Leslie Hooton has earned a B.A. and M.A. from Auburn University and J.D. from Samford University. She has been accepted to the Sewanee Writer's Conference, and has studied with Alice McDermott, Jill McCorkle, and Richard Bausch. Growing up in a small Alabama town, think, To Kill A Mockingbird, Leslie became intrigued by people. Everyone had their own unique stories. Visit Leslie at her website and on Instagram.
As a designer of upscale restaurants, 30-year-old Bailey Ann Edgeworth can go into an empty space and immediately see what it would take to transform it into a beautiful and memorable spot. She learns transforming her own life is another proposition entirely. It can get messy and it doesn’t always go according to a neat blueprint. Bailey’s brother, Henry, and his best friend Griffin are stars in the restaurant field. They are known as the “Color Wheel Boys” because of their renowned Buckhead restaurants Vert, Blanc, and Noir. Bailey is determined to chart her own course; to not be forever known as Hank’s daughter, Henry’s sister, or “whatever” she is to Griffin.
Bailey’s dreams propel her to New York where her vision garners accolades and fame. After a perceived rejection by Griffin, she rushes into an impetuous marriage with an enigmatic English chef. Their combined charisma and desire lift them to the top of the culinary world. Just when she seems on the verge of having it all, a shocking betrayal throws Bailey's world into chaos. She begins a spectacular downfall complete with secretive drug use, shady associates, and her career in turmoil. Just what are the secret ingredients to transforming food, a dilapidated building, and one’s own life into something extraordinary?
Before Anyone Else examines the complicated relationship between love and ambition and explores how our earliest relationships and experience, shape us into who we ultimately become. (Courtesy of Amazon.)
"The romantic debut we have been waiting for"–Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis
In one sentence, what was your journey to publishing like?
It was a circuitous 25 year journey ending with publication in the middle of a pandemic. Need I say more?
What was the inspiration behind Before Anyone Else?
My love of design and my love of eating out plus tasty cocktails combined with my fascination with transformation both in rooms and in people.
If Before Anyone Else were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
For Griffin: Ryan Reynolds or Justin Hartley from This Is Us
For Elliot: Matt Czuchry from the Resident and Gilmore Girls
For Bailey: Saoirse Ronan or Emma Stone
What TV series are you currently binge watching?
Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist
What is your favorite quote and where is it from?
"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom" - Marcel Proust
What is your favorite thing to eat for dessert?
In the summertime, key lime pie. In the winter months, warm carrot cake. Why limit yourself to only one? That’s just like limiting yourself to one pair of shoes.
Thanks to Leslie for chatting with us and to Turner Publishing for sharing her book with our readers.
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17 comments:
Don't go to many upscale restaurants but think the most recent was Don Shula's restaurant. Can't think of any other place I would want to go.
I do not go out to eat too often. I haven't had an overwhelming desire to dine at an overly pricey place but I enjoy good Italian food when I have been out. There was a place near when I live that had such delicious Italian food and they were mid price but they closed a few years ago. We haven't found someplace that takes it's place. We feel that it is the food and the company that makes the place.
Haven’t been to any upscale restaurants lately, but Ruth Chris Steakhouse In Aruba was pretty upscale. More locally Ken Stewart’s Grille In Fairlawn, Ohio and Fleming’s Restaurant are pretty upscale and awesome! Thank you for doing this, especially now when everyone is shut in, scared and vulnerable!
I rarely go to upscale restaurants but would love to experience a memorable visit to one. Perhaps for my anniversary this May it would be possible.
When we were in Las Vegas we went to some of the restaurants in the casinos.
I have eaten at Ruth Chris Steakhouse before and it was very nice. I'd like to eat at Tavern on the Green some day.
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
There are three that I have been to: Ruth's Chris Steak House, Biba Restaurant, and Firehouse. These are the local restaurants I have been to. I don't remember the names of ones I went to in San Fransisco or New York. It's been too long since we've eaten out at high priced places.
I've eaten in some really nice restaurants in Las Vegas, I don't remember the names though.
The one special restaurant I went too was on my 70th Birthday my Son, Daughter-in-Law and her Mother took me to RPM Italion in Chicago, the restaurant is owned by Bill & Giuliana Rancic and the food was terrific and the service was amazing. Thanks for this terrific giveaway.
Just a local 'fancy' restaurant.
Michelin restaurant
I would love to dine at Restaurant 58 Tour Eiffel Paris.
I have on new years Eve. It's fun once in awhile.
I've been to a few upscale restaurants, but not lately. Ruth Chris Steak House is one of my favorites
Ruth Chris Steakhouse
Ruth Chris Steakhouse
Many, many years ago I had the most amazing dining experience at Windows on the World.
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