Marybeth Whalen could just be single-handedly boosting the paper industry with the growing popularity of her latest novel, The Guest Book. At the heart of this engaging story is a guest book that may hold the key to a love the protagonist thinks she’s been looking for her whole life. Then again, the aged and yellowing book may lead to the greatest disappointment she’ll ever experience. Marybeth turns you into a speed reader to find out!
I’ve signed my share of guest books at charming little bed and baths to express my appreciation for all of the little extras that one doesn’t usually enjoy at a traditional hotel. And for goodness sakes, I’ve signed untold number of guest books at weddings, showers, and funerals. But, thanks to Marybeth, I’ll never be able to sign one quite as nonchalantly as I have in the past. Nor will I ever be able to read one with the nonchalance I have in the past. Instead, I’ll be wondering about the people who penned the messages. Where are they now? What are they doing? Who have they become? I’ll be stacking stories to kingdom come as my imagination fills in the blanks!
But far more importantly, I don’t think I’ll ever pen a note in a guest book again, regardless of the occasion, without realizing that it is an opportunity to speak into the lives of those who come after me. I hope to always take my time and measure my words with that lesson in mind.
Thanks, Belle Wednesday. You rock!
Hugs, Shellie
Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is an author, speaker, and radio host known as The Belle of All Things Southern. She’s also a life-long learner who tries to hold onto lessons wherever she finds them!