Ain’t Misbehaving by Marji Laine
MY REVIEW:
Because her father was a prominent businessman running for political office, Annalee’s case generated wide-spread attention and those responsible for her punishment were careful not to show her any favor. Annalee was assigned a penalty of a number of community service hours but was surprised not only by how difficult the assignment would be but the sheer animosity shown her by some of the people she would be working with and even her own probation officer.
This story was so heart-warming as Annalee found true purpose in her life as she spent more time with the underprivileged children in the center and saw something different in the lives of the people around her. Secrets and misunderstandings were common and it was fun to watch a sweet romance develop between Annalee and C.J. despite multiple complications.
The book was well written and I found myself absorbed by Annalee and C.J.’s story. It was the perfect blend of drama, romance, and faith with memorable characters and and encouraging plot. I would definitely recommend “Ain’t Misbehaving” to any who enjoy a good contemporary romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
True, Annalee’s crime amounted to very little, but not in terms of community service hours. Her probation officer encouraged her with a promise of an easy job in an air conditioned downtown environment. She didn’t expect her role to be little better than a janitor at an after-school day care in the worst area of town. Through laughter and a few tears, Annalee finds out that some lessons are learned the hard way, and some seep into the soul unnoticed.
Carlton Whelen hides behind the nickname of CJ so people won’t treat him like the wealthy son of the Whelen Foundation director. Working at the foundations after-school program delights him and annoys his business-oriented father. When a gorgeous prima donna is assigned to his team, he not only cringes at her mistakes, but also has to avoid the attraction that builds from the first time he sees her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marji Laine has completed seventeen years of homeschooling with the surreal notion that she’ll now have time on her hands. But that’s unlikely. Her publishing company, Write Integrity Press, keeps her extremely busy. In her spare time, she teaches a high school and college Bible Study, leads a Sunday morning high school fellowship group, directs a children’s choir, and sings in her church’s adult choir.
She enjoys road trips with her family and friends, photography, scrapbooking, and participating in musical theater. Her favorite past time is game night with her family and her kids’ extended collection of friends.
GUEST POST FROM MARJI LAINE:
AIN’T MISBEHAVING delves into the depth of life from the perspective of a shallow, sheltered woman. Annalee Chambers has been raised to pay attention to all aspects of society, particularly the appearance of success. Being cultured and socially-educated, she’s not really prepared to work in one of the poorest sections of town. And she’s really not expecting to find such joy intertwined with such poverty.
Having my story set in my hometown has some fun aspects. I got to handpick the homes for the main characters and the locations for the after-school program. And even now when I drive past some of those places, I get all excited about the story again.
For instance, I chose a particular building downtown to be CJ’s (the hero’s) condo. It’s in One Arts Plaza. This condo was for sale when I was writing the book so I was able to download actual pictures of the place including the view from its southeast facing patio. You’ll laugh, but I don’t drive by that building without looking up to the 18th floor and half expecting to see CJ standing there.
AIN’T MISBEHAVING goes much deeper than only the setting, though. It was written a number of years ago, so many that I barely remembered the storyline. But when I started editing, I was moved to tears again and again. These characters are so real, and I would love to meet them!
I hope you’ll enjoy AIN’T MISBEHAVING and watch for Annalee and CJ to have an extra special cameo part in Book 2 of the Dallas Duets, PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ.
BLOG STOPS:
Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 27
Janices book reviews, January 27
Remembrancy, January 28
Mary Hake, January 28
Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 29
Inklings and Notions, January 29
Texas Book-aholic, January 30
Carpe Diem, January 31
A Baker’s Perspective, February 1
Multifarious, February 2
Daysong Reflections, February 2
Bibliophile Reviews, February 3
proud to be an autism mom, February 4
Power of Words, February 4 (spotlight)
A Greater Yes, February 5
Reading is my Super Power, February 5 (Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6
margaret kazmierczak, February 6 (interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, February 7 (Guest review from Mindy Houng)
Bigreadersite, February 8
Avid Reader Book Reviews, February 8
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, February 9
Pursuing Stacie, February 9
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Marji is giving away a grand prize of Dallas chocolates, Texas snack box, and a packet of Bluebonnet seeds!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: 
