The Accidental Encore by Christy Hayes (Guest Post)

Please give a warm welcome to romantic women's fiction author, Christy Hayes, who is joining us with her book, The Accidental Encore!

When you think back to your childhood are there things you regret you never did? Do you wish you could get a do-over and learn a skill, play a sport, or experience a thrill? I think I can safely assume most people would answer yes because it’s natural for adults to take a walk down memory lane and wish for…more.

If you’re a parent, this is especially true. There are many times my kids get to experience things I only wish I could have experienced when I was their age. So much has changed in the last forty years since I was born. I often long for the simple days of my youth when we didn’t have 24-hour children’s television, video games that rival an arcade, and cell phones. Just the other day, my daughter marveled at the rotary dial phone we saw at an antique mart. She didn’t even understand how it dialed until I showed her.

Some things have changed for the worse. Music, language, and art education is all but gone from most public elementary schools. I’m a firm believer that these elective subjects enhance the mind and creativity of every child. Despite feeling this way, when my daughter expressed an interest in taking the piano, I didn’t jump at getting her lessons even though playing the piano was something I’d always wanted to know how to do. But we didn’t own a piano and I hadn’t a clue about finding an instructor.

When my friend gave us their old keyboard and that same week I saw an email from a neighbor about her in-home piano teacher looking for more clients, I couldn’t brush aside fate. I contacted the instructor and set my daughter on a journey I’d only dreamed of taking. Now, once per week, I get to hear them working on a variety of songs as beautiful music floats through the house. Yes, we did break down and get a piano—a used one.

At her first recital, my daughter performed like a seasoned champ and I watched in amazement as her instructor worked with a variety of kids of all ages and backgrounds. Sitting at the recital, my overactive writer’s brain started thinking about a romance between a beautiful piano teacher and a rough around the edges widow and The Accidental Encore was born.

My daughter still takes lessons, my happily married, mother of two piano teacher still comes to the house once per week, and the story is now for sale for all to enjoy. I didn’t set out to become a writer, but life happened to lead in this direction proving once again you’re never to old to learn a new skill and there are many ways to relive our childhood. 

Long after crushing heartbreak turned Craig Archer away from women, he calls on beautiful piano teacher Allie Graves when he’s left for two weeks to watch his niece and all hell breaks loose. Their unlikely friendship fuels an attraction they both attempt to stifle.
Optimistic Allie continues her search for love despite a disastrous relationship and a string of bad dates. She never expects to be tempted by a guy like Craig; he’s rude, crude, and his rough edges are sharp enough to draw blood.
The sparks from their smoldering attraction threaten to ignite a tortured past Craig has worked hard to smother. Allie’s fears that a relationship with Craig will end in heartbreak are about to come true when their passion forces an encore that could make or break their chance for a future.

About the Author: 
Christy Hayes writes romance and romantic women's fiction. She's a member of Romance Writers of America and Romance Writers of America Women's Fiction chapter. She lives outside Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, two children, and two dogs.

Please visit her website at www.christyhayes.com for more information