I found this book to be fascinating from the first page. The story takes place taking turns telling it from Daniel's point-of-view in the past and present and also from Lucy's point-of-view mainly in the present. I enjoyed learning about Daniel's life and something of the phenomenon he is part of, a type of soul rebirth through the ages. Daniel is a wise soul and seems to know who he was in each of his lives. And one there is one woman/girl that he is always in search of, his Sophia, Constance and now Lucy. She goes by different names, but is the same soul whether she knows it or not.
The book is haunting as you read of Daniel's lives and how they interweave with Lucy's past lives. The reader also gets in touch with Lucy and her uncertainty of whether she believes Daniel. The plot was great to me and kept me hooked through the book. The last 80 or so pages really took off, but I found the first part just as fascinating with the character development. I kept wondering who Daniel would be next and what was going to happen. I never felt bored by the plot line or the characters. My Name is Memory was well-paced and a very enjoyable read.
If you like novels with a subtle paranormal twist, not too much world building, just the storyline, then this is a book for you. It has a romance that spans the ages, a wounded hero, a woman who just wants to be normal and a storyline that will grip you from the first page. Ms. Brashares has done a wonderful job on her second outing to adult fiction and I will be reading her more in the future.
My Rating: 4.5/5.0
About the
Book:
Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life
after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite
her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it
all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and
recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a
curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together
throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A
love always too short.
Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's
unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive
history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia,
the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each
other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in
the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared
past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their
attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart
reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the
way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.
A magical, suspenseful, heartbreaking story of true love, My Name
is Memory proves the power and endurance of a union that was meant
to be.
About
the Author:
Ann Brashares was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area with her
three brothers. She attended the Sidwell Friends School and then studied
philosophy at Barnard College, part of Columbia University in New York
City.
After college she worked in editorial jobs until 2000, when
she began her first novel, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,
published in 2001. Over the next five years she wrote three sequels-The
Second Summer of the Sisterhood, Girls in Pants, and Forever in Blue.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was made into a feature film and
released by Warner Brothers in 2005. In June 2010 she will release her
new novel, My Name is Memory. (From Ann Brashares' website).
FTC Information: I received this book from Lydia Hirt at Riverhead Books for
review. I have Amazon links on my review pages but I do not make any
money from these because of NC laws. I put them solely for people to
check out the books on a retail site.
Wow - has it really been a week - I thought I just signed up for this yesterday, but no, it really has been a week. I've been busy busy since last Friday, but able to accomplish posts. I actually think this Book Blogger Hop really inspires me to post. So do you want to join or visit blogs that have signed up? It's simple, go and check
out Crazy-For_Books.com for
the Mr. Linky for the Blog Hop.
ABOUT THE
HOP:
In the spirit
of the Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for
book bloggers and readers to connect and find new blogs that
we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOKPARTY
is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other
book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just
share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a
chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!
So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start
HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list
below!!
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if
you don't have time to Hop
today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event!
Your
blog should have content related to books, including, but not
limited to book reviews.
What I'm
Reading on Friday Edition:
Kindle:
Dangerous by Diana Palmer
I can't seem to get to this for the print books I have for review, but I'm going to try and read this over the weekend.
Audio in the
Car: Don't Look Twice by Andrew Gross
I started the 6th Disc
today, very interesting.
Review Book: Strange Neighbors by Ashlyn Chase
I am loving this one - so fun and cute. I'm about 1/3 of the way through and should finish it quickly. Review will be coming next week.
Library Book: Burned by P.C. and Kristen Cast
Only a few pages into this but it seems interesting so far. Hope to work on this one this weekend as well.
*****Check out my sidebar for giveaways going on right now and there are more to come very soon!*****
Other
notes for today - It's Friday and I'm tired. I did go to Buffalo Wild Wings with my hubby for lunch and that was good (ours just opened). We had fun playing the trivia game and DH even won. Plans to go workout after work and then do some reading when I get home and then a few episodes of Lost with the family.
I was so thrilled to pick this up on Sunday to read. I wasn't feeling very well (stomach-bug) and wanted something to enjoy reading, something that would transport me away from how I felt. Welcome to Harmony did just that. I left my quiet bedroom (the kids and husband were gone) and was transported to the town of Harmony. I got to know the inhabitants of Harmony and felt their joys and pain. Their hopes and fears. I was completely absorbed into the lives of the people of Harmony and the events that unfolded in the book.
I'll start with the plot - it was a great set up for the series in this first book, but the book had a plot of it's own too. Sometimes there is too much of one or the other in a first book in the series, but Ms. Thomas has found a wonderful blend. There was enough background to absorb you as well as a plot line to keep this story moving (and you anxious for the next book in the series). I won't give anything away, but it can be a nail-biter at times. Lots of things go on in the book, but it's not too much to keep up with - it's just right to keep you enthralled and wanting to read more.
As for the characters - there are a lot you get to know in this book, but most of them stand out well on their own. Reagan is the catalyst for the story. She shows up in town and claims to be Jeremiah's niece. Jeremiah is that perfect grumpy old man and I loved him as a character. There is also Noah who befriends Reagan when others seem unsure of her. And the main characters of this story, sheriff Alex and fire chief Hank Matheson. Through these main characters and a few others who I hope will have stories of their own, you learn about the town and the characters. The characters are well-written and varied and really make the story.
I highly recommend you pick up this story if you enjoy relationship and character-driven novels with some romance. It all blends together so well to make a perfect story. It 's a perfect summer read.
My Rating: 4.75/5.0
Check out Jodi Thomas' guest post and a giveaway for 1 copy of this wonderful book (giveaway ends 6/10).
About the
Book:
Sixteen-year-old runaway Reagan has always wanted a place to belong.
She's never had a real home of her own, but perhaps she could borrow
someone else's. Under an assumed name and identity, she moves to
Harmony, Texas, but keeps her distance from the welcoming townsfolk.
Until prairie fires threaten Harmony-and Reagan learns the true meaning
of family, friends, and home.
About
the Author: Jodi Thomas is the NY
Times and USA Today best-selling author of 30 novels and 8 short story
collections. As of July 2006, she was the 11th woman to be inducted in
to RWA Hall of Fame. She is also currently serving as the Writer in
Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.
FTC Information: I received this book from the author for
review. I have Amazon links on my review pages but I do not make any
money from these because of NC laws. I put them solely for people to
check out the books on a retail site.
I am thrilled to welcome author Jodi Thomas today to My Reading Room. Jodi's newest book, Welcome To Harmony hit stores this week and it's the first book in a new trilogy focusing on the town of Harmony, Texas. I have finished the book and loved every minute of it. I can tell you right now that once you start the book, you feel like you are a part of Harmony as you get to know the various inhabitants of the town. I laughed through the book at some of the antics, but also ran through a bunch of emotions, you really just feel like you are a part of this story. So check out the book, Welcome To Harmony at your local bookstore or Amazon.com and now let's hear from author, Jodi Thomas.
WELCOME TO HARMONY is hitting
the stands as we speak. Sometimes I feel like one of those dime novel writers
from a hundred years ago. They’d write their stories, mail the book off to a
press back east and wait at the train station for the first copies to come in
with the newspapers. It’s a kick to know that people all over the country will
be stepping into my world in a few days.
I began the book at a Bed and
Breakfast built in 1851 near Tyler, Texas. I was the only guest at the huge old
plantation house and thought as soon as the housekeeping staff left I would
wander, but as soon as the door was closed and I realized I was alone, I ran to
my room and locked the door. That night, with ghosts (I was sure) just outside
my door I began the story of a small town called Harmony.
Harmony is a place we all wish
we were from. You’ll fall in love with not only the Fire Chief who tries to
take care of all the women in his life—a mother, two widowed aunts, two divorced
sisters and a four year old niece—but you’ll also understand the Funeral
Director who loves his job of helping people in crisis. Everyone in town knows
him, but he can’t remember names. He’s lonely but can’t see himself ever
leaving his home or his responsibilities. He’s kind to everyone, but has no one
to love him.
The thread that holds them all
together is a runaway who hits town one night. She’s really not looking to
stay, but just wants to visit Harmony so she’ll have a place to be from. What
she finds is a place to belong. Reagen Truman is one of the strongest characters
I’ve ever written. She’ places an important role in all three of the Harmony
books to come.
The settings are pulled from my
memories of small town rodeos and families who argue for generations but fight
to help one another when trouble comes. The prairie fires of 2006 that burned a
million acres of land near my home in the Texas Panhandle influenced the plot as
did the funny ways that small town folks are so very unique.
I hope Harmony and its people
touch you as deeply as they did me. The last month of writing the book I found
I had trouble making myself write the ending because I didn’t want to leave
Harmony.
So, come along with me to a
town you’ll feel like you are from by the time you finish reading. You’ll
laugh, maybe cry a little and fall in love.
Jodi Thomas is the NY Times and USA Today best-selling author of 30 novels and 8 short story collections. As of July 2006, she was the 11th woman to be inducted in to RWA Hall of Fame. She is also currently serving as the Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.
About Welcome to Harmony:
Sixteen-year-old runaway Reagan has always wanted a place to belong.
She's never had a real home of her own, but perhaps she could borrow
someone else's. Under an assumed name and identity, she moves to
Harmony, Texas, but keeps her distance from the welcoming townsfolk.
Until prairie fires threaten Harmony-and Reagan learns the true meaning
of family, friends, and home.
Giveaway:
I have been given 1 copy of Welcome to Harmony by Jodi Thomas to
giveaway to the
readers of
this blog. Simply comment
to enter. Additional entries for following (rss, email, blogger,
networked blogs, etc.), tweeting (1 per
day), posting on your blog (sidebar is fine). Please comment for each
entry - it makes the accounting easier. Giveaway open to US/Canada
only. Don't worry if you are first or last - I'm starting
to randomize
all entries before using random.org to draw a number - so it's more like
drawing a name out of a hat. Giveaway runs through June 10, 2010.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
***Special thanks to Mallika Dattatreya and Ashley Hewlett of Touchstone/Fireside Publicity, Simon & Schuster, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***
My Review:
I started this on Sunday afternoon and read it for about 3 hours straight. I then picked it back up on Monday and except for a small nap I read it until the end. I think The Ark could be described as a non-stop thrill ride. The plot feels believable, like something that could really happen but still a fiction story to enjoy. I really liked the characters of Tyler, Dilara and Grant. They were well-developed and I felt I got to know them (though I would love to read another book involving them). The bad guys are also very evil and contrast the good guys well.
I enjoyed the plot line and watching it develop. I was constantly surprised by things that happened. It was well-plotted and well-pace for an entertaining read. I enjoyed reading about the various projects that Tyler's engineering consulting firm had on their plate (and from reading the afterword, some of them are real). There was so much to this novel that made it truly an enjoyable read. I felt like I was in the midst of the adventure and often found myself holding my breath awaiting the outcome. I woke up Monday wondering what would happen next and could not wait to pick up the book.
I highly recommend The Ark to lovers of adventure suspense novels. It's also wonderful in the fact that curse words are not laced through the book, there are just a few places some are used, but they are definitely not in excess.
If you love Raymond Khoury, I believe you will like Boyd Morrison and suggest you give him a try. I look forward to future books by him.
My Rating: 4.75/5.0
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Boyd Morrison is an industrial engineer with ten U.S. patents to his name who has worked for prestigious companies ranging from NASA to Microsoft's X-BOX Games Group and RCA Electronics. He is also a "Jeopardy!" champion and a professional actor who has appeared in commercials, stage plays, and films.
Kindle: Dangerous by Diana Palmer (for review as well)
I
haven't gotten any further with this one at this time, I need to read
it next though. I put up the giveaway for one copy of the hardcover
today, so check that out.
Audio in the
Car: Don't Look Twice by Andrew Gross
Listed a little today over the weekend, I'm traveling with my husband today so no listening. Still on Disc 4 and will get back to listening on Thursday when we return home.
Library Book: Burned by P.C. and Kristen Cast
I just started this, I love the House of Night novels and look forward to this latest installment.
Review
Book: My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares
I'm about 100 pages into this
- I hope to review it on Friday. So far it is very intriguing and has gripped me from the beginning.
Finished (on Monday):
The Ark by Boyd Morrison
Loved this - it was hard to put down. Review coming with the tour on tomorrow - but just know this is an fascinating and very suspense-filled book.
Other notes
for today - Feeling better today - had a rough Sunday and Monday. I'm traveling with my husband today and he had Lasik surgery this afternoon. He's currently in some pain, but able to rest. He could already see some things after we left the doctor's office, granted they were blurry but he was able to make them out better than he ever had without his glasses before. He's had glasses since third grade and has wanted to do this for years - I'm thrilled he finally was able to get this done and hope his recovery goes well. He should be able to see decent tomorrow. I can't wait for that!
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
***Special thanks to Cathy Bryant for sending me a review copy.***
My review will be coming later this week.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathy Bryant is a proud member of FIRST and a country girl at heart. Her debut novel, Texas Roads, was a 2009 finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis competition. A Texas gal by birth, Cathy lives with her husband in a century-old Texas farmhouse, complete with picket fence, flowers, butterflies, and late summer mosquitoes the size of your fist.
Visit the author's book website.
Visit the author's website.
Visit the author's blog.
Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: WordVessel Press (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0984431101
ISBN-13: 978-0984431106
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Chapter One ~ Longing For Home
Dani’s blue Honda Civic lurched and sputtered, drawing her attention to the neon-orange needle on the gas gauge. Empty. A frustrated growl rushed from her throat as she maneuvered onto the tufts of new spring grass at the side of the country road, turned off the ignition, and leaned her head back against the seat, berating herself for her forgetfulness. She’d love to blame this on the fight with her mother, but it wouldn’t explain the hundreds of times she’d made similar mistakes. One more to add to her collection.
She rubbed the dull ache building between her eyes, and stared at her surroundings on this Texas back road. Why did she choose today, of all days, to visit her aunt, a woman she knew only from chatty letters and a brief phone call?
Escape.
She longed to escape. To disappear, to travel so far away that painful memories became yesterday’s ashes.
A stray tear wandered down her cheek and she banished it with a swipe. Today marked the one-year anniversary of Richard’s death. Death had robbed her—not only of her husband, but of her dream—and stamped her heart’s one desire with angry red letters: REQUEST DENIED. Thanks to the life insurance and the inheritance of her father’s company, a ridiculous sum of money now graced her bank account, but not enough to buy what couldn’t be purchased. A house, yes—but not a home.
Stop wallowing, Dani. She grabbed her cell phone and flipped it opened. No signal. Of course. She climbed from the car to scan the horizon. Nothing but tree-dotted pastures and a few cows. Breathing deep to quell the rush of panic, she closed her eyes and envisioned a sweet grandmother-type driving up to offer a ride. Her eyes fluttered open. Yeah, right. She wasn’t Cinderella. Godmothers didn’t exist. And Prince Charming? The biggest fairy tale of all.
Her marriage was proof.
Waiting to be rescued just squandered precious hours of daylight. She snatched her purse from the passenger seat, slammed the car door, and stamped toward Miller’s Creek. Like a scratched CD, Mother’s hurtful words from the earlier phone conversation replayed in her mind, and none of it made sense. Why did her mother oppose this visit to see Aunt Beth? And what had caused a rift the size of Texas between the two sisters?
A cramp commenced in her toes and inched into her feet. With a frown, she eyed her shoes. Heels weren’t exactly the footwear of choice for hiking country roads. Balancing her discount-store purse in the crook of her arm, she rifled through its contents, searching for the keys as she marched back to the car. A sudden realization forced her into a stilted run, and a strangled sound ripped from her throat. “Please, no!”
The keys dangled from the ignition, teasing her like chocolate candy behind a counter of glass. With a guttural groan, Dani tilted her face toward the cloud-darkened sky. “What do You have against me?”
The isolated countryside responded with silence.
On the continued trek toward Miller’s Creek, the hush enveloped her, the only sound an occasional bird’s song and the rhythmic thud of her heels against the pavement. So peaceful. So unlike the city’s unending drone. The bluebonnets and Indian Blankets of early spring painted the countryside, stretching beyond the barbed-wire fence into open fields, and the breeze tangled her hair. As she breathed in the fresh air, her shoulder muscles unknotted. Then a low rumble pulled her gaze to the clouded sky.
Heavy raindrops pelted Dani’s face and dotted her consignment shop designer jacket. Within minutes she was drenched, the metallic taste of make-up dribbling into her mouth. She kicked at a rock, self-pity seeping through her like the rain through her dry-clean-only suit.
With a shiver she hunched over and pulled the soggy jacket closer in an effort to get warm. Burning pain in her left little toe hinted at the formation of a blister, but she hobbled on, her thoughts on her aunt. Could Aunt Beth provide the sense of family she so desperately needed? She attempted to toss the question from her mind. One thing was for certain. Her drowned-rat-appearance would make a memorable first impression. Just not in a good way.
The faint roar of an engine sounded behind her and intensified. Finally. She turned to see an older model pickup top the hill, and waved her arms in an effort to make herself seen in the rain and approaching nightfall. The beat-up truck slowed to a stop and the window lowered.
Dani tried to swallow, but her throat clamped shut. This was no grandmother. With one finger, a dusty cowboy pushed up his sweat-stained hat, his other arm draped over the steering wheel. “Can I give you a ride, ma’am?”
Dani brushed the drippy hair from her eyes, resisting the urge to correct his grammar. The word was may, not can. “I…uh…r-ran out of gas.”
The cowboy smiled, his teeth white against his dirt-smudged face. “That’s not what I asked.”
With a glance in the direction of her car, Dani’s brain accelerated into high gear. “Actually, if you’d be so kind as to get me some gas—”
A soft chuckle resonated from him, and his eyes twinkled.
She hoisted her chin. How dare he laugh at her.
“Look, ma’am.” His picture-perfect smile disappeared behind the long line of his lips, his voice laced with impatience. “I know you’re concerned about accepting a ride with someone you don’t know. Can’t say I blame you. But by the time I get to town, get gas and get back out here, it’s going to be dark. Then you’ll have plenty of reason to be afraid.”
She raised a hand to her lips. What he said made sense, but could she trust him?
His mouth curled at the corners. “Coyotes are pretty bad in these parts. Sure wouldn’t want to be out here after dark. Especially alone.”
Coyotes? Dani yanked on the door handle and hoisted herself onto the grimy seat. After one breath in, she wrinkled her nose and sniffed. What was that smell? Eau de Sweat? She swiveled her head toward him and found his gaze trained on her, his face lined with suppressed laughter.
He needn’t be so amused. Dani fidgeted with the seat belt, and held it with one hand to keep it from riding across her nose. “I think someone up there must not like me.”
“What makes you say that?” He stared at her like she was mentally unbalanced and put the truck in gear.
“It’s just been a rough day. Like God has it in for me or something.”
He raised one brow. “I think God must love you a lot, or I wouldn’t have come home this way. Not many people use this road anymore.”
Dani drew in a sharp breath. Did God love her? She gave her wet head a shake, sending droplets of water to the worn seat. Yeah, right. No one could love her. Not even God.
Conversation lapsed as the rain continued its steady stream, thundering against the roof, yet unable to drown out the hum of the truck’s engine. What would’ve happened to her if he hadn’t driven by? The only coyote she’d seen were the ones in science videos at school. A surprising shudder scuttled down her spine, followed by a shiver that rattled her teeth.
The cowboy shifted her direction, his dark eyes focused on her ruined jacket. “You must be cold.”
Brilliant deduction, Sherlock. Were all small-town people as intelligent as him? “What clued you in? My dripping clothes or blue lips?”
He laughed out loud, a hearty sound that made her somehow feel better. “Feeling a little testy, huh?” His eyes sparkled with amusement.
She hung her head, half in shame and partly to conceal the smile that crept onto her face without permission. “Sorry.”
Dani started as he reached toward her, but relaxed when he pulled a brown suede leather jacket from behind the seat. “Here. This ought to warm you up.”
“Thanks.” She gripped the stained coat with two fingers, and examined it for signs of vermin. None she could see. “Looks…uh…nice and cozy.” She snuggled into its warmth and breathed in the light scent of men’s cologne.
Richard.
Dani closed her eyes, the unwelcome memories and emotions clawing their way through her insides. The feelings still took her by surprise, crawling into her consciousness at unexpected times. Had she not been a good enough wife? Is that why he’d betrayed her?
“By the way, I’m Steve Miller.” The stranger’s silky baritone interrupted her thoughts.
She opened her eyes to find his hand extended toward her. “Dani.” She clasped his hand. Not as rough as she expected for a cowboy.
“You really shouldn’t be on the back roads without enough fuel, you know.” The look he gave her was stern, but kind.
Dani swallowed the sarcastic reply that popped into her head, and instead sent him a pasted-on smile.
His gaze rested on her wedding band. “Your husband not able to come along?”
The irony of his question made her grimace. At least the ring had served its purpose. She shook her head and focused on the passing terrain, some fields completely covered in wildflowers. How many more miles?
He leaned forward and made eye contact. “Been to Miller’s Creek before?”
“Once when I was little, but I don’t remember much about it.”
“It’s a nice place.” His voice held a hint of pride. “Any family there?”
She slid a hand over her wet hair and cleared her throat. Time to change the subject. Let him enjoy the hot seat for a while. “An aunt. What about you? Have you lived in Miller’s Creek long?”
His eyebrow cocked into a furry question mark. “All my life.”
“No surprise there,” she muttered to herself. She glanced at his filthy blue jeans and tattered shirt. It had probably been that long since he’d taken a bath. Immediate guilt rained over her. Ease up, Dani. At least he offered you a ride.
“Excuse the way I look. We had a fence to mend today at the ranch.”
Heat built up steam under her cheeks, and she averted her eyes. Okay, he wasn’t supposed to hear that.
His expression held nothing but friendliness. “I might know your aunt. What’s her name?”
She rubbed fingers against her damp pants. Was it wise to divulge that information?
“Never mind.” Steve held up a hand, a thin layer of black showing beneath his nails. “I know you city folks have to be careful about stuff like that.”
What was it with his ability to read her mind? “City folks? You make it sound like a disease or something.” She hugged her arms to her chest. “Besides, how do you know I’m from the city?”
“’Cause people from around here don’t dress up in such fancy duds.” His dark eyes glinted and her nerves unraveled more.
“True. They wear cowboy hats and drive beat-up trucks.”
His throaty laughter reverberated in the cab. “Guess I had that coming.”
Once again her cheeks fired up. Resting her elbow on the door, Dani leaned her hot face against her fist and wished for a punching bag.
“Which city?”
She stared at the tattered pickup cab ceiling and drew in a breath. “Dallas.” If they didn’t get to Miller’s Creek soon she was going to blow.
“Should-a guessed that.” Steve’s face scrunched up. “How can you stand living in the city with all that noise and traffic?”
“I suppose the same way you live with stinky old cows and a lack of civilization.” Her voice rose in frustration.
Dani wished the blurted-out words back in her mouth. Too late.
She started to apologize, but Steve spoke before she could get a word out. “You in business for yourself, or you work for a corporation?”
Where’d he get that idea? “I’m an elementary school teacher.”
“Really?” His brows notched up and he snickered.
Irritation seeped through the cracks of her frazzled nerves like floodwater penetrating a leaky dam. She twisted her head to glare at him. “Is that so difficult to believe?”
A smirky smile snaked across the cowboy’s face. “Guess not. It’s just that Miller’s Creek teachers don’t dress up like you. They get down on the floor with their kids.”
The dam burst wide open. “Well now it’s my turn to be amazed. I didn’t know small towns like Miller’s Creek had schools.” Dani huffed out the words then yanked her head around to clamp a hand over her mouth. What was wrong with her today?
Broken only by the swish of the windshield wipers and the pit-pat of rain drops, the silence hung between them, thick and sultry. Suffocating. She let out a slow breath and ducked her head to study him from beneath her lashes. Steve faced forward, the dark hair at the nape of his neck curling upward, his stubbled jaw locked. Most of her friends would classify him as handsome, but she wasn’t looking for a man. Not ever again.
He began to whistle, a shrill sound that chafed against her raw nerve endings. She pressed a hand to her temple. How much farther could it be? “Is there a convenience store in Miller’s Creek by any chance?” She tried to infuse her tone with kindness.
His cinnamon eyes turned on her—dry hot winds that withered everything in their path. “Of course. Right next to the community outhouse.”
A nervous giggle escaped before she could stifle it, but Steve’s daggered glare brought it to a quick halt. After a few minutes she peeked at his face, now chiseled from granite. Way to go, Dani. She’d already offended one member of Miller’s Creek, and hadn’t even made it to the city limits.
The rain ceased as they pulled into town, and Dani sat up straighter at the sight of country cottages lining the street. Homey. A little tired, but nothing a fresh coat of paint couldn’t fix. Tree branches arched across the road to create a living canopy. The sun, sandwiched between cloud and earth, changed the leaf-clinging raindrops to diamonds.
And children. Everywhere she looked. They splashed in puddles and chased each other across spring green lawns, their shouts and laughter a symphony of careless joy. So Mayberry RFD.
The hunger for home haunted her, and a familiar ache settled over her heart like ancient dust. “Unbelievable.” Dani whispered the word and relaxed into the seat, then glanced at Steve, his face impassive. She tried to push aside the fear of never finding a home, but it clung to her with razor-sharp talons.
In one deft movement, Steve jerked the pickup into a parking lot and came to a whiplash stop. She avoided eye contact and allowed the sign above the door to capture her interest. B & B Hardware? Dani peered to her right where two lanes of gas pumps stood, and a smile wiggled onto her face. A hardware-store-slash-gas-station. Only in a small town.
She plucked a hundred-dollar bill from her purse and offered it to him. “I appreciate—”
“Keep it.” Steve spat out the words and leaned away, his mouth a taut slash.
Surely he needed the money. His ragged jeans and this rattletrap he drove suggested as much. Dani squeezed her eyebrows together. For whatever reason, he wasn’t about to take the money, so she stuffed the bill back in her wallet, shrugged off the coat and handed it to him.
“Thanks for the ride.” With a release of the door she lowered herself to the ground.
Without looking her direction the cowboy put the truck in reverse, barely allowing her time to shut the door. As he tore out of the parking lot, his rear wheels spewed gravel.
Dani sucked in air and blew it out in a gush. Thank goodness that was over. Now to call Aunt Beth and end this nightmare. She faced the store, her heart pounding like a child on the first day of school.
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