by Ava Miles
Brian’s restaurant caught his eye and then Margie’s bakery, the one she’d taken over with such obvious respect for the legacy it held in town. Like Mac Maven, who’d restored The Grand Mountain Hotel, she’d added her own flavor to the business while keeping its old bones. Emmits’ university had changed too, but J.T. would ensure his friend’s legacy lived on. And now so would Caroline.
As he reached the edge of town, he looked over at Clara, the woman he’d spend the remainder of his days with. Yes, he’d done pretty well.
“You ready to see how fast this baby goes?” he asked her.
She put her hand on his knee. “I was waiting to see if you were up to it. Otherwise, I was going to drive.”
He laughed and looked over his shoulder once more before hitting the gas. Dare Valley and its people got to a man, sure as shooting.
Arthur expected his old bones would be visible for some time yet in this town he loved so dearly, and he was glad for that. The younger generation had done a bang up job so far in the changing of the guard, and he knew they would continue to do so.
Dare Valley was in good hands.
* * *
Are you wanting more of Trevor and the Merriam family? Well, Trev is kicking off the exciting new Merriam series with Arthur and Clara showing up as matchmakers. Cuddle up with WILD IRISH ROSE.
Have you read Grandpa Hale’s story when he first came to Dare Valley and worked with Emmits Merriam on his vision? If you haven’t, treat yourself with THE TOWN SQUARE.
Oh, and are you interested in reading those epic love letters J.T. gave Caroline from his grandparents during WWII? Check out LETTERS ACROSS AN OPEN SEA.
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Dear Reader,
This letter is really emotional since it marks the last Dare Valley book, my first series. Honestly when Grandpa Hale said Dare Valley was in good hands at the end, he couldn’t have been more correct. Like you, I’ve loved seeing everyone’s journey. Who hasn’t looked forward to Jill’s new antics or the kind of wackiness Rhett might get up to? But Grandpa Hale felt like he wanted to take his warm fuzzies (haha) on the road with Clara to help the Merriam kids out, and who was I to refuse him? So yes, there’s a new Merriam series…keep reading.
When I wrote NORA ROBERTS LAND, the first Dare Valley book, I wanted to create a magical small town everyone wanted to be a part of. All of you have embraced it in ways I’d never imagined, and I can’t tell you how grateful and blessed I feel. This town was modeled after ones I knew and loved, but Grandpa Hale was who I imagined my great-great grandfather, George, to be. Like I say in the dedication for this book, he was larger-than-life. He lived in the Old West. Won our family newspaper in a lucky hand of poker (maybe the coolest thing ever). Brought the town embezzler back for justice when he skipped town. Hid in a pickle jar with the town sheriff to learn some local vigilantes’ plans and stop them. But one of my favorite stories is about him writing a story exposing a corrupt federal judge and getting himself arrested—with his sheriff friend’s help—for urinating at the courthouse, no less, when he was tipped off that said judge was sending his own “guys” to bring grandpa in, likely to muscle him. Talk about an incredible figure! Even better, he worked with my great-great grandmother on the newspaper in pure partnership, a rarity back in those days. She ran the paper after he passed, and it still prints news to this day. What a remarkable story, right?
So yes, while this beloved series is finished, we’re not saying goodbye to our treasured Dare Valley friends. I like to think we’re taking the best of Dare Valley on the road. And first up will be Trevor kicking things off in Ireland. The book is called WILD IRISH ROSE, and it has an ornery cat, a mischievous Irish setter, and a famous ghost all intent on seeing Trev fail in making a business deal with Becca O’Neill, who not only won’t give Trev the time of day but also won’t serve him her award-winning scones (and that’s bad in Trevor’s world). Or course, Arthur and Clara show up to help, but their version of helping doesn’t match Trevor’s. Shock, right? I’m already laughing at their antics. The Merriam series is going to be such a fun journey, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Thanks again for being part of this beautiful family.
Lots of love,
Ava
P.S. Grandpa Hale and the rest of Dare Valley would love to hear what you thought of this book and the series, so please leave a review. Hugs and thanks.
P.P.S. The lost Rembrandt is pure fiction, but wouldn’t it have been cool?
About the Author
International Bestselling Author Ava Miles joined the ranks of beloved storytellers with her powerful messages of healing, mystery, and magic. Millions of readers have discovered her fiction and nonfiction books, praised by USA TODAY and Publisher’s Weekly. Women’s World Magazine has selected a few of her novels for their book clubs while Southwest Airlines featured the #1 National Bestseller NORA ROBERTS LAND (the name used with Ms. Roberts’ blessing) in its in-flight entertainment. Ava’s books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s Picks and are translated into multiple languages.
Ava calls herself a divine rockstar, something she believes everyone is deep down. She’s a unique expression of love and joy in the world with her own special gifts: writing stories with uplifting messages, being an intuitive healer, inspiring others to uncover their authentic selves and their highest path in the world; and creating artistic masterpieces like pottery and sculptures. And then there’s the cooking… She used to be a chef and rocks food big time.
A global awakener at the core, Ava has dedicated her life to uplifting everyone on the planet. In her former career rebuilding war zones, she worked in places like Lebanon, Colombia, Pakistan, West Bank/Gaza, and Congo to foster peaceful communities. Now she’s sharing her stories of love, forgiveness, and empowerment around the world—pretty much still changing lives.
If you’d like to connect with Ava or hear more about her upcoming books, check out the links below:
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Copyright November 2018, Ava Miles.
ISBN: 978-1-949092-04-2
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means—graphic, electronic or mechanical—without permission in writing from the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally.
www.avamiles.com
Ava Miles
Table of Contents
Title Page
Dedication
Map of Dare Valley
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
>
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Epilogue
Dear Reader
About the Author