Interview with Kaci James from Dance With Me by Mary Manners (Heart's Haven)

Scorned by an ex-fiance who dumped her on their wedding day, Kaci James vows to never fall in love again. She's content to teach English at Angel Falls High School and moonlights at the Angel Falls Trumpet as an advisor for a romance column--Love's Lessons.

Plagued by the senseless death of a teen on his watch, patrolman Ryne Calvert feels he's failed in the line of duty--and as a man. His new job as the resource officer at Angel Falls High will give him a chance to redeem himself--and to be closer to the elusive and lovely Kaci. Though he longs for more than friendship, Kaci thwarts his advances. She's hiding her heart from him, but why?

When Ryne, on a dare, seeks advice from Love's Lessons, he and Kaci begin the dance of romance. But when Kaci's secret is revealed, will the music end--forever?

Character Interview with Kaci James

Hello, I’m here today talking with the delightful Kaci James from Dance With Me, by Mary Manners:

Hi, Kaci! It’s so nice to have you here today! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Sure. I teach English at Angel Falls High, where my friend and neighbor here at Heart’s Haven, Ryne Calvert, has just become the resource officer.

You're just friends?

Well, maybe we’re just a bit more than friends. I guess you could say we’re still trying to put together the pieces to THAT particular puzzle! I’m just not sure he’d approve of my secret, given the circumstances.

Your secret?

Yes. You see, I moonlight as an advice columnist for the Angel Falls Trumpet. And let’s just say that Ryne’s written in for some advice. Oh, I didn’t know it was him when the letters began to arrive—not at first, at least. But now…

When do you plan to spill the beans?

That’s a tough one. Soon, very soon…

Hope it turns out well. In the meantime, may we have a glimpse into Dance With Me?

Sure. Here you go. Happy Reading!

Kaci settled in at the computer desk and yawned. It was late, and she should be thinking about hitting the sack—not composing advice for the Love’s Lessons column. Yet, she knew people depended on her, and she wouldn’t dream of letting the readers down.

That was a close call…leaving the letters out where Ryne could easily see them. What was I thinking, being so careless?

Had he noticed them? Kaci shook her head. If he had, he would have asked about them. So she was pretty sure he hadn’t. But he was a detective, and detectives were trained to notice things.

No…no way.

She reached for the first envelope. Again, she thought of how familiar the print looked, and was sure she’d seen it before. She tore open the envelope.

Dear Love’s Lessons,

How do you tell someone you love her when you’re not sure she wants to be loved? And how do you make her see that she’s worthy of your love, when her heart’s been broken by another guy? So far, your advice has been a big help, so I’ll take any suggestions you have.

Signed,

Looking for Answers

Kaci pulled off her glasses and sighed as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. This one hit close to home. She set it aside and examined the letters left in the stack. She’d answer them first, and then come back to this later…or in the morning.

But the words tugged at her, and she wondered who Looking for Answers might be. He never used a return address. Kaci picked up the letter again and thought of Ryne. If anyone could make her even consider falling in love again, it was him. He was kind and patient, with a great sense of humor, and he cared about kids as much as she did. And he was easy on the eyes, too.

Kaci booted up her computer and logged into the Love’s Lessons site. Then she began to type.

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus.

Mary’s debut novel, Mended Heart, was nominated Best Inspirational Romance 2010, and was finalist for the Bookseller’s Best Award and her follow-up, Tender Mercies, was awarded an outstanding 4 ½ star rating from The Romantic Times Book Reviews and was also a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Buried Treasures, her third novel, was named Book of the Year by The Wordsmith Journal. Light the Fire, her fourth novel, took top honors for the 2012 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Mary was named Author of the Year by Book and Trailer Showcase. She writes romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.

Learn more about Mary Manners at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com and at her author pages at www.pelicanbookgroup.com and www.Amazon.com