Behind the Story: Barre Class

Do you work out?
I wish I had more time to. I always feel better about myself when I've had a workout session. And yoga is a great stress-reliever. But my life is super busy right now, and my jobs have my sitting a lot. I'm going to have to make time soon.
I have several friends who work out at a local spot, including one friend who teaches a 5 am barre class. I definitely don't make it to that one. Too early and the timing doesn't work for me to get kids to school, either. But she was a bit of the inspiration behind my newest heroine, Lennox.

Lennox hasn't had an easy life. But she discovered exercise in college. And her life took a path that led her to becoming a third-owner of the Twisted Barre, a local gym, geared mostly for women. They offer yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, aerobics, barre, and more. And Lennox loves it.
She is fierce and strong and it gives her some stability for the first time in her life.
Of course, when I started writing this, and realized she taught all these classes, it hit me that I didn't even know what some of them consisted of. I'd participated in a few, but not all.
So, last fall, when my friend offered to lead our ladies' retreat group in a barre session, I gladly volunteered to give it a try. (Proof below) We did a version that doesn't require a barre or chair to hold onto, but it still stretched our muscles and tested our balance at times. There were quite a few giggles, and we all felt the stretches afterward. But I'd definitely do it again. Because it was fun too.
Exercise not only helps with weight problems, but also raises your endorphines. And makes you feel less guilty when you eat that scoop of ice cream at night. ;)
And since Lennox works out several times a day, she's pretty strong too. On the outside AND inside. Because her past hasn't let her be anything else. It's good in a lot of ways, but can also lead to her walls being a big stronger than they need to be at times too. Good thing Ty is stubborn and determined to find her softer side.
What do you think? Does this sound like a fun job for a heroine to have? Are you ready to read about characters kickboxing and stretching and staying healthy ... sort of?

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Window of the Heart​

Lennox Malone may not believe in love, but she’s determined to do the best job she can as her friend Sara Beth’s maid of honor. Problem is, the man in charge of fixing up the chapel doesn’t match her determination. Fighting against preconceived notions, a past that catches up to her, and an attraction she wants nothing to do with, this wedding is turning into more than she can handle.
Ty Dunne might be laid back and easy-going, but he’s determined to make sure the chapel is ready for his cousin’s wedding. Not only is it his duty as best man, but he wants to preserve the family’s history in the building. If only he could live up to his family’s other expectations—or those of Lennox Malone, the fiery redhead he can’t stop thinking about. Before he can go any further with her, though, he has to convince her that love is real and worth the risk.
Lennox has built her walls high and sturdy, but Ty is determined to find a way in—even if it’s a window. Maybe the history of the chapel itself along with the romance of a wedding will help.

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