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 second of our nine stories, Long to Belong by author T. C. Hester, including exclusive excerpts 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.
LONG TO BELONG by T. C. Hester
There’s a lot to lose, and everyone’s happily ever after is on the line in Long to Belong, a heartwarming, clean and wholesome friends-to-lovers novella of a neurodivergent mogul and an unfulfilled barista, both of whom long to belong in a forever family.
Mark Diamond is on the spectrum, which means relationships can be extra complicated. Never having a family of his own, he resigned himself long ago to being alone. His successful investment consulting firm was enough—until the owner of the Bountiful Blueberry Coffee Shop stole his heart faster than an underpriced IPO offering. At some point soon he’s going to have to tell her the truth—he’s not shy. He’s neurodivergent. Will she invest in him?
Katie Reed knows her bubbly personality was the key to building a successful coffee shop. Yet, smiling and glad-handing customers all day is not very fulfilling. Lately, her favorite part of the day is flipping the sign on the door to “Closed.” So far, her shy beau has been as yummy as a dandelion-cocoa latte, but when her brother dies, she’s got something important to tell Mark, and not much time in which to tell it. When she does, will he toss her out like yesterday’s brew?
Enjoy an Excerpt
A small boy in footed pajamas stands in the middle of the living room, a toy in his hand. A broken table lamp is nearby. And a dalmatian, not quite puppy but not yet full-grown, hangs its head. The child begins to cry, which starts the dog howling.
The sounds are like razor blades on my nerves. I feel around for my earplugs, pretty sure I’m looking at a major complication in Katie’s life. The plus-one that’s going to complicate mine.
My heart rate picks up. I’ve been envisioning a life with just the two of us at first, until we’re solid. Going to work each day, coming home to each other, spending quality quiet time together, learning about each other, connecting at a deep level. Heaven knows that’ll be enough to deal with for now.
While I grapple with the ramifications of an altered reality, she rushes to the boy and folds him into her arms. Through my special plugs, I hear her ask, “Are you hurt?”
He calms to sobs, nose running, and shakes his head.
“Quiet, Pete!” she orders the dog, who crouches and creeps up next to them. “What happened?”
“Pete chased my DINOBROS.” At the mention of his name, the spotted dog looks even more cowed, if possible.
Katie kisses the boy and gives him a cuddle.. “It’s okay, sweetheart. We’ll find you a better place to play with your dinosaur cars.”
Drake hiccups as the sniffles dry up. “Who’s that?” His child’s whisper hardly qualifies for the term.
As she glances over her shoulder at me, I hate that Katie’s smile wavers. “Drake, meet my special friend, Mr. Diamond.”
~ ~ ~
Meet the Author
I’ve
worn many hats in my time, from wedding consultant to computer programmer, but
my retirement check comes from my time as an elementary teacher. Writing sweet,
humorous romances containing dogs with as much playful personality as their
humans is my favorite creative outlet. In my downtime, I binge-read most
anything that’s put before me, and I stream Downton Abbey or movies from
Hollywood’s Golden Era daily. I’m a sucker for a few laughs and a really good,
happy ending with lots of “awww!”
Amazon Author Page ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ BookBub
~ ~ ~
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
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activity book!)
Please come back again tomorrow when we’ll be featuring an excerpt from Jean Jacobsen’s A Home for Christmas.
Blessings,
Nancy
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