Callie Hutton: Play it again, Sam

Play it Again, Sam

By Callie Hutton

Oftentimes when I finish a book, I close the cover with a sense of loss. During the time I spent with the characters I came to love them, and want to know ‘what happens next?’ Oh, I have a satisfied feeling when everything works out for the tortured hero and heroine, but what about tomorrow?  Or next Christmas? After I’ve invested all that emotion, do they just disappear? Then, in my sorrow, I do an internet search and find—A SEQUEL!

Yeah! I can re-visit my characters, and have a whole new experience with the people I was introduced to in Book #1. My favorite kind of author is one who does sequels. You begin the book with a frame of reference. You know the hero in this book is the younger brother of the last book’s heroine. Or her cousin, or his sister. So you settle in pretty quickly, like you’re visiting an old friend.

When I wrote A Run For Love, I had no intention of doing sequels. But when a couple of my beta readers said they were so sorry when it ended, I realized with four nieces and nephews, I had plenty of material to work with.

           

Thinking it would be cool to write a Christmas novella out, I wrote A Wife By Christmas, using Ellie, the youngest niece as my heroine. Naturally, once my publisher accepted that one, I sat down and did outlines for the other three.

Number three in the series, A Prescription for love tells the story of Michael Henderson, the oldest nephew in A Run for Love. So many people loved his character, I just knew he had to come next.  

It’s also fun writing sequels. I laugh when I have scenes where characters from previous books pop up. They’re still as feisty and funny as before. It’s nice to visit with them again.

How do you feel about sequels?  Do you like them, or do you prefer a whole new cast of characters?

A Prescription for Love

Guthrie, Oklahoma, 1903. Betrayed by his fiancée’s infidelity eight years ago, pharmacist Michael Henderson vowed he'd never risk his heart again. But he doesn't anticipate the tug of attraction he shares with his new employee.

Heidi Lester flees her home, determined to prove to her overprotective parents she can conquer her debilitating asthma, to make a life of her own. However, her unscrupulous fiancé has no intention of letting her go. He has his own plans for Heidi and her inheritance.

Will a scheme to ruin Michael's family force Heidi to marry her fiancé, or will assistance arrive from a surprising source to allow her to be with the man she truly loves?

Excerpt

“What I intended to say is, although I’m not sure about hiring you, I’m willing to try you for a week to see how you work out. Would that be acceptable?”

She quickly sat up, her eyes bright. “Yes, yes. A trial period would be fine.” Her mouth broke into a huge grin, and she wiped sweat off her upper lip.

What a transformation. Her smile changed an already pretty face into a beautiful one. The twinkle in her eyes, and her full lips revealing straight white teeth, sent his pulse racing. Something twisted in his middle he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years.

He cleared his throat. “You understand you’ll have to speak with the customers?”

“I realize that.”

Michael stood. “I’ll need you to come in tomorrow at nine o’clock. We’re open from nine-thirty until six o’clock. You will have one half hour for lunch. We’re also open half a day on Saturday from nine-thirty until noon. Can you work those hours?”

“Yes. That’s fine.” She hopped up so quickly, she nearly upended her chair. Michael grabbed it before it tumbled to the ground.

“I’ll be here first thing in the morning. Thank you so much.” She grabbed his hand, and almost shook it off his arm.

Michael led her to the front of the store, unlocked the door and let her out. “See you tomorrow.”

“Yes, thank you very much. I’ll be here. Thank you again.” She backed away, then turned and walked into a light post.

“Miss Lester!”

“I’m fine.” She rubbed her forehead, adjusted her hat, and hurried away.

Michael shook his head. Strange woman. Hopefully he didn’t just commit a huge error of judgment.

Buy link: http://amzn.to/S3M9G9

Callie has been making up stories since elementary school, and writing gave her a way to turn off the voices in her head.  She’s had a number of articles and interviews published over the years, and finally decided to put her writing skills to the test and write novels.

Oklahoma is where she hangs her hat with her husband of thirty-six years, two young adult children, and three dogs.

You can catch her hanging out at Facebook, Twitter- @CallieHutton, and her home base, www.calliehutton.com. Stop by sometime and say hello.

Books by Callie Hutton

Oklahoma Lovers series, #1, #2, #3

            A Run For Love (Tori & Jesse)

            A Wife By Christmas (Ellie & Max)

            A Prescription For Love (Michael & Heidi)

An Angel in the Mail

Tessa’s Treasures

Miss Merry’s Christmas

Daniel’s Desire, coming November 19th

All of Callie Hutton’s books can be found at www.Amazon.com and www.BarnesandNoble.com.