Tuesday, January 30, 2018

About the Book

Title: Ain’t Misbehaving

Author: Marji Laine

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Fiction

Release Date: January 16, 2017

True, Annalee’s crime amounted to very little, but not in terms of community service hours. Her probation officer encouraged her with a promise of an easy job in an air conditioned downtown environment. She didn’t expect her role to be little better than a janitor at an after-school day care in the worst area of town. Through laughter and a few tears, Annalee finds out that some lessons are learned the hard way, and some seep into the soul unnoticed.

Carlton Whelen hides behind the nickname of CJ so people won’t treat him like the wealthy son of the Whelen Foundation director. Working at the foundations after-school program delights him and annoys his business-oriented father. When a gorgeous prima donna is assigned to his team, he not only cringes at her mistakes, but also has to avoid the attraction that builds from the first time he sees her.

About the Author

Marji Laine has completed seventeen years of homeschooling with the surreal notion that

she’ll now have time on her hands. But that’s unlikely. Her publishing company, Write Integrity Press, keeps her extremely busy. In her spare time, she teaches a high school and college Bible Study, leads a Sunday morning high school fellowship group, directs a children’s choir, and sings in her church’s adult choir.

She enjoys road trips with her family and friends, photography, scrapbooking, and participating in musical theater. Her favorite past time is game night with her family and her kids’ extended collection of friends.

Guest Post from Marji Laine

AIN’T MISBEHAVING delves into the depth of life from the perspective of a shallow, sheltered woman. Annalee Chambers has been raised to pay attention to all aspects of society, particularly the appearance of success. Being cultured and socially-educated, she’s not really prepared to work in one of the poorest sections of town. And she’s really not expecting to find such joy intertwined with such poverty.

Having my story set in my hometown has some fun aspects. I got to handpick the homes for the main characters and the locations for the after-school program. And even now when I drive past some of those places, I get all excited about the story again.

1024px-Dallas_One_Arts_Plaza_1 — Photo by Andreas Praefcke via Wikimedia Commons

For instance, I chose a particular building downtown to be CJ’s (the hero’s) condo. It’s in One Arts Plaza. This condo was for sale when I was writing the book so I was able to download actual pictures of the place including the view from its southeast facing patio. You’ll laugh, but I don’t drive by that building without looking up to the 18th floor and half expecting to see CJ standing there.

AIN’T MISBEHAVING goes much deeper than only the setting, though. It was written a number of years ago, so many that I barely remembered the storyline. But when I started editing, I was moved to tears again and again. These characters are so real, and I would love to meet them!

I hope you’ll enjoy AIN’T MISBEHAVING and watch for Annalee and CJ to have an extra special cameo part in Book 2 of the Dallas Duets, PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ.

I haven’t read a book from this author before and I found her writing style to be sassy, straight forward and exceptional character development. Right away I knew this book would help me look at people differently. Can I see a show of hands of those who have judged someone before because of the way they dressed? How about those who think rich people are all stuck up? Yes I can say that ugly little thing called jealousy and deception has played a part in how I perceive people. This is the perfect book to have your eyes and heart open as the author takes a seemingly weathly young woman and places her in a place she has never been before.

I loved how Annalee found herself doing community service at an after school program for children. She has lived a very pampered and sheltered life. Will the time she spends at the after school program change her attitude? Can she open her heart to these children and show them love and acceptance? I really like Annalee and her determination to stick it out even though some volunteers didn’t quite like her. The story is well written and I fell in love with the children. There are some tender moments that brought tears to my eyes. CJ has his hands full keeping an eye on Annalee. He wants her to be able to do her community service so she doesn’t have to do jail time. CJ is very humble and doesn’t want Annalee to find out who he really is. What will happen when the truth comes out? Will Annalee feel betrayed?

The dynamics between Annalee and her parents are very intriguing. Why does Annalee feel so inadequate around her mother? Annalee is slowly learning how to accept God’s love, but it is hard since her mother seems to always criticize her. I loved how the author focuses on Annalee’s relationship with God. The story also focuses on the threat of the after school program shutting down. Can Annalee and CJ find a way to save it? It’s clear that Annalee loves being with the children. Will her plans help safe the place, or will someone close it down? Don’t miss this wonderful book that deals with jealousy, acceptance, secrets, and finding God’s plan for your life.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.