First Blush

by Rebeca Seitz

From the author of the Sisters, Ink series comes a fun new novella about finding your way…at the beach.

Elizabeth Bakersfield may live in the gorgeous town of Naples, Florida, but she is not the thirty-year-old she envisioned. Her husband left with a Miami Dolphins cheerleader. Her job prospects are nil. The rent is due. Her best friend is living a thousand miles away, building a career in NYC. And her closest companion is the cockatiel Johnny Carson.

The job front starts looking up when she’s offered the position of caretaker of Ganderley’s – a library, kind of. Elizabeth’s job is to loan out the priceless antiques and cars amassed by the widowed Ganderley sisters. Easy, right? Sign things out, get them back in two weeks. And, if she runs into trouble, there’s the gorgeous Ganderley nephew with the British accent, Nicholas Harrington, waiting in the wings with help.

But Elizabeth is about to learn first-hand that possessions – and gorgeous Brits - bring their own kind of drama. If she doesn’t figure out how to sidestep it, her job (not to mention the start of a new life) might be over before it ever really began.

Genres: Romance

93 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2014

About the author

Rebeca Seitz is the published author of novels, novellas, biographies and magazine articles. She has worked in the publishing, production, and promotional industries for 16 years as a writer, producer, agent, editor, publisher, and executive.

Seitz is the former President and CEO of SON Studios, a Naples-based non-profit that was founded in 2012 to use stories as vehicles for positive cultural change. Under her leadership, SON helped to bring over two dozen films and books to market while educating more than 2,000 writers in the art of embedding healthy values into stories. Notables who spoke and taught at SON events include Brian Bird, Josh Nadler, Chad Gundersen, Dan Merrell, Micheal Flaherty, Howie Klausner, Kevin Sorbo, Brent McCorkle, Fred Thompson, and many more.

In 2005, Seitz founded Glass Road Public Relations, a firm committed to promoting story-driven works with uplifting themes. It was a pioneer in its field, securing coverage for novelists on The Today Show, USA Today, Southern Living, The 700 Club, National Public Radio, Good Housekeeping, BookPage, Moody Radio, and numerous newspapers and radio shows. At the request of its clients, Glass Road expanded in 2010 to offer publishing and agenting services to writers, changing its name to Glass Road Media & Management. The first book published under the GR imprint, Nancy Zieman’s Seams Unlikely, won Book of the Year from Book Fun Magazine.

In its nine years, Glass Road worked with Tyndale, Zondervan, Waterbrook-Multnomah, David C Cook, Charisma, Barbour Books, Baker Books, Howard/Simon & Schuster, Hachette Books, Moody Publishing, Guideposts Books, AMG Publishers, B&H Publishing, NavPress, Worthy Books and others. Its writer clients populated bestseller lists from the New York Times to USA Today. In January 2014, Seitz donated Glass Road to the nonprofit SON.

Rebeca began her career by serving as the first dedicated publicist for the fiction division of Thomas Nelson Publishers, one of the Top Ten Publishers in the World and now a division of HarperCollins Publishers. She is also a published novelist and memoirist: Prints Charming (Thomas Nelson), Sisters, Ink; Coming Unglued, Scrapping Plans, Perfect Piece (all B&H Publishing Group/LifeWay), First Blush and Second Glance (independent) and Lights Out (with Travis Freeman, BelieversPress).

Rebeca has been interviewed or featured on NPR, CNN, Huffington Post Live, The Glenn Beck Show, The Blaze, The Washington Times, WorldNetDaily, FOX News, Townhall.com, and others. The former Family Research Council Witherspoon Fellow for Media and University of Tennessee University Scholar holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science.

Rebeca lives in Naples, Florida, with her long-suffering husband, their two incredibly fabulous children, a rescued chocolate chihuahua (who may be a Russkiey toy – she’s not talking), a rescued tabby (who’s keeping a close eye on the Mexican/Russian dog), two cockatiels (who got here by accident after starring in one of Rebeca’s productions), and a partridge in a pear tree (kidding…for now).

Rebeca's writing home is at SeitzWrites.com and she blogs about matters of faith, religion and philosophy at Freevangelic.com.

Reviews

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Blush is the first book I've read by Rebeca Seitz and I loved everything about it! Contemporary romance, women's fiction, chick lit - no matter the classification, it's an engaging read. Some social drinking is present, but not in a way that stands out. From characterization to storyline, dialogue to setting, and laced with humor throughout, Rebeca is a strong writer. First Blush is actually a novella of approximately 100 pages that sets the stage for more stories to follow, and I'm very eager to continue on with these characters.

When it comes to setting, Rebeca made me "feel" Naples - its breathtaking water views, stately mansions, and with keen insight into how the elite of society think and behave. Money doesn't always bring happiness, as we all know, and I felt for the Mrs. Pelser described by Elizabeth: "Here she sat, day after day, in a beautiful home that she barely saw, married to a husband who barely saw her. It must be lonely. And tiring. And purposeless."

The main characters were very interesting, real, and easy to connect with. 30 years old and alone after her husband left with a younger woman, Elizabeth hasn't found her purpose or calling in life, struggles to pay the rent, and fails to live up to what a society daughter in the Bakersfield family should be. And then there's the personable and mysterious Nick - I really can't wait to learn more about him.

I've never heard of a place like Ganderley's and while I'd like to think it's a real place, I suspect it's a part of Rebeca's imagination. Ganderley's started when two sisters, Elva and Esther, lost their husbands and found themselves in possession of eight houses, two yachts, several vehicles, and tons of books and antiques. I loved these ladies who decided to share their wealth by letting people borrow whatever they needed, kind of like a fancy lending library. As a musician, I found Elizabeth's thoughts about Ganderley's music room moving: "I entered the music room and cast a glance toward the baby grand gleaming in the corner of the room. Instruments captivate me. All that potential, just waiting for a skilled and talented person to notice and take action. They look like orphans, waiting to be loved."

There's not a lot of obvious faith elements in this novella, but I suspect we'll see more as the series unfolds. I liked how Elva shared her spiritual wisdom with Elizabeth: "There's no need to rush about. . . . You'll find your path and then you'll know that everything leading up to it was necessary." Just another reminder of how, even though we might not understand at the moment, we can trust that God was working for our good all along.

Rebeca is currently working on the next story, Second Glance, and I can't wait! First Blush comes to a satisfactory conclusion, but with the promise of much more to come. Highly recommended. 5-star rating given in comparison to other novellas that I've read.

Thank you to BookFun for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up First Blush to read on a rainy Sunday afternoon and was immediately transported to the warm sandy beaches of Naples, Florida. I enjoyed spending a bit of time getting to know the witty yet jaded Elizabeth Bakersfield. She is such a delightful square peg in a sea of round holes. She has 'one of those' mommas that you just wonder why you are still so intimidated by at the age of thirty!

When Elizabeth is returning a vase to Ganderley's we are introduced the the delightfully eccentric sisters that run the place. They quickly bring Elizabeth on board to run the place while they do a bit of jet setting. My only disappoint was that they were gone so quickly that we really didn't get to enjoy them to the fullest.

During her first day of running the business on her own she meets the oh so handsome Nicholas Harrington. Nicholas is a distant relative to the Ganderley sisters and helps with the business. But there is something mysterious about him. It leaves you wondering, who is he really?

The author, Rebeca Seitz, has an amazing way with words! The story and the characters drew me in but before I knew it it was over. The upside of a great novella is that the story is by necessity fast paced and quickly gets to the meat of the story. First Blush meets all of those criteria. The downside of a great novella is that they are over before you are ready to let the story go. In this case there are several loose threads that need to be finished to satisfy me. According to the listing on Goodreads, this is just the first of a series. I pray that is so because I need more of this intriguing story!

I received a copy of this ebook to facilitate my review.

[Janice Garey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Title: SparkIes with Wit (Review of First Blush by Rebeca Seitz)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
Four Star****
I enjoyed the fast pace and remarkable wit of the main character. Reading the book felt like being transported into the lifestyles of the wealthy and socially climbing upward competitors. I found the theme of trying to find one's new self after the disintegration of the old self to be quite fascinating in the socially cloistered locale. I got the feeling the author is quite familiar with this locale and characters similar to the ones in the story.It was all very believable even though it was outside of my range of experience. I enjoyed the humorous complication presented. I think this could easily turn into a made for tv movie or even a series.

As a Christian, I was expecting that this book would engage on a spiritual level. It did not have too much spiritual depth. That is why I rated it a four instead of a five star book. That is my personal opinion and qualification as to what engages me totally in a book. This is a fun and light-hearted read that is totally in tune with what is going on in 2014.

If you are not seeking spiritual depth in a book then this book would be a five star book. The writing is excellent as is the plotting. I hope to read more from this author in the future, especially if she goes into deeper spiritual waters.

I received this book through bookfun.org in exchange for reading it and posting my honest review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable novella. Very intriguing characters. The main
character is Elizabeth Bakersfield. She is thirty years old,
daughter of society, divorced and jobless. Enter the eccentric
Ganderley sisters… who loan antiques and furnishings to the
wealthy and want a be’s of Naples. The sisters hire Elizabeth
to oversee the Ganderley House while they go on vacation. On
the first day Elizabeth runs the business, she meets the distant
cousin of the sisters, Nick Harrington. Nick is very handsome,
intriguing character with a British accent who helps the sisters
out when needed. But beside helping the two sisters out on
occasion…What does he really do? What and who is he really
involved ?
The story reads very fast. It give you a peek into the lifestyles
of the rich and want a be’s. The plot was Elizabeth trying to
discover what she wants to do and who she really is now that
she is divorced. Elizabeth also needs to get out from under her
wealthy mother telling her what she thinks Elizabeth should be
doing.
The story is fun. There is humor, a hint of romance even some
mystery involving who the Ganderley sisters are, what Nick
Harrington is all about and what will become of Elizabeth. Hope
this is the beginning of a series!!!
I received this book from book fun.org. My opinion is my own.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very amusing story about a quirky woman taking on a unique job. I loved the character of Elizabeth; she was incredibly funny and made me smile or laugh on almost every page. I felt for her situation of not finding work, but was also annoyed that it was partly because she was so afraid of not pleasing her snooty parents that she wouldn't take any job that they wouldn't approve of. She seemed to base every decision on whether her mother would be pleased, which got a little annoying since she's almost thirty and divorced and admits that doing what her parents want all of the time hasn't done her very much good. The other characters were all very interesting; not a boring one in the bunch! This was a clean read, though there was a scene that got a little heated, but I don't remember anything faith related at all, so I was a little disappointed since that's what I was expecting. It also didn't seem to really end. A lot of things were left hanging and at first I thought that was how it was going to be left, but I saw later that there's going to be another book. I would recommend it if you like humorous stories, but you're probably going to want to read the next one to find out what happens.

I received a free kindle copy of this book from Bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the funnest reads I've had in a long time. From page one, I just fell in love with the character of Elizabeth Bakersfield. She reminded me of me in that, even as an adult of being over thirty, she was still feeling compelled to please her mother and her expectations of what is right in "polite society" (as my own mother would say).

Elizabeth is a divorced woman, still trying to find a job her mother approves of socially when she is given the opportunity to run Ganderley's. This is a place where the well-to-do can borrow things of quality for their homes so, of course, this meets Elizabeth's mother's standards.

Enter Nick - an intriguing British man who helps the Ganderley's get back the pieces that are not returned. Okay, the author had me a British...you know how much I just love anything British, including Nick! Elizabeth seems to feel the same way.

Since this is a novella, it was a quick read (93 pages in my ebook copy) and that was my only complaint! It was much too short and it left me wanting to know more about these wonderful characters!

It had everything I love about a story - intrigue, romance, and humor! What could be better?

I give this book a 5 out of 5 star rating!

*This book was provided to me by Glass Road Media & Management

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute novella! This story is just plain fun from the start to the finish! It looks like it is the start of a series, and I hope that is the case.

The novella is told through Elizabeth Bakersfield’s perspective and is a really enjoyable narrative on her life, what has happened in her recent past and where she finds herself currently. With a cheating ex-husband and failed marriage behind her, Elizabeth must decide what is next for her.

I really enjoyed the fun manner in which the author wrote the story. She did a nice job of describing life in this Florida town, and showing the differences between common folk and the upper crust of the area. Nicholas Harrington is a handsome and mysterious addition to the story and I hope to see a relationship grow between these two characters in future stories. Very enjoyable novella.

I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the author, through The Book Club Network, in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...

[Donna Mcginnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first introduction to Rebeca Seitz and I really enjoyed reading this delightful and humorous novella. It is a fast and easy read but it ended to soon for me. I wanted to read more. Maybe this will be a series. Would like to know if Elizabeth continues her position at the Ganderley House, how the relationship between her and Nick develops and if her parents will continue to effect her life.
The main character Elizabeth Bakersfield is from a wealthy family with an overbearing mother. She is recently divorced and jobless. Any job she might find has to meet with her mother's approval. She goes to work for the Ganderley sisters while they go on an extended vacation. The Ganderley House loans antiques and furnishings to the wealthy. In comes Nick Harrington the sisters nephew and Elizabeth finds herself drawn to him. He retrieves the items that have been loaned out by the Ganderley's when they are not returned in the proper time frame. I liked the witty humor between Elizabeth and Nick.
I recommend this novella. It is well written and a great read.

I received this book from bookfun.or for my honest opinion and review.

[Sharee · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Blush is a fun novella about Elizabeth Bakersfield, the young, single daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James D. Bakersfield IV of the Bakersfield fortune. Elizabeth finds herself divorced, jobless and under the scrutiny of her overbearing mother. Elizabeth is hired by Esther and Elva Ganderley to manage their store in their absence. The job sounds easy enough until Elizabeth finds herself in a bit of a quandary in fulfilling the orders. With the help of a mysterious and gorgeous helper, Elizabeth must do the impossible.

Rebeca Seitz is such a wonderful author, I absolutely love all of her books and First Blush is no exception. Her characters and writing style are delightful and energetic. I didn’t want the book to end and am so hoping this is just the first in a series.

I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth is a divorced woman (eek!) trying to please her mother by finding a job that is “respectable”. She finds one at Ganderley’s - an shop that loans pricey furnishings to the rich society of which her mother is a part of. Thus, this is a respectable job. Add in Nick, the “bounty hunter” that collects the un-returned pieces and the fun begins.

This is a very short novella and a very fast read. Elizabeth has a fun personality, as does Nick and they are good together. It is fun and so true that Elizabeth has been married, divorced and is living on her own, but Mom’s opinion still slants her decisions. I hope this is a first episode of the adventures of Elizabeth and Nick and Ganderley’s. I’m looking forward to the next!

I was given this book by bookfun.org for my honest review

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"First Blush" is an entertaining look at real life. A young divorcee trying to live up to her wealthy parents' expectations, Elizabeth just really wants to find her place and her purpose in God's world. When she is given the opportunity to run Ganderley's, she figures what does she have to lose? When she meets Nick, who also works for the Ganderleys, she understands she could potentially lose her heart . . . if she could find it in herself to trust again and give love another change.

Rebeca Seitz is the best at creating engaging and enjoyable stories based on relatable characters dealing with real life issues. "First Blush" is another job well done for Ms. Seitz! Looking forward to the next installment!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under a cloud of her high-society mother's disappointment in her lack of success in life and searching for her niche in life, Elizabeth Bakersfield stumbles upon a perfect job. The wealthy Ganderly sisters employ her to manage their business, loaning out antiques and treasures for events, while they set out to see the world. With an added bonus of collaborating with their gorgeous nephew, Elizabeth's life suddenly becomes much more interesting and exciting. A worthwhile occupation leads to a little risk-taking and a lot of attraction to a very eligible man. This is an entertaining and enjoyable read that I would recommend. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

In First Blush, Rebeca Seitz introduces us to Elizabeth Bakersfield. Elizabeth finds herself at a cross roads in her life -- divorced and jobless at the age of 30. Elizabeth lives in the shadow of her wealthy and overbearing parents. We meet the Ganderly sisters who load out expensive antiques to the wealthy people of Naples. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and was quite disappointed when I was finished reading it. I can't wait to read more about Elizabeth and her family/friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back, Rebeca! What a great book! Elisabeth is a hoot. I love her bird Johnny, and Nick is to die for.

Elisabeth has her hands full with working a Ganderly's a shop that has high end furnishings that people can borrow, Nick the handsome Brit, and keeping the peace among the clients that borrow items.
This is an absolutely fun book with a capital F! I found myself giggling throughout. This is a perfect summer read. Snatch it up and head to your favorite outdoor spot and enjoy!

[Linda Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining read about Elizabeth who was born to rich parents but prefers to live an ordinary life. Unfortunately her husband leaves her and she has to fend for herself. The story progresses until she works for 2 eccentric ladies who lend out their treasures and household items to the locals. Its a shame its such a short book because it is well written , if far fetched, and there is scope for more.
I received this book in exchange for a review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIRST BLUSH was simply fun. It did start out a little slow, but by the time it got to the violin I was very interested in where it was going. A British man, the accent, ah, love. And Elizabeth is in over her head even though she doesn't know it.

I do want to know Nick's secrets. How did he come upon the experience he has.... but that isn't answered in the book. Delicious read. Loved it.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pretty good short. I wish there had been more as it left me wanting to know more of the story. Being set in Naples was a breath of sunshine. It was also interesting to read about the upper crust in the city. i liked the main character as she tries to find her way in a society that just does not fit her.

[Lori Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Blush is an enjoyable novella by Rebeca Seitz. It is a fast, easy, and engaging read. The characterizatons and settings are vivid and full of humor. I can't wait until the second in the series is out. This is definitely going to be a writer who will be enjoyable to follow.
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Blush is such a wonderful novella written by Rebeca Seitz. It was well written and the characters were very likable! The more I read, the more I wanted to know. This book was an enjoyable read filled with fun, just what I needed...and left me wanting more. I can not wait for the next installment!! Great book!
I was given this book by Bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fun to read. I felt like I was there in the adventure. I would recommend this book to anyone that needs a good laugh.

I hope there is a sequel to this book. It has me wondering what happens next?

So enjoyable. Please take the time to read this book. You will be happy you did.