A postcard from puffin i.., p.26
A Postcard from Puffin Island,
p.26
‘Would you both excuse me for a minute whilst I say thank you to a few people?’ said Sam.
Standing next to Pete and Betty, Verity realised that this was the happiest she’d felt in a long time. Everything had slotted into place for her.
‘I want to thank you,’ said Pete, looking at Verity. ‘For finding the postcard and coming into our lives. It’s because of you the whole truth has come out and we can all finally start to move on. You know, when Betty told me you were Hetty’s granddaughter I immediately thought there was a possibility you could be my granddaughter.’
‘The thought crossed my mind, too,’ admitted Verity.
‘There’s a part of me that wishes you were.’
Verity took hold of Pete’s hand. ‘We may not be biologically related, but if I could adopt you as my grandfather that would make me very happy.’
Immediately the tears welled up in Pete’s eyes. ‘That’s the nicest thing anyone has asked me for a long time. It would be my absolute honour.’ He hugged Verity tightly.
‘You daft pair of buggers,’ cut in Betty, teasing, but her eyes were filled with happy tears.
Sam was suddenly back at Verity’s side. ‘What have I missed?’
‘Nothing,’ replied Verity, slipping her hand into his. ‘All of you are very lucky to have each other.’
‘And we’re lucky you came into our lives. Do you fancy some fish and chips?’
‘I do!’
As they walked towards the fish and chip van, Sam smiled at Verity.
‘Why are you smiling at me like that?’
‘I was just thinking what an incredible woman you are.’
‘I can’t argue with that!’ She grinned, leaning in and kissing him on his cheek.
They stood for a moment and gazed at all the islanders gathered on the beach.
‘I used to wonder what life was all about, but it’s this community right here in the bay. No matter which way the tide turns, true friends are never apart. Can life get any better than this?’
‘Oh yes,’ replied Sam with a glint in his eye. ‘I promise you that it can.’
Acknowledgements
Welcome to Puffin Island!
I’m super excited to be bringing you the first book in my brand new series, A Postcard from Puffin Island. This series was inspired by two things. Firstly, a trip to Holy Island (Lindisfarne), which is situated off the Northumberland coast in the north east of England, just a few miles south of the border of Scotland and secondly, a postcard I discovered in an antique shop in the heart of Staffordshire. Written on the postcard was a cryptic message which led to the creation of this story.
I really can’t believe this is my twenty-second book to be published and there is a long list of truly fabulous folk I need to thank who have been instrumental in crafting this novel into one I’m truly proud of.
The clever team at One More Chapter, who are utterly fabulous. I still pinch myself that I am a part of this fantastic publishing family. I’m hugely grateful for everyone’s hard work and especially to the gorgeous Charlotte Ledger who turns my stories into books. You are the best.
My editor, the wickedly smart Laura McCallen, when she’s not rubbing shoulders with royalty, Laura is working hard on my books to make them as best as they can possibly be.
My copy editor, Tony Russell, who has been with me throughout my Love Heart Lane journey and has now packed his suitcase and is spending his vacations on Puffin Island.
Love and thanks as always to my family, Emily, Jack, Ruby and Tilly.
A special mention to my daughter Ruby Barlow who designed the map of Puffin Island which you will discover in the front of this book! We had great fun coming up with all the names of the places you can visit on the island as well as walking around graveyards to discover characters names.
Of course, I have to thank my two writing partners in crime, Woody, my mad cocker spaniel and Nellie, my loon of a labradoodle. I couldn’t never imagine being without either of you.
My amazing best friend Anita Redfern, who is simply the best and makes me a happier human. I love you dearly.
Big love to Julie Wetherill, you rock!
A special thank you to Bella Osborne, who brainstorms with me often … very often! And is always at the end of the phone when I need her most, usually when I’m near the end of my novel and I’m convinced I don’t actually have a story!
Thanks to Deborah Carr & Glynis Peters for the great laughs in Jersey. The word of the weekend was yumnuts and a wonderful time was spent touring the stunning coves whilst talking all things bookish.
Thank you to all the book bloggers, booksellers and library staff for reviewing and recommending my novels. And of course, a huge thank you to my lovely readers. I wouldn’t have the best job in the world if it wasn’t for you choosing my books to read.
I have without a doubt enjoyed writing every second of this book and I really hope you enjoy hanging out with Verity and Sam on Puffin Island. Please do let me know!
Happy reading!
Warm wishes,
Christie x
Thank you for reading…
We hope you enjoyed A Postcard from Puffin Island!
Do leave a review if so on all your preferred platforms to help spread the word!
You can also catch up on the rest of the series by clicking on the covers below…
And why not try one of Christie’s heartwarming standalones?
The Cosy Canal Boat Dream is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy set in the idyllic safe harbour of Little Rock marina, where Nell came to escape, never expecting that she would meet a charming Irishman who would change her life along the way.
Get your copy right here!
A Home at Honeysuckle Farm is a bewitching story of family secrets and second chances following the rocky journey of Alice Parker when she returns to her quiet rural home of Brook Bridge to tend to her beloved Grandie thirteen years after first leaving for the bright lights of New York City.
Get your copy right here!
Be sure to follow Christie on Twitter @ChristieJBarlow, on Facebook also @ChristieJBarlow, and check out her website at christiebarlow.com for all the updates on her latest work.
Christie Barlow is the number one international bestselling author of twenty-two romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty's Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.
Her writing career came as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams.
Christie writes about love, life, friendships and the importance of community spirit. She loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Also by Christie Barlow
The Love Heart Lane Series
Love Heart Lane
Foxglove Farm
Clover Cottage
Starcross Manor
The Lake House
Primrose Park
Heartcross Castle
The New Doctor at Peony Practice
New Beginnings at the Old Bakehouse
The Hidden Secrets of Bumblebee Cottage
A Summer Surprise at the Little Blue Boathouse
A Winter Wedding at Starcross Manor
The Library on Love Heart Lane
The Vintage Flower Van on Love Heart Lane
Standalones
Kitty's Countryside Dream
The Cosy Canal Boat Dream
A Home at Honeysuckle Farm
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Christie Barlow, A Postcard from Puffin Island
