by: Ann Swann
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 6, 2024
Publisher: 5 Prince Publishing
Laynie & Trace. The first day of her new second-grade school year in tiny Beach Way, Oregon, Laynie and Trace became fast friends. Through the years, their friendship deepened into young love. They did everything together. Then tragedy took the life of his beloved sister, and because of the circumstances of her death, Trace felt compelled to move as far from Beach Way as possible. Laynie was left behind, heartbroken, and alone. But she was no quitter. She picked herself up and, with her family’s help, made a wonderful new life for herself. She heard he’d done the same down in Texas. But now he was back, standing in the doorway of her precious flower shop, taking up all the space the same way he’d always done. Her Trace, larger than life. What was he doing here, after all this time?
As he clasped her to his chest, the steady beat of Trace’s big heart finally began to calm her. It thumped strong and solid, just the way she remembered.
They stood that way, her cheek to his chest, for eons—or at least a split second—until she finally gained a measure of control and pushed herself lightly away. “I still can’t believe it’s you.”
“I’m an idiot,” he said. “I’ve missed you. All these years—”
“No,” Laynie shook her head. “Don’t say that.” She cleared the stupid tears collecting in the back of her throat and managed to get herself around the end of the counter so that it was physically between them.
Trace ducked his head and rubbed the edge of his thumb along the corner of his mouth, a small gesture she knew well, one that meant he was contemplating what to say next.
Keeping herself carefully out of his reach, Laynie said, “I’m closing up now.” She pulled the door open, surprised as a big gust of cold air shivered its way inside, setting the red bubble hearts a-sway.
She aimed her key fob at the Jeep and started the engine. Opening the shop door hadn’t been necessary, but her mind was scattered, running on instinct.
She needed him to go, but she wanted him to stay. Wanted him to somehow turn back time. Turn back the years to the Trace he’d been before the tragedy that had changed all their lives. Back to the Trace she’d loved and lost.
They stood that way, her cheek to his chest, for eons—or at least a split second—until she finally gained a measure of control and pushed herself lightly away. “I still can’t believe it’s you.”
“I’m an idiot,” he said. “I’ve missed you. All these years—”
“No,” Laynie shook her head. “Don’t say that.” She cleared the stupid tears collecting in the back of her throat and managed to get herself around the end of the counter so that it was physically between them.
Trace ducked his head and rubbed the edge of his thumb along the corner of his mouth, a small gesture she knew well, one that meant he was contemplating what to say next.
Keeping herself carefully out of his reach, Laynie said, “I’m closing up now.” She pulled the door open, surprised as a big gust of cold air shivered its way inside, setting the red bubble hearts a-sway.
She aimed her key fob at the Jeep and started the engine. Opening the shop door hadn’t been necessary, but her mind was scattered, running on instinct.
She needed him to go, but she wanted him to stay. Wanted him to somehow turn back time. Turn back the years to the Trace he’d been before the tragedy that had changed all their lives. Back to the Trace she’d loved and lost.
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Ann’s stories began to win awards in her college days. Since then she’s published novels, novellas, and short stories. But even if no one ever bought another book, Ann wouldn’t stop writing. For her, it’s the cathartic pause in a sometimes-crazy world. Most of the time, it even keeps her sane.
Places to find Ann Swann:
You can follow the A Trace of Romance Blurb Blitz here.
Looks like a good book.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry. I appreciate that. Ann Swann
DeleteThanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteThe cover looks cute. Sounds like story I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. It's a bit of a Valentine story. (Ann Swann)
DeleteThis looks really interesting. Thanks for hosting this tour.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michael, and thanks to the host, too! (Ann Swann)
DeleteI just love the cover - perfect for the title.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michele. The color of the cover matches the interior of the beach house in the story. (Ann Swann)
DeleteSounds like a book I will like.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rita. It's a short, sweet, romance with a touch of drama. (Ann Swann)
DeleteI've been a fan of Ann Swann's work for a very long time. I absolutely loved this novella. The characters were real, honest, and I could really relate to their story. Left me with a good feeling when I was finished. Highly recommend.
ReplyDeletelove the excerpt, sounds like there's more to the story
ReplyDeletelooks like a fun one
ReplyDeleteThis is a great romance read!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing it.
If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
ReplyDeleteHow long on average does it take you to write a
ReplyDeletebook?
How did you decide on the cover for this book?
ReplyDelete