Defending Georgia Jones!

On By Mary Cunningham

A recent reviewer criticized Andi Anna’s sister, Georgia. While Andi sometimes agrees that her sister is a little snobbish, aloof, and spoiled, she still loves her sister and sometimes envies Georgia’s family life.

I want to give Georgia a chance to defend herself and share insight on her busy life and relationship with Andi.

Interview with Georgia Jones; Andi Anna’s younger sister.

Georgia, you’ve graciously agreed to give us some insight on your big sis, right? Since you and your sister are just a year apart in age, have you always been close, or does sibling rivalry come into play?

GJ: Our relationship is kinda complicated. I’ve gotten inklings that she envies my family; a devoted husband and four kids, but I’ve never been the least bit jealous of her or her lifestyle. Oh, sure she has no responsibilities, other than her business, and can travel anywhere she likes, spend nights at exotic resorts, without having to line up babysitters or go to kid-friendly destinations that absolutely drive me insane! Oh, sorry. What was it you asked? Oh, yeah, we’ve always been close. <cough>

I see. What was Andi like as a child?

GJ: She pretends to be a free spirit; adventurous without reservations. She is, to a point, but when we were young, I noticed a certain hesitance to venture beyond our comfort zone. Since she was the oldest, I looked to her when it came to knowing how far we could stretch the boundaries. I remember one time, Emily, one of the neighbor kids, decided to explore an old vacant house, one street behind us. Rumor was, the house had been the scene of a grisly murder and was haunted by a woman in her twenties. Emily and I convinced Andi to go to the house, but she stayed outside, pretending her allergies were acting up and would be “just awful in that musty old place.” That’s when we came up with the idea to play a dirty trick on her. We went into the house, waited a few minutes and then ran out screaming at the top of our lungs. My big, brave sister took off so fast she beat me home by a mile!

So, were you the one who did all the teasing?

GJ: Oh, no. Andi did her share. I remember one cold spell, unusual for South Florida, Dad got an electric blanket out to put on the double bed my sister and I shared. Andi waited until the blanket was nice and toasty, and Dad had left the room, to tell me if I moved a muscle, the blanket would catch on fire and burn me like a campfire marshmallow. I’m not sure I moved or slept all night.

Sounds like a pretty typical sibling relationship!

GJ: Yeah, it really was. I usually ended up paying her back, double. We get along fine, now. When our mom died, Dad did his best but Andi and I had to depend on each other, more and more. There are just some things you need sorted out by a mother or a sister. The only time we had a bumpy stretch was when our dad decided to remarry. Andi was adamantly opposed to Ruby, but I was willing to give her a chance for Dad’s sake. That difficulty still hasn’t resolved itself; even after Dad died, especially since he gave Andi the responsibility of looking after his new wife “just in case something happens to me.” The Universe does crazy things sometimes and Ruby was, unceremoniously, dumped in Andi’s lap.

Do you ever get involved in Andi’s travel agency, Graves Travel? 

GJ: No! I’d be even worse than Andi! Wait. That didn’t come out right. The agency is very well run. Andi knows her limitations and does all the behind-the-scenes work. She has a full-time senior agent, Ellie, who’s a whiz. I’d hate to think how many agencies in the area have tried to steal her away, but, for some reason, she’s loyal to Andi. They have a love-hate relationship, at times, and are as different as night and day. Ellie, with her Tennessee twang and out-going personality, and Andi, a born-and-raised-in-Florida introvert. She never lets me forget I was born, unexpectedly, just north of the Georgia line; hence, my name, Georgia.

Georgia, it’s been a pleasure! Thanks for giving us some insight on your sister, her childhood and her business.

GJ: You’re welcome! I’m happy to dish the dirt, er, promote my favorite big sister and her agency, anytime.

Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder: Synopsis

Andi’s stepmom, Ruby, is a piece of work, but is she a murderer?

Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent/amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father’s widow and books a 60th birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will include the murder of a has-been lounge singer—or that Ruby might be the main suspect.

Flirting with more than danger after arriving in Mexico, Andi connects with charming local sheriff, Manual Gonzales. An embarrassing night involving the sheriff, too many margaritas, and a Mariachi band, can’t quell her determination to clear the name of her ex-stepmother.

While gathering clues and interviewing witnesses, however, she suspects dear old step-mom isn’t the only one in jeopardy.

Reviewers praise Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder

“Andi Anna is a delight. Her ex-stepmother is not. What a character! A smidgeon of romance also occurs. I am eager to read the next one.” Amazon Reviewer

“Plenty of fun and frolic, and both humorous and expressive as [Andi] tries to solve the mystery surrounding the murder of the lounge singer. While it isn’t all that difficult to put the clues together, it’s the way it’s done that is the enjoyment of reading this book…When the ending comes through a very enchanting climax, all is once well again in Andi’s world…or is it? I can hardly wait for the next installment in this series. Highly recommended.” Library Thing Review

“Sparkling with witty dialog, this mystery is a fun read. If chick lit were ever your thing, this is the mystery version of it. A character-driven plot with entertaining twists and turns. Grab your coffee cup and hang on!” Amazon Review

 Purchase Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder:

Amazon: Paperback and Kindle

B & N Paperback and Nook

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