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#hopefulheartseries, #perfectlyarrangednovel, Characterization, Contemporary Christian Women’s Fiction, Liana George, Opposites attract, Perfectly Arranged, Wednesday Writers, writing tips
Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest author is Liana George who will be talking about two of the characters in her Contemporary Christian Women’s Fiction book Perfectly Arranged. Welcome, Liana!
Thanks, Catherine.
In relationships, it’s common knowledge that opposites attract.
That couldn’t be truer of the two main characters in my novel, Perfectly Arranged.
Now I know what you’re thinking – that’s not unusual in books! – and you’d be correct, it’s not. But in Perfectly Arranged, the unlikely pairing isn’t a romantic one, but rather one between an organizer and her eccentric client.
So exactly what makes these two different? Before I delve into the details, let me introduce these lovely ladies to you:
Nicki Mayfield is a twenty-six-year-old professional organizer who’s hanging up her label maker. Short on money and clients, the Marie Kondo wanna-be is shutting down her business and searching for a new job. Not only is she struggling professionally, but she’s also doing whatever she can to avoid moving back in with her mom, who’s a prime candidate for the TV show Hoarders.
When all seems lost for Nicki, the Connecticut socialite Katherine O’Connor enters the young woman’s world. Offering the down-and-out business owner one last chance at success, Ms. O’Connor is a single, wealthy woman (late 60s) who has a strange shoe obsession and a heart for helping the less fortunate.
After working with Ms. O’Connor once, Nicki is quick to notice the stark contrast between the two women’s lifestyles and personalities:
- Their successes and financial status are at opposite ends of the spectrum. When the two arrive in China to uncover a family secret, they obviously don’t have the same lifestyles.
“We’re staying on the penthouse floor?” I ask (Ms. O’Connor)
She doesn’t look at me. “Of course.”
“Oh, okay.” Well, perhaps it wasn’t okay. I’ve never stayed at anything nicer than a Holiday Inn, so to leapfrog all the way to a penthouse suite causes my stomach to start doing somersaults.”
- The pair have completely different religious beliefs. Nicki has recently become a Christ-follower, while Ms. O’Connor doesn’t see faith as necessary.
“Like the Bible says, ‘Two are better than one for they get a good return on their work.’”
Ms. O’Connor rolls her eyes at me. “You’re not going to preach too, are you?”
I laugh. “I’m the last person to be preaching to anyone.”
“Good.”
- Most professional organizers aren’t hasty when it comes to making decisions. Ms. O’Connor, however, seems to be quick to make choices when the need arises.
“China? By yourself? Isn’t that a bit hasty?” I ask.
“No.” She shakes her head.
Okay, now I know she’s unstable. No one just picks up and goes to China on a whim. Or do they?
- Although both women have issues with their parents (Nicki with her mom and Ms. O’Connor with her father), their feelings toward their flesh and blood differ significantly.
“While I love my mother dearly and enjoy her company, I don’t go there (her house) often. Better for us to meet at a location that isn’t packed with unnecessary clearance items and stuff even antique collectors consider junk. It’s easier that way.”
**
Straightening, I look Ms. O’Connor in the eye. “I’m so sorry for your loss (of her father).”
“Thank you, but there’s no need. My father and I weren’t close.”
While the two women are complete opposites, in the end, their different personalities come together to save those who can’t save themselves.
“Three months ago, I was packing up my office, sad but determined to make a way for myself. Then Ms. O’Connor entered my world, and my life changed in ways I could never have imagined. We’ve become the most unexpected team.”
Truly, Nicki Mayfield and Katherine O’Connor are the unlikeliest of pairs. But then again, God works in mysterious ways and makes relationships, including a very odd couple, the perfect arrangement.
Perfectly Arranged
By Liana George
Can Nicki risk letting go of her well-ordered life plans and embrace what God has perfectly arranged?
Short on clients and money, professional organizer Nicki Mayfield is hanging up her label maker. That is until the eccentric socialite Katherine O’Connor offers Nicki one last job.
Working together, the pair discovers an unusual business card among Ms. O’Connor’s family belongs that leads them on a journey to China. There, the women embark on an adventure of faith and self-discovery as they uncover secrets, truths, and ultimately God’s perfectly arranged plans.
Perfectly Arranged released on October 26, 2021. Order yours here
About the Author:
Liana George is a sought-after speaker, blogger, and author. Before pursuing a career in writing, she was a professional organizer and the former owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston, Texas. Perfectly Arranged was inspired by one of her eccentric clients and Liana’s love for China, where she lived for two and a half years. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or playing Pickleball.
Catherine Castle 