When Mandy Brockman flies home from her friend’s destination wedding, her heart is on empty at the thought of spending Christmas alone. It doesn’t help that her ex is on the plane, seemingly unaffected by their breakup. But the kind-hearted man seated next to her seems to have it all together—and he’s handsome to boot. She knows her emotional healing won’t come in the form of another guy, but will the source of this man’s peace and joy help Mandy find the Christmas she’s looking for? CJ Hawkins is captivated by the beautiful, feisty woman he meets on his flight. The only thing is, she’s fresh out of a relationship, and he has no interest in being anyone’s rebound. But the more he learns about Mandy, the more he’s drawn to her unique mixture of compassion and spunk. Can he figure out how to make their relationship take off before this First Class Christmas is grounded forever?
Katy Eeten
Give us the one to two sentence tagline for your book.
One flight could change everything.
What is your favorite scene/moment in your book?
I like when CJ shows affection toward Mandy, who he just met, because her ex is passing by and he knows it will make her feel better.
Does your heroine prefer a real or artificial tree for Christmas?
While not mentioned in the book, I believe she has an artificial one given that she was traveling around Christmas and lives alone so no one was there to water it for her 🙂
What’s the one present your hero least wants to open Christmas morning?
I don’t think CJ would care for opera tickets. He’s more of a ballgame or outdoor getaway kind of guy.
Would your hero hang mistletoe?
Probably not, though mistletoe does make an appearance in my book!
What scene did you adore writing in this book?
The airplane scenes were by far the highlight for me. So much fun when two people are in forced proximity to each other.
What is your heroine’s favorite Christmas tradition?
As a kid, playing Mary in her church programs. As an adult, making a Christmas playlist and drinking a peppermint mocha while enjoying the music.
Does your hero love or hate snow?
Mandy loves the snow! White Christmas is her favorite Christmas Carol.
For Christmas, will you be having turkey, goose, ham, prime rib, or something else?
Probably ham with my in-laws, but my side of the family typically does non-traditional foods like pasta or breakfast foods.
What’s the strangest Christmas tradition your family does to celebrate?
Hmm, can’t think of anything I’d call strange … one year my whole family recorded a video that my brother created, complete with jokes and songs, that we now watch together every year. It’s goofy and fun and just really special.
Excerpt from First Class Christmas
With luggage in tow, they made their way toward the exit. “Do you have a ride home?” CJ asked.
Mandy nodded as they exited the building. “My friend’s picking me up. I texted her when we landed, so she should be here any second.” She scanned the area for her friend’s car. “What about you? Someone picking you up? A limo driver perhaps, Sir Olympian?”
CJ chuckled and shoved his hands in his jacket pockets. “No, ma’am. I always take the bus to and from the airport. It stops a few blocks from my house, so it just makes sense.”
The bus. Good. At least he wasn’t a snob, even if he did fly first class. Mandy mentally scolded herself for being so judgmental.
A black sedan pulled up to the curb, and she waved at her friend in recognition. “That’s Amber.” She turned to CJ. Now what? Was this good-bye? Despite her recent epiphany that she should get some distance from the male species, she couldn’t help but be sad at the thought of never seeing CJ again.
He was staring at her and rubbing his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “What’s up?” Mandy narrowed her eyes. “Everything OK?”
He nodded, crinkles forming around his eyes as he smiled. “I’m fine. You?”
She gave him a slow nod. “Fine, but it seems as if you have something on your mind. Care to share before I’m whisked away for good in my friend’s car?” Speaking of her friend, she glanced Amber’s way and held up a finger to let her know she’d be ready in a minute.
CJ finally stopped rubbing his chin and wiped his hands on his pants. “Honestly, I’m just trying to figure out a smooth way to ask for your number.” He sucked in a deep breath and laughed as he let it out. “And there it is, I guess. Not exactly smooth, but at least it’s out there.”
Mandy’s eyes widened. Was he serious? She was definitely interested in seeing the guy again, but she hadn’t realized the feeling was mutual. Hearing his confession caused electricity to surge through her body. Keep cool, Mandy. She flashed him a small smile. “Hmm, I think I could make it happen.
Katy Eeten is married to her husband of 18 years, and they have two sons. She lives in southeast Wisconsin and works full time in the business world, but writing is her true passion.
She has published multiple Christian romances, including this new release, First Class Christmas. When she’s not working or writing, she enjoys reading, baking, taking walks, and spending time with her family.
Ellen Mint 