Second
Time Love
After thirty years of
marriage, Grace becomes widowed at age fifty, and never thinks she’ll love
again. That is until she goes on a trip
meant for her and her late husband, and meets sexy Cole.
She’s enchanted by him and the fun he’s
having with his granddaughter on the beach.
Talk turns into more, and Grace is ready to open her heart to a second
time love.
1.
Did you plot this book out or write wherever an
idea took you?
It started
with a small idea – a woman grieving after losing her husband. Then it kind of took on a life of its own.
2.
What was your hardest scene to write in this
book?
The beginning, when we
feel Grace’s grief. Putting myself in
her ‘shoes’, relaying what it must feel like to lose your love.
3.
Did you hide any secrets or Easter Eggs?
No. J
4.
Since the publication, what would you say has
improved in your writing?
Story
development; writing what I want to convey – not what others think I should
write.
5.
Did you leave out anything in this book that you
wished you hadn’t?
Yes,
looking back, I would have lengthened the get-to-know-you phase of Grace and
Cole’s relationship; added more details.
6.
Do you believe a book cover plays an important
role in the selling process?
Yes!
I want covers to truly reflect the work, because books are judged by the
covers! They need to catch attention, and be readable.
7.
Any advice you would like to give to your
younger self?
My younger,
younger self – take more chances! As for
my younger writer-self (having only been published less than a year) I’m a
work-in-progress. I’ll continue to work on being a well-rounded author, putting
out stories I can be proud of!
Excerpt:
The calmness of the
beach was like a balm on Grace’s soul, the beautifully clear ocean water
hypnotic and inviting. She walked its edge, allowing the small surf to roll
over her feet and ankles, and earning her a glimpse of shells and starfish
along the way. When she had walked so far as to round the small peninsula and
catch sight of another resort, she decided to turn around and make her way
back.
The sound of
laughter had her turning again. She saw a little girl in a pink bathing suit
running her way, long, blonde hair billowing behind her. As well as a shirtless
man who was giving chase. Grace watched as the man would get close enough to
playfully swipe the girl’s behind, then feign fatigue before catching up to her
again. Her antics of darting left and right, and the giggling brought a smile
to Grace’s face. Before she realized she had remained rooted to her spot,
watching the delightful scene, the little girl was suddenly in front of Grace,
running around her like they were old friends.
She smiled down
upon the girl who decided to clutch Grace’s legs and hide behind her.
“Don’t let him
find me,” she whispered before giggling.
When Grace
looked up, a strikingly handsome man stood before her. He wore only swim trunks
that showed off his tanned and muscular body. His gaze was uncertain as it
roamed her face, almost as if he’d been stunned. He opened his mouth,
hesitated, and then finally spoke. “You, uh, you wouldn’t happen to have seen a
little girl running around here? She’s about this high,” he continued, holding
his hand close to his waist, “with long, blonde hair.”
Grace’s gaze was
drawn to his defined abs and those delicious dips running toward his hips that
his low-slung shorts revealed. She suddenly blushed when she realized where her
concentration had been. As she peered back to his face, his eyes held such
intrigue that something compelled her to play along.
“I’m sorry, but
no little girls around here. Just me.” She smiled. And was rewarded with a
knee-weakening smile in return. The man before her seemed about her age, with
short, black hair that was graying at the temples and deep-blue eyes that held
both maturity and mischief. Mostly black hair dusted his chest and limbs with
perfection. He was absolutely swoon-worthy.
“Well, that’s a
shame.” A playful pout formed on his lips. Full lips that would no doubt make a
woman sigh when they landed on hers. “Because I promised that little girl a
piggy-back ride to the lodge for ice cream. I guess if she’s not here I’ll have
to eat ice cream all by myself.”
As he began to
turn away, the little girl squealed, deciding ice cream was a far better option
than playing hide-and-seek. She ran around Grace and squealed, “Grandpa! I’m
right here!”
Grandpa?
“Oh my goodness,
there you are!”
Grace couldn’t
help but chuckle at the fun these two were having. The little girl flew at the
man who scooped her up in his arms, swinging her onto his shoulders with ease.
As they continued to laugh, the man’s gaze landed on Grace again.
“I’m sorry. We
seemed to have corralled you into our little game. I hope we aren’t keeping you
from anything?” “Oh no, I was just out for a walk by myself. You’re a pretty good
runner there, missy,” Grace said to the little girl.
“I beat Grandpa
every time!” She beamed, causing Grace to laugh.
“I’m Cole,” the
man said. “And this little speed demon is my granddaughter, Eliza.”
“Nice to meet
you both. I’m Grace.”
“That’s a pretty
name,” Eliza said. “Would you like to have ice cream with us?” She wiggled atop
the shoulders of her grandpa as she mussed his hair. “I’m going to get vanilla
with chocolate sprinkles. What’s your favorite?”
Before Grace
could answer, Cole spoke. “Eliza can get pretty excited about ice cream. We’ll,
uh, we’ll let you continue with your walk. Sorry to have bothered you.”
When he started
to take a step back and turn, Grace spoke out. “It was no bother, really.” She
looked from Cole to Eliza. “And I like Neapolitan.” Why she felt the need to
continue to engage, she had no idea, but she didn’t want to be finished with
the delightful little girl and her stunning grandpa.
“Neapololitan,”
Eliza tried to say.
“Close,” Cole
said. “It’s the vanilla-strawberry-chocolate together, remember?”
“Yes! Like what
we had for your birthday, Grandpa!”
Cole chuckled.
“That’s right.” He looked at Grace. “It’s my favorite, too.”
WHERE
TO BUY:
Evernight: https://tinyurl.com/y9mlgh8q
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yca6pkxe
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/765643
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