Tag: Lowcountry Hearts

Her Island Secret Sample

NicoleLeave a comment

If you’d like to purchase Her Island Secret, please click here.

Chapter One

Ach, I can hardly believe I’ve come home to the Seas Islands.

Clara Bennett sharply took in her breath as she stepped foot off of the bus and into the warm, Carolina sunshine. The muggy air hit her full in the face, and she could feel her chocolate brown hair start to instantly curl underneath her kapp from the humidity.

“Are you okay, miss?”

Clara’s eyes looked away from the ground she was studying intently as a frown tugged on her lips. She feigned a smile at the bus driver as she’d silently mulled over the events which had drawn her to South Carolina from upstate New York.

“Ja, I guess I’ll make it. Thanks for asking.”

Clara gave the answer she’d been so used to giving for the past eight years before walking away from the driver and into the small Beaufort bus station. While she might not be fine, she was making it. Her mantra had been to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when she felt like she just couldn’t. This attitude had served her well, and she’d become an integral part of the art community near an Amish settlement in Niagara Falls for years now. Clara poured out her feelings in her paintings, and she guessed this was one benefit her heartbreak had given to her.

“Clara. We’re over here.”

Clara felt her back stiffen as her mother’s sensible shoes squeaked on the tile floor in her direction. She’d left her Amish beachside community eight years ago, and hadn’t seen her parents since. Her shoulders slumped as she realized the gravity of the current situation which had brought her back. Her body felt strangely numb as her mother approached.

“You could pick up the pace, you know. We’ve got a lot of arrangements to make, and we need to get back to April and Jed’s as soon as possible.”

“It’s nice to see you too, Mamm.”

Trudy Bennett simply frowned in response, and Clara felt a chill race up her back despite the hot, summer day. Her mamm always knew how to make her feel like a child, and she quickly found this was still true even though she was now twenty-eight years old.

Clara’s daed trudged up behind her mother, and gave her a hesitant smile.

“How’ve you been, Clara Bear?”

Clara felt like recoiling when hearing him use the pet name he’d given her as a youngster. 

“I guess I’ll make it.”

Trudy rolled her eyes while nudging Clara to move towards the exit.

“Look, I know this is difficult for all of us. But we haven’t been given a choice in the matter, and we must figure out how to navigate this situation. We have to get along to do this. Do you understand?”

“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Do you have any idea how it feels for me to return to South Carolina, when taking into account how I left? Especially since April’s gone now. I honestly don’t know why she asked me to take Harper.”

Clara’s sister and brother-in-law died suddenly in a buggy accident two days ago, and her own life had dived into a tailspin ever since. Not only had she lost the sister whom she hadn’t spoken to in years, she’d also been given custody of her 8-year-old adopted daughter. She’d made emergency arrangements with her landlord before coming to South Carolina to be with the family. But Clara still felt like an unwanted outsider, and she desperately wanted to hop on the next bus to go back to where she came from.

“We’ll see if other arrangements can be made for Harper. Don’t worry.” Trudy pushed her kapp strings behind her shoulders before shoving a pair of sunglasses on her face. “We are all adults now, and we’ll somehow figure this out.”

I was an adult when I was forced to leave, too. The thought zipped through Clara’s head, and she decided to keep it there. She didn’t want to be disrespectful to her mamm.

She rubbed her swollen eyes while nearly jogging to keep up with her parents. They obviously were on a mission to return to their driver as quickly as possible, and Clara was glad that she’d worn her running sneakers.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” Her voice was so soft she didn’t know if her parents could hear her over the rumble of buses nearby.

Sam Bennett looked over his shoulder while continuing to trudge ahead. “We met with the bishop this morning, and most of the funeral details are ironed out. The community has really pitched in to help, and Harper hasn’t wanted for anything. Other than her parents, that is.”

Her daed’s matter-of-fact words cut to her heart, and she felt the breath leave her lungs. 

“More than anything, I want to make sure Harper’s alright.”

“Truly, Clara?”

Clara darted forward to make sure her parents could hear her. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life.

Silence stretched between them as they approached a gray minivan, and Sam motioned for Clara to follow closely. He slid open the door, and Clara slung her black suitcase inside before scooting onto a seat near the back. After buckling her seatbelt, she turned an air vent towards her face and turned it on full blast. Clara couldn’t tell if she was hot or cold, but the icy air felt nice on her skin, wet with lowcountry humidity.

Clara looked out the window as the van buzzed by palm trees in the quaint town of Beaufort. Before long, they’d be crossing the Beaufort River to start their trek across the Sea Islands. While Clara had been raised on Lady’s Island, April and Will had moved to Harbor Bay after they’d adopted Harper. When the adorable yellow bungalow with beach access came on the market in a heavily Amish and Mennonite area, they’d snatched it up as quick as a wink. They thought it would be the perfect spot to raise their daughter.

“Where’s Harper, anyway? I thought she’d be with you when you came to pick me up.”

Trudy looked jittery when she turned to face Clara. “We thought it would be best if she stayed home when we came to get you. She’s not doing too well, which is to be expected.”

Clara’s nerves felt rankled. “Did you leave her at home alone?”

“Of course not, Clara. Don’t be absurd. April and Jed were good friends with their neighbor, Tyler White. He offered to keep an eye on her for us.”

“Are you sure he’s trustworthy?”

Trudy’s eyes rolled. “I wouldn’t talk about being trustworthy if I were you, Clara. But yes, Tyler is completely honorable. He’s spent a lot of time with the family, and Harper is very comfortable with him.”

Clara decided to zip her lips for the rest of the car ride. It was clear that not much had changed since she’d left the Sea Islands and headed north so long ago. 

She tried to remember what her therapist had taught her, and took deep breaths as her daed drove over the last causeway before Harbor Bay came into view. It felt like all the work she’d done to regain her mental health had come crashing down with just a few jabs from her mamm.

She watched a brown pelican swoop down into the marsh to catch a fish as the driver flipped on the blinker to turn into the Harbor Bay Amish community. After the van turned to the left, Clara trained her eyes on the colorful bungalows that rushed by her window. Her breath caught as she remembered all the good memories she’d suppressed about this sacred place. Growing up in the low country had been full of enjoyment and fun. That is, until it didn’t.

After making their turn, they drove slowly by a row of beachfront homes. Clara silently counted the bungalows, knowing they’d arrive at April’s place in just a moment. She’d only been there one time, but she’d never forget it.

Almost there.

The driver put on the brakes before pulling into the Harris’s drive. Guilt twisted Clara’s insides. She squeezed her eyes shut in remorse as the van was put in park and the door opened.

Clara felt frozen while looking out the window. Next to the parked vehicle sat a cobalt blue golf cart full of beach toys, towels, and an umbrella. She noticed a little girl with her curly brown hair twisted into a bun sitting on the passenger seat, her hollow eyes looking like she was mad at the world. Curiosity nudged her as she looked in amazement. Could this be Harper?

“I’m glad to see you made it safe and sound.”

“Ja, we had an uneventful trip to the bus station. Clara made it in one piece.”

Pulling her gaze away from the child, she spotted a tall man walking towards her father. He wore a t-shirt and blue swim trunks with white stripes down the sides. She noticed his toned arm was tanned from the island sun when he reached forward to shake Sam’s hand. Sandy blonde hair peeked out from underneath a straw hat, and Clara felt her heart tap a little faster when the man offered her father a compassionate smile. 

This is who’d been watching Harper?

The corner of his eyes squeezed a little more when he caught sight of her. Clara tried her best to sink into her seat and trained her gaze at the floor. She unbuckled her seatbelt, aware of Tyler’s stare. She wished he would back away and let her breathe. Chiding herself, she forced herself to push back the lump in her throat and return his smile. She forced the sides of her mouth to tug upward. It’s not fair to expect him to understand the depths of pain I’m feeling. I’ll play nice, and get through today…somehow.

Like he could read her mind, Tyler stepped away as Clara opened the sliding door. Sam caught her eye in the rearview mirror.

“Leave your bag in the van, Clara, I’ll get it for you in just a minute.”

Shrugging off the peace offering, Clara stepped outside. As soon as her feet hit the pavement, she tried to straighten her crumpled and worn cape dress. She hadn’t thought to look nice for the occasion, but now that she was here, she’d wished she’d fought through her foggy head and had worn something special. While the reason for Clara’s visit was painful, visiting Harper was indeed a momentous occasion. She’d likely remember it forever.

She watched a palm tree sway in the warm island breeze as she stepped around the van. Her feet felt wobbly, and she pressed against the vehicle for support before she walked towards Harper. Tyler noticed her shaky legs, and rushed towards her, offering his arm for support.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Clara. April talked about you all of the time, and I feel like I know you already.”

Clara eyed him suspiciously. She highly doubted her sister had spoken highly of her, but it was a nice thought, at least. While she wanted to push away from him, instead, she wrapped her arm around his and clung to it for support. His arm was warmed by the sun, and Clara could feel his muscles flex as he pulled her a little closer.

“Whoa, now. Are you alright? I can help you to the house if you’d like.”

Embarrassed, Clara squeezed her eyes shut as her cheeks pinked. 

“Nee…I’m fine. I’m just feeling a little wobbly after a day of travel. I’ll get my feet under me in just a second.”

“Take your time. Would you like to sit down?”

Clara laughed softly, despite the distressing situation. She must be a sight to see.

“Nee. If you don’t mind, could you help me to the golf cart? I’d like to see Harper.”

“Of course.” Tyler’s blue eyes softened as he helped her off of the concrete driveway and onto the crushed seashell path. Her breath caught as she locked eyes with the very sad little girl who’d scooched to the edge of her seat.

***

Tyler’s heart tapped in sympathy as he gently led Clara towards the waiting golf cart. A jolt shot through his arm as she tugged him to a stop and stuck her hand deep into her pocket. Pulling out a pair of sunglasses, she plopped them on her nose before nudging him forward. He wasn’t sure if they were to protect her vision from the bright Carolina sun, or hide the swollen redness that surrounded her wide mahogany eyes. Deciding it didn’t matter, he continued to walk towards Harper as she paid no mind to him.

Clara squeezed his arm before letting it go and steadying herself against the golf cart. Harper’s dog gave a deep woof, sounding much larger than it actually was.

“It’s alright, Brownie.” Tyler’s voice calmed the chocolate dachshund as it popped its head out from between a bag of beach towels and a stack of sand toys. Brownie whimpered softly as it nudged Clara gently with her snout before giving her hand a big lick. Clara’s lips pulled into a gentle smile as she kept her eyes trained towards Harper.

Brownie liked April’s sister. This was a good sign. If only Harper would feel the same way. Tyler’s heart squeezed as he thought about how difficult this must feel for the little girl. How would she react to being cared for by an aunt she’d never met? Tyler had been confused by Will and April’s last wishes, and April’s parents had been even more so. He’d caught Trudy speaking to her husband in frightened whispers about the situation when he’d delivered a casserole to the home yesterday. 

“Hey, Harper. My name’s Clara. It’s so nice to meet you. You sure do have a nice dog. I like Brownie very much.”

Clara’s hand shook as she reached out to rub Brownie behind the ears. Harper’s mouth twitched like she couldn’t decide whether to smile or not. Tyler let out a breath. This was a good sign, too.

Harper tucked a wayward curl behind her ear and gave Clara a toothless grin. “Brownie knows if people are nice or not, and she really likes you. That must mean you’re okay.”

“Is that so?” Clara chuckled as the dog wagged her tail as if agreeing with Harper. “I’m glad Brownie likes me, then.”

Tyler signed as a deep frown once again lined Harper’s jaw. Her smile faded as quickly as it had brightened her face, likely because of the terrible situation she’d found herself in.

Tyler had taken to Harper as soon as he’d moved into the aqua bungalow next to her yellow one. He’d moved there right after his wife, Joy and young daughter, Eva had been killed in a swimming accident, trying his best to find meaning to life again. Harper reminded him so much of his Eva, and spending time with the Harris’s had helped his heart start to heal, along with volunteering at the new Beaufort County Conservation Trust. Both Harper’s happy chatter and working to protect the marshland in this part of South Carolina’s lowcountry helped him regain the purpose he’d lost when his little family had died. The hole Joy and Eva had left was still empty though. He spent many nights walking the beach, trying to chase his sadness away.

With a sigh, Clara plopped onto the seat with Harper. The child’s eyes brimmed with curiosity as she scooted to give her more room.

“Do you want to come with us to the beach, Clara? There’s plenty of space.” Tyler eyed the woman carefully. “Who knows…it might make you feel better.” While he didn’t understand what had caused the rift in April and Clara’s relationship, he knew there had been one. April often spoke about missing her sister once Harper had been tucked safely in bed, and the neighbors spent time relaxing on the back porch. He wondered what had separated the sisters while listening to the waves crash on the shore on those moonlit nights, and now, it was too little, too late. Clara likely had regrets, which compounded on top of her grief.

Clara bobbed her head while biting on her lip. “Yeah, I think I’d like that. I haven’t seen this beach in a very long time.”

“Are you sure that’s the best idea? We could get you settled in your room, instead. I know you must be tired after so much traveling.” Trudy’s dress swished as she moved towards the golf cart, while giving Clara an imploring stare. Tyler shifted uncomfortably as Clara scooped up Brownie and the dog wiggled in her arms.

“Ja, I’m sure.” Clara’s tone was clipped, and he could feel heat radiating off of her. Tyler looked at the ground, not wanting to involve himself in the family drama. 

Trudy sighed. “Suit yourself, but I don’t think it’s a gut idea.”

“I know you don’t, Mamm. But I’m an adult, and can make my own decisions.” He noticed Clara’s chin quiver as she jutted it forward. “Let’s go, Tyler.”

He raised his eyebrows at her command. Shrugging his shoulders, he slid into the seat. They sat snugly together, and Tyler was acutely aware of her nearness. He frowned while chasing that thought away. He turned the key, while feeling Clara grow stiff at his side. He shot an apologetic smile towards Trudy as he pulled away. The older woman was fuming, and he could almost see the smoke coming out of her ears.

“I wonder why Nana’s so mad. She probably misses Mamm like I do.” Harper spoke softly as the golf cart jostled across a break in the sand dunes and towards the ocean.

Tyler’s heart caught. He knew Harper was experiencing a gamut of emotions that she couldn’t put into words. She was also an intuitive little thing, and had caught onto Trudy’s sour mood easily. “Your nana will be okay, Harper. She’s probably just sad like the rest of us.”

“I wish that’s all there was to it.”

Tyler glanced at Clara as her soft words flew across the ocean breeze. He wished he could do something to take both Harper and Clara’s pain away, but he’d probably fail if he tried. After four years, he was still reeling over the death of his own family. Clara’s comment highlighted that as he’d suspected, the Bennett family had their secrets. Deciding that Harper would benefit from a change of subject, Tyler pointed to a flock of seagulls as the cart bumped over the last mounds of sand before the ground leveled out. Brownie barked at the playful birds, but her ferocious attempt to scare them away was lost in the breeze.

“Stop here, Tyler. This looks like a great place to build a sand castle.”

Tyler chuckled as he slowed the cart to a stop. The tide was down, and an expansive beach stretched in front of them. If this is where Harper wanted for them to spend their afternoon, then he would gladly comply.

Clara stayed seated after Harper jumped from the cart and pulled her favorite bucket and shovel from her stack. Brownie pranced at her heels as she walked a few feet away and plopped in the sand.

Tyler rummaged through a beach bag and pulled out a bottle of sunscreen.

“Sunscreen first, Harper.”

The girl sighed as she spread her arms and legs, allowing him to spray her down.

“Would you like any, Clara?”

“No, I’m fine.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“Ja.”

It looked like Clara hadn’t been in the sun for awhile, and he hoped she wouldn’t regret her decision later. He sprayed himself down before returning it to the brightly colored bag.

“So…I heard that you’ve been named Harper’s guardian.” Tyler kept his voice low, hoping the child wouldn’t hear what he had to say. She’d endured so much over the last couple of days, and he wanted her to enjoy her time at the beach without being reminded of her situation.

“You heard right. I probably won’t be here for long, though. At least, if my mamm has anything to do with it.”

Tyler leaned a little closer to Clara, while keeping one eye trained on Harper. “What do you mean?”

“It’s complicated, and I’d rather not discuss it right now if that’s alright.”

“Sure.” 

Tyler didn’t want to press for information, but curiosity buzzed through his insides. Why wouldn’t Trudy want Clara to care for April’s daughter? Silence stretched between them as Clara stared at the roaring waves. Sighing, she raised her sunglasses and looked at him. Her eyes looked at him pleadingly, and cut straight to his heart.

“I do want to be with Harper, though. Please remember that if you hear any rumors otherwise.”

Quick as a wink, she pushed her sunglasses back on top of her nose as she held back a sniffle. Empathy pressed through him. He could almost feel the hurt that was running through her, and he wished he knew more of her story.

“Of course. I don’t know the ins and outs of your situation, but I believe you. And I’m here for you if you ever need me when you’re caring for Harper. I live right next door. Harper and I have been best buds since I moved in four years ago.”

A grin tugged on her lips. “Is that so?”

“Absolutely. When we found out that her parents passed away, Harper asked for me almost immediately. I was very good friends with Jed, and I spent a lot of time at their home since we were neighbors. I’m taking a week off of work to help with her while Sam and Trudy make arrangements.” Tyler was glad his carpentry work was flexible, and that his backyard shop allowed him to fit his job around the rest of his life.

“You did that for her? That…that was very nice of you.”

“Of course. I’d do just about anything for Harper.”

“I would, too.” Clara’s words came out in a whisper, and Tyler struggled to hear them over the whipping wind.

“Tyler, look! Brownie and I found a seashell!”

Tyler smiled as Harper bounded towards them, with Brownie close on her heels. He held out his hand, and Harper placed it gently into his palm.

“Good find, Harper. This is a Lettered Olive. It’s the state shell of South Carolina.”

Clara looked at him quizzically. “How did you know that?”

“The local ecology interests me. When I’m not working, I help out at the Beaufort County Conservation Trust.”

“Oh. That sounds like fun.” Clara took a closer look at the shell in his hand. “I grew up on the Sea Islands, but I never learned the names of the sea shells I found.” She looked at him sheepishly while pushing back strands of her hair that had escaped from her kapp and was whipping in the strong breeze. “This shell is beautiful.”

“Then you should have it.” Harper snatched the shell out of Tyler’s hand, and placed it in Clara’s palm. “It’s a gift to welcome you back to the island.”

“Th…thank you, Harper. What a meaningful gift.” Clara’s voice wobbled a little. Harper gave Clara a semi-smile before bounding back to her lavender bucket and shovel.

“What do you say we join Harper, and help her build a castle? It’s probably a gut idea for you to get to know her better since the Harris’s named you her guardian.”

“Didn’t you hear what I said earlier? I probably won’t be here for long.”

Clara crossed her arms as a huff left her mouth. Tyler wished she would tell him what was going on.

Instead, he gently tilted her chin with his thumb, silently asking her to look at him.

She complied, but he could tell she wasn’t happy about it. Even with her sunglasses on.

“I trust Will and April’s judgment, and I think you should be Harper’s guardian. For some reason, they thought you’d be the best fit. Would you like for me to have a word with Sam and Trudy?”

“Nee…that won’t be necessary.” Clara eyed Harper as she pushed herself off of the golf cart. “But I think you’re right. Let’s get to building that sand castle.”Tyler gave Clara a buffer as they walked towards Harper. He admired how she’d decided to try to connect with Harper, along with the way she gracefully walked across the sand. Clara was very beautiful, with her chestnut hair that peeked from her kapp and wide brown eyes. He put a guard around his heart right then and there. After experiencing the pain of losing his wife, he wasn’t sure if he’d be interested in pursuing a relationship ever again.

Thanks for reading this sample chapter, friends!

If you’d like to purchase Her Island Secret, please click here.

Her Island Surprise Sample

NicoleLeave a comment

Click here to purchase Her Island Surprise (An Amish Novel).

Chapter One

Josie Lantz smiled as she turned her face towards the Georgia sunshine. The twenty-two-year-old quickly meandered through the local Farmers Market with her eight-month-old daughter, Cora, in tow. With large blue eyes and soft squishy cheeks, the infant attracted smiles from everyone who walked through the open air market. 

“I’m so happy to be your mama, little one,” Josie whispered to her daughter as they looked over the produce at the market. “Hmm, what else should we bring home to Aunt Meredith?” 

The selection of fruits available at the small Tybee Island Farmers Market was unmatched in local grocery stores. Josie had already purchased a few bags brimming full of fresh food.

Suddenly, a patch of colorful fabrics caught her eye. While this market usually only hosted vendors selling produce, today a quilt seller was in attendance! Josie’s chest tightened as she remembered her past life. Josie knew that quilts always had a story to tell, and she didn’t know if she was brave enough to approach the vendor. But Cora did need a new bedspread, and a quilt seemed fitting since Josie’s own mamm had made so many of them through the years. Throwing caution to the wind, she dodged a few shoppers and protectively put her arm around Cora’s baby sling as she made a beeline towards the beautiful quilts.

Josie caught her breath while looking at the vibrant patterns and colors. In her mind, she was immediately transported back in time to her childhood bedroom. 

“Is there anything I can help you with?” The disheveled women who stood behind the table looked at her with a wide smile accenting her tanned face.

Josie hesitated slightly, while trying to snap back to reality. “Yes…I’d love to find a quilt that matches my daughter’s room. It’s light pink, seafoam blue, and gray.”

  “I think I have one you might be interested in,” The woman’s eyes sparkled. “Hudson, could you please unload the last box from our car?” 

Josie quickly shifted her eyes to the ground as a man who looked to be in his middle twenties appeared from behind a quilt swaying in the wind. 

“Sure thing, Mom.” He quickly turned towards the parking lot. 

Josie felt her throat grow dry as Cora’s eyes began to droop. The infant had missed her morning nap, and sleep was calling her name. She wished she could close her eyes as well, since she felt terribly uncomfortable in the presence of this young man. Josie told the butterfly fluttering in her stomach to return where it came from.

  “Are you vacationing on Tybee?” the older woman asked.

“No, I’m not.”

“Well then, are you a local?”

Josie glanced at her sleeping daughter before speaking, unsure of how to answer. She’d only lived in this peaceful town for one year, and the circumstances surrounding her arrival were troubling. An intense pain shot through her chest. Josie felt completely exposed, and wished she could disappear into the growing crowd. “My aunt owns a small group of cottages on the island. For the time being, my daughter and I are staying with her.” Her voice was small and soft.

The quilt seller smiled broadly. “That’s wonderful. It is so nice to meet you. Please, let me formally introduce myself.  I’m Lauren Reed, and my son Hudson has been kind enough to help me today. My husband usually assists me while I set up at these events, but he was called to help a family in need this morning. He’s the director of the Seaside Community Center, which is on the south side of Tybee Island.”

Josie’s eyes scanned the quilts as she processed this bit of information. She returned Lauren’s smile before replying. “It’s…um, nice to meet you, too. My aunt picked some baby supplies up for me there once.”  Josie felt uncomfortable as she shifted from side to side. She motioned towards her daughter. “This is Cora.”

Lauren took in the slumbering child. She was snuggled against her mother in the baby sling, with her short blonde hair beginning to form tiny ringlets around her neck. Her cheeks were slightly red from the warmth of the late summer day.

“Your daughter is darling,” she said. “I love being around babies. She’s a sweetie, for sure.”

Josie nodded in agreement, reassured by Lauren’s words. One short year ago, she wasn’t so sure if she could be a good mother. So much had changed since then.

Before the women could continue their conversation, Lauren’s son reappeared holding a large box. She quickly cleared a spot on the table, and he set the container down.

Josie looked curiously at Hudson. She felt her stomach burn. Josie blew out an annoyed breath, knowing she shouldn’t feel this way. She was a mother now, and Cora must be her main focus. She’d made the mistake of becoming intimate with her old Amish beau, and now another man would never be interested in her. At least, that’s what her daed had told her.

He grinned widely at his mother before turning to Josie. “I believe she’s hiding rocks in this box instead of quilts.” Hudson winked. “You know, I almost threw my back out.”

Lauren elbowed her son. “You can handle that box and more. Be thankful you have a break from mowing grass in the hot sun today.”

Josie readjusted the bags of produce in her hand as the two continued to tease each other. The blush of her cheeks matched the sun’s bright glow. Not exactly knowing why, Josie decided to ease into the conversation. “It’s an especially warm day. I’ll be thankful when the heat of summer breaks.”

“I totally agree.” Hudson hesitated slightly. Taking a step back, he continued to speak with a cautious look in his eyes. “I own a landscaping business, and the cool fall air will be a welcome change. That being said, I’m very grateful for what I do.” He chuckled under his breath. “I’m not afraid of hard work, no matter what my mom might say.”

“I was only teasing, Hudson. You know that.” Lauren elbowed her son before hugging his side.

Josie honestly didn’t know what to think about this man. With dark hair and a tall build, Hudson was very handsome. While he was kind, he also looked uncomfortable. She figured he had much better things to do than speak to her. Leaving as quickly as possible would probably be a good idea.

Lauren smiled at the pair. “Son, let me properly introduce you to our young customers. This is Josie, and her daughter Cora. They live with their aunt on Tybee.” Lauren looked inquisitively at her. “What vacation property does your aunt own, dear?”

“Island Natural Cottages. She owns a group of ten cottages, and a small campground. They are located near a marsh on the north side of the pier.”

“I know exactly where that is. Actually, I have a contract on file with your aunt for when she has a landscaping need. It’s very nice to meet you, Josie.” Hudson shuffled his feet and hesitated slightly before flashing a warm smile that put her at ease. 

“It’s very nice to meet you too. Honestly, I haven’t met many people on the island yet. I’ve lived here for almost one year now, but between keeping up with Cora and helping my Aunt Meredith with her rental business, I’m usually pretty busy.”

“So, you only live with your aunt and daughter?”

“Yes, I do.”

Josie cast her eyes downwards, waiting to feel judgment from Lauren and Hudson. What they must think of her…a young woman with a baby, without a husband in sight. Her nerves felt jangly. But when she glanced up and looked at them, she only saw acceptance and warm, welcoming smiles.

“Well, I for one am very thankful we ran into you this morning! You and your daughter are a delight.” Lauren’s words burst with enthusiasm.

Josie slowly let go of the breath she’d been holding.

“Thank you so much…it’s been really nice to meet you, too.”

Hudson began to unload quilts from the bulging brown box while placing them onto his mother’s table.  Lauren motioned for him to hand her a toddler-sized light pink quilt as it was brought into the sunlight. Pinks, soft blue-green, and gray hues danced across the fabric in patches of paisley, plaid, toile, and small flowers. 

“It’s beautiful.” Josie’s love for the blanket was instantaneous. The sewing was impeccable, and the piece was just as high quality as the quilts her mamm used to sew by hand by candlelight. Plans of her escape flew from her mind as she reached for her wallet. “How much is this quilt?”

Mrs. Reed looked gently at her before speaking. “I’d love for this blanket to be a gift for your sweet Cora. I don’t know your story, but giving this to your baby would be a blessing to me.  Please accept the quilt free of charge.”

Josie honestly didn’t know what to say. “No, I must pay for this. I can only imagine how much time it took to create this gorgeous blanket.”

Lauren and Hudson both shook their heads. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. “It isn’t every day that I have the pleasure to meet someone who lives locally. Usually, when I introduce myself to a new face they are vacationing.”

Josie knew this to be true. Since she worked at a vacation rental facility, she normally only came across people from out of town.

“Alright, I accept.” She hesitated slightly, her nerves almost getting the best of her. “I really can’t thank you enough. This quilt will look so gut…I mean, good, in Cora’s room.” Josie winced as the Pennsylvania Dutch word slipped off of her tongue. The Reeds didn’t seem to notice.

“I’ll tell you what…if it makes you feel any better, please pay me a visit anytime. Our family owns a small shop in the center of Tybee called Sea Tides. I’d love to speak to you again sometime. Do you know where our shop is located?”

Josie knew exactly the place…but did she really want to see Lauren and Hudson again? “Honestly, I haven’t had much of a chance to shop on the island other than stopping by the grocery store since my daughter was born. But I know just the shop you’re talking about. From the street it looks so charming. Do you sell your quilts there?”

Lauren nodded. “I sell my quilts and a variety of other things. It’s mainly a store where folks can consign their crafts, but I do carry a small section of touristy items.”

Cautiously, Josie agreed to stop by. “Since it’s late August, our cottages are not rented to capacity at the moment. I’d love to visit sometime.”

Lauren beamed. “Good! I can’t wait to see you and your daughter again.”

The number of shoppers at the Farmers Market had slowly multiplied to a very large crowd, and several more prospective customers arrived at Lauren’s booth. Cora had grown heavy, and Josie decided that now was the right time to head to the car Meredith had let her borrow. Her hands felt shaky at the thought. She’d only received her license a month ago, since Meredith insisted it would be good for her to have it. As a young Amish girl, Josie never thought she would learn how to drive a vehicle. It still felt so foreign to her.

“I probably need to go. Thanks so much again, and I’ll see you soon.”

Lauren turned towards her son. “Could you please carry the quilt to Josie’s vehicle? As you can see, her hands are full.”

While it was true that her hands were occupied with three bags of produce along with a sleeping infant, Josie didn’t want Hudson escorting her to her car. In fact, she’d rather be anywhere other than with this mysterious stranger. “No, I can make two trips…it really isn’t a bother at all.”

Hudson shook his head. “It doesn’t make any sense to carry your child back and forth twice. I’d be more than happy to bring the quilt to your car.” Before she could protest, he gently took the bags of produce out of her hands. “I’ve got this, too.”

Their eyes locked, and warmth curled inside of her stomach.

Josie let a small sigh escape her lips. “Alright, if you insist.”

“I insist.”

***

The trio turned towards the parking lot, and within a moment the crunch of gravel was heard beneath their feet. The heat from the overhead sun felt almost unbearable after they walked past the shade of a cluster of Live Oak trees. Hudson glanced at Josie before looking down at his full arms. Something about her was very intriguing, but he couldn’t put his finger on what. The slender young woman had a bewildered look on her face, which made her almost appear lost. He cleared his throat, suddenly aware of the tension growing between them.

“Which vehicle is yours?”

She nodded towards her right. “I’m in the tan SUV.” Josie fished through her purse for her keys, quickly unlocking the doors with her key fob once she found them. “Just place everything in the back if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

As she buckled Cora into her car seat, he took a quick glance at the young woman while standing next to her car. He shuffled his feet back and forth, wanting to move on but somehow frozen in place.

Hudson felt tongue-tied as he continued to linger next to Josie’s vehicle. Why did he keep standing here? He’d sworn off relationships when his fiancé passed away in a boating accident three years ago. He had been young and so in love. After Abigail died in the devastating incident, Hudson decided to stay focused on his fledgling landscaping business. His life no longer had any room for romance. However, this young woman looked so lost and alone. She could surely use a friend. Josie and her daughter reminded Hudson of his own mother and himself so very long ago. They had been on their own before his mother met and married Charles Reed, who had accepted Hudson as his own. He decided to throw caution to the wind, and see if he could make her feel more at ease.

He flashed Josie a bright smile. “So…did you grow up close to the island?”

“No, but I was raised in Georgia. My parents own a home in Clear Creek, which is a small community in the north Georgia mountains.”

“I’ve visited Clear Creek before. My mom likes to go there to get decorating ideas.” Hudson scratched his head, “Say, isn’t there a large Amish settlement there?”

A visible tremor ran down Josie’s back. Hudson’s lips turned down in concern.

“Yeah, a lot of Amish folks live there.”

“Have you made any friends on Tybee yet?”

She bit her lip. “No, not yet. I pretty much spend all of my time with Cora and my aunt.”

Hudson looked to the sky, while mustering a bit of courage. “Well, I’ll tell you what. I’d love to get to know you and Cora better. I also know quite a few folks who are around our age. Well, I think I do anyway. How old are you?”

“I’m twenty two.” Josie’s voice was soft.

He grinned. “That’s what I thought. I’m twenty five.”

“Actually, I’d really like to meet more people, as long as they accept Cora and like calm activities. She’s usually my sidekick. Where I go, she goes.” Josie let a small giggle escape from her lips before turning a shade of red.

“Of course. I’d only introduce you to people who aren’t into the party scene. Believe me, I definitely am not. Would you mind if I stop by your aunt’s rental business soon? Since I have a landscaping contract with her, I really need to see if she has any work that needs to be done before summer’s end, anyhow.”

“Well…I guess that would be alright.”

Hudson’s eyes brightened as his heart hammered in his chest.  He took a moment to pause in thought before continuing. What was he getting himself into? “Great! I look forward to seeing you two again soon.”

Hudson began walking back to his mother’s booth before she could reply. He watched Josie out of the corner of his eye as she turned on the ignition and opened the windows on this hot and muggy day. Hudson took a final sidelong glance at the tan vehicle before walking towards his mother, who was steadily helping customers. He sighed as Josie’s SUV pulled out of the gravel lot and onto a small side road. He must remember to view Josie just as a friend. He didn’t think he’d be capable of loving a woman like his Abby ever again.

Thank you so much for reading this sample, friends!

Click here to purchase Her Island Surprise (An Amish Novel).

Her Island Summer Sample

NicoleLeave a comment

If you’d like to Order Her Island Summer, click on this link.

About the novel:

Marine biologist Sarah Andrews is forced to rely on her old boyfriend when the Tybee Island Marine Rehabilitation Center is badly damaged during a storm. When Colby Mansfield arrives to pick up the pieces, he can’t easily forget how Sarah broke his heart to pursue her career a decade ago. When yet another misunderstanding threatens to tear their budding relationship apart, will Sarah build a wall around her heart? Or will she open her eyes to the integrity of the man standing right in front of her?

This contemporary romance is a clean read, and does not contain foul language, sex, or graphic scenes of any kind.

Chapter 1

Sarah Andrews’ brow furrowed as she closely examined a sea turtle nest on one of Tybee Island’s sandy beaches. The eggs should have hatched by now, she thought. She furiously scribbled notes on her tablet as the sun hid behind an ominous-looking cloud on the horizon. Frowning, she looked upwards at the darkening sky. For a moment she thought the glaring structure on her left had hidden the sun, but nope, it looked like a storm was brewing.

Sarah resigned herself to the fact that the occupants of the nest wouldn’t be hatching any time soon as she reached for her floral tote holding notebook upon notebook of scientific data. The twenty eight year old’s work at the local marine rehabilitation center was very rewarding, and she was so thankful for the opportunity to land her dream job. From the time she was a young child, she’d wished for nothing more than to help the sea life surrounding this quaint coastal community. After completing her biology degree, she landed an internship at the local center which specialized in sea turtle rehabilitation. Sarah cried happy tears on the day when Lauren Boatman, the center director, offered her a paying position.

She loved living on Tybee Island, and working here was a dream come true. When Sarah wasn’t at work, she was able to shop at adorable multi-colored boutiques, eat at delectable seafood restaurants, and visit a variety of historical sites. Her favorite hobby was visiting beaches off the beaten path, just like this one. The warm sand and sun-kissed breezes filled her cup like nothing else.

Sarah dusted the sand off her legs as she looked at the sky once more. Her stomach pinched. Deciding she better hurry, she slipped on her flip flops and began jogging in the direction of her jeep. A strong wind gust suddenly knocked her to the ground, and a passel of notebooks scattered out of her bag. Sarah quickly began gathering her material as she looked at the angry ocean waves off of Georgia’s coastline. The brooding sky began to swirl as her insides clenched all the way down to her toes. A gasp escaped her lips. A tornado had dropped out of the clouds and formed a water spout right before her eyes!

She looked to the left and right quickly, trying to decide where to take cover. The only building around was the large, half-built condo to her left. She glared at the structure, hating everything that it stood for. How this high rise was approved on her tiny island, she never knew. It detracted from the hometown feel of Tybee, as well as took away the habitat that Loggerhead Sea Turtles used for nesting. Sarah quickly realized this condo was her only place of refuge. She jammed the final notebook into her bag and made a run for it. Sarah was almost there when she once again lost her footing. Her breath caught in her throat as a strong hand closed around her arm and pulled her into the dark building.

“It’ll be alright. I’ve got you!”

The deep voice of a man sounded muffled as the waterspout made landfall onto the wide beach. The structure groaned beneath the pressure of the storm, and Sarah was forced to the ground by the mysterious stranger. His breath felt hot on her skin, and she trembled underneath him. She didn’t know what was worse, the storm surrounding them or being protected by a strange man. Sarah quivered with fear as she covered her head with her hands. Her brown hair whipped in the strong wind, and she felt like in any minute they would take lift off. She shrieked as a piece of debris struck the pair before a wall buckled next to them.

Sarah listened closely as the roaring winds began to subside. She gasped for air as dust filled the tiny space which had been made smaller still due to the imploding wall. Sarah pulled her t-shirt over her mouth to prevent sheet rock dust particles from entering as she squinted in the dim light. Her head ached, and when she touched her temple she realized it was wet with blood.

“Are you okay?” The masculine voice echoed loudly into her ear. This time she realized it sounded vaguely familiar. His breath tickled her cheek. She squirmed as the man’s body lifted away from hers, and she scooted a few feet away into a pile of broken glass.

“Colby, is that you?”

A cough rang into the confines of the broken building. “Yep, it’s me.”

Sarah held her aching head as her eyes slightly narrowed. She commanded herself not to cry as she bit her bottom lip. Colby Mansfield was her rescuer? Of all the rotten luck. He was the last person she wanted to see. 

Colby had been her childhood friend while growing up on the barrier island, and they even dated for a few months before leaving for college. But things were different now. He betrayed her trust when he stood against her during a town council meeting almost one year ago. Sarah couldn’t fathom how the once thoughtful boy who grew up on Tybee would want to hurt both the beaches and animals that depended on the wild spaces on the island’s pristine coast. Colby didn’t have Tybee’s interests at heart when he begged the town council to approve his monstrosity of a condo. She was completely dumbfounded when the council members actually went along with it.

“You.” Sarah’s voice was quiet, but firm. “I can’t believe out of all people, you were the one to pull me to safety, Colby.”

“Gee, what a nice way to say ‘thank you,’ Sarah.”

She squinted to make out his features in the dim light. Through the air thick with dust particles she made out his sandy hair and piercing blue eyes. His bronzed arm reached out to her before he thought better of it, and snatched it back quickly as if touching an open flame.

She sighed. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m actually glad you were here today. I’m not sure if I would’ve made it otherwise.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ve ‘made it’ quite yet. I’m afraid this building might completely buckle at any moment.” He slowly stood to his feet. “By the way, you never answered my first question. Are you okay?”

Sarah gently motioned towards her injured head. “I…I was hit with something and my head is bleeding.”

Colby frowned. “Let me see.”

He pulled his smartphone from his pocket and turned on the flashlight feature. He aimed it directly at Sarah, causing her to close her eyes. She winced as he gently prodded her forehead.

“We need to stop the bleeding quickly. Also, did you realize that you’re sitting directly in a pile of glass?”

She looked down and realized he was right. Sarah slowly lifted herself away from the shards before realizing too little too late that some had penetrated through her khaki shorts. She gingerly began pulling them out as she heard a loud ripping sound.

Sarah’s eyes shot towards Colby. He was tearing her tote bag apart! “What are you doing? That’s my favorite bag!”

He smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry Sarah, but I need to make a bandage for your head injury. This is the best thing I could find.”

Of course Colby would tear apart her beloved tote bag. He obviously didn’t have a problem destroying anything on this island. Her breathing ragged, she decided to voice her complaint before she lost her nerve.

“While I appreciate your creativity, ruining my favorite bag is’t the answer. It was my grandmother’s and cannot be replaced.” Her eyes flashed in the darkness. “You don’t mind destroying things, do you? You have had no problem ruining our natural coastline to make a few dollars.”

He reached out to her, and tied a strip of fabric around her forehead. His hands felt strong and steady, just as she remembered.

“Sarah, I’m sorry for tearing your bag…it’s the best option we have. I had no idea it was a family heirloom.” Colby paused briefly. “And I don’t appreciate being accused of ‘ruining our natural coastline.’ Building a single condominium complex doesn’t fall into that category. You definitely haven’t lost the dramatic flair you were known for when we were younger.”

She shook her head fiercely, telling her nerves to calm down. Now wasn’t the time to be angry. But there was one thing for certain…Colby certainly knew how to make her blood boil!

“You always know the right thing to say in a difficult situation, don’t you?” Her words were clipped as she rubbed her aching back. “Your inconsiderate attitude reminds me of the council meeting we attended when this condo was approved.”

Colby gently placed a finger over Sarah’s mouth. “Shh…do you hear that?”

She shook her head, and then strained her ears to listen for the elusive sound. The building creaked around them, and the twisted steel towards her right began to sway gently.

“We need to find a way out of here as quickly as possible. This structure hasn’t been properly secured to withstand winds of this magnitude. I’m thankful I was able to pull you into this closet before the storm reached us.”

Sarah didn’t realize that they were in a closet, but upon careful examination she realized he was right. Apparently, the lower reception area of the condo had been basically completed.

Colby rose to his feet, and she realized that he was walking with a slight limp. In her fear and anger, Sarah hadn’t thought to ask how he was doing. She felt a strange awareness surrounding them.

“Hey…I’m sorry for being harsh earlier. In all the excitement, I forgot to ask how you’re feeling. Have you been injured?”

He grimaced. “I’ve been better. My leg hurts, but I don’t have time to worry about that now. We need to find a way to escape this death trap as soon as possible.”

Colby reached the closet door and pushed with all of his might. It didn’t budge. He turned towards a beam of light that drifted in from a broken portion of wall. She chewed on her lip as he evaluated the situation. Sarah had a sinking suspicion they were stuck for good until someone else came to their rescue.

“What happens if we cannot find a way to escape?” Her voice rose a few octaves. “What then?”

He shot a wry smile in her direction. “Calm down, Sarah. I’m sure everything will work out. In the meantime, I’ll continue to look for an escape route.”

She jumped to her feet, wanting to help. We have to get out of here. Suddenly, the space began to spin and Sarah held onto a piece of twisted metal to steady herself. Colby was by her side in an instant. She grasped his arm as he lowered her gently to the floor. She cringed because his touch comforted her.

“Whoa now, you need to sit back down. I’m not sure how much blood you lost from the gash on your forehead, and I can’t have you passing out on me.”

“Why do you care?” Her voice came out in a whisper as she squeezed her eyes shut.

He bent down to her level and tilted her chin towards his. “Believe me, I care a lot.”

Tears clouded her vision as she listened to Colby lie to her face. Sarah could hardly believe this was the same man she grew up with, and even dated. Her mind slipped back to happier times. He used to be so caring when they fished among the reeds for hours during high tide. She even talked him into making spartina grass baskets with her once when they were twelve-years-old. The four months they dated before college were some of the best of her life. Their whirlwind romance had made Sarah feel happy and whole.

They went their separate ways during college, since Sarah was offered a scholarship opportunity at the nearby University of Georgia Marine Extension Office that she couldn’t refuse. The program was very rigorous, and she felt like she couldn’t put her best effort into schooling and a relationship. She’d almost lost her scholarship because she was completely distracted by him. And without that scholarship, she wouldn’t have been able to pursue her dream. It was one of the hardest decisions she ever made.

In the end, it was for the best. Sarah winced at the recollection.

When Colby returned to the island after completing his degree, she realized the outside world had hardened him to the joys of simple island living. She’d made the right choice by breaking it off with him. Wildlife conservation was her life, and it obviously wasn’t important to him. He was a partner at the most successful construction business on the island now, and he fought to allow the construction of this condominium without hesitation.

She opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind when the sickening sound of twisted metal was heard overhead. Colby rushed to her side and pushed her into a corner as the walls began to shake again. Sarah screamed as small pieces of sheetrock pelted her body and blackness surrounded them.

If you’d like to read more, it is available for purchase on Amazon here.