Glynis Astie: March 2015

The lovely Isabella Louise Anderson has been having a good month! She has been busy celebrating the 1st birthday of her debut novel, The Right Design.

Release Date: March 8,2014

In the author's debut novel comes a story about picking up the pieces, letting go of the past, and finding love along the way--even if morals are tested!

Interior designer Carrie Newman could not have envisioned a more perfect life for herself. She had a great job doing what she loved, wonderful friends, and a close relationship with her sister and brother-in-law. Add in an amazing man who she’d hoped would soon become her husband, and her life was perfect. Until one devastating decision ruins her relationship and changes the course of her life.

Determined to make a new start, Carrie leaves Texas and heads to Palm Beach to pick up the pieces of her shattered and broken life. The last thing she expects is to find herself attracted to her first client at her new job--Brad Larson, who has proven himself time and time again to be caddish.

But there’s something beneath the surface of Brad’s arrogant exterior that keeps her craving more of him--something almost sweet that Carrie can’t seem to resist.

Is Carrie ready to take another chance on romance? And will this new design of her life prove to be the right one?

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I'm a total sucker for a story about the bond between sisters, probably because my sister, Megan, is such an amazing person. There is honestly no one in the world like her. She is impossible to replicate, impossible to argue with (since she’s always right) and impossible to hate. Sure, I tried to hate her growing up (Who wouldn’t want to hate someone who gave you the nickname, “Turkey Face”?!?), but I never succeeded. Our roles were fairly well defined – as my older sister, she had to take me with her wherever she went and as her younger sister, I had to follow her orders. In other words, I was a thorn in her side and she was a pain in my, well, you know.

No matter how much I annoyed her, she always took care of me. Always. She defended me when I was bullied, picked me up when I fell down, helped me make sense of the endless list of things which baffled me and, rather importantly, advised me on hair, makeup and fashion choices. (These are crucial decisions for a teenage girl – especially one sporting braces on her teeth as well as her back.) Through all our years together, my sister managed to instill me with a sense of confidence I was never able to find on my own.

When I had the notion of writing a novel, my sister was the first to hear my confession. It may sound bizarre, but that’s what it felt like – a confession. I had never imagined myself as an author, so the idea of writing an entire book seemed ludicrous to me. But not to her. My sister instantly championed the idea and outlined why I would make a great author. I was shocked! How could she believe wholeheartedly that I could do something when I felt so unsure?

Her enthusiasm gave me the push I needed to create an outline for my book. Once I found the courage to start writing, she patiently talked through story ideas, gave insightful notes on my chapters and cheered me through the end of my draft. As if that weren’t enough, she designed a gorgeous cover for my debut novel. Since people absolutely judge a book by its cover, at least initially, she set me up for a great start as usual.

There is no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t have become a writer without my sister. She will deny this until the end of time, but I know it to be the truth. And I take a small amount of satisfaction in knowing she can occasionally be wrong. Because of my sister’s love, guidance and eternal patience, I’m finally able to see the possibilities in front of me, instead of the obstacles in my path. It seems truly impossible to feel whole without her.

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About the Author

Isabella grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day nothing has changed. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and has been featured on several blogs. While Isabella doesn't blog a lot, she focuses her time on featuring other writers, along with writing and editing. Isabella Louise Anderson created Chick Lit Goddess to share the love of the following genres: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Romance, and Romantic Comedies! She loves featuring authors and their books. She lives in Dallas with her husband and cat. She enjoys spicy Mexican food and drinking margaritas, and can be found spending time with family and friends, cheering on the Texas Rangers, and reading. Isabella's short story, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, was featured in Simon & Fig's Christmas anthology, Merry & Bright, in November 2013. The Right Design is her first novel.