How much really changes in 25 years? Former
classmates are poised to find out as their first-ever high school reunion gets
closer. Some lives have improved, some have soured, but all remained connected
by their shared West Alton High past...
Once the target of ridicule, one-time "ugly
duckling" Kellie has transformed in both beauty and attitude, though her
fears and fragility remain as deep scars within. Will facing those who once
wronged her help or do even more damage to her delicate psyche? Joe was adored
by everyone in school. Well...almost everyone. Being gay in a close-minded
small town, he knew he had no future in West Alton, so right after graduation,
he traded one ocean for another. Now an Oscar-winning Hollywood director, Joe
is ready to return. Except that it means having to face the horrific event that
ultimately pushed him away... Former cheerleader Cherry planned this reunion to
make peace with those she may have wronged in school. But as she faces cancer
and stares down her own mortality, will she really be able to make things right
again? And then there's Scott, the West Alton "lifer," who's been
collecting a disability pension from the town for a suspicious back injury,
among other questionable life choices. Are his reasons for wanting to attend
the reunion pure? Or does he have another agenda? As the months count down,
long-kept secrets will be revealed as the question ever looms... Can you ever
really go home again?
Q&A With The Author
When did you know you wanted to become an author?
My career took some unexpected turns,
and some circumstances prevented me from pursuing this dream until recently.
But once I'd left behind a toxic job that was likely going to give me a heart
attack or a stroke, I focused on writing. So I guess I could say that I've
"wanted" this for a long time, and am tremendously grateful to
realize the dream now.
What gets you in the mood to write?
Coffee! Seriously. After two cups of
good, strong coffee and a little breakfast, I'm ready to go. A quiet house,
comfortable clothes, good lighting! I write for most of the morning.
What’s your go to snack when you’re writing?
I don't allow myself to bring food to
the computer - it's distracting and messy. Usually I make a power shake in the
morning (Greek yogurt, banana, frozen blueberries, some green powder in a can
from Trader Joe's) and I'm energized. If I were going to snack on anything, it
would be unsalted cashews. :-)
Describe your book in three words.
Real true fiction. I've adopted that as
my "brand," based on what an editor once told me about my first
novel.
What can your readers expect next from you?
I've drafted the third and
final novel in the 'chocolate' series, titled "Bittersweet
Chocolate." It finishes out the trilogy. Also, I'm presently reading a
journal that my grandfather wrote, in 1924, about a canoe trip he made with a
buddy, covering three rivers in Rhode Island and Connecticut. While it isn't
necessarily for the masses, I want to prepare a digital and print version for
family members to cherish.
Martha
Reynolds ended an accomplished career as a fraud investigator in 2011 and began
writing full time. Her debut novel, CHOCOLATE FOR BREAKFAST, was named 2012
Book of the Year in Women’s Fiction by Turning the Pages Books. Its sequel,
CHOCOLATE FONDUE, was released in March 2013.
BITS OF
BROKEN GLASS is the author’s third novel. She is planning to publish the last
book in the Chocolate Series, BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE, around November 2013.
She and
her husband live in Rhode Island, never far from the ocean.
Connect with Martha at:
This looks fantastic! I love that you left a toxic job to follow your dreams, Martha. That is so courageous and admirable.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this book.
DeleteI agree, that it was very courageous! Not enough people follow their dreams.