Bookshop by Kay Parquet
- authorvalpenny
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
I am pleased to be able to support Kay Parquet and her novel entitled, The Bookshop on Blossom Street, as part of the tour arranged by Jessica Thompson of Bittersweet Tours. It is always an exciting thing to meet new authors and my thanks to Kay for sharing an extract of her book with me.
The Blurb
Sometimes love shows up between the pages ... and far too many coffee refills.
Emma Carter is a curvy, quietly stubborn bookshop owner in the heart of Maplewood who is perfectly content with her shelves, her solitude, and her zero dating life. Thank you very much.
But when Nathan Reed, the town’s handsome new librarian, proposes a joint book event, Emma reluctantly agrees. What begins as a professional collaboration quickly turns into something else … with sparks, shared glances, and small-town gossip thrown in for good measure.
Can Emma trust what is growing between them, or will the age gap, public whispers, and her own fears close the book before it even begins?
The Extract
“You know, you two are causing quite the stir,” said a crackled voice behind Emma, who had shifted her attention to some of the book club paperwork at the other end of the counter. Much to her dismay, she came face to face with Mrs. Finch, the town's busybody. “He’s a young one, too.”
The statement made Emma twist her lips. Mrs. Finch’s tone was sarcastic, but she reined it in a bit when Emma gave her a piercing gaze. She saw every detail, whether Emma liked it or not. Mrs. Finch was someone that talked like her mouth was a sieve. Nothing happened in Maplewood without the woman learning and gossiping about it.
“Sometimes a woman wants someone to help her feel younger. Some of us aren’t into older guys,” Emma snapped, speaking about Mrs. Finch's husband in an acrid tone, who was a few years older than the woman.
A fake, yet friendly smile touched Mrs. Finch’s lips. “Yes, but cradle robbing isn’t exactly something you want to be known for either, dear.”
Emma gave a curl of her lip. “What I do with my relationships is my business and not yours, Anita.” She called her by her first name to denote respect wasn’t given.
Mrs. Finch cleared her throat and looked around, her sharp eyes piercing through each patron. “Be mindful. You wouldn’t want the town to think you’re a degenerate.”
“I’ll be a damned degenerate if I want. Now, kindly leave or I will put you out myself.” Emma crossed her arms and stared at the woman, challenging her.
Mrs. Finch narrowed her eyes. “Your hospitality leaves something to be desired.”
“My hospitality only extends to those that mind their own business and don’t assume things about me.” Emma said with finality.
The Author
Kay Parquet is a Southern gal with a heart full of stories and a passport full of stamps. Growing up with a military family, Kay’s childhood was a whirlwind of new places and exciting adventures around the globe. She’s seen a lot, and all those experiences pour into the pages she writes.
Books have always been Kay’s faithful companions, her escape into worlds of magic, mystery, love and machines that run on steam and spells. She’s got a soft spot for stories where fantasy meets the future, love conquers all, and where heroes have big hearts and even bigger adventures. Her first loves were comic books, cartoons, and Star Trek fanfic.
Away from her books and stories, Kay’s just a regular girl who loves gaming and has a serious love for dogs. She’s convinced they’re the secret rulers of the world, as are they! With her easy-going Southern charm and a touch of playful sass, Kay’s writing is all about sharing the magic she’s seen and felt in her travels.
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