Excerpt!
“Laura told me you’re an artist.”
She jumped and scraped a long, solid line across the page. Crap.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” This time she recognised Jack’s silver tongue.
“What are you doing here, Jack?” Sophie shot a scowl over her shoulder but saw only dark denim jeans with a sizeable bulge beneath them. Her mood grew fierier as she followed the black T-shirt–clad bulk of muscular chest upwards. Jack’s smile greeted her at the top. “Do you make it a habit to sneak up on people?”
There was a shimmer of amusement in his eyes. “No, but now I’m enjoying it, so maybe I’ll have to start.” Stepping over the end of the log, he sat down beside her, blocking her easy escape. “I see you still like to draw. Laura told me you were a graphic designer for some fancy fashion company in the city.”
“Sounds like my cousin has told you lots of things.” Sophie had deduced as much after catching Laura’s guilty expression earlier that day. She shifted away from him, but Jack just moved closer. His nearness was something she used to yearn for as a child. Now it was just infuriating.
“Thanks, I needed the room.” He reached towards her. “Show me what you’re working on.” Pinching the sketchpad from her lap, Jack examined the pencilled drawing. “It’s beautiful.”
Sophie snatched it back. “It’s ruined.” She flipped the cardboard cover back in place. “Thanks to you.”
Had it not been for her cousin’s wedding, Sophie Wendall would never have returned to Bitterbark Creek—her aunt and uncle’s idyllic farm-stay on the outskirts of town. Twenty years ago, tragedy stole everything from her including her memory, leaving only secrets and lies. Now that she’s back, there are just two things on her mind: to find out the truth of what really happened to her that day at the dam and to steer clear of the wicked Garland family and their charismatic son—the boy who broke her heart.
Jackson Garland is one of the few people who know what really happened to Sophie all those years ago, but he’s terrified of sharing the truth. To do so would jeopardize his happy sanctuary and newfound home at Bitterbark Creek. Upon reconnecting with Sophie, he realizes that while her extended family may have accepted him as one of their own, she’s going to take a little more convincing. Although he tries to charm and distract her to keep his secrets safe, it isn’t long before he’s at risk of falling under her own tantalizing spell.
As children, their love for one another kept them close until a car accident took one life and hatred tried to steal another. But dark truths can’t be hidden forever when ghosts from the past step into the light. Might the revelations be too daunting for them to handle? Or will Jack and Sophie finally put aside their family history and let love guide them into a future together?
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Author bio:
Tammy Mannersly is an award-winning Australian author frequently praised for her heart-warming stories full of romance, dedicated friendships, and stunning Australian locations. All her books ensure a great Happily Ever After and a love story that will sweep you off your feet. Tammy has a Bachelor Degree in Creative Industries majoring in Creative Writing from Queensland University of Technology. She lives on the coast near Brisbane, Queensland and loves to write about her favorite Australian destinations.
You can find more information about Tammy and her work on her website: www.tammymannersly.com or by visiting:
This looks like a very enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI would like this story. Sounds great.
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