Sadie’s parents had loved the island—they’d visited two weeks ago. They were still in counseling and seemed to be doing well. They were determined to work on their issues. Sadie was hopeful they were on their way to a better relationship. The three of them had an honest discussion about Sadie’s childhood. Her parents felt terrible about the instability they’d put her through and apologized for hurting her. It had been a tearful but healing night.

  Later that week the Fords had them all over to dinner one evening, and the families got along well. Her parents adored Sam, as she’d known they would.

  Now Sadie and Sam reached the backyard, and out of habit she headed straight for the Little Library. She would let Rio out after she checked on her books. She’d had precious little time to maintain it recently as she’d been busy writing her second romance novel.

  Because, yes, her first book had actually been quite a hit. It hadn’t made a big bestseller list or scored a national TV interview, but she’d enjoyed a very successful launch. In only one month the book had earned out, and Rosewood House had already offered her a four-book contract. She had at least a few more romance novels in her.

  Sam was right at her side as she opened the door of the library. Though the beach path was lit, the inside of the box remained dark.

  “Need a little help?” He shone his phone flashlight, illuminating the full shelves.

  “Thanks. I need to put another one of my books in here. I added one the other day but somebody already—Oh. They must’ve brought it back.” Sulking, Sadie pulled it from the top shelf. “Hopefully they didn’t hate it.”

  “I’m sure that’s not the case.”

  “The binding hasn’t even been creased. It looks like they didn’t even—Huh.” She frowned. The cover wasn’t lying flat, as if there was something inside. Sadie flipped it open and found—

  A ring.

  An engagement ring tied somehow to the title page with a white ribbon. She sucked in a breath. Her heart pounded in her chest. She glanced up to find Sam . . .

  Kneeling beside her.

  Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my gosh.”

  “The last ring you found in that library took us on a journey that led us right here. And I hope this ring will lead us on an even longer journey that takes you everyplace you want to go.”

  Her eyes filled with tears. She couldn’t so much as breathe past the feelings swelling inside.

  “Sadie Goodwin . . . I love you more than I ever thought I could love a woman. I’ve loved you from near and loved you from afar, but I’m ready to have you by my side every day for the rest of my life. I hope you want that too. Will you marry me?”

  Sadie dropped down to her knees—mostly because her legs failed. “Oh, Sam, I love you so much. Yes. Yes to all that and so much more.”

  He took her mouth in a kiss that stole the rest of her breath. His arms tightened around her and she threaded her fingers into his lovely hair. This man. She would move across the world to be with him. And even better—she knew he would do the same for her.

  It was minutes before they came up for air. As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Sadie soaked up his love for her. His was a steady kind of love. He’d proven that over and over during their months together and apart. They’d failed each other a time or two. And they’d talked it out and come to a resolution.

  They were not her parents.

  She thought of what had just happened and blinked. It still seemed surreal. Her lips ticked up. “I can’t believe you proposed with my book. How perfect—how thoughtful.”

  The ring. She searched for the book, which had fallen to the ground at some point. She grabbed it and opened to the page. She couldn’t wait to get that ring on her finger. Her fingers trembled as she worked the ribbon.

  “Here, let me.” He helped her untie the meticulous knot. “I couldn’t bring myself to mutilate your beautiful book.”

  “What if someone had taken it while we were at the restaurant?”

  “I had my mom and dad slip it inside the box when we were leaving the restaurant. They were thrilled to have a role in our big night.”

  By the time he pulled the ring from the ribbon, they were sitting side by side on the grass. He held the twinkling marquise diamond set on a silver band and she lifted her hand. It slid easily onto her finger.

  She waggled it this way and that under the moonlight. Then she beamed up at him. “It’s beautiful. Perfect. I couldn’t have chosen better myself.”

  “I’m glad you like it. But there’s one more thing . . .”

  She pressed a palm to her chest, releasing a huff. “My heart’s already about to leap right out. I don’t think I can stand any more.”

  “Do you think you could stand to live here?”

  “Of course. We’ve already talked about this. I’m happy to move here to be with you. I can find a job at a local school and write during the summers, just like I do in New York.”

  He kissed her hand, his eyes twinkling in the dark. “No, love, I mean here.” He glanced up at the house.

  She let her gaze follow his, then darted it back to his face. Did he . . . ? Was he saying . . . ?

  “I asked Mrs. Miller if she’d put the showings on hold. I’d like for us to buy it. We can rent out the other side and nearly cover the mortgage with rent alone.”

  She couldn’t imagine anything more perfect. She threw herself into his arms. “Oh, Sam, I love that idea. Yes, let’s do it.” She drew away enough to glance back at the house, then turned and faced him again, beaming. “I love that we’ll be living where we first met. Where we fell in love. It just feels so right.”

  He gave her a lazy grin, affection glittering in his eyes. “Know what else feels right?”

  “What’s that?”

  “You.” He slowly brushed her mouth with his. “Us.” He kissed her again. “Forever,” he said against her lips.

  Oh, she did like the way he thought. She couldn’t seem to tear her mouth from his for long enough to say it. But that was okay. There would be plenty of time for conversation later.

  Discussion Questions

  Who was your favorite character and why?

  If you were asked to write an autobiographical romance novel, what would you title it?

  Sadie dreamed of being a novelist. Do you have a dream that you’re pursuing? Discuss.

  How did you feel about the epigraphs that opened each chapter? Did you learn anything about writing romance novels? If so, what?

  Did you feel it was wrong of Sadie to withhold her story’s plot from Sam? Why or why not?

  Sometimes children misconstrue things that happened in their childhood the way Sadie did. Did that happen to you? What resulted from that misunderstanding?

  Discuss how fear of finding herself in a marriage like her parents’ caused Sadie to make poor decisions.

  Do you think Sam should have forgiven his cousin and Amanda sooner? Discuss.

  The betrayal in Sam’s past affected his ability to trust others. Has that ever happened to you? What was the result?

  Sam ran from his reality and Sadie ran from her feelings. Have you ever run from anything? How did that work out?

  Acknowledgments

  Bringing a book to market takes a lot of effort from many different people. I’m so incredibly blessed to partner with the fabulous team at HarperCollins Christian Fiction, led by publisher Amanda Bostic: Patrick Aprea, Kimberly Carlton, Caitlin Halstead, Jodi Hughes, Margaret Kercher, Becky Monds, Kerri Potts, Nekasha Pratt, Anna Sudberry, Savannah Summers, Taylor Ward, and Laura Wheeler.

  Not to mention all the wonderful sales reps and amazing people in the rights department—special shout-out to Robert Downs!

  Thanks especially to my editor, Kimberly Carlton. Your incredible insight and inspiration helped me take the story deeper, and for that I am so grateful! Thanks also to my line editor, Julee Schwarzburg, whose attention to detail makes me look like a better writer than I really am.

  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my writer friend Janine Rosche. When brainstorming this story I knew I wanted Sadie to find something inside a book that would lead her on a quest. The ring in the hidden compartment was Janine’s suggestion. Thank you, Janine, for that inspired idea!

  Author Colleen Coble is my first reader and sister of my heart. Thank you, friend! This writing journey has been ever so much more fun because of you.

  I’m grateful to my agent, Karen Solem, who’s able to somehow make sense of the legal garble of contracts and, even more amazing, help me understand it.

  To my husband, Kevin, who has supported my dreams in every way possible—I’m so grateful! To all our kiddos: Chad, Trevor and Babette, and Justin and Hannah, who have favored us with two beautiful granddaughters. Every stage of parenthood has been a grand adventure, and I look forward to all the wonderful memories we have yet to make!

  A hearty thank you to all the booksellers who make room on their shelves for my books—I’m deeply indebted! And to all the book bloggers and reviewers, whose passion for fiction is contagious—thank you!

  Lastly, thank you, friends, for letting me share this story with you! I wouldn’t be doing this without you. Your notes, posts, and reviews keep me going on the days when writing doesn’t flow so easily. I appreciate your support more than you know.

  I enjoy connecting with friends on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter. Please pop over and say hello. Visit my website at www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or just drop me a note at Deniseahunter@comcast.net. I’d love to hear from you!

  About the Author

  Photo by Amber Zimmerman

  DENISE HUNTER is the internationally published, bestselling author of more than forty books, three of which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won the Holt Medallion Award, the Reader’s Choice Award, the Carol Award, the Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking chai lattes, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana, where she and her husband raised three boys and are now enjoying an empty nest and two beautiful granddaughters.

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  DeniseHunterBooks.com

  Facebook: @AuthorDeniseHunter

  Twitter: @DeniseAHunter

  Instagram: @deniseahunter

  Praise for Denise Hunter

  “A tragic accident gives a divorced couple a second chance at love in the warmhearted third installment of Hunter’s Riverbend Romance series (after Mulberry Hollow) . . . Readers looking for an uplifting Christian romance will appreciate how Laurel and Gavin’s faith helps dispel their deep-rooted fears so they can find a way to love again. Inspirational fans will find this hard to resist.”

  —Publishers Weekly on Harvest Moon

  “Denise Hunter has a way of bringing depth and an aching beauty into her stories, and Harvest Moon is no different. Harvest Moon is a beautiful tale of second chances, self-sacrifice, and renewed romance that addresses hard topics such as child death and dissolved marriages. In a beautiful turn of events, Hunter brings unexpected healing out of a devastating situation, subtly reminding the reader that God can create beauty out of the most painful of circumstances and love from the most broken stories.”

  —Pepper Basham, author of The Heart of the Mountains and Authentically, Izzy

  “A poignant romance that’s perfect for fans of emotional love stories that capture your heart from the very first page. With her signature style, Denise Hunter whisks readers into a world where broken hearts are mended, lives are changed, and love really does conquer all!”

  —Courtney Walsh, New York Times bestselling author, on Mulberry Hollow

  “Hunter delivers a touching story of how family dynamics and personal priorities shift when love takes precedence. Hunter’s fans will love this.”

  —Publishers Weekly on Riverbend Gap

  “Denise Hunter has never failed to pen a novel that whispers messages of hope and brings a smile to my face. Bookshop by the Sea is no different! With a warmhearted community, a small beachside town, a second-chance romance worth rooting for, and cozy bookshop vibes, this is a story you’ll want to snuggle into like a warm blanket.”

  —Melissa Ferguson, author of Meet Me in the Margins

  “Sophie and Aiden had me hooked from page one, and I was holding my breath until the very end. Denise nails second-chance romance in Bookshop by the Sea. I adored this story! Five giant stars!”

  —Jenny Hale, USA TODAY bestselling author

  “Autumn Skies is the perfect roundup to the Bluebell Inn series. The tension and attraction between Grace and Wyatt is done so well, and the mystery kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Prepare to be swept away to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in a flurry of turning pages.”

  —Nancy Naigle, USA TODAY bestselling author of Christmas Angels

  “Carolina Breeze is filled with surprises, enchantment, and a wonderful depth of romance. Denise Hunter gets better with every novel she writes, and that trend has hit a high point with this wonderful story.”

  —Hannah Alexander, author of The Wedding Kiss

  “A breeze of brilliance! Denise Hunter’s Carolina Breeze will blow you away with a masterful merge of mystery, chemistry, and memories restored in this lakeside love story of faith, family, and fortune.”

  —Julie Lessman, award-winning author

  “Summer by the Tides is a perfect blend of romance and women’s fiction.”

  —Sherryl Woods, #1 New York Times bestselling author

  “Denise Hunter once again proves she’s the queen of romantic drama. Summer by the Tides is both a perfect beach romance and a dramatic story of second chances. If you like Robyn Carr, you’ll love Denise Hunter.”

  —Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author of One Little Lie

  “I have never read a romance by Denise Hunter that didn’t sweep me away into a happily ever after. Treat yourself!”

  —Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Cross My Heart, for On Magnolia Lane

  “Sweetbriar Cottage is a story to fall in love with. True-to-life characters, high stakes, and powerful chemistry blend to tell an emotional story of reconciliation.”

  —Brenda Novak, New York Times bestselling author

  “Sweetbriar Cottage is a wonderful story, full of emotional tension and evocative prose. You’ll feel involved in these characters’ lives and carried along by their story as tension ratchets up to a climactic and satisfying conclusion. Terrific read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

  —Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author

  “Falling Like Snowflakes is charming and fun with a twist of mystery and intrigue. A story that’s sure to endure as a classic reader favorite.”

  —Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author of The Fifth Avenue Story Society

  “Barefoot Summer is a satisfying tale of hope, healing, and a love that’s meant to be.”

  —Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

  Also by Denise Hunter

  Stand-Alone Novels

  Bookshop by the Sea

  Summer by the Tides

  Sweetbriar Cottage

  Sweetwater Gap

  The Riverbend Romance Novels

  Riverbend Gap

  Mulberry Hollow

  Harvest Moon

  Wildflower Falls (available September 2023)

  The Bluebell Inn Novels

  Lake Season

  Carolina Breeze

  Autumn Skies

  The Blue Ridge Novels

  Blue Ridge Sunrise

  Honeysuckle Dreams

  On Magnolia Lane

  The Summer Harbor Novels

  Falling Like Snowflakes

  The Goodbye Bride

  Just a Kiss

  The Chapel Springs Romance Series

  Barefoot Summer

  A December Bride (novella)

  Dancing with Fireflies

  The Wishing Season

  Married ’til Monday

  The Big Sky Romance Series

  A Cowboy’s Touch

  The Accidental Bride

  The Trouble with Cowboys

  Nantucket Love Stories

  Surrender Bay

  The Convenient Groom

  Seaside Letters

  Driftwood Lane

  Novellas Included in

  This Time Around, Smitten, Secretly Smitten, and Smitten Book Club

  Copyright

  A Novel Proposal

  Copyright © 2023 Denise Hunter

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.

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