Introducing: SMOOTH SAILING: A Second Chance Romance

I'm pleased to announce the release of my newest novel, SMOOTH SAILING: A Second Chance Romance. If you've read my books, either women's fiction or romance, you know I'm all about second chances. I enjoy writing a romance featuring a more mature couple. They offer a different substance that comes from lived experience. I hope you enjoy reading Edie and Adam's story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Here's a brief excerpt to whet your appetite.

Edie folded the papers and deposited her ID and passport in her purse, clutching her cruise card. “Thanks.” Her heart pounded as she exited the building and stood before the massive ship. She tilted her face up into the sun and slowly took in the full height of the vessel.

Someone bumped her shoulder, and the overnight bag slid down her arm to the ground.

“Oops, sorry.” The voice, a smooth baritone, hummed in her ear.

As she bent to retrieve the bag, the man did the same. Their faces nearly collided. Edie stared into the warmest whiskey brown eyes she had ever seen. Her breath caught.

The man picked up the bag and glanced at the name tag attached. “I’m sorry…Eden. I should watch where I’m going.” He continued to grasp her bag. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

“Pardon?”

“These ships are amazing. Every time I board one, I have to stop to take in the grandeur.”

She squinted at him and placed an open palm across her brow to block the sun. “Yes. Amazing.” Graying dark hair framed a tanned face. Dark brown eyes flecked with gold smiled down at her. “Do I know you?” she asked.

“I doubt it. I would have remembered our meeting. You are Eden…?”

“Edi…Eden Montgomery. You look very familiar.”

“Eden—like the proverbial paradise garden?”

A flush spread across her chest. “I…uh…” Was he flirting?

“Adam Armstrong.”

Adam, as in the first man on earth? The thought went unspoken. Recognition of the name hit her. “Oh, the travel guy from the magazine.” She shifted the squint from her right eye to her left.

Adam laughed. “That’s me. The travel guy.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Other passengers edged past them to ascend the gangway. “Well, perhaps we should board.” She reached for her bag.

“I’ve got it.” He placed a hand at her elbow to steer her toward the ramp. And the old Edie allowed him to do so.

“Is this your first cruise?” Adam asked.

“Yes. Does it show?”

“Not really. Well, maybe a little. Most passengers don’t stare at the ship like they’re entering the Emerald City.”

“That’s me—Dorothy. Or maybe I’m the lion.”

“Cowardly?”

“I used to be.”

Available now in e-book at Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords. Coming soon to trade paperback.