Scoop (Occupational Hazards, Book 1)

And now back to our regularly scheduled insanity.

Channel 7 news producer Hugo Talley dreams of working with first-class professionals. Instead he’s saddled with a weatherman who can’t admit when he’s wrong, an aging anchorwoman who refuses to release her clawlike grip on the newsdesk, a conscience-stricken reporter who’s reluctant to focus on sensationalism, and a new assistant–former homeschool student Hayden Hazard–who can’t just seem to leave her faith outside the newsroom.

When the Channel News 7 team inadvertently stumbles on a hot news story, Hugo is frantic to exploit this rare opportunity. But a series of crises–including a Botox disaster and the disappearance of a colleague–threatens to destroy his chance for ratings success and send him completely over the edge.

Meanwhile Hayden’s presence is distracting at least two coworkers. Softspoken reporter Ray Duffey isn’t sure whether he’s attracted or frightened by her outspoken faith, while ego-driven Sam Leege is certain her naïve spiritual convictions will fall victim to his persuasive attentions.

With their oddball antics and all-too-real foibles, this lovable cast of characters offers a hilarious look at the sometimes-unexpected effects of taking one’s faith boldly into the workplace.

Rene Gutteridge is the author of seven novels, including Boo, Boo Who, and Boo Hiss, as well as Ghost Writer and Troubled Waters. Her work as a playwright has been published more than thirty times. A trained screenwriter, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University, earning the “Excellence in Mass Communication” award. She served for five years as the full-time director of drama for First United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City before leaving to be a stay-at-home mom and full-time writer. She enjoys instructing at writer’s conferences and college classrooms. Rene lives with her husband, Sean, and their two children, John Caleb and Cate, in Oklahoma.