Mer Harbor is a small, coastal town in Southern California. Everyone knows
everyone, and nothing is a secret among Mer Harbor residents. Some hope to
escape someday, while others find the charm of the town enticing, and never
leave.Everley Romero and Heath Mitchell had always planned to take on the
world together. To leave Mer Harbor and pursue their dreams. It all seems to
crumble when a tragic loss sends them in different directions. Almost ten
years later, Everley finds herself on the receiving end of a bitter divorce,
leaving her no choice to return to the home - and past - she'd hoped to leave
behind for good. Heath is building a good life for himself in Mer Harbor. When
he crosses paths with Everley, he learns that they'll both have to face a past
full of heartbreak and loss that they've both tried to bury.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
“Hey sweetheart.” Heath sat down on the grass by the headstone that marked where
his little girl was buried. “I brought you a daisy.” He pulled the little white
flower from his coat pocket and laid it next to the stone.
She couldn't answer, and the grave was nothing more than a memorial, but
visiting and talking as if she were listening made him feel better. “I know your
birthday's not for another two weeks,” he continued, “but I've had a rough few
days.” He choked up, “It's been nearly eight years, yet I still feel as if we
lost you just yesterday. Your mother's come back into town, and that's probably
part of the reason it hurts so much more right now.”
“Sorry,” someone whispered softly. Heath looked up and saw Everley walking
towards him, stopping a short distance away. “I didn't know you were here... I
can come back later. ”
“Nonsense,” he said quietly, “there's plenty of room here.”
Everley hesitated, then started shaking. “I haven't been here since the funeral.
It was always too painful-” whatever else she was going to say was lost in
mumbles as she started crying.
Heath stood and crossed the distance she'd left between them. He expected her to
pull away when he wrapped his arms around her, but she stayed, burying her face
in his chest as he tried to calm her. She continued talking, but it was hard to
understand her muffled words. It sounded like apologies, but he couldn't quite
make out for what. “Shhhh,” he soothed, “it's all right... I've got you.” He
felt her arms wrap around his waist, and he squeezed her tighter, letting her
know he wasn't going anywhere.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Telling stories before she could even write, Christina grew up knowing she
wanted to be an author. She “published” her first stories with construction
paper and handwritten pages for her family and friends. Now, with the magic of
technology, she’s able to share her characters and stories with the world.
When she’s not writing, you can find her dabbling in her other favorite hobbies
such as photography, stargazing, and of course: looking for her next
adventure.
Website:
https://www.thesaltynomad.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
Christina Ann Gist will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner
via rafflecopter during the tour.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteThank you for hosting! This story has been a years long project for me, and it’s amazing to see it out there in the world! I am at work today, but will be dropping in to chat and answer any questions you may have!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome! :)
DeleteThe book sounds very interesting. I've put it on my reading list.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI like the cover and the genre. I like reading about small towns. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteThank you
Deletethis looks like a great read!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Delete