Category: MFRW Book Hook

 

Hi everyone ♥

Today’s post includes another snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES.

The story is set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

“Exactly,” Amy agreed. “And that’s why we’ll all pitch in to help.”

Mallory raised an eyebrow. “Again, I like your enthusiasm.”

“Give it six months. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll help you sell.”

Mallory gave this all a thought as she took in her surroundings, the initial disappointment slowly fading. Her inheritance hadn’t just included the house but also some small funds from her grandmother. An idea slowly took shape. “I do have some spare money to use for smaller improvements. I have to live off the rest until I find a job or my term deposits from Mum’s life insurance fall due.” She paused, glancing around the room, her gaze lingering on the old French doors. “That is, if you’re really willing to help.”

“Of course, we will,” Amy replied excitedly.

A smile tugged at Mallory’s lips as her mind raced with the possibilities of how to breathe fresh life into the neglected rooms. Taking a deep breath, Mallory looked from Amy to the swing. “Why are you so determined for me to stay?”

Amy’s smile faltered, replaced by a quiet sincerity. “Your grandmother would’ve wanted it. We all loved her, and… I guess we want her memory to live on through you.”

Blurb

Mallory O’Neill swaps the buzz of Melbourne for the quiet shores of Anahera Bay, New Zealand, hoping for a fresh start… not secrets and surprises. But the crumbling seaside cottage left to her by Sofia—the grandmother she never knew—holds more than just dust and disrepair. It holds the key to a family history her late mother never spoke of.

As Mallory pieces together Sofia’s past, she faces the doubts of old friends and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Along the way, she finds friendships among the locals, but she also meets resistance from the brooding handyman, Cameron Quinn, a man haunted by his own past.

When faded letters, old photographs, and buried truths come to light, Mallory and Cameron find themselves drawn together by grief, memory, and a spark neither of them expected.

 

 

Get your copy of “THEIR BOND THROUGH JADE” here ♥

 

Hi everyone ♥

Today’s post includes another snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES.

The story is set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

Amy exhaled, her expression softening as she sat down on the verandah steps and took a sip straight from the wine bottle. “Sit with me. Have a drink. Didn’t anyone ever tell you about Sofia?”

Mallory shook her head, “I didn’t even know she existed until I got a call from the lawyer.”

Amy handed her the bottle, her eyes softening. “Sofia always did have a way of keeping secrets. But now that you’re here, let’s take it slow. One step at a time. Today’s your first day in here. That’s worth celebrating, don’t you think?”

Mallory glanced back at the house. “I’m always one to celebrate, but … not so sure if today is a day to be in a celebration mood.”

Amy waved off her doubt. “We’ll fix it. All of it.”

Mallory chuckled dryly. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but there’s not much of a budget for repairs.” After taking a sip from the wine bottle, she continued, “It was kind of false advertising.”

Blurb

Mallory O’Neill swaps the buzz of Melbourne for the quiet shores of Anahera Bay, New Zealand, hoping for a fresh start… not secrets and surprises. But the crumbling seaside cottage left to her by Sofia—the grandmother she never knew—holds more than just dust and disrepair. It holds the key to a family history her late mother never spoke of.

As Mallory pieces together Sofia’s past, she faces the doubts of old friends and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Along the way, she finds friendships among the locals, but she also meets resistance from the brooding handyman, Cameron Quinn, a man haunted by his own past.

When faded letters, old photographs, and buried truths come to light, Mallory and Cameron find themselves drawn together by grief, memory, and a spark neither of them expected.

 

 

Get your copy of “THEIR BOND THROUGH JADE” here ♥

 

Hi everyone ♥

Today’s post includes another snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES.

The story is set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

“No, that would be your grandmother.”

Mallory’s breath caught. My grandmother. Hearing the words still sounded strange. “Did you know her?”

“Of course. As I said, we just live across the road.” Amy’s face lit up. “Sofia was a hoot. So much fun.” She reached for Mallory’s hand, as if it was perfectly normal, and led her through the open lounge room door out onto the back verandah. The air outside was such a relief compared to the musty smell inside. “See that swing over there?” She pointed towards the two towering trees, their branches framing an old wooden swing, suspended by thick, weathered ropes. “That’s where she used to sit, telling us all kinds of wild stories about her lovers in Australia.”

Mallory gazed towards the swing, feeling a pang of envy. Four months ago, the phone call had come out of nowhere. Inherited a house? Mallory had barely processed the words when the real surprise hit: she had a grandmother. An entire life she knew nothing about, tied to a property in Anahera Bay, New Zealand. The revelation had rippled through her world, stirring up emotions she struggled to sort. Initially considering selling the house and buying something in Melbourne, she’d changed her mind when she had seen the inviting photos. Then she’d lost her job, and it was as if it were a sign for her. She had nothing to lose.

“Can you tell me more about her?” she asked when misery flooded her again.

Blurb

Mallory O’Neill swaps the buzz of Melbourne for the quiet shores of Anahera Bay, New Zealand, hoping for a fresh start… not secrets and surprises. But the crumbling seaside cottage left to her by Sofia—the grandmother she never knew—holds more than just dust and disrepair. It holds the key to a family history her late mother never spoke of.

As Mallory pieces together Sofia’s past, she faces the doubts of old friends and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Along the way, she finds friendships among the locals, but she also meets resistance from the brooding handyman, Cameron Quinn, a man haunted by his own past.

When faded letters, old photographs, and buried truths come to light, Mallory and Cameron find themselves drawn together by grief, memory, and a spark neither of them expected.

 

 

Get your copy of “THEIR BOND THROUGH JADE” here ♥

 

Hi everyone ♥

Today’s post includes another snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES. This is the start of Chapter 2, Mallory’s POV.

The story is set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

Amy chuckled. “Come on, let’s find some glasses and toast to new beginnings. We’ll help you get this place back in shape.”

“We?” Mallory asked, her doubt fading. Why was Amy so willing to help a stranger?

Amy shrugged, unbothered. “Me.” Then she giggled, glancing back towards the door. “And maybe Lucy too, if you bribe her with coffee.”

Mallory allowed herself a small laugh before glancing out at the back yard. “Is she the one who got me into this mess?”

“No, that would be your grandmother.”

Mallory’s breath caught. My grandmother. Hearing the words still sounded strange. “Did you know her?”

Blurb

Mallory O’Neill swaps the buzz of Melbourne for the quiet shores of Anahera Bay, New Zealand, hoping for a fresh start… not secrets and surprises. But the crumbling seaside cottage left to her by Sofia—the grandmother she never knew—holds more than just dust and disrepair. It holds the key to a family history her late mother never spoke of.

As Mallory pieces together Sofia’s past, she faces the doubts of old friends and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Along the way, she finds friendships among the locals, but she also meets resistance from the brooding handyman, Cameron Quinn, a man haunted by his own past.

When faded letters, old photographs, and buried truths come to light, Mallory and Cameron find themselves drawn together by grief, memory, and a spark neither of them expected.

 

 

Get your copy of “THEIR BOND THROUGH JADE” here ♥

 

Hi everyone ♥

Today’s post includes another snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES. This is the start of Chapter 2, Mallory’s POV.

The story is set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

“This is the lounge room,” a young woman now standing in the doorframe said, holding up a bottle of wine. Her easy smile lit up her face, conveying a sense of warmth, which eased the tension in Mallory’s shoulders. A flicker of comfort settled in her chest, though she wasn’t sure if it was the genuine Kiwi hospitality or the simple fact that someone had acknowledged her in a way that made her feel less… alone.

“Well, whoever you are, welcome to my lounge room,” Mallory said, managing a hesitant smile.

In a delightful Kiwi accent, the woman said, “This room will be stunning once it’s fixed up.” She stepped closer, offering her hand. “Welcome to Anahera Bay. I’m Amy, your neighbour from across the road. I’m assuming you’re Mallory, right?”

Mallory nodded and again, Amy raised the bottle of wine with a playful grin. “How about we find some glasses and toast to your arrival? It looks like you could use it,” she said, gesturing towards Mallory’s tears.

Managing a tentative smile, Mallory replied, “Hi, Amy. You have no idea how much your visit means to me. This…” She motioned around the room, her hand trembling slightly. “This is not what I expected.”

Amy laughed again, a sound that felt as if it could cut through Mallory’s uncertainty. “I had a feeling that would be the case. Lucy, the real estate agent, mentioned they played with the images a little.”

“A little?” Mallory raised her brows. “That’s putting it mildly.”

Blurb

Mallory O’Neill swaps the buzz of Melbourne for the quiet shores of Anahera Bay, New Zealand, hoping for a fresh start… not secrets and surprises. But the crumbling seaside cottage left to her by Sofia—the grandmother she never knew—holds more than just dust and disrepair. It holds the key to a family history her late mother never spoke of.

As Mallory pieces together Sofia’s past, she faces the doubts of old friends and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Along the way, she finds friendships among the locals, but she also meets resistance from the brooding handyman, Cameron Quinn, a man haunted by his own past.

When faded letters, old photographs, and buried truths come to light, Mallory and Cameron find themselves drawn together by grief, memory, and a spark neither of them expected.

 

 

Get your copy of “THEIR BOND THROUGH JADE” here ♥

 

Hi everyone ♥

Today’s post includes another snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES. This is the start of Chapter 2, Mallory’s POV.

The story is set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

A breeze embraced her, causing her (Mallory) to shiver. In the distance, mountains came into view, accompanied by the rugged sound of waves crashing against the shore. She used small stoppers to hold the doors open securely. Hugging her jacket even tighter, she stepped outside, releasing a melancholic sigh. Had she abandoned her former life for this? Had Maggie and Jacob been right with their caution after all?

She squeezed her eyes shut, pushing the memories of her mother’s gentle voice away. Yet, they came anyway. You’re strong. You can do anything you set your mind to.

She spun around at the sound of footsteps echoing through the house, followed by a woman’s voice calling, “Hello?”

Hastily wiping her eyes, Mallory followed the sound, wondering who would come to visit. The real estate agent had mentioned stopping by later in the afternoon to welcome her to her new house. Her house? The thought bounced in her mind, unfamiliar and strange. Could she even call it that yet?

She blew out a breath. “I’m over here. In the…” She glanced around the dusty room and gestured vaguely.

Blurb

Mallory O’Neill swaps the buzz of Melbourne for the quiet shores of Anahera Bay, New Zealand, hoping for a fresh start… not secrets and surprises. But the crumbling seaside cottage left to her by Sofia—the grandmother she never knew—holds more than just dust and disrepair. It holds the key to a family history her late mother never spoke of.

As Mallory pieces together Sofia’s past, she faces the doubts of old friends and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Along the way, she finds friendships among the locals, but she also meets resistance from the brooding handyman, Cameron Quinn, a man haunted by his own past.

When faded letters, old photographs, and buried truths come to light, Mallory and Cameron find themselves drawn together by grief, memory, and a spark neither of them expected.

 

 

Get your copy of “THEIR BOND THROUGH JADE” here ♥

 

Hi everyone ♥

Today’s post includes another snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES. This is the start of Chapter 2, Mallory’s POV.

The story is set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

When Mallory arrived in Anahera Bay earlier than expected, no one was there to greet her but a note on the door, welcoming and inviting her into the house. As she stepped inside, her excitement faded in an instant, replaced by utter devastation. Blinking back tears, she forced herself to focus on her surroundings. Dust lingered in the air, stirred by her every step, as she walked into the room straight ahead of her. The wallpaper, once floral, now faded and yellowed, clung to the walls. An old auburn coloured velvet sofa, worn thin in places and feeling rough against her fingers’ touch, sat lopsided in the middle of the room in front of a round coffee table, its legs uneven. The sideboard next to a mahogany shelf along the wall was of many bright colours and made her smile. But both were empty. She headed towards the French doors, cringing with each step on the creaking boards under her feet as though they might give up at any second. The sagging boards conveyed the age and neglect. She sneezed from the dust. Reaching the doors on the far side of the room, she gripped the brass handle and pushed. The door resisted, then creaked open with a reluctant groan.

Blurb

Mallory O’Neill swaps the buzz of Melbourne for the quiet shores of Anahera Bay, New Zealand, hoping for a fresh start… not secrets and surprises. But the crumbling seaside cottage left to her by Sofia—the grandmother she never knew—holds more than just dust and disrepair. It holds the key to a family history her late mother never spoke of.

As Mallory pieces together Sofia’s past, she faces the doubts of old friends and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Along the way, she finds friendships among the locals, but she also meets resistance from the brooding handyman, Cameron Quinn, a man haunted by his own past.

When faded letters, old photographs, and buried truths come to light, Mallory and Cameron find themselves drawn together by grief, memory, and a spark neither of them expected.

 

 

Get your copy of “THEIR BOND THROUGH JADE” here ♥

 

Hi everyone ♥

Today’s post includes another snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES. The story is set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

Eyes wide, she asked, “What do you mean?”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” He shook his head. “Sofia deserves better. She was too old to look after the house, and it’s been six months now since she passed. The house needs some serious cleaning. You should’ve at least done that.”

Lucy elbowed him into his arms. “You’re offering your services?”

He choked back a snort. “Nope.”

She sighed. “Work is crazy at the moment. I’m all over the place. Everyone is buying a house all of a sudden, and Amy’s busy with helping Troy in the hotel.” She gave him a bit of a nudge. “Please,” she begged.

“Nope.”

“Theoretically, it’s not my fault, but Sofia left it in a terrible state.”

“Theoretically, that is correct, but you modified the images you sent to her granddaughter.”

Lucy blew out a big breath. “I know it wasn’t perfect, but we needed her to come. It’s Sofia’s house. It needs to stay in the family.”

Cameron turned to meet her gaze. “Why?”

With a shrug, she said, “Because it’s Sofia’s granddaughter. I’m sure she’ll be just as much fun.”

“Sofia found out she had a granddaughter a year before she’d died. If she had wanted to meet her, she would’ve had enough time to do so.”

Lucy nodded. “But why add her into her will?”

Cameron shrugged and downed the rest of his beer before he stood. “Guilt for leaving her daughter behind? Either way, you meddled with it. You fix it yourself.”

Blurb

Mallory O’Neill swaps the buzz of Melbourne for the quiet shores of Anahera Bay, New Zealand, hoping for a fresh start… not secrets and surprises. But the crumbling seaside cottage left to her by Sofia—the grandmother she never knew—holds more than just dust and disrepair. It holds the key to a family history her late mother never spoke of.

As Mallory pieces together Sofia’s past, she faces the doubts of old friends and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Along the way, she finds friendships among the locals, but she also meets resistance from the brooding handyman, Cameron Quinn, a man haunted by his own past.

When faded letters, old photographs, and buried truths come to light, Mallory and Cameron find themselves drawn together by grief, memory, and a spark neither of them expected.

 

 

Get your copy of “THEIR BOND THROUGH JADE” here ♥

 

Hi everyone ♥

Today’s post includes another snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES. The story is set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

Buddy’s whining interrupted his thoughts, and Cameron laughed. “Sorry, mate, I keep forgetting that you don’t like the windy roads. Maybe I should’ve moved to Outback Australia instead?”

The day flew past, and he was even able to get Sofia’s house sorted for her granddaughter.

“Buddy, what do you think? How long will the girl stay here? A week or a month?”

The dog let out a bark, which made Cameron laugh. “Yeah, my sentiments exactly. I give her a week, not more.”

When he sat on his front verandah later in the evening, watching the sunset with a beer in hand, Lucy stopped by.

“What can I do for you, Lucy?” he greeted her.

Amusement crossed her face. “Hello to you, too.” She stepped onto the verandah and joined him on the double seater. Buddy nudged her with his nose, and after getting a friendly rub, he settled down next to Cameron. “Amy said she talked to you about—”

“All done. This girl will have power and water.” He took a sip of his beer. “You know you’re doing a pretty nasty thing to her, right?”

Eyes wide, she asked, “What do you mean?”

Blurb

Mallory O’Neill swaps the buzz of Melbourne for the quiet shores of Anahera Bay, New Zealand, hoping for a fresh start… not secrets and surprises. But the crumbling seaside cottage left to her by Sofia—the grandmother she never knew—holds more than just dust and disrepair. It holds the key to a family history her late mother never spoke of.

As Mallory pieces together Sofia’s past, she faces the doubts of old friends and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Along the way, she finds friendships among the locals, but she also meets resistance from the brooding handyman, Cameron Quinn, a man haunted by his own past.

When faded letters, old photographs, and buried truths come to light, Mallory and Cameron find themselves drawn together by grief, memory, and a spark neither of them expected.

 

 

Get your copy of “THEIR BOND THROUGH JADE” here ♥

 

I’m ba-ack ♥

We spent 4 weeks in lovely New Zealand and as always we had the best time! It was a well needed time-out after a terrible Winter. And even though I had the best intentions to just live the day, I did start another NZ story ♥

Today’s post includes another snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES, which is also set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

(You can find the previous hook to refresh your memory here)

He walked around the car and hopped in, making his way to Mr Henderson, the local pub owner, who wanted Cameron to check out his fence because of the recent night’s strong winds. Hoping the repair would be easy to fix so he’d have time afterwards to visit Sofia’s house to check the power and water.

He’d liked the old lady. Granted, she had been a bit eccentric, but honest and generous to the bone. She’d lived a rough life, and she’d worked hard for the money she’d made over the years, some of it possibly not always on the legal side of things, according to her without going into details. But she’d given back to the community as much as possible. Cameron had respected Sofia, and he felt a sense of duty to ensure her granddaughter’s welcome to Anahera Bay was as smooth as possible.

Sofia had been a strong woman who simply wanted to live a content and happy life until the very end, and she had achieved just that. Cameron fondly remembered the many dinners at her place, where she had also told him about Isabella, the daughter she had never known. What she hadn’t realised at the time was that she’d also had a granddaughter.

Blurb

Mallory O’Neill swaps the buzz of Melbourne for the quiet shores of Anahera Bay, New Zealand, hoping for a fresh start… not secrets and surprises. But the crumbling seaside cottage left to her by Sofia—the grandmother she never knew—holds more than just dust and disrepair. It holds the key to a family history her late mother never spoke of.

As Mallory pieces together Sofia’s past, she faces the doubts of old friends and the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Along the way, she finds friendships among the locals, but she also meets resistance from the brooding handyman, Cameron Quinn, a man haunted by his own past.

When faded letters, old photographs, and buried truths come to light, Mallory and Cameron find themselves drawn together by grief, memory, and a spark neither of them expected.

 

 

Get your copy of “THEIR BOND THROUGH JADE” here ♥