I love to eat!
And I
love to read!
So I wrote a book that combines both these things in Mr. Chef and Ms. Librarian, which is part of of the wonderful Holiday Book Contest!
I'm
not sure exactly why I concocted Ivy, the British librarian. Except I do love
libraries—free books for everyone! If I'm travelling and I need to drink some
water or use the bathroom, or just hang out in silence, I go to the library. As
for her British roots and the fact that she's estranged from her family, maybe
I was subconsciously thinking about "home for the holidays." What
does that mean if if you can't go home, or don't have a real home because
you're an immigrant like Ivy?
And is
it possible to weave a happily ever after when you come from different cultures
and have different points a view?
It's a
romance, so I think you know the answer. Yes! Happily ever after.
 |
| Melissa Yi |
But I
do like to raise some questions. For example, a single mother wants to leave her
children at the library with Ivy to supervise them. Ivy is willing, but a
coworker insists on following the rules, which leads to more trouble. But don't
fret. Happily ever after for the children too. Abundance, right?
Since
our theme this month is abundance, I should mention my privilege. I'm extremely
lucky to live in a time and a place with a family that taught me to read and I
can afford to eat. Most people in the world aren't so lucky. So I do try and
share some of my abundance by donating to charity and treating my friends and
accepting treats from them too, especially during tough times.
Eat. Read. Love. ~Melissa
6 comments:
Melissa, First, thank you for being our guest this weekend at Romancing The Genres. Next, thank you for sharing how "Mr. Chef and Ms. Librarian" came into being. I love the premise. and last, but not least, a Virtual Speakeasy? I've got it on my calendar! How cool to be able to share a launch with you!!!
Thanks for the post, Melissa. I love libraries too. The speakeasy sounds like fun!
Romance is possible when you blend two different cultures. I was married for 23 years, dated for two (that makes it 25 years) he was a different ethnicity and culture. It does work.
I love that you are having a Moslem hero!!! I love books that surprise me. That's what sold me on your book the minute I read the blurb - plus I love your books so I know it will be good :-) It's on my Kindle now, calling to me.
Love your book launch plans!
And thank you for Guesting with us.
A virtual speakeasy is a great idea! I signed up at the library link you gave us. I hope the library is okay with a bunch of Americans hanging out with you along with your Canadian fans.
I agree with what others have said. The whole premise of Mr. Chef and Ms. Librarian grabbed me from the start. It is definitely an opposites attract scenario. Not only are they from different cultures, but they don't really match even on the level of food likes and dislikes. A great opportunity for growth on both sides, and of course growth can lead to love.
I have your talk on my calendar. I'll see if the Cornwall Library lets me in from the online form information.
Great post, Melissa. I picked up your holiday book and am looking forward to seeing how it all works out. The title grabbed me from the start.
Post a Comment