Apparently, any novel’s first paragraph is really important in its ability to engage and interest the reader, e.g. by setting tone, context, etc. OK so here’s ours – all feedback welcome!

The package sat on the kitchen counter where Jessie had dumped it three days ago. In the trailer’s early morning gloom, DHL’s yellow and red wrapper glowed faintly. Next to the package, dirty dishes sat alongside takeout cartons and empty dog food cans. Jessie scowled at the package once more and decided again not to open it. It had traveled across two states, but she figured it could stay where it was a while longer. If this was a battle of wills, she was still winning.