Tag: New release

 

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 ♥

 

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

Her laughter faded into the distance, leaving him with a comfortable quiet again. Cameron leaned against his car, the wind tugging at his shirt, and despite himself, he let out a soft chuckle. Locals often described Amy as a force of nature, a storm to be reckoned with. Over time, he had learnt to appreciate her, especially her strong sense of community. In the early days after his move to Anahera Bay, she had kept asking him to fix or build something in her house, fuelling suspicions that there might be something else to it. However, he soon found out that her intentions had been purely platonic as she was happily married to Troy, the local hotel manager.

“Buddy, I think this town has enough women, don’t you?” he mused, prompting a whine from the collie as the dog settled on the seat.

“I wish I had your life,” Cameron said quietly, giving Buddy’s fur a scratch. “No troubles in the world. And you always have food in the bowl at six o’clock.”

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

He rubbed the back of his neck and added, “I owe Sofia.” He stared into the distance towards Sofia’s house, wondering if she’d known how much she’d helped him during those months after… well, after everything. When his world had collapsed, her door had been open for him, at any time of the day.

With unexpected swiftness, Amy leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek. “You’re the best,” she declared, giving Buddy another pat on the head. “You are too.” She laughed.

“I’m the only one. And what have I told you about the kissing.”

Waving her hand dismissively, Amy marched off towards the real estate office. “Aww, you love my kisses.”

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

“We wanted her to fall in love with the place. Rumour has it, she was about to sell the house. And then what?”

Amy’s concern echoed in her words, but Cameron entertained the notion that one less woman in the area would mean fewer prying eyes. He’d moved here for the peace and quiet, discovered his talent for a bit of tinkering, and had since become the go-to person for local maintenance and carpentry. But living in a small town also meant that there was no escape. Everyone needed something. And as much as he wanted to be left alone, he couldn’t afford to not work.

“Look,” she pleaded. “Could you at least make sure she has electricity and water, preferably hot water as well?” She tilted her head and added a super sweet, “Please?”

Checking the time, Cameron asked, “When’s she coming?”

“Tomorrow,” Amy told him with a hint of excitement in her voice. Sighing, Cameron relented. “Fine. I’ll take a look. But don’t expect miracles, Amy.”

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

Cameron tossed his tools in the back of the car when he heard someone shouting his name. It was Amy. Swiftly, he turned, wearing a forced smile.

“Cameron. Took you long enough to hear me,” she said, a hint of breathlessness in her voice. “Hello, Buddy.” She extended both hands to give his Collie, who patiently sat on the passenger seat with his head out the window, a thorough rub.

“Good morning. How can I help you? I’m in a bit of a hurry.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re always in a hurry.” She leaned against his car, crossing her arms. “So, Sofia’s granddaughter arrives tomorrow, and from what I’ve heard, you haven’t done a damn thing yet to the house.”

He nonchalantly shrugged. “I have my hands full, especially with the new houses and the repair works at the hotel.”

With a sigh, Amy placed her hand on his arm. “Look, I know you have a lot on your plate, but Sofia’s granddaughter is counting on this place to be what she imagined. This woman is coming here expecting the house to look like the photos Lucy sent her.”

Again, he casually raised his shoulder in a dismissive shrug, gently moving her hand off his arm. “You should’ve thought about it before you sent her those photos. I can’t see why this is suddenly my problem. Lucy works in real estate. Isn’t there a code against deception?”

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

After clearing passport control, Mallory collected her luggage, and half an hour later, she was outside, loading her bags into the rental car’s boot. She set her destination on the GPS. But a short distance into the drive, she stopped, captivated by the breathtaking scenery. Snow still covered the mountain peaks, leaving her in awe, wondering if this wintry spectacle lasted all year. The beauty surpassed even her fond memories of childhood trips to the Victorian Alps with her mother.

As she continued her drive along the highway on the eastern shore of the lake, she stopped again at the Devils Staircase Lookout Point, capturing even more images of the stunning lake views. Her travels took her through Kingston and Lumsden until she finally arrived in Gore in the late afternoon. Tiredness spread through her body, and she decided to stay the night in a hotel, to finish the drive the next day. A quick scroll through social media and a brief message to friends informing them of her safe arrival was all she did before heading to bed. She even messaged Jacob, her mother’s partner. Their relationship had gradually drifted apart after her mother’s passing, and the goodbye hadn’t been positive. Neither of them had truly coped with the loss of Mallory’s mother and they’d had different ideas about how to move forward. Jacob struggled to accept her decision to leave. It hurt, and eventually, the contact had stopped completely.

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

Exhaling deeply, she stood as well, took all her belongings, and followed the crowd. Her heart raced as she moved along with all the other passengers, a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. This was it. Her opportunity for a change, a new beginning, and she wasn’t going to let this slip through her fingers. Mallory stepped off the plane and down the stairs onto the tarmac. A crisp breeze that carried a scent of fresh mountain air combined with the sharp tang of jet fuel made her shiver. She wished she could thank her mystery grandmother for leaving her a house. Why had her mother kept her a secret? Why hadn’t she ever mentioned her? A twinge of sadness trickled through her, thinking of her mum, who had lost her life two years earlier. The loss was still raw for Mallory. One moment, her mother was full of life, laughing over breakfast, and the next — gone. An aneurysm, the doctors had said. No warning. No time to say goodbye. Barely fifty years old, and everything changed in an instant. Her throat tightened as she navigated through the queues for immigration and passport control, remembering the loneliness that had followed. It had hit her hard. Her mother had been her world, her anchor. There was no one else. She’d never known her biological father, who’d been just a fleeting moment in her mother’s life and who she had never talked of. But that never mattered. They’d been a team, always together, always enough for each other. Mallory wouldn’t complain. Her childhood had been a blur of love, laughter, and many wonderful memories. And then Jacob came into the picture. Her mother’s face would light up around him as if she’d found another piece of happiness. They still had their fun, their inside jokes, their easy bond. Mallory smiled at the memory, and a bittersweet warmth filled her chest.

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

Everyone moved off their chairs and reached for their luggage. It was chaotic for the next ten minutes, with most of the passengers trying to get out at the same time.

Mallory stayed in her seat. A sudden sadness and worry overwhelmed her. There was no turning back anymore. It was going to be different. Of course it would be; after all, she was moving from a metropolitan city to a small coastal town with a thousand or so people, if that. Everything familiar was back in Australia, and she needed to find her feet again in so many ways.

She held back the tears, took one of the serviettes she’d forgotten to hand over as rubbish, and cleared her nose.

Yet, the journey had only just begun, and she knew she was capable of embracing the possibilities that lay ahead in her new home despite her worries. Her mother had raised her to be independent and strong, and she’d be disappointed if she saw Mallory fail at this … as she had with so many things since her mother passed.

The old man beside her shifted in his seat, clearly struggling a little with the small overhead bag above him. Without hesitation, Mallory stood and offered, “Let me help you with that.” She carefully pulled it down and handed it to him with a warm smile.

“You have a wonderful holiday, aye,” the old man said as they disembarked.

She smiled again, touched by his kindness. “I sure will. Thank 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 ♥

I’m back after spending a week with my daughters. I hope you’ll enjoy today’s snippet from my newest release WHISPERS OF HER MEMORIES. The story is set in New Zealand, South Island.

♥ ENJOY ♥

Today’s Hook

(as a reminder, you can find the previous snippet here)

“It’s a start, Mon.” Maggie’s voice had softened. “You don’t have to run off to another country just because things aren’t happening as fast as you’d like. You can sell the house and live off that money. It would set you up nicely.”

Mallory had nodded. “Yes, I could. I might even consider that. Who knows?” She’d shrugged. “But first I want to check it out. There’s a grandmother I have never heard of who’s left me a house. I don’t know. I can’t just sell it.”

“But you can just leave everything behind for this stranger?”

They had gone back and forth, neither willing to budge, the smell of the fish and chips filling the room but neither of them touching the food. Mallory knew Maggie was just worried. But Mallory had made her choice, and she wasn’t turning back. Life had been a challenge. Maybe, just maybe, this was her chance to something better.

By the time Maggie had left, her untouched dinner was still on the table. But deep inside, Mallory squashed the doubts that had crept up at the edges of her mind. It wasn’t just the art gallery acceptance Maggie had mentioned, or her few friends Mallory was leaving behind. It was the comfort of the familiar and the safety of not taking risks.

But here she was, sitting in a plane, flying towards an unfamiliar life.

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 ♥