Don’t you love the first crisp days of fall? Isn’t the sudden brisk rush of autumn air amazing?
I’m delighted to report that fall has finally come sweeping into Summer Island. The trees are splashing their bright leaves against the azure sky and the cove is mostly empty these days.
Only an occasional hardy jogger stops to enjoy the water view, along with oblivious lovers holding hands while they whisper private promises. But the bright lights of the Harbor House Cafe always beckon, drawing long lines for chef Jilly’s special loaded corn chowder. Her chocolate cheesecake with mango chipotle sauce has never tasted better.
Cashmere and merino yarns gleam in bright colors on the shelves of the local yarn shop, where Olivia holds court with the occasional help of the handsome new sheriff – who just happens to be her adoring husband.
Meanwhile, up at the animal shelter, Doc Lindstrom is as busy as ever. There seem to be more strays than usual this season and each one breaks the old vet’s heart. He has sworn never to turn away an animal in need, though it is a hard vow to keep.
Which is how he comes to meet a sad-eyed wanderer with a sick dog in her arms. Annie Monroe is at the end of her rope when fate brings her out of a storm into the comforting lights of Summer Island.
Soon the whole town takes Annie and her dog under their care – whether she wants their help or not. Clearly this is a woman with a difficult past. But the vet refuses to pry into her secrets. All he can do is lend a helping hand until he gains her trust.
And that might take a few centuries!
But Annie’s story can wait a few more weeks. Right now four old friends are about to find that life will lead them down twisting paths to unexpected adventures. At the end of each road, their hearts and hopes will be tested.
The Bride Wore Mistletoe is a special novella that I wrote for my great friend and multi-talented author, Debbie Macomber. My novella is included right now in the paperback edition of her best-selling Christmas book, Mr Miracle. You can purchase the two combined stories now wherever books are sold. Here are the purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes Library
The story?
When textile artist Summer O’Neal stumbles into a brooding stranger outside her shop, she thinks he might just be the man of her dreams.
But instead of sweet flattery, the English aristocrat drops a high-tech titanium handcuff on her wrist and announces that the police are on their way to arrest her. Before their night of enforced captivity is done, Summer will be halfway in love with her arrogant but deeply protective English viscount.
Dane (“the English Lord business isn’t what it used to be”) St. Pierre, Lord Ravenhurst, has a few discoveries of his own to make. Falling in love with a smart, stubborn American like Summer has no place in his life plans.
With a complicated wedding gown to finish for a high-profile client, Summer is riding on an adrenaline wave. Can she put aside her tulle and lace long enough to discover the deep promises of a man who holds too much pain in his eyes?
Get ready for a double dose of Brides Club adventures this season!
🙂
Happy reading,
PS. Annie’s book will be released in November. My next newsletter will give you all the details, plus a nice long excerpt! And a new contest too, of course.
Calling all readers! Here I am with Debbie Macomber in Scotland in a red phone booth.
