Welcome back to Romance Sweet Reads. This week and next we’ll be featuring the nine individual stories from the holiday anthology, Hearts, Homes and Holidays. The anthology is a currently available to pre-order for just 99¢ on all major ebook retailers. All proceeds from the sale of Hearts, Homes, and Holidays will benefit Reece’s Rainbow, an organization that assists with the adoption of special-needs children.
Today, we’ll look at the sixth of our nine stories, Adopted in Arkansas by author Kirsten Osbourne, including an exclusive excerpt available only on Romance Sweet Reads.
So, sit back and enjoy a look at the fabulous collection of heartfelt holiday romances by some of your favorite authors.
Family Ever After
Longing hearts, loving homes, and lively holidays combine in this Romantique Treasury with new contributions from nine bestselling and award-winning authors. This warm-hearted romance anthology combines friends, families, and faith as hope blossoms in the lives of orphaned children.
Adopted in Arkansas by Kirsten Osbourne
Socialite Emily Simpson, niece of Dr. Lachele Simpson, feels like she’s out of place. Living off her trust fund, she volunteers, but nothing seems to be quite right in her life. She feels she has absolutely no purpose. When she consults her aunt, Lachele suggests she use Matchrimony to find a husband. All Emily really needs to do is settle down.
Farmer Derrick Bobo recently lost his little sister to cancer, and he’s fighting to get custody of his autistic nephew. The boy’s paternal grandparents want him as well, but Derrick knows they’re not best for him. They’re already dealing with the health issues that come with age. His social worker believes if he marries, he’ll have a better chance at gaining custody of Zach. Derrick decides to contact Dr. Lachele and get married quickly.
Will Emily be able to adjust to being the wife of a farmer? And more importantly, how will she deal with a boy on the spectrum?
Enjoy an Excerpt
Derrick stared at the lawyer in shock. “You’re telling me she actually wrote it into her will that I can’t raise her kid if I don’t get married?”
Mr. Peterson nodded. “I’m afraid so. She has a separate sealed letter for you to read on your own.”
“This is a bunch of hooey!” Derrick said, getting to his feet. “Zach has been with me since his parents died, and he’s going to stay with me. Alex’s parents have been off to God knows where doing whatever they want, and they get to show up and take custody of this kid? There’s no way. None. Zach doesn’t even know his paternal grandparents. He’s mine.”
“Not according to your sister’s will, I’m afraid. You have six months to marry if you want to have full custody of Zachary.”
Derrick left the room, letting the door slam behind him. He knew it was childish, but what else could he do? He was just glad Zach was in school and hadn’t had to listen to his mother’s conditions for his uncle to raise him. It made no sense.
In the hallway of the lawyer’s office, he ran into an old friend, a girl he’d known in school. He wasn’t very social these days, spending all his time working and taking care of Zach. “Hey, Beth. Marry me?”
She gaped at him in shock for a minute, before holding up her left hand, and letting him see the diamond on her third finger. “Sorry. I got married last year, and I’m expecting.”
“Of course, you are!” he said. “I’m trying to figure out how I can keep custody of my nephew. According to my sister’s will, I have to be married within six months, or I forfeit all rights to him.”
Beth narrowed her eyes. “I heard about this woman who introduces people at the altar. An old college friend of mine is happily married thanks to her matchmaking. Would you consider that?”
Derrick groaned. “I guess I’d consider anything. This means Miranda’s half of the family farm as well as custody of her son.” When their parents had died, they’d split everything legally between the two siblings. Miranda had been content to leave Derrick to run everything while she lived in Little Rock. Now her half of the farm was up for grabs as well. It was ridiculous.
“Let me text my friend and find out the name of the woman she went through. Just a sec.” Beth’s fingers tapped out a message while Derrick watched in utter disbelief of what he was thinking about doing. Of course, a random matchmaker couldn’t do worse for his love life than he’d done. “Okay, got a response. I’m just going to read it to you. ‘The company name is Matchrimony, and it’s run by a woman named Dr. Lachele Simpson. Don’t let her freak you out. She’s legit.’ I don’t know what the last part is supposed to mean.”
~ ~ ~
Meet the Author
USA Today bestselling author Kirsten Osbourne knows how to write. Each book is an experience that transplants the reader, indulging them in decadence, intense emotion and sweeping love.
She writes contemporary and historical romance, venturing into the realm of paranormal romance and women’s fiction. She invites you to join her in her world of fantasy, love, and make believe, no matter the location, where there is always a happily ever after at the end.
~ ~ ~
Adoption is another word for love, and proceeds from this collection of inspiring stories will benefit special-needs adoption grants through Reece’s Rainbow.
Available on Your Favorite Retailer
Join the Readers Group on Facebook
(While you’re there, be sure to download your free activity book!)
Please come back again tomorrow when we’ll be featuring author Caroline Lee's story in this extraordinary anthology.
Blessings,
Nancy
No comments:
Post a Comment