A Very Important Guest

by Mary Whitney

Abby Flaherty has a lousy job, but it’s the perfect one for her. Housekeeping in a luxury Waikiki hotel is a refuge from her troubles. Once a carefree and spirited island girl, Abby has had to deal with responsibilities and grim circumstances beyond her years. But when a V.I.P. guest discovers there’s more to Abby than her uniform and cleaning cart, the glow of romance begins to brighten her life in ways she’s not sure she can trust—or live without.

Set against a backdrop of pristine beaches and starlit skies, this intriguing short story delivers political banter, poignant realism, and delicious romance, all sparked by the visit of A Very Important Guest.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, Novella, Ebooks, New Adult

55 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2012

About the author

Mary Whitney blames Laura Ingalls Wilder and Margaret Mitchell for her obsession with romance novels. At an early age, Mary fell in love with the Little House series and its dreamy hero, Almanzo Wilder, who only wanted Laura to be Laura. Like many women, Mary later graduated to the ultimate, tall and dark bad boy, Rhett Butler, who loved Scarlett despite her flaws.

Mary has lived around the U.S., and after a first career in the non-profit world and politics, she's settled in Northern California with her husband and daughters. She spends her days writing characters she hopes somehow capture the romance of Rhett and Scarlett and Almanzo and Laura. She's a firm believer in what Rhett says to Scarlett: "You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how.

Reviews

[J.m. Darhower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, A Very Important Guest... what can I say?

I don't usually read novellas because they tend to leave me feeling a massive void. It always feels incomplete, like it's almost impossible for an author to convey everything that needs to be conveyed to make me care in such few words, but this story didn't fall into that category. A Very Important Guest hooked me from the very first sentence and I devoured it quickly , falling into Abby's world and experiencing life in her shoes for a while.

(Refraining from posting spoilers...) I can say that I absolutely adored the chemistry between Abby and Will. Abby--strong, smart, and determined, and Will--charming, strong-willed, and humorous, balanced each other out perfectly. The dialogue was absolutely stellar and funny at times, often leaving me smiling or laughing, even swooning a bit.

The romance is sweet, and the story has a dash of seriousness that keeps it grounded so it doesn't go overboard into 'cheesy' at any point. The characters felt like real people and not caricatures. It left me impressed and a little awestruck. I'm trying to learn how to be clear and concise when writing, and I bow down to Mary Whitney's ability to achieve both so fluidly.

Five out of five stars. Give it a read.

[Fmbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

*HAPPY SIGH* Mary Whitney is one of my absolute faves! Yet again, Whitney gives us compelling characters, politics, humor, and a little drama all interwoven in a romantic backdrop. This is a story of love at second sight, and I enjoy every moment!

This time we meet Abby who is almost done with her political science degree, working as a housekeeper in a Hawaiian hotel. In the course of her duties, she meets Congressman Will Lloyd from Ohio, a guest in the hotel while at a conference. Abby recognizes him as a result of her courses. Though they get off to a rough start, an impromptu conversation develops into something more.

I'm impressed with setting of Hawaii and the descriptions.
I like Abby, a lot! She's smart as a whip, kind, caring, super responsible, and doesn't complain about her lot. I lovvvvvvvvvvvve that Abby studies Political Science, which (as I'm sure you know by now) is very close to my heart :)

I also like Will... eventually, haha. He also seems kind, fighting for the little guy against corporations, etc. Even though Will is a congressman, he's a pretty normal guy. More than everything, I love Will and Abby together...I love how they're attracted to one another, encouraging each other to relax, explore, and throw caution to the wind.

Some fave moments:
-When Will takes the toilet brush from Abby and cleans himself... It's love, lol!
-The first date :)
-A: "And I thought I was going out with a refined congressman."
W: "You've watched CSPAN. There is nothing refined about Congress." BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
-"my dream job are working for the State Department or THE World Bank, or maybe the United Nations, though that's a bit out of reach." this is my life!!!!!!
-The first kiss :)))))))))
-Will debating collective bargaining rights....This I'd love to see! *FANS FACE*
-"Whatever. I'm in politics. I'm a good judge if crazy, and you're not crazy." HAHAHAHA
-“What if I’m seriously dating a woman in Hawaii, whose struggling to finish school and take care of her ailing mother? What if we’re both travelling back and forth between Ohio, Hawaii, and D.C. to see one another? What if they see you with me in my district?”- Awwwwwwwwwwwww *TUMMY FLUTTERS*

The End...FOR NOW?!!!!!!! Might we have more????
Maybe we can see Will helping Abby through her Mother's death, helping her settle affairs before leaving Hawaii...Will and Abby arguing about him wanting to help her find a job in DC; Abby in Ohio with Will, meeting his family, his community and constituents...maybe going to campaign rallies with him; Will and Abby in DC together, arguing trade politics, Abby trying to teach Will Japanese.

This is short, but packs a sumptuously delicious punch! This is totally a MUSTREAD!

Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book!

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

A Very Important Guest is a beautiful love story that touches your heart and leaves you with a smile on your face.

Abby Flaherty is a hard working housekeeper in a busy luxury Waikiki Hotel.
While getting one of the hotel rooms ready Abby meets the rooms impatient VIP guest.
He's not pleased to find his room occupied and not ready for him, he shows his annoyance which Abby tries hard to put aside.
With a smile on her face she ignores his gruff manner and does her best to make him feel welcomed.
Abby recognizes the VIP, he's William LLoyd the Democrat from Ohio.
She had cheered for him when she saw him on TV during an interrogation of an oil company. Abby had liked the way he was tough with his beliefs.
With a smile on her face she now realises maybe that's how he treats people, maybe he was just a jerk.
William or Will to his friends is shocked to find she knows who he is and once again makes Abby feel less than for knowing him and that she could have any interest/knowledge in Politics.

Abby continues to run into Will while coming to clean his room.
They get to talk, Will slowly gets Abby to open up about herself.
Hearing about her interests and actually taking the time to really look at Abby Will finds himself intrigued and wanting to learn more about her.
All through their meetings Abby is always thinking she's not enough and that her life is too complicated to have someone interested in her.
But Will has a way in getting Abby to open up, we hear about Abby's life and everything that she's gone through.

I found myself admiring Abby, such a strong and hard working girl.
Hearing about her family and especially about her mother broke my heart.
Abby's so determined in her mind that she doesn't need anyone that she starts to shut Will out.
But our Will is a smart and determined man, he knows what he wants and he goes after it.

I'm so happy to have read A Very Important Guest, author Mary Whitney has a wonderful way with her words and she knows how to make you fall in love with her characters.
I found myself cheering for Will and hoping Abby would let her guard down and let Will into her heart.
I promise you you won't be disappointed reading this novella.

[Jenny - Book Sojourner · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 1/2 stars*

A very sweet read and just what I needed. Will and Abby were compelling yet not over the top. I loved their banter and that they engaged each other. I really hope the ending wasn't a tease and that we will see more of them in the future.

Full Review:
http://booksojourner.blogspot.com/201...

[Heidi McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually bypass short stories when I see them on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. I've read a few, and sometimes, authors just can't delivery.

So not the case with Whitney and A Very Important Guest. I'm giving it 5 [rating=5] Stars While I want more from these characters, I was left with a solid feeling that the story is complete whether Whitney picks it up again or not.

Set is picturesque and beautiful Hawaii, Abby is a maid at a high end resort. When she's caught still cleaning a suite by young congressman. And how does Abby know this? Because she watches CSPAN <--- This made me laugh as I've often, late at night when I can't sleep, stop on CSPAN so I can remember just how crazy American politics are.

William Lloyd, a Democrat from Ohio, is in Hawaii for a conference. Can you imagine his surprise when he walks into his hotel suite and finds the maid bent over talking to "something" under the bed. Although this story is told from Abby's point of view, for one brief moment I wanted to know exactly what William was thinking.

William is standoffish and down right rude, according to Abby. But it doesn't take him long to fix his blundering attitude. He takes every opportunity he can to hang out with Abby and doesn't hide his feelings.

A Very Important Guest is extremely refreshing, light and not weighed down by drama or political non-sense. A very much love at first sight novella that will keep you wondering if Whitney will carry on these characters.

You'll be happy and in love by the time you're done with A Very Important Guest.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, intelligent love story that was a quick enjoyable read. As with all of Mary's writing, I appreciate her ability to tell and illustrate a story so seamlessly. Despite the length of this book, her characters are thoroughly developed and easy to relate to despite their opposite walks of life. While this story could be completely over the top and unrealistic, Mary makes an unexpected situation into something sweet and realistic. The story ended leaving me looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Raina {The LUV'NV} · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, enjoyable, quick read with thoroughly developed characters and a satisfying ending. I'm amazed by Mary Whitney's ability to capture a love story in so little words while keeping the romance and small plot well-paced. Looking forward to reading A Political Affair.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very very sweet novella.
The way I see it is Mary wrote her own version of Maid in Manhattan. Only in Hawaii (better, right?) and with a midwesterner as a politician.
Loved Abby and Will's first meeting, their continuous interactions and the way their sweet love story came to be. I wish all men were as adorable, smart, funny and persistent (in a non creepy way!!) as Will.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! This is a fun story and a quick read. Abby is intelligent, kind, and burning the candle at both ends. In a surprise turn of events, she meets her Very Important Guest and the sparks fly right from the start. It's a feel-good story that ends on a good note, and makes you wonder if we won't hear from this couple again.

[Andrea (mrsaubergine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a lovely picture of hubby and me at Eternity Beach, so this little Hawaiian story made me smile so much. I loved the way the author packed so much character development into such a short time. Will and Abby were both great characters, and I would love to hear more about them (that teaser line at the end hopes there will be more). Lovely.

[Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and delightful tale that unlike some novellas doesn’t leave you wanting. Well developed characters including witty Abby and charming Will take you on a fun adventure. Great read and worth the buy! I look forward to reading more from this author she tells the story to the reader with enough to paint a picture but enough to allow for some imagination.

Great Read

[S.L. Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story because Whitney captured a beginning, middle, and end with a great storyline running throughout. Some books can't do that in 200,000 words. It's an entertaining read with smart characters and intelligent writing. I highly recommend this great escape of a novella.

[Preet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short but oh so good. The end hinted there was more to come and I'd love to see how Will and Abby handle everything that comes their way!

I'm really looking forward to reading more politically inclined stories and books by Mary Whitney.

[Pam M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I lovely novella that was a great quick read. Loved the H/H and their dynamic. I am a huge fan of Mary's writing and I am looking forward to reading A Political Affair.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Such a sweet & sexy fantasy...while I would have loved to spend more time with Will and Abby, this story was a perfect escape. I wholeheartedly recommend this novella!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this novella. Favorite part is the "From Here to Eternity" beach scene. Congrats Mary!

[Verity Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful short story that I read in no time. I loved the characters and I loved the story, a great story to tide me over till Mary's first full length novel

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sincerely believe Mary Whitney loves to torture people. The taunts began with Beside Your Heart and now with A Very Important Guest, and soon, I’m sure, the torture will continue with her next release. Gah! I just adore her books, and I love the characters in her books. They are gritty and real like Abby in this story. Her hardships and humble beginnings are something I crave in a character. She is a housekeeper with dreams of making her mark in life, burning both ends of the candle by also attending school and taking care of her family. Unfortunately, few people see past her housekeeper’s uniform. So was the case when Congressman William Lloyd walked into his hotel room as Abby finished cleaning it. He is short tempered and seems to disregard her completely when they first meet. Interestingly enough, they both seem to make false assumptions of one another.

I loved Will, the male counterpart in her story. Will is someone who is not overly dominant or exaggeratedly wealthy, yet he can still be as sexy as anything. He’s just a Congressman from the good old state of Ohio (Woot for O-H-I-O), and the adorable factor goes up several notches when he insists that Abby not clean his hotel room toilet. Adorable, right? Any man who helps with cleaning is on my nice list. Together she shows him the beauty of Hawaii, and she allows herself to care for Will, knowing that he will inevitably have to leave.

The romance is very sweet, and the story left me wanting more. Mary Whitney’s characters are real people–people that we can empathize with, making the books all the more pleasurable in reading. She has the talent for making us Ooo and Aww and the inevitable “Oh this book is killing me” rants that you know we make when we read her books. Knowing it was a novella, I knew I would be wanting it to be longer. Reading her books is like a roller coaster, a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns. You find you’re having so much fun, that you forget that the ride has to end. I’m really hoping this particular one doesn’t and that the author continues with Abby and Will’s story.

Pretty please with sugar on top?

[KB Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically, me too!

I really enjoyed the brief story of Abby, the hotel cleaning woman, and William, the Ohio congressman in Hawaii on a junket and staying at Abby's hotel. I was actually surprised (and delighted) how much the author was able to pack in such a brief story, and none of it felt forced, rushed, or "are you kidding me?"

Abby is in a tender spot -- she's twenty-four and on her own in Hawaii caring for a terminal mother. Abby is bright, worldly and ambitious. She's also level-headed, understanding that working as a hotel cleaning lady is the smart means to an end: the hours jibe with her classwork and time to care for her mother.

Will is less fully drawn but this is really Abby's story, and what we learn about him all makes sense. He, too, is hardworking and sincere, and fallible. He's drawn to Abby, she to him, and they date while he's there.

It's really a lovely, subtle romance, and I liked the characters and their development(s) so much I was sorry to see the story end. That's a good sign!

[Sokhon Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it is short and sweet. I like Abby and Will. I like the fact that Abby is a strong character and is not 'OMG... he is just so, like, hot ya know - swoon....?' kinda girl. I like the banter between the characters, they are funny, light and brings life into the characters.

I just came back from Waikiki and reading the names of some of the beaches makes me want to go back there in an instant.

I hope that we get more of Will and Abby. I am curious to see where their relationship will end up. Hawaii can be a romantic bubble for some couples so hopefully if and when she moves east we can really see how their relationship will flourish.

I never thought politics can be so sexy or even interesting but Mary's writing reals you in and even though it is a romance book - I am learning a lot about politics!

I am looking forward to reading her other books if it is as good as this, I am in for a treat.

[monica ♪ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I was looking for a short, sweet novella because I need to refresh my brain from reading too much sexy books. I thought this book would be a good choice, but unfortunately it's not.

It's indeed short. Very short even. But it's also so boring (´Д` )

I'm not interested in politics. I don't even understand that politics shit in my country, let alone politics in America. And the hero in this book is a politicians. So there are lots of politics talk in it. And it's so boring!


The book is told in 3rd person POV and with cliffy ending..


I like the heroine though. A strong, independent woman. At least there's something I like from this book. Haha

[Monique Cherie Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Original Post

To be honest I wasnt really looking forward to 'A Very Important guest'
It started bland the first few sentances were quite boring but i pervailed and
kept on going and THANK GOD I did.
Mary Whitney has written a romantic tale about Abby and Will. A high up buisness
man and a hotel cleaner.
When Will travels to Hawaii's luxury Waikiki hotel he runs in to housekeeper Abby
over and over as she comes along to clean his room.
When the big shot democrat from Ohio takes a moment to take a look at Abby
and see her for who she is Abby finds self doubt and wonders if she is good enough
for the man
The novel went from sweet to sweeter, Not really a young adult Novel, but a sweet
sweet Romantic Tale none the less, If you are a fan of cute romance movies and novels,
you will love this.

[Damaris (GoodChoiceReading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Important Guest is a short story that can easily be read in one sitting. I was a little worried about the development between the two main characters, but surprisingly you really get to know them and watch them fall in love. I learned a lot about Abby and her special guest. Abby is a character that I would definitely love to read more about. If this were turned into a full novel, I’d probably rate it five stars. I love the chemistry between the two and how mature both characters are.

I feel this story is great for a long car ride, and/or train ride. It’s pleasurable and has the right amount of everything in it. I enjoyed it a lot. I definitely will be reading more by this author.

Short review for a short story, I recommend it. Let me know what you think!


4 out of 5 stars!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Important Guest is a very sweet, slight political novella about Abby, who works as a housekeeper in a Hawaiian hotel. When she cleans the room of a congressman, they both find that the other is more than their job. Can what begins as a vacation romance lead to a life of happiness together?

This was a great novella, and it was great to escape to Hawaii with Abby and Will. Will was so sweet, and I loved the two of them together. The end implied the author might return to the characters in another story, so I'm excited for more.

A Very Important Guest is the first story by Mary Whitney I've read, and if her other stories are like this, I look forward to following her writing. You should definitely take a chance on Mary Whitney.

[Feedinglovelyaddiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review can be found at http://feedingmylovelyaddiction.blogs...

Mary Whitney has created a quick romantic fairy tale that was fun to read and left me wanting more, as most short stories do. This one was written beautifully, capturing Whitney's talent at spinning her words in a way that the reader can picture each scene perfectly. I really enjoyed it and will be looking forward to reading more about Abby and her important guest.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little novella took me only a little over an hour to read. This is the second Mary Whitney book I've read, and I can't complain. I like that her books all have some kind of political affiliation but the books aren't all about politics. You aren't bombarded with all that political speak and nonsense. I will be reading more from this author. She is definitely a favorite.

[Sez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed everything I've read by this author (both professionally and non) and this story is no different. The story doesn't drag and keeps a good pace. Loved the ending but it certainly left me wanting more!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella right off. The author immediately grabs you with her engaging character sketches and despite a flat-footed introduction, I rooted for this couple's budding attraction all the way. Touching and intelligent, as all Mary's stories are, I hope there's more from them one day! :)

[Volexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this novella down and read it in one sitting. I love how much information we received about Abby and Will without feeling the story was being rushed. Emotions were natural not forced. Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Katie Edmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly executed novella that allows you to connect with the characters and experience their developing relationship without feeling like you are watching a movie on fast forward. The only thing I would like is a follow up novella or epilogue to see them again.