Title: Spring Market Surprise
Author: Ally Hayes
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Book Blurb:
What happens when a perfectionist real estate agent can’t sell a house at the start of the season? For Lexi Martin this means learning to pivot and not only dodging curveballs but learning how to hit them out of the park. Life in Meadow Ridge is idyllic. Lexi should know—she lives on Poppy Lane where all the neighbors get along, celebrate at every opportunity, and hardly ever move away. But when a freak spring snowstorm leads to losing clients, she shifts her focus to a new project. A retirement living community is under construction and Lexi believes she can convince her older neighbor, George, to downsize to the new condos thus allowing her to sell his Poppy Lane home and cash in on the new deal. Unbeknownst to Lexi, and most of the neighbors, George has plans of his own and they don’t involve moving. George has fallen for his neighbor’s cousin, Fiona who is house-swapping from Ireland. Can Lexi convince him to sell or will she learn to live and let love on Poppy Lane?
Excerpt:
George adjusted the brim of his Marine hat. “I’m surprised to see you. I didn’t think you’d be around this week.”
“Oh, vacation. Right. No. The spring real estate market is too busy for me. Lots of clients. Lots to do. So many houses.”
“Uh-huh. I guess that makes sense.” George nodded and glanced toward the end of the block.
This is your chance. Don’t let him walk away. Go in for the kill. I mean the sale.
Lexi offered a wide smile. “Say, speaking of making sense—have you seen the new condominiums at Ridge Point?”
“Ridge Point?” George jutted his bottom lip. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Remember the old warehouses off of Route 3? They’re gone now and a contractor bought all the surrounding land to build a retirement community.”
“You mean an old folk’s home?” George shook his head. “Not interested.”
“Oh, George. Ridge Point is nothing like that. These are brand-new, individual homes with top-of-the line amenities. And the best part is they are single story. No stairs. Good for the old knees.” Lexi patted her right legging-clad kneecap.
“So is walking.”
“Yes, and I see you’ve been doing a lot of that these days. Good for you. I won’t keep you, but I think you should know the market is hot. These homes will go fast, but so will selling your house. I’d be willing to bet you stand to profit quite a bit.”
“And you, too with a double commission.” George winked.
“Well.” Lexi blushed.
“I’m just teasing you. I know how it works. And believe me, the kids keep telling me to downsize, but it love my house. This block is all I’ve ever known. Back in the day, my wife and Maggie Stanton organized all the traditions you and your friends keep going. Pluse my grandkids love coming to all the events.”
That’s right, he’s an original resident. His wife even printed a Poppy Lane cookbook during the seventies through the nineties. I have a few copies. We should bring that tradition back. Oh, no. Focus, Lexi! You’re going to lose him. Act fast. “Well, at least think about it. Drive past Ridge Point if you get a chance. There’s a model home. I’ll see you on Sunday?”
“Yup.” George shuffled his feet.
“Okay, then. Before you go, I hope you don’t mind me asking where you’ve been walking.” Lexi cocked her head.
“Just around.” George turned and whistled as he sauntered down the street.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
What’s your favorite activity to shake off the winter doldrums?
Traveling to a warm destination. My new happy place is Grand Cayman.
Why is your featured book a cure for the winter blues?
Not only does Spring Market Surprise center around Real Estate agent Lexi Martin and challenges listing houses this spring, the story takes place on Poppy Lane – a block known for celebrating all the holidays and seasons. Lexi and the neighbors will have the readers ready to decorate and prepare for Spring’s return.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $35 Amazon gift card
Open internationally.
Runs March 1 – 31, 2024
Drawing will be held on April 1, 2024.
Author Biography:
Ally is the author of several books with the Wild Rose Press. While all involve romance, they span from Women’s Fiction to New Adult and Young Adult.
Originally from Massachusetts, Ally has lived in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and three daughters for over 25 years but still considers herself a Red Sox girl living in a White Sox world.
When not writing, she’s reading or playing tennis.
Social Media Links:
X: @PartlyHazy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAllyHayes