Publisher: Rosewind Books (November 22, 2022)
Language: English
Paperback: 260 pages
ISBN-10: 1645480860
ISBN-13: 978-1645480860
A heartwarming story about finding love when you least expect it, second chances, and how loved ones who have passed away are still with you, no matter where you are. Fans of Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, Pamela Kelley, and Jenny Hale will adore this romantic journey of self-discovery and matters of the heart.
“The sweeping island scenery and romance left me feeling refreshed. This was a mini escape!” —First for Women Magazine
“Slow, yummy build of strong attraction with a perfect happily ever after. It was wonderful to go along on this sweet journey of fate meets destiny.” —Elliot, EllieSewSweet
“This love story is truly heartwarming. From page one, the story draws the reader in and keeps the pages turning. Happiness and tears throughout the book.” —Sue M. Van, Independent Authors Blog
“This story is like being inside a Hallmark movie.” —Cindy, Goodreads
Since Abby became a widow in her mid-twenties, she’s spent the past four years raising her son and working long hours at the gallery she owns with her sister in Kauai. She doesn’t have time for a social life, nor does she want one. Until the handsome Ian Bordonaro comes back to town.
When Abby finds out Ian is grieving the death of his mother, she feels an instant connection. She knows his pain too well, and not many in her life understand what she’s been through. Their friendship grows, but a lingering sense of guilt prevents Abby from moving forward.
Will she surrender to grief and give up her second chance at happily ever after? Or will finding a rare angelwing shell intact on the beach be a sign it’s time to open her heart again?
“I’d like that,” he said, then gave his attention to Tyler. “Take care of your mom. And …” He leaned lower, but gave me a sly sidelong glance as if he was saying it to me. “Don’t forget to buy chocolate chip ice cream. That’s my favorite.”
“Mine too.” Tyler’s eyes rounded.
Ian nodded at the box Tyler held, then held out his palm for a high five. “See you soon, kid. Ahoy, mate.”
“Blimey.” Tyler’s smile stretched wider, and he looked at Ian as if he was his hero.
I started when Ian swooped his arms around my waist and placed a tender kiss on my cheek.
“It was good seeing you, Abby.” His kind words caressed the shell of my ear.
Ian’s warm body was firm against mine, and his stubble lightly grazed my skin. I sucked in a breath, surprised as those touches traveled to places they shouldn’t, caressing me like a gentle ocean wave. It happened so fast—it almost felt like it hadn’t happened at all.
Scorching heat rose up my neck, and my tongue knotted. He walked away like a surfer riding the wave to the perfect sunset, leaving me pining for another glimpse. Even the refrigerated air of the dairy section couldn’t douse the flame burning inside me.
I shivered and came back to myself, but just as I turned, Ian looked back with a heartfelt grin, lightly swinging his basket, and then winked. He walked backward, one step at a time, and grabbed a container of eggs, never taking his eyes off me. Our eyes stayed locked, and my smile might have stretched too wide.
The universe seemed to have stopped rotating. Gone were the sounds of the wheels on the carts rolling by, shoes scuffing against the tile floor, the beep and hum of the cash registers, and the butcher talking to the impatient customers nearby.
“Mom. Mom. Yo ho ho.” Someone tugged my shirt. “Can we please go now?”
Oh, right. My son.
“Ty. I’m so sorry.” I stroked his hair. “Yes, sweetheart. I need to get the butter lettuce, and then we’re done.”
I didn’t look back to see if Ian was still there, but how badly I wanted to. Guilt hit me hard in the pit of my stomach. Guilt for forgetting my dead husband long enough to notice Ian, even only for a few seconds. And Tyler was my focus and would stay that way.
No time for a man in my life. Tyler was my love, my world.
Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.
Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Being a huge Twilight fan, Mary was inspired to make book-themed jewelry and occasionally gives it away as prizes to her fans.
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