I’ve been mulling over this month’s blog post since the moment our theme was announced. Tree, shrubs and flowers are in bloom around my home and so are my allergies. We have been dealing in our own ways, with the world around us – but the one constant in all our lives is love.
Starting from when we’re born our lives are filled with love from our family. We continue to discover the wonder of it again and again. With the first blush of romantic love we have a sense that we can conquer the world. The rush of emotion you feel when you meet your partner, the instant bond when you hold your child in your arms and that moment your fur-baby lavishes you with affection. In those first heady moments we know in our hearts there isn’t an obstacle to large we can’t overcome.
Love gives us strength to face whatever lays ahead of us. We draw strength from it. I am a romantic at heart on all levels. Love gives me strength. I have faith I will never run out of love, it is like the magic well, the more I give the more I have to give. Love is a like my favorite rose, ever blooming in my heart. My hope for you is to take stock and discover that romance and love are in full bloom all around you.
On May 7, I released my 11th book, The Matchmaker and The Marine. Here is the opening scene.
Melinda flipped her planner shut after drawing a heart next to the two names on the page on the notepaper. Another success. The strains of the “Wedding March” played by a string quartet filled the small flower-filled chapel. Guests rose from their seats to watch the petite bride glide down the aisle toward her handsome groom. Across the aisle in a pew, a tall, well-built man with blonde hair cropped military style and molten brown eyes locked on hers. He gave Melinda a half nod before his gaze followed the bride.
The pastor’s deep voice filled the room as he asked everyone to take their seats. He then turned to the couple to perform the ceremony. After the newly married couple kissed, Melinda followed other guests in the receiving line to the bride and groom.
She beamed. “Stacey and Will, it was a beautiful ceremony.” Stacey was radiant. Will’s arm was curled around his new wife, holding her close to his side. “Melinda, this day wouldn’t have been possible without you.” Stacey lovingly gazed at Will. “Thank you for introducing us.”
Melinda kissed her cheek. “It was my pleasure.” Will lifted Stacey’s hand to his lips, grazing her ring finger. “I will tell all my single friends if they’re looking for love to give you a call.” His eyes twinkled. “You certainly have a knack for matchmaking.”
“You two made my job easy.” She looked over her shoulder. “You have more guests to greet, but I’ll see you during the reception.”
She strolled down the brick walkway to her car, content to see the love between Stacey and Will. Just as it was meant to be. After making the short drive to the country club, Melinda parked in the crowded lot.
As she crossed the parking area to the reception hall she daydreamed of how nice it would be to take off her pumps and walk barefoot. She reached for the brass knob on the carved wood door. Before she could turn the knob, it burst open. She took a step back. Her heel caught a crack in the stone step. She began to fall backward when strong hands caught her and held on tight.
A deep voice next to her ear said, “It’s okay, I’ve got you.” Melinda looked up into warm brown eyes. It was the man from the chapel.
“Um, thank you.” She smoothed her hand over her simple navy-blue dress and then pushed a curl behind her ear. “I’m not sure what happened.”
“It looks like your heel got caught.” She gave him a small smile. “It’s a good thing you were there to catch me.”
With a slight stiff bow, he said, “Adam Bell, at your service, ma’am.”
***
If you'd like to purchase this or another one of my books here is a universal linkhttps://books2read.com/ap/xyYO2g/Lucinda-Race .Until next time, I wish you love. Lucinda
Don't forget... Our May giveaway and theme are in full swing. First Prize: $20, Second Prize: $15, and Third Prize $10, all paid in Amazon Gift Cards.
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It does give us strength, doesn't it? Beautiful cover and a great excerpt.
ReplyDeleteLove is magic. How true! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLove is the most important thing there is! Good luck with the book!!
ReplyDeleteAs some wit once said, "Love may not make the world go round, but it's what makes the ride worthwhile."
ReplyDeleteLovely excerpt. Lucinda! Looking froward to reading!
ReplyDeleteI love the excerpt. So romantic.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the love. Always. Congratulations on number 11! That's some special feat. Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI just love matchmaker stories! This one looks great, Lucinda!
ReplyDeleteI hope love is a constant in the life of everyone who reads this. No matter the conditions in the world around us, love comforts us, keeps up motivated, and encourages us to be better. While I'm fortunate to have a loving family, I have had fans mention they have no one. That's when romance books are even more important--they teach us the promise of love is all around us.
ReplyDeleteLove is all important. It is the most important thing, and I wish it for all our readers. Thank you for a wonderful post!
ReplyDelete