Authors Interviewing Characters: Michelle Major

April 28, 2022 | By Women Writers Women Books | Reply More

From the USA Today bestselling author Michelle Major comes a captivating small-town romance where the last person Mariella Jacob wants to see in Magnolia, North Carolina, could be exactly whom she’s been waiting for…

Wedding Season (releasing April 26, 2022) tells the story of Mariella, who was one of the world’s premier bridal designers, but one viral PR disaster later, she’s trying to get her torpedoed career back on track in small-town Magnolia, North Carolina. With a secondhand store and a new business venture helping her friends turn the Wildflower Inn into a wedding venue, Mariella is finally putting at least one mistake behind her. Until that mistake—in the glowering, handsome form of Alex Ralsten—moves to Magnolia too.

Mariella ruined Alex’s wedding by announcing that his starlet bride-to-be was sleeping with Mariella’s fiancé. While he’s furious when they’re forced to work together, there’s no denying Mariella is hardworking, talented…and gorgeous. In fact, though Alex keeps reminding himself that they’re enemies, something deeper is growing…daring them to admit that a rocky past might lead to something unexpectedly wonderful.

Michelle Major interviews Mariella Jacob:

Hi, Mariella. Thanks for chatting with me today.

Are you sure you aren’t from a tabloid? Because I’m done talking about the incident.

No tabloids, I promise. Although since you brought up the past…

My mistake. Just like believing in love turned out to be.

An interesting perspective from a former bridal dress designer to the stars. And now you are partners in an inn that specializes in hosting weddings, right?

I believe in love for other people, just not me. And the brides who come to The Wildflower Inn are special.

Did you think when you left New York City after…the incident that you’d get involved in the wedding business?

All I was thinking at that point was getting out of town and away from the press. But living in Magnolia has changed a lot for me. I’m happy running my clothing boutique in town, but it’s been fun to start designing dresses again. I like helping brides make their dress dreams come true, especially when they understand that as important as their wedding day might be, the marriage and building a life with someone you love is what matters most.

Wow, you surprise me, Mariella. From what I’d heard about you, I thought you’d be more jaded than you sound.

Like I said, Magnolia has changed things. I like being part of a close-knit community. My partners in the inn, Emma and Angi, are amazing. I can’t be the one to drag them down so I’m elevating myself to their level. To be honest, I’m as surprised as you.

And did it also surprise you when Alex Ralsten moved his company to Magnolia? After all, he was part of the incident…

As a matter of fact, I came close to wanting to leave when Alex first arrived. Let’s face it, the man is a part of the most humiliating period of my life. Not only did I make a viral fool of myself at his wedding, but his bride-to-be was sleeping with my fiancé. Alex and I are like oil and water on a lot of different levels, but this is my home. Nobody is going to run me out of it.

Yet my sources tell me the two of you have been spotted around town together several times?

Are you sure you aren’t from a tabloid? Never mind. I have nothing to hide anymore. All of my secrets have been exposed. It’s a small town, and Alex and I have mutual friends. We’re both mature adults now. Well, he was always a mature adult. It took me a few years to get there, but growth is part of life, I think. I hope. I’m not going to let the mistakes of my past define me. And believe me, they’ve tried.

I’m sure we all have mistakes to overcome. Might as well move on with a handsome man like Alex at your side.

Is he handsome? I hadn’t noticed.

Do you have a pulse?

Touché. Yes, he’s attractive if you like classic movie-star good looks. You know what the most annoying part of Alex is? He’s a genuine nice guy. Nobody that handsome should have a personality plus a good heart. It’s an embarrassment of riches.

But you aren’t interested in him—or anyone–romantically?

Of course not. He could do way better than me anyway.

I’ve talked to your friends. They paint a different picture of you. They say you’re funny, loyal, talented and creative.

I pay them. Trust me, my most commitment relationship is with Millie, my goldfish. And I intend to keep it that way.

Famous last words?

The truth. Check back in a month. I’ll tell you the exact same thing.

I might just do that, Mariella.

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BUY WEDDING SEASON HERE

USA Today bestselling author Michelle Major loves stories of new beginnings, second chances and always a happily ever after. An avid hiker and avoider of housework, she lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two teenagers and a menagerie of spoiled furbabies.