#MFRWhooks Blog Hop - An Excerpt from CHRISTMAS AT SOLACE LAKE - What's Wrong With My Sister?
Hello! Today I have an excerpt from CHRISTMAS AT SOLACE LAKE. Drew arrives at his Uncle's lodge in northern Minnesota to fill in for his pregnant aunt just before Christmas. His sister Carrie has been working in the kitchen at the lodge for the last several months and he's excited to see her again. But something's going on with her that he doesn't understand. I hope you enjoy the excerpt.
Excerpt:
“I don’t have to go to a culinary school to work in a restaurant.” Carrie set her chin at a stubborn angle, an expression he’d witnessed many times before. It told him his sister wouldn’t easily change her mind. “I can learn on the job.”
“That might be fine for working here, in our uncle and aunt’s business, but if you want to work somewhere else, you’re going to need to back up your experience with education and a diploma.”
“Maybe I don’t want to work anywhere else. Maybe I like it here.”
Drew stared at her. A few months ago, she’d been researching culinary schools and had spoken about certification being essential. Her top contender had been the highly regarded culinary program at St. Paul College. “What’s really going on here, Carrie? Why don’t you want to go to school?”
She avoided his gaze. “I told you. I like it here. I want to stay.”
“I’m sure Uncle Ethan will give you a job once you finish culinary school. The course at St. Paul’s is only ten months, isn’t it? It’s not that much time.”
Carrie’s eyes flashed. “I told you, I don’t want to leave, so get it through your thick skull!”
Drew stared at her, trying to figure out what had happened to his normally sensible little sister. Why was she so determined to stay at the lodge?
And then it hit him.
“You’ve met someone here at the lodge, haven’t you? Is that why you don’t want to leave?”
Carrie appeared uncomfortable. And guilty, like he’d caught her doing something wrong. It made no sense. At eighteen, she’d only had a couple of boyfriends, at least that he knew of. Though pretty and smart, she was introverted and shy. She was also a lot more mature than many of the boys her age.
He knew all about immature boys. He’d been one.
Carrie’s gaze didn’t quite meet his. “I have met someone.”
“Okay, great. When do I get to meet him?”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Not anytime soon.”
“What’s the big deal? I’ve met your boyfriends before. Why can’t I meet this guy? What makes this one any different?”
“Because he’s special, and you’re so judgmental! You won’t give him a chance!”
Alarm bells went off in Drew’s head. “Why do I need to give him a chance? What has he done?”
“Nothing! He’s done nothing! He’s a good person. He’s smart and kind and funny. But I know you, and I know Mom and Dad, and you’re all going to think there’s something wrong with him. But you know what? He’s perfect. I’m the one who’s not good enough for him!”
To Drew’s astonishment, Carrie burst into tears. Before he could get out an “I’m sorry,” she threw open the office door and ran out.
What the hell?
Drew raced after her, afraid his baby sister was in way over her head.
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 season, a series of thefts has staff suspecting one another. Then Drew Barnes arrives and upends her comfort, making her feel things she never thought she’d feel again.
An emergency brings Drew to Solace Lake Lodge. Since his mistake got him fired from his previous job, he’s lost confidence in his judgement. When thefts begin, he’s afraid his nightmare is starting again.
As Drew grows closer to Celeste, 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’s afraid to risk loving and losing again.
As Christmas approaches, 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 Buy Link: https://books2read.com/Christmas-at-Solace-Lake
Bookfunnel Promo:
I'm participating in this Small Town Christmas promo with CHRISTMAS AT SOLACE LAKE. Check out all the Christmas romances!
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