Shannon here: Mary Pat Johns’ shares the inspiration behind her latest Contemporary Romance, Waitin’ on Paige. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for an ebook copy. Deadline: June 5th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Mary Pat:
The Story Behind Waitin’ On Paige
Waitin’ On Paige is a second chance love story about a couple who never really fell out of love. Tavo had a crush on Paige in middle school, and they fell in love in high school. But when Paige graduated and left for college a year before Tavo, it broke both their hearts.
Since Paige wasn’t there to hold him steady, Tavo left town shortly after his high school graduation because of issues with his dad about his career path. When Paige returned and Tavo wasn’t there, she concluded he didn’t love her anymore.
After years of being apart, Tavo returns to Valiant for two reasons. He wants to reconcile with his dad and reclaim Paige’s love. She’s the one he never got over. However, Paige is busy with a new business startup and just wants to be friends. Love has let her down, and she only wants to preserve the good memories she had with Tavo. The truth is, she’s vulnerable. She’s afraid if they date again and it doesn’t work out, she’ll lose everything.
Their road to reconciliation proves thorny as they learn to trust each other again. True love is always about trust.
It’s also crucial to look past the surface to find genuine love. It’s not about seeking the one who is the best looking or says romantic things. Love is about the heart. Is your heart safe with that person? In the story, Paige is attracted to a Hollywood celebrity who appears to have it all. He’s gorgeous, says lovely things, and takes her to expensive places. But his heart isn’t right. She doesn’t feel safe with him. And sure enough, when it matters the most, he pushes her into terrible danger.
Tavo keeps her riled up, says the wrong things, and blows it at a critical juncture. But he’s also contrite and doesn’t hesitate to step up even if it changes his life. His heart is in the right place. Even though Paige is hurt by his insensitive actions, she still calls him for help. Deep down, she knows she can trust him. Despite his mistakes, he’s supportive in all the ways that matter. Her heart is safe with him.
The title, Waitin’ On Paige, is a fun play on words. In the story, Tavo tells a crowd of people at a karaoke event that he’s been waitin’ on Paige for a long time. At the end of the story, however, she turns the tables on him. The timing was finally right for both of them. Another expression of how authentic love works—it waits until both parties are on board.
Question for Readers: What is your favorite type of romance, such as Second Chance, Opposites Attract, Best Friend to Love, Enemies to Love, etc? Why?
About Mary Pat: Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from teaching speech and writing. She has written devotions for an online publication, had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, and wrote a column for the Victoria Advocate, a local newspaper.
Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023. Books 2 & 3 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red and Glitter and the Grouch released in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.
She writes Christian romance because when we view life through the hope of Christ’s sacrifice, we find that happily ever after is God’s idea.
Mary Pat lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book. Learn more & connect:
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About the book – Waitin’ on Paige (book 4 in the Valiant series):
All he wants is to reclaim her love…
Tavo Morales has returned to Valiant, Texas, to stir the embers of a relationship with the woman he has never stopped loving, but hidden reefs from his past threaten to destroy his future.
Paige Munoz wants her new event planning business to be a success and won’t let anything stand in her way. But the path she’s on to make her dreams come true proves dangerous.
Is the love Tavo and Paige once shared strong enough to survive their secrets?
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Waitin’ on Paige Mary Pat’s Books
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I enjoy the friends to lovers trope. When the couple has known each other, but never dated, it is fun to watch the embers of love being fanned into flame. This can also be a second chance thing, if there has been a separation along the way. Mary Pat’s book sounds really good!
I like them all! My favorite would be Fake Relationship – it’s usually pretty funny. And Mistaken Identity – it’s intriguing!
I like the “he wasn’t who she thought he was” ie thinks he’s a villain but really a hero
Sounds like a great story, Mary Pat. Congratulations.