing to do under extenuating circumstances and if I believed it would be a lifetime commitment. I don’t think I’ve read too many books with this theme but it sounds fun to read about.
For sure!
Oh I love Pikes Place Market and the downtown Seattle waterfront!! I agree though, if you go off the beaten path, you could run into some interesting places or people, not in a good way either. Whenever we go there, we stick to the touristy areas with lots of people. :-)
I love reading marriage of convenience in historicals, but have never read one in a modern day setting. I’m not sure I would consider one unless I was in dire straights financially and had no other choice. I’m not sure what circumstances in today’s world would be ideal for this situation. I don’t have young children at home anymore so there wouldn’t be a need for a father figure, that’s a huge factor in some historical fiction. So yeah, like others have said, it would have be soaked in much prayer.
Interesting premise Kimberly!
The waterfronts is so beautiful, especially on a clear sunny day.:)
I enjoyed the Reluctant Groom and I would do a marriage of convenience.
I find sometimes seniors marry to have companionship in their Golden Years to escape the loneliness.
I always enjoy yo your books,Kimberly.
Thanks, Linda!
I enjoy reading about marriages of convenience. Depending on the circumstances, I would consider one if I felt it was God’s will. It might take a lot to convince me of that though since I tend to like control and stay away from surprises!
Sounds like a good one Kimberly and I enjoy the marriage of conveniences too. It’s fun to see where an author with take the couple as they struggle with and come to terms with their growing attraction.
Whether I’d want to be in one, not sure. I guess it would depend on the circumstances. As someone commented above, I have heard of many seniors entering into that situation due to need.
Thanks, Andrea. :)
Lol! I once suggested a marriage of convenience for my best friend and I. He backed of!
I equally withdrew from him. We separated for 6 months during which we each found our spouses! Life happens.
Hi Kimberly! You are a new author to me …nice to meet you! The book sounds very interesting, and the cover is so sweet ?
Thanks, Natalya.:)