Are you dreaming of a tropical escape? Dive into the captivating pages of Debbie Zessin’s debut novel, Captured in Belize. This lighthearted romantic adventure is already receiving glowing five-star reviews, making it the perfect read to brighten up your winter days.
Discover the Storyline
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Caribbean coast, Captured in Belize introduces us to Tess Martin. Tess is a compelling protagonist: strong yet vulnerable, smart but sometimes impulsive, and determined to find herself even when life throws curveballs her way. As her assistant Molly puts it, “…you don’t always pick the best boys on the block.”
The story begins with Tess anxiously awaiting a romantic proposal from her boyfriend, Roger, during a dinner at an upscale restaurant. But instead of popping the question, Roger drops a bombshell—he’s been seeing someone else. Heartbroken and disillusioned, Tess decides not to waste the tickets she purchased for a romantic getaway to Belize. Instead, she embarks on the trip solo.
Little does she know, Roger and his new flame will also be in Belize. Fueled by a mix of anger and determination, Tess initially plots to ruin their vacation. However, her plans take a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled with the Belizean cartel and crosses paths with Anthony, a local with charm and mystery. Torn between mistrust and attraction, Tess’s adventure unfolds in unexpected ways.
As Zessin vividly describes, “Tess’s mind spun, reeling from the unexpected predicament she had stumbled into. Now, fleeing across the Caribbean, the aqua waves parting beneath the boat’s bow – she stood alongside him, a man she knew nothing about. Suspicion gnawed at her, second-guessing her decision. Maybe it was reckless, even dangerous – but there was no turning back now.”
Behind the Scenes: Debbie Zessin’s Writing Journey
Debbie Zessin’s journey to publishing Captured in Belize began years ago, but the novel truly came to life after she attended a creative writing class at Pierce College. “Sometimes characters develop and linger in the back of your mind, waiting to be written,” Zessin shares.
Feedback from her writers’ group also played a pivotal role. When a fellow writer questioned whether Tess was strong enough to carry the story, Zessin took the critique to heart. She refined Tess’s character, ensuring she would resonate with readers as a strong and relatable heroine.
Self-Publishing Success
Zessin’s experience with self-publishing taught her valuable lessons. She acknowledges the challenges of navigating the industry, noting, “There’s no comprehensive guide. You can watch countless YouTube videos, but the information is often inconsistent or outdated.” Her perseverance paid off, and she’s now considering teaching self-publishing to help other aspiring authors.
What’s Next for Zessin?
Currently, Zessin is five chapters into her next book. Whether it will be a sequel to Captured in Belize or an entirely new story remains to be seen. As she puts it, “Stories tend to write themselves. Plans often take unexpected turns, much like life.”
Where to Buy Captured in Belize
Readers can find Captured in Belize at:
- Online: Amazon (including Kindle) and Barnes & Noble.
- Local Stores: A Good Book (Sumner), Kirk’s Pharmacy (Eatonville), and Rainier View Winery & Nursery (Graham).
- Libraries: Soon available at Pierce County libraries in Graham, Eatonville, South Hill, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
Additional Works by Debbie Zessin
Explore Zessin’s other creations, including the children’s composition journals: I Roar Dinosaurs ‘T-Rex’ and I Love Ponies ‘Carmella’. Both are available on Amazon.
Learn More
Visit DebbieZessin.com to learn more about the author and her work. As Zessin advises, “Write fervently, read voraciously! The world may be your oyster, but a book is the sweetest indulgence. Enjoy the adventure!”