#MFRWhooks Blog Hop - An Excerpt from CHRISTMAS AT SOLACE LAKE - I'll Teach You To Drive
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
In today's #MFRWhooks Blog Hop, here's an excerpt from CHRISTMAS AT SOLACE LAKE, In this excerpt, Drew finds out that Celeste doesn't have a car and has never learned to drive. Since the lodge is out in the country, ten miles from the nearest town, it means she has to ask someone to drive her every time she needs something. Worse, her nine year old daughter Hope can't participate in after school activities. Drew decides to help.
CHRISTMAS AT SOLACE LAKE is on sale for .99 cents until January 1, 2026 at the Smashwords End of Year Sale! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1881612
Excerpt:
“Would you be comfortable with me picking Hope up from her friend’s house after the party and driving her home? I’m happy to do it.”
She started shaking her head before he finished talking. “I didn’t tell you my story of woe so you’d feel sorry for us and volunteer to be our chauffeur. Thank you, but we’ll be fine.”
“Do you really want Hope to miss out on her friend’s birthday party?”
The look of distress was back in her eyes. “No, of course not.”
“Then quit being so proud and stubborn and let me pick her up.”
She gave him an indignant glare. “You don’t know anything about my life or my daughter’s.”
“No, I don’t. But I can see how much it hurts you to say no to Hope.”
Celeste stared at her hands folded in her lap. “I didn’t know any of this was going to happen. I wasn’t angling for a ride for Hope. Maybe you can help this time, but the next time, maybe you won’t be around and we’ll be in the same situation again.”
She was right. Until Celeste was able to drive her own vehicle, she couldn’t be fully independent. And until she was independent, neither she nor Hope could be truly happy. Drew wanted that for them.
“I’ll tell you what. We’re going to get that car for you. I’ll help you study for your learner’s permit and then I’ll teach you everything I know. Or you can hire a driving teacher in Minnewasta or Brainerd. Whatever you want to do, I’ll help you get there.”
She turned to face him once more, shock evident on her face. “Are you serious?”
To his surprise, Drew realized he was completely serious. “Yes, I am.”
“I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You’re not asking. I’m offering.”
“Why would you do that?”
He wasn’t entirely sure himself. All he knew was that she needed help and he wanted to be the one who gave it to her. He settled for a half-truth. “You’re an integral member of the staff here at the lodge. I don’t want frustration with the isolation here to be the reason you decide to move somewhere else. You’re needed at the restaurant, and I want you to be happy living here.”
Her expression told him she wasn’t sure if she should believe him. Or trust him. “You have to understand I can’t—I won’t—give you anything in return.”
She was warning him that he shouldn’t expect her to fall into his bed in gratitude. He held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I don’t expect anything in return.”
“That’s very generous of you.”
“Not entirely generous. I don’t have much to do here in my off hours, especially since Carrie isn’t happy with me right now. I’m going to have a lot of time on my hands.”
A sudden grin blossomed on her face. “So, you thought you’d amuse yourself by laughing at me as I learn to parallel park. Is that what you’re saying?”
Drew crossed his heart. “I swear I won’t laugh at you. Even if you do something hilariously dumb, I’ll keep it down to a small smirk.”
She laughed. “I’m afraid you’re going to be smirking a lot.” Her smile disappeared, and her expression grew cautious once more. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Absolutely.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me.”
“Hey. Don’t cry.”
Without thinking, Drew pulled her into a hug. His intention had been to soothe, but once Celeste was in his arms, her scent surrounded him, reminding him of flowers. She was soft and warm, and he was aware of her on a whole new level.
As a beautiful, desirable woman.
Blurb:
Widow Celeste Bishop has made a comfortable life for herself and her nine-year-old daughter in the three years she's worked, and lived, at Solace Lake Lodge. But this Christmas, Celeste is unsettled by a series of thefts that has staff suspecting one another. Then Drew Barnes arrives, making her feel things she never thought she’d feel again.
An emergency brings Drew to Solace Lake Lodge. He’s sure that’s the only reason his uncle asked him to fill in as bookkeeper. No one in his family has believed in him since his mistake got him fired from his previous job.
As Drew gets to know Celeste, his feelings for her grow, and the pieces of his life tumble into place. He doesn’t care that she’s nine years older. But while he's falling in love, she's pulling away. She can’t risk loving and losing again.
Christmas approaches and the thefts increase. Drew is determined to stop the thief and redeem himself in his family’s eyes—and his own. But can he convince Celeste they deserve the gift of a happily-ever-after this Christmas?
Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/Her-Best-Man
Remember CHRISTMAS AT SOLACE LAKE is on sale for .99 cents at Smashwords until January 1! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1881612
I'm also participating with CHRISTMAS AT SOLACE LAKE at the Christmas and Holiday Book Festival. Enter the #giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
OR
I'm taking part in a contemporary romance promotion with Crave Books until the end of December. Three lucky winners will receive eight ebooks as their prize, including my book, HER BEST MAN. The first place winner also receive a hardcover collection of five bestselling contemporary romance novels. Enter today for your chance to win!
For more books and excerpts, check out the rest of the books in the Blog Hop!
I love cheeky banter, too. And I especially love when my characters come up with some funny lines!
"Keep it down to a smirk" had me laughing. Love that cheeky banter. :)