Title: Old Flames, New Beginnings
Author: Lea Schizas
Genre: Holiday Contemporary Romance
Book Blurb:
Nestled in picturesque mountains surrounded by glistening snow-capped peaks, lies the heartwarming tale of Old Flames, New Beginnings. At its core, two remarkable women take center stage: Sophia Andropoulos, a young-at-heart widowed grandmother, and her granddaughter, Jazz, a spitfire with a heart of gold and a mouth to match. Both have felt the searing sting of heartache. Sophia's innocent heart was stripped of its first taste of love in her tender teenage years, while Jazz's heartbreak is still fresh, inflicted by the charismatic Jake Alexander Monroe. Ever since, Jazz has fortified her heart with impenetrable walls.
But fate has other plans for these two resilient women.
While Sophia reunites with her long-lost love, Jazz experiences an emotional whiplash, leaving her torn between the past and the unknown promise of a future with Jake.
Old Flames, New Beginnings is a heartwarming tale of two generations of women rediscovering love, and the power of second chances.
Excerpt:
Back to the task on hand, she hurried along like a triathlete in training—her body leaning forward and both arms slashing through the air—when she spotted someone pulling the metal shutters of the targeted store.
Oh nonononono!
She rushed forward, startling the man. “No, please, wait. It’s not closing time yet.” Before the older, but distinguished-looking man pulled the doors completely shut, she sprinted inside the store. “I’m so sorry. I was supposed to be here earlier, but the weather and traffic didn’t cooperate. It’s horrible out there. I’m here to pick up—”
“I’m sorry, but we’re closed,” the man said, gently placing his hand on the back of her shoulder and guiding her out of his store.
“Please,” she wailed like a spoiled brat, her voice laced with desperation, as she halted abruptly. I’m pathetic. “You don’t understand. I made a promise to my grandmother, my Greek grandmother. She’s going to kill me if I don’t pick up her package. You don’t want to be an accomplice to murder, do you?” She puckered her lips into an adorable, yet slightly petulant, pout and couldn’t care less. Her tears were on full standby, ready to cascade down her cheeks at a moment’s notice if he didn’t show an ounce of sympathy. When it came to not disappointing her grandmother, she had no shame and would go to great lengths.
A scowl twisted his face, brows furrowed in frustration, but he halted in his tracks. After exhaling a deep grunt, he demanded in a soft tone, “What’s her name?”
“Sophia Andropoulos.”
As if someone had flipped a switch, the man’s entire stoic expression melted away, and his warm smile lit up, illuminating his dark brown eyes. “Ah, Sophia, yes, yes. Come in,” he said, practically dragging her back inside by the arm. He paused to make sure the entrance was fully closed before saying, “I get Sophia’s present.” His eyebrows, a perfect match to his hair’s salt and pepper hue, busted out a comically choreographed shimmy as he pivoted toward the rear of the boutique.
Umm, odd. And present? Not package?
The man, seemingly in his early seventies, moved with remarkable agility, defying the limitations of age with every step. With a towering height of six feet plus, he stood tall and lean, defying the stereotype of a stooped and shrunken elder. Hints of gray peeked out from his sideburns, adding to his seasoned appearance. Tiny wrinkles crinkled around his eyes, but they only enhanced his youthful energy and vigor. In no time at all, he was back and standing in front of her. Jazz stared at the item in his hands, puzzled. With a charming smile, he placed it in her hands.
“A newspaper?” She had me all stressed out for a newspaper?
His grin spread, each corner of his mouth stretching to its limits. And his eyes? They kept glancing at the newspaper like it was a top-secret document. “Greek newspaper. The present is very important for my Sophia.”
“Your Sophia?” Jazz’s left eyebrow shot up like a startled dog about to get smacked by a cat.
His cheerful expression quickly faded, and he was back to his Mr. Leave-We-Closed demeanor once more. Rather than accept payment, he simply asked to say hello to Sophia. No, make that Say hello to my Sophia. This time, he motioned toward the door instead of push-leading her out. He pulled open the cage door, and she walked out, still dumbfounded by not only the package being a newspaper, but his My Sophia comment.
Grandma, you’ve got some explaining to do.
With a soft click, the heavy iron exterior gate of George’s Variety swung shut, sealing off the vibrant displays and trinkets within. The man behind the bars, still wearing a kind smile, peered out at her through the intricate metal mesh, waved, and then walked away.
O-kay then.
“Attention, shoppers…our stores are now closed. We kindly ask you to make your way to the main entrance to exit the mall. If you find the exit doors locked, please be patient and wait for the security guards to unlock them,” announced the shopping center’s PA system.
Jazz giggled, interpreting that as Shopaholics, listen up! The mall’s closed, so gather your stuff, strut down to the main exit, or risk staying here overnight. Say bye-bye to shopping and hit the road…now!
Shaking her head, still thinking about the My Sophia comment, she shoved the Greek newspaper into her bag. A heavy sigh later, she made her way down the escalator, the heels of her boots clicking against the metal steps. As she stepped off, she stumbled forward slightly, her body jolted by an unexpected collision with someone from the side. Her phone and bag flew out of her hands, scattering across the floor.
Everyone’s in a rush.
Like you weren’t?
Her conscience was a persistent, heavy burden that clung to her like a leech she desperately wanted to flick off. It was like a “frienemy” with constant, annoying opinions.
“I’m so sorry, Miss. I was distracted and didn’t see you there. Are you okay?” the bumper asked, genuine concern laced in his words.
As she snatched her phone and bag from the ground, her gaze swept up to the man’s piercing blue eyes, and all background noise faded. Jazz’s breath caught in her throat as a rush of molten fury coursed through her veins.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
What makes your featured book a must-read?
Old Flames, New Beginnings is a must-read for anyone who loves heartwarming, feel-good stories about love, personal growth, and second chances. The novel follows two generations of women who are on a journey to rediscover love and embrace the power of second chances. It is a story that will resonate with women of all ages, but especially with those who enjoy stories about overcoming obstacles and finding new beginnings. The dynamic between the feisty, fashion-forward grandmother and her more casual granddaughter adds an element of humor and relatability to the story. If you enjoy stories about friendships, love, and the complexities of life, then this is a must-read book. So grab a cup of tea, cozy up in your favorite reading spot, and prepare to be swept away by this heartwarming and uplifting novel.
Giveaway –
Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card:
Open Internationally.
Runs December 16 – December 31, 2024.
Winner will be drawn on January 2, 2025.
Author Biography:
Throughout her life, Lea Schizas pursued her dream of becoming a writer. Through dedication and perseverance, she turned her dream into reality, refusing to let negative influences deter her. She co-founded the online magazine Apollo’s Lyre and established the Muse Online Writers Conference, a free, week-long event that attracts nearly 2,000 participants, including writers, agents, and publishers, for workshops and discussions. Since 2000, Lea has offered her expertise as a freelance editor, had the honor of editing two short stories by the late L.A. Banks, served as an editor with Lyrical Press for two years, and is currently an editor for The Wild Rose Press.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://www.thewritingjungle.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaschizas/