Skip to product information
1 of 3

Hibiscus Heights AUDIOBOOK (Crown Island, Book #4)

Hibiscus Heights AUDIOBOOK (Crown Island, Book #4)

Regular price $9.99 USD
Regular price $12.99 USD Sale price $9.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Format

๐Ÿ“š Instant Digital Download

Your eBook or Audiobook will be delivered within minutes to the email address you used at checkout via BookFunnel.

Paperback orders are printed and shipped within 3โ€“5 business days from the US, UK, Canada, or Australia. Youโ€™ll get a tracking number when your order ships. Please allow additional time for international orders.

๐Ÿ“ฅ Receive the book link instantly via email from Bookfunnel to the email address you used when you check out on the release day

๐Ÿ’Œ Send to preferred device and enjoy!

Book Description

Deb Whitaker was shocked to see Grant on Crown Island.

The grand reopening of the Majestic Hotel is the event of the season on Crown Island, and Deb Whitaker is at the center of it all.

After spending nearly a year restoring and redesigning the vintage landmark interiors, sheโ€™s finally ready to celebrate. And sheโ€™s not going alone. Matteo, charming and attentive, is the new man in her life.

But just as the champagne begins to flow, the past crashes back in.

Grant. The only man she ever truly loved. The one who vanished without a word. No one has ever measured up to him.

Deb has built a life on her own terms. Sheโ€™s fiercely independent, successful, and strong. But itโ€™s too late to start the family she once dreamed of.

When the man who broke her heart returns with secrets of his own, sheโ€™s forced to ask, is it ever too late for a second chance at love, or should she keep the past buried?

Continue the heartwarming Crown Island stories set in a charming beach town, starting with Beach View Lane.

Read A Sample

โ€œI can hardly believe my work is on the cover.โ€ Deb touched the new issue of Coastal Design & Living with reverence, thrilled with the exposure. Page after page of the magazine featured her interior designs.โ€ฉSeated next to her at a table on the Majestic Hotelโ€™s sunny patio cafe, her friend April lifted her champagne glass. โ€œTo Crown Islandโ€™s most celebrated interior designer.โ€โ€ฉAprilโ€™s mother, Ella, raised her glass, too. โ€œIโ€™m so proud of you, dear. The career youโ€™ve worked so hard for is now on an even higher upward trajectory. It must feel wonderful.โ€โ€ฉDeb touched their glasses and sipped her well-deserved bubbly, courtesy of Ryan Kingston. โ€œThis project is my largest job and best work so far. I have to give Ryan credit for the publicity firm he engaged.โ€โ€ฉAs the new owner of the vintage Majestic Hotel, Ryan was determined to showcase his beloved hotelโ€™s renovation through extensive publicity and advertising campaigns.โ€ฉThe glossy pages of the hotelโ€™s transformation documented their teamโ€™s work with before-and-after photographs that captured their attention to detail. They had worked diligently to preserve the original character of the Victorian-era beach hotel.โ€ฉDeb had refurbished or chosen every new piece, including the wrought-iron table where she sat under a marine-blue umbrella with her closest friends.โ€ฉApril was like a sister. Her mother, Ella, had been like an aunt to her. Sheโ€™d known them all her life because her mother and Ella were friends.โ€ฉPride shimmered in Ellaโ€™s eyes. โ€œWould you ever leave us if an amazing opportunity came up?โ€โ€ฉโ€œIโ€™ll always come back to the island. I have plenty to do here.โ€ Deb appreciated their enthusiasm, but she enjoyed living and working here. Her entire family lived on Crown Island, just off the coast of Southern California.โ€ฉShe loved her boisterous older brothers, but when she was younger, they had intimidated and chased off every one of her boyfriends.โ€ฉAlthough she usually beat them to it now.โ€ฉHer brothers were inescapable on this island. Even now, she spied one of them across the patio with new clients and nodded at him. David was just a year older, and he worked as an architect. He grinned and lifted his hand in a brief wave.โ€ฉโ€œWho is that with David?โ€ Ella asked.โ€ฉโ€œThe Hunts,โ€ Deb replied, folding back the sleeves of her white linen shirt. The sun was warmer now, and the light breeze carried the fresh scent of the sea.โ€ฉDeb went on, โ€œTheyโ€™re here for the summer, and theyโ€™ve asked David to design a new beach house for them. I might bid on the interior design work.โ€โ€ฉA smile played on Ellaโ€™s face, barely lined by her years. โ€œYouโ€™re a star now. Youโ€™ll have to think like one.โ€โ€ฉDeb nodded, grateful for the opportunity sheโ€™d pursued. โ€œI havenโ€™t forgotten that Ryan took a risk hiring local talent. Most developers would have brought in a New York designer, gutted the old beauty, and created a modern atmosphere. Luxurious but generic, devoid of Crown Island personality or history.โ€โ€ฉElla pressed her lips together. โ€œThatโ€™s what the community fought against.โ€โ€ฉโ€œThe Historical Society must help preserve the island charm,โ€ April added, brushing her hair over her shoulder.โ€ฉFresh highlights, new yellow sundress, Deb noted, approving of Aprilโ€™s evolving look. Love looked good on her, and Deb was pleased for her.โ€ฉShe sipped her champagne as April and Ella perused the article. She counted herself lucky to have friends who were like a chosen family, not that she didnโ€™t love the one she was born into.โ€ฉAs a retired nurse, Ella had been a beloved force in the community for decades. Just last year, April had returned to her hometown after her divorce to start a new chapter in her life. A historian and former university lecturer, she deserved every good thing that had recently come her way, from Ryan Kingston to the historical society sheโ€™d conceived and created.โ€ฉElla paused and looked up. โ€œIโ€™d like to read this at my leisure. Did you buy out Aceโ€™s newsstand, or can I still find a copy of this edition?โ€โ€ฉGrinning sheepishly, Deb said, โ€œActually, my mother bought them all, so Ace is trying to get more copies. But you can have this one.โ€โ€ฉThey flipped through the pages, pausing at a photograph of the lobby restoration. The three-story rotunda was a masterpiece of original design, with a ceiling finished in white oak, cedar, and hemlock. The vintage wooden panels had taken artisans weeks to restore, but the effect was breathtaking. It was a beautiful balance of historic craftsmanship and casual beach elegance.โ€ฉNow more than a century old, the beachside resort was an island landmark, known for movies filmed on the property and presidents whoโ€™d vacationed there. Significant deliberations that changed the course of history had taken place at the Majestic. The grand hotel was polished to perfection once again.โ€ฉDeb turned the page to a photo of her with Ryan and Knox MacKenzie, who oversaw construction. To pull off the job before the high summer season, the three of them had worked many long days for months.โ€ฉโ€œThatโ€™s a great photo of Ryan.โ€ Aprilโ€™s cheeks colored slightly.โ€ฉโ€œLook at you.โ€ Deb nudged her friendโ€™s shoulder. โ€œPractically glowing whenever you mention his name.โ€โ€ฉLaughing, April bumped her shoulder back. โ€œI never thought Iโ€™d feel this way again.โ€โ€ฉDeb folded her arms and leaned in. โ€œHeโ€™s the lucky one. You chose well this time around.โ€โ€ฉAprilโ€™s husband had left her for a much younger woman with whom heโ€™d had an affair, and her friend had been devastated. Now, to her credit, April was thriving again.โ€ฉElla fixed a gaze on Deb. โ€œWhich brings us to another question. Are you seeing anyone now?โ€โ€ฉโ€œIโ€™ve hardly had a moment to spare this past year,โ€ Deb replied.โ€ฉApril traded a glance with her mother. โ€œThere must be someone out there for you.โ€โ€ฉLaughing, Deb said, โ€œYouโ€™re drunk on love and want everyone to share your happiness. But itโ€™s not that easy, especially at my age.โ€โ€ฉElla shook her head. โ€œYouโ€™re at the peak of your career, my dear. Youโ€™re brilliant, accomplished, and gorgeous. Never undersell yourself.โ€โ€ฉโ€œI donโ€™t think she ever has, Mom.โ€ April grinned and wrinkled her nose at the champagne bubbles.โ€ฉโ€œI know what Iโ€™m worth. And Iโ€™m happy with my life. Besides, I have Duke.โ€ Deb stretched her long legs beneath the table. Now in her mid-fifties, she loved her work. She had her freedom, earned good money, and still jogged daily on the beach with her dog. Flipping up the collar of her shirt, she smiled, satisfied with her life.โ€ฉโ€œDonโ€™t be so quick to give up.โ€ Ella smoothed a hand over Debโ€™s.โ€ฉโ€œAfter five turns as mother-of-the-groom, Mom has finally accepted that sheโ€™ll never help plan a wedding for me. Still, the grandkids keep her busy.โ€โ€ฉElla studied her. โ€œAre you sure you donโ€™t have regrets?โ€โ€ฉโ€œIโ€™m Auntie Deb to a slew of nieces and nephews. Iโ€™ve changed diapers, wiped tears, and thrown birthday parties. Thatโ€™s enough family time for me.โ€โ€ฉDeb had built her life by choice. She preferred to embrace what was rather than mourn what might have been. Sheโ€™d been in love before and had received her share of marriage proposals, but she knew they werenโ€™t quite right. Now, the chance for a family of her own was long past.โ€ฉEager to change the subject, Deb gestured toward the hotel. The sprawling wooden structure gleamed in the sunshine, its fresh white paint complemented by red-and-white cupolas and a new red roof. โ€œThe exterior is complete, but I still have more to tend to inside before the official debut party.โ€โ€ฉApril shielded her eyes from the sun as she gazed up. โ€œThis was a major achievement, and everyone will be impressed. What did your father have to say?โ€โ€ฉDebโ€™s smile turned wry. โ€œDad finally admitted that heโ€™s proud of my work. Remember when I tried to join Whitaker Construction after graduation? He told me everyone would assume I got the job because I was his daughter, not because I earned it. The same could be said of my brothers, and believe me, I did. But he didnโ€™t budge. Knowing my brothers had all started work there only made it worse.โ€โ€ฉโ€œThat was typical of Wilt then,โ€ Ella said, shaking her head. โ€œMaking you prove yourself twice as much as anyone else.โ€โ€ฉDeb nodded. โ€œFunny thing is that it worked.โ€โ€ฉโ€œAnd to your advantage,โ€ April added. โ€œYou might not have built your business otherwise. You were determined to prove him wrong.โ€โ€ฉApril was right. Deb was known for creating beautiful, livable interiors with meticulous attention to detail, whether the project was a hotel, a business, or a summer retreat. On an island of this size, she had to do it all.โ€ฉAnd now, her work spoke for itself.โ€ฉโ€œYouโ€™re in a good place in your life,โ€ Ella said, studying her. โ€œYouโ€™ll soon have more time to date.โ€โ€ฉDeb laughed and shook her head. โ€œYouโ€™re not letting go of that, are you?โ€โ€ฉโ€œAnd neither should you.โ€ April tapped the table for emphasis.โ€ฉElla leaned forward with a conspiratorial look. โ€œSeveral friends from my yoga class have met interesting men on dating apps they have on their phones. They swipe right or left if someone catches their fancy. I donโ€™t recall which is which, so that could be a problem if people are directionally challenged like me.โ€โ€ฉโ€œNot that you need to worry about that, Mom.โ€ April inclined her head toward Whitley, the hotelโ€™s distinguished manager, who was speaking to a pair of boys in swim trunks and T-shirts at a nearby table.โ€ฉMust be brothers, Deb guessed, sizing up their freckled, sunburned faces. They had been wolfing down hamburgers and fries, and now theyโ€™d moved on to hot fudge sundaes.โ€ฉYoung as they were, every guest was a VIP at the Majestic.โ€ฉSomething about them seemed vaguely familiar. Probably because they reminded her of her nephews. They looked about eight and twelve years old.โ€ฉWearing a vivid coral jacket today, Whitley approached their table with his usual impeccable bearing. He took Ellaโ€™s hand in greeting. โ€œLadies, I trust everything meets with your approval today?โ€โ€ฉDeb smiled at his formality, but that was Whitley. Heโ€™d upheld traditions at the Majestic for decades. โ€œWeโ€™re having a wonderful time. Except for these two matchmakers.โ€โ€ฉElla lowered her voice. โ€œHave any interesting men checked into the hotel?โ€โ€ฉWhitley smiled at her. โ€œYou know I canโ€™t divulge that, my sweet.โ€โ€ฉโ€œMaybe not in public,โ€ April said, lowering her voice.โ€ฉDeb laughed. โ€œYou two are incorrigible. Really, thatโ€™s enough. I can take care of myself.โ€โ€ฉAnd she had for many years. From an early age, sheโ€™d learned not to count on others, especially men.โ€ฉโ€œWe havenโ€™t much time before the grand reopening party,โ€ Ella said with a pointed look.โ€ฉWhile she and April talked about the event and what they planned to wear, an unbidden memory flashed to mind. Deb recalled waiting under the Majesticโ€™s porte-cochรจre entrance at the top of the wide front steps, wearing an ocean-blue organza dress sheโ€™d saved for from her summer job.โ€ฉHer first serious boyfriend was one of the summer boys. Every year, their wealthy families descended on Crown Island like exotic birds on a migratory path, soaring higher than the locals.โ€ฉExcept that summer, sheโ€™d been soaring high, too. Theyโ€™d met when she was chosen to be the Crown Island Princess in the annual island parade, and he was there with his friends. At the party later, he took her hand to dance and never let go. They were virtually inseparable all summer.โ€ฉYou can count on me, he often told her, and she lost her heart to him, imagining the future they would share.โ€ฉBut then, on the night of the summerโ€™s last dance party, he vanished. Swept up in the migration home without so much as a goodbye.โ€ฉSheโ€™d waited hours in her new dress by the entrance, sure that he would come. Finally, sheโ€™d given up.โ€ฉEmbarrassed to go to the party alone and feeling broken-hearted, she raced to Aprilโ€™s home to confide in her. Thankfully, her friend listened and held her, never judging her for the mistake of falling in love. After sobbing all night, Deb ripped off her new dress and never wore it again.โ€ฉFrom then on, she decided who to date and when to call it off with her dignity intact. Being left behind was far too painful.โ€ฉAprilโ€™s breakup had reminded her of that. If she had been the one to leave Calvin, her confidence wouldnโ€™t have been shattered.โ€ฉApril tried to make her marriage work for the sake of her daughters, which Deb respected. Good friends didnโ€™t judge. Good friends were there to listen and hold you when your world fell apart.โ€ฉAs April had once done for her. Deb helped her recover after Calvin filed for divorce, but April could have been spared much of the trauma and heartache if sheโ€™d left her husband on her terms.โ€ฉWhitley turned to Deb, pulling her from her thoughts. โ€œBefore I forget, another editor called. She asked if she could send her best writer to interview you and Ryan before the big event.โ€ Whitley named a popular travel columnist they all recognized.โ€ฉโ€œSee, youโ€™re famous now,โ€ Ella said with a wink. โ€œI wonder what heโ€™s like. Maybe youโ€™ll swipe on him.โ€โ€ฉWhen Whitley looked confused, Deb explained. โ€œYour sweetheart just heard about a dating app. These two are trying to set me up.โ€โ€ฉWhitleyโ€™s eyebrows shot up in surprise. โ€œI doubt you need any help.โ€โ€ฉโ€œOnly with an escape route,โ€ she said, grinning. Whitley knew how to read people, so they had formed an understanding and a special signal over the years. โ€œYouโ€™re always good for an urgent call for me at the front desk when I need it.โ€โ€ฉWhitleyโ€™s eyes crinkled with amusement. โ€œSimply protecting Crown Islandโ€™s most distinguished jewel. None of them were worthy of you, princess.โ€โ€ฉLooking up at him, she smiled. โ€œYou still remember that?โ€โ€ฉโ€œThe Majestic never forgets its royalty,โ€ Whitley replied. โ€œSpeaking of treats fit for a queen, might I suggest an assortment of the pastry chefโ€™s desserts? Sheโ€™s outdone herself today.โ€โ€ฉElla beamed at him. โ€œThat sounds wonderful, darling.โ€โ€ฉโ€œIโ€™ll send it right out.โ€ After a charming, courtly kiss to Ellaโ€™s hand, Whitley left.โ€ฉDeb watched him go. She suspected he had admired Ella for years, maybe even before her husband passed away. Not that he would have acted on impulse. That wasnโ€™t Whitleyโ€™s style.โ€ฉA few minutes later, a young, freckled-faced server appeared with a tray of desserts and fresh plates. โ€œYouโ€™re getting the royal treatment today.โ€โ€ฉโ€œThank you, Kelsey,โ€ Deb said as the young woman placed the sweets in the center of the table. They each put a few small bites on their dessert plates.โ€ฉSince she had been here almost every day for months, Deb knew most of the staff, and she was fond of Kelsey. In the fall, she would return to finish her degree in hospitality management at the University of San Diego. She had worked here every summer throughout school.โ€ฉโ€œWhat a heavenly celebration,โ€ Ella said, swooning over a chocolate mousse.โ€ฉWhile they continued chatting, Deb and April sampled a slice of cheesecake drizzled with mango sauce and a passionfruit crรจme brรปlรฉe.โ€ฉAs they were finishing their champagne and desserts, Aprilโ€™s eldest daughter arrived at the table.โ€ฉMaileah eyed the empty champagne bottle and dessert spread. โ€œThis looks like a celebration. Did I miss someoneโ€™s birthday?โ€โ€ฉโ€œDebโ€™s work is featured in this monthโ€™s Coastal Design & Living.โ€ April hugged her daughter.โ€ฉโ€œWhat brings you here?โ€ Deb asked.โ€ฉโ€œIโ€™ve been taking photos of Junieโ€™s shop for the new advertising campaign Iโ€™m starting for her.โ€โ€ฉDeb had watched Aprilโ€™s two daughters grow up, so they were like family. Maileah handled advertising for Junieโ€™s specialty boutique in the hotel, as well as for her growing online shop.โ€ฉMaileah was dating Sailor, a local surfer, and it seemed like they were having fun together. Her sister Junie was seeing Knox MacKenzie, whoโ€™d bought the house next door to hers on Sunshine Avenue and worked for Ryan at the hotel.โ€ฉWhen April and Ella broke into laughter at something between themselves, Maileah arched an eyebrow in amusement. โ€œIf youโ€™re finished with your party, I can give you a ride home. If Blue were to stop you, I might have to post bail.โ€โ€ฉAt the mention of the local police officer, Ella took her hand. โ€œYouโ€™re right, dear. I should leave the golf cart here. Unless Deb would like to take it.โ€โ€ฉโ€œI still have work to do.โ€ Deb rose to say goodbye to her friends. โ€œThanks for joining me to celebrate my first magazine cover.โ€โ€ฉAfter April and Ella left with Maileah, Deb sat again. A strong cup of coffee, and sheโ€™d be fine for her last tasks of the day.โ€ฉElla would soon forget about her matchmaking ideas, and Deb could cast her memories out to sea and go back to what really mattered.โ€ฉHer work.โ€ฉStill, as she gazed over the waves to the distant horizon, an old recollection nipped at the edges of her mind. Why sheโ€™d thought about that summer boy was beyond her. It had been years since sheโ€™d thought about that magical summer or the heartache that ensued.โ€ฉHad to be the champagne, she thought, nodding to Kelsey again. Strange how the mind works.โ€ฉShe ordered, and Kelsey quickly returned with a small silver pot of coffee on her way to drop off the check for the two boys, whoโ€™d finished their sundaes.โ€ฉDeb found the soft chatter across the outdoor cafe soothing. She sipped her coffee, making notes on the to-do list she kept on her phone while watching guests and locals on the beach.โ€ฉCouples and families cycled lazily along the boardwalk on beach cruisers from the hotel bike concession. Children and their parents frolicked among shallow waves, and teenagers giggled in sun loungers by the pool, watching boys splash in the water.โ€ฉShe sighed happily. She loved living here and seeing visitors delight in what the locals enjoyed every day. Crown Island was a special, artsy community. Its assortment of brightly painted houses and murals was an island tradition.โ€ฉHer home on Hibiscus Heights was splashed with purple and lavender, inspired by the lavender hibiscus flowers that had bloomed on the property for years, even before sheโ€™d bought it.โ€ฉA local artist extended the floral theme on the fence that edged her garden, creating an oasis that bloomed year-round for her. A row of lavender grandiflora roses with ruffled petals filled the area with their delicate scent.โ€ฉRoses. Yet another memory sprang to mind, the scent of soft pink roses, the first sheโ€™d ever received from a boy.โ€ฉShe ran a hand over her forehead. It was strange how old memories sheโ€™d tried to forget were still lodged in her brain. And why were they taunting her today?โ€ฉEven if that boy had changed how she lived her life.โ€ฉBehind her, the two youngsters spoke in worried tones, and Kelsey turned back to her. โ€œIs there anything else youโ€™d like?โ€โ€ฉโ€œNo, I have work to do before the big event.โ€ She signed the tab Kelsey gave her with a practiced flourish. Another furniture delivery was due shortly, so she rose to leave.โ€ฉKelsey swiveled back to the boys. As they dug into the pockets of their swim trunks, Kelsey asked, โ€œAre you sure you donโ€™t have a room card?โ€โ€ฉโ€œWe forgot it,โ€ the younger boy said, his wide blue eyes set off by his sun-bleached hair.โ€ฉโ€œHow about the room number?โ€โ€ฉThe older one shook his head, looking embarrassed. โ€œWe canโ€™t remember it. Thatโ€™s why weโ€™re still out here.โ€โ€ฉThe younger boyโ€™s eyes filled with tears. โ€œI wish Mom were here.โ€โ€ฉโ€œSo do I, but you know she canโ€™t.โ€ The older brother put his arm around the other.โ€ฉAs Deb listened, her heart went out to them.โ€ฉโ€œWhatโ€™s your parentโ€™s name?โ€ Kelsey held her pen aloft, ready to make a note.โ€ฉโ€œWeโ€™re staying here with my aunt,โ€ the older boy replied.โ€ฉโ€œOkay, whatโ€™s her name?โ€โ€ฉThe younger brother wiped his tears. โ€œHer name is Aunt Jen.โ€โ€ฉDeb hid a smile at that. They were clearly part of the summer crowd.โ€ฉKelsey tried again. โ€œThatโ€™s a pretty common name. Whatโ€™s her last name?โ€โ€ฉThe older brotherโ€™s face turned even redder under the sunburn, and he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. โ€œI donโ€™t know. She just got married again, and she told me her new name, but I canโ€™t remember it. Itโ€™s Jennifer, if that helps. When she comes back, I can ask her and tell you. Maybe theyโ€™ll eat here tonight.โ€โ€ฉDeb saw displeasure growing in Kelseyโ€™s expression, even though she was clearly trying to be patient.โ€ฉFeeling sorry for the boys, Deb took a step toward the server and said softly, โ€œPut their order on my tab.โ€โ€ฉStill, they heard her. The younger boy brightened, but the older one shook his head and lowered his eyes. โ€œWe canโ€™t do that. Our dad wouldnโ€™t like it.โ€โ€ฉDeb tried again. โ€œI respect that, but this womanโ€™s shift will be over soon, and sheโ€™ll have to close her orders. Sheโ€™ll get in trouble if the numbers donโ€™t balance. Whatโ€™s your name?โ€โ€ฉThe older boy stood awkwardly. โ€œIโ€™m Mason, and this is my brother Teddy. Iโ€™m really sorry about this.โ€โ€ฉDeb smiled and waved off his concern. โ€œItโ€™s my pleasure, Mason. I work here. And your dad doesnโ€™t need to know about this.โ€โ€ฉWhile Mason wavered, Deb nodded at Kelsey to transfer the order to her account. Sheโ€™d had signing privileges on a hotel account long before Ryan acquired the Majestic. Many of the locals did.โ€ฉLooking relieved, Mason said, โ€œThank you, maโ€™am. Weโ€™ll pay you back. You can count on that. Our dad would insist.โ€โ€ฉโ€œHeโ€™d be really mad, and heโ€™d beat us like this. Pow, pow.โ€ Teddy made motions with his small fists.โ€ฉMason caught his hands in warning. โ€œDonโ€™t do that in public. Remember what Dad said.โ€โ€ฉTeddyโ€™s eyes widened. โ€œPeople could take us for that.โ€โ€ฉDeb was alarmed by the looks the two shared. โ€œReally, itโ€™s fine. Iโ€™m happy to do it.โ€โ€ฉMason seemed embarrassed, but not only about the lunch bill. โ€œDonโ€™t pay any attention to my brother. Thank you again.โ€ He stuck out his hand.โ€ฉWhile Deb shook his hand, Teddy flung his slender arms around her waist and looked up at her. โ€œI like you. Youโ€™re nice.โ€โ€ฉShe tapped his nose. โ€œSo are you. You two have fun today. And put on more sunscreen.โ€ She reached into her bag, brought out a tube she always carried, and gave it to Mason.โ€ฉShe wiggled her fingers in a wave. โ€œSee you two around.โ€โ€ฉโ€œBye,โ€ Mason said shyly.โ€ฉThe two boys hurried off toward the beach. They were smiling now and looked like a huge weight had been lifted from their young shoulders.โ€ฉโ€œThat was kind of you to do that,โ€ Kelsey said.โ€ฉโ€œTheyโ€™re just a couple of kids on vacation.โ€ Deb was glad to help.โ€ฉStill, thinking about the conversation, she drew her brow. โ€œDid you see the look on the older brotherโ€™s face? He seemed genuinely frightened. And the younger one with his punching motions was scary. Who knows what their father might do if he were to find out. Removing that worry for them is well worth it to me.โ€โ€ฉKelsey pursed her lips. โ€œThat was a little shocking. I bet heโ€™s a real ogre. You wouldnโ€™t believe the parents I see here screaming at their kids. I know itโ€™s tough to raise children, but some parents overreact to simple mistakes.โ€โ€ฉโ€œPeople come here because they need to unwind. Hopefully, they leave in better spirits.โ€ Deb watched the boys on the beach, thinking about how embarrassed the older boy was. โ€œIโ€™ll bet Mason never forgets this.โ€โ€ฉWhile Kelsey rang up a new charge, Deb wondered about their father. The more she thought about how the boys had reacted, the more disturbed she was.โ€ฉSheโ€™d bet the parents were divorced, and the dad barely spent time with them. Sheโ€™d known her share of men who paid little attention to their children.โ€ฉThat was always a huge red flag to her. She swiped them out of her life fast.โ€ฉAt least they had their aunt to look after them.โ€ฉWhen Kelsey gave Deb the new bill to sign, she asked, โ€œOut of curiosity, why did you think to do this? No one else was ready to step up to pay for a couple of kids.โ€โ€ฉDeb signed for the charge. โ€œI like to pay kindness forward. When theyโ€™re older, maybe theyโ€™ll remember and rescue someone else.โ€โ€ฉTucking the receipt away, Kelsey nodded. โ€œI hope the universe works that way.โ€โ€ฉโ€œI like to think it does. Doing things for other people lifts my spirits, too. See you later.โ€โ€ฉDeb glanced back at the boys and chuckled at their playful antics. She would keep an eye on them during their stay.โ€ฉAs she hurried through the hotel toward the delivery docks, she decided that if she ever met Mason and Teddyโ€™s father, sheโ€™d have a few choice words for him.โ€ฉ

Book Reviews

"Wonderful characters and a sweet story." - Kellie Coates Gilbert, Bestselling Author

"Will make you feel like the sea breeze is streaming through your hair." - Laura Bradbury, Bestselling Author

"A truly enjoyable, lovely read that will lift your spirits." - Silver's Reviews

"A novel that gives fans of romantic sagas a compelling voice to follow." Booklist

Want a printbook?

Your paperbacks are printed and shipped within 3โ€“5 business days from the US, UK, Canada, or Australia. Youโ€™ll get a tracking number when your order ships. Our books and merchandise are print-on-demand items, so time is needed to process, pack securely, and ship to you. For autographed books, Jan's travel schedule may delay the order as she must be home to personalize your order and prepare your shipment. She often speaks at conferences, visits bookstores, and goes on research trips. Thank you for your understanding. (If you want her books sooner, please visit an online bookseller such as Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Books-a-Million, and other retailers. All digital products are available immediately to you via our digital distributor, Bookfunnel. 

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What products are available to purchase?

In this author shop, you'll find ebooks and audiobooks for digital devices and smart phones. If youย want physical books you can hold in your hands (or in the bathtub) like paperbacks, hardcover, or large print, visit our retail partners (Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc.) on www.janmoran.com. However, we're working on adding hold-in-your-hand books and more to this store soon!

2. How will I get my ebook or audiobook?

Your ebooks and audiobooks are delivered automatically to the email address you used at checkout.

3. How does the process works?

You should get an email from BookFunnel immediately upon purchase. If the email hasnโ€™t arrived in 5 minutes, look for it in your Spam folder -- or if you have Gmail, in your Promotions folder.

If you needย technical help with your ebook or audiobook, the friendly folks of Bookfunnel will be there to help. Otherwise, you can email them here:

help@bookfunnel.com

4. How will I read my ebook or listen to my audiobook?

You should be able to load your book on most devices. There will be instructions on how to do that on the download page.ย 

The easiest way is to install the Bookfunnel app on your eReaderย - there will be instructions for this with your download ( don't worry, it's easy!)

Youย Automatically Have Your Own Book Library at BookFunnel!

Log into BookFunnel with the email you used to purchase/download your books, and you will find your library here:

https://My.BookFunnel.com.ย 

Your library will contain all ebooks you have purchased from BookFunnel from any and all authors.

5. Will the BookFunnel app work on my device?

The Bookfunnel app works on the following:

a. Kindle Fire tablets after 2015

b. Kobo eReadersย exceptย Kobo Aura

c. Nook tablets after 2014

d. Apple devices (Apple Books, iTunes, iPads, iPhones) using a minimum of iOS 10+ (2016) (but most were upgraded to iOS 10 after 2012)

e. Android Tablets and Phones after Android 5.1(2013)

You can also read on your computer using Chrome or Firefox browser.

Unfortunately, the Bookfunnel App doesn't work on :

E-Ink devicesย  including Kindle Paperwhite, Touch, Voyage, Oasis, NOOK Glowlightย and Kobo Aura.

Internet Explorer browser

Kindle Fire 1st Gen (2011)

NOOK Color (2010), NOOK Tablet (2011), NOOK HD (2012)

6. What should I do if I don't have an e-reader device?

If you have a desktop computer or laptop or phone, you can simply install Chrome or Firefox, or read in the cloud on your phone, or sideload it onto your device (the Bookfunnel support team can help with this).ย 

help@bookfunnel.com

7. Can I get a refund on digital items?

Generally, there are no refunds on digital items unless you purchased in error or have a device that does not support the BookFunnel App. Then we're happy to accomodate you. If you're having trouble downloading, reach out to the friendly folks at BookFunnel (#3 above).

Refunds & Returns

Refunds will be given for purchases made in error but do not apply to the following goods: Digital goods: ebooks, audiobooks and gift cards. These are instant downloads.

Please choose carefully. Refunds only given if you buy a duplicate item within 48 hours of first purchase in which case the duplicate item will be refunded.

Refunds for physical goods.

View full details