by Amy Lyon
“Is it always this hot here?” she asked as Matt jogged down the driveway to meet her. “I’m not complaining. I just didn’t realize...”
He swung his keys casually around his forefinger and spread his arms wide. “This—” he tipped his face to the sun “—is February in Mimosa Key. A little slice of heaven.”
She fell into step next to him. “Guess I’m not used to heaven.”
He gave her a once-over. “No kidding. You’re dressed like a snowstorm’s coming.”
Andi peeled off the Boho-style cardigan to reveal a black tank top. She caught Matt watching her with interest.
“That’s better, isn’t it?” he asked and a slow smile pulled at the corners of his lips. “Hey, how long you here for?”
“I leave Monday.”
“Just three days?”
Andi didn’t miss the disapproving tone in his voice. “Yeah, funeral leave.” She waited a beat. “I have to get back. There’s a promotion I’m up for and—” she took a deep breath “—well, I’ve worked really hard for this.”
“Ah,” he said. “The career-versus-family conundrum.”
She snorted. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Matt held up his hands. “Nothing. Just seems to be what everyone struggles with these days.”
Family drama. Career drama. He didn’t need to hear about either from her, so she let the comment fade.
“Where are we going?” She pointed behind them at the house she’d parked her rental car at. “I thought you were taking me to my mother’s place.”
He motioned down the street. “Millie’s... Oh, that’s right. You’re the awful daughter who doesn’t visit.”
She bristled at the sting she felt at his words, but playfully swatted at him to keep the mood light. “Are you sure you’re a pastor?”
Deep laughter floated up from his throat. “You wouldn’t guess it, would you?” He threw a thumb over his shoulder. “That’s my house.”
She looked at the khaki-colored one-story with a red clay-tile roof and arched portico. She liked that this wasn’t a cookie-cutter neighborhood. There were two-story homes, large lots, small lots and plenty of palm trees.
Then something dawned on her.
“Wait. Are you the Matty my mom always talks about? Who weed-whips her lawn and takes her garbage to the street?”
“Only when the mowers do a shoddy job or I see that the trash isn’t by the road Thursday mornings when I leave for work.”
“My mother mentions you every time I talk to her, which, admittedly, isn’t that often, but you watch out for her.” She tapped his forearm with the back of her hand. “Thank you.”
He shrugged and pushed his hands into the pockets of his pants. “No big deal. That’s how people are around here.”
Andi huffed. “Well, you’re lucky. My condo could be burglarized and my neighbors wouldn’t bat an eye.”
“Bad neighborhood?”
“Naw.” Andi shook her head. “Just a bunch of workaholics in the city who don’t have time for each other.” She should know. She was one of them. But maybe there’d come a day when she’d settle down, have a family and live in a nice neighborhood like this.
She stole another look at him. “I figured you were a young kid by the way she talked about you. Matty this. Matty that. Like the paperboy or something.”
He clearly fought back a smile and Andi struggled not to stare, because Matty Cooke had dimples to die for. Whoa! Easy girl! She focused on the road in front of them and felt especially thankful for her sunglasses. She was pretty sure the way she’d looked at him—Pastor Cooke—was a sin in somebody’s book.
Divine Interruption can be found on Amazon by clicking HERE
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Acknowledgements
Behind every one of my Stories That Inspire is a masterful team that helps to bring these stories to life. Special thanks for Divine Connection go out to cover designer, Robin Ludwig Design, and editing/proofreading master, Rainey Toomey.
An extra special thank you to my son, Wyatt, who keeps me on task by requesting daily word count updates and offering encouraging words like, “Good idea, mommy. You should totally put a dog in this story!”
Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank God for giving me the gift of writing and always providing me with instructions for my next project, and putting people in my life who will encourage and support my work. For I know the plans I have for you... Jeremiah 29:11
Also by Amy Lyon...
Reviews for Divine Interruption
Couldn’t put it down
In a word ... wow. Make sure you are in a comfy chair when you start reading because you won’t put this down until you have read the last page. The world within these pages truly comes alive.
(Tony M. – Amazon)
Sweet romantic read
Amy Lyon has written a nice sweet romance that is rooted in the problems of today's world... These characters are interesting, realistic & well developed. This is a really lovely novella about love without being explicit.
(Pam D. – Amazon)
Hopefully sweet romance
Great characters that I fell in love with immediately. This was an easy read that kept me interested in the story so I didn't want to stop reading. I love the sweet romance without getting too steamy for me. I'd love to see what comes next for Andi and Matthew.
(J.R. – Goodreads)
Beautiful story
This book hit me in just the right way. It tells the story of how two people, each on their own path, came together according to a greater plan. So beautiful!
(Alice – Amazon)
A romance that leaves you feeling hopeful!
There were some secrets that will make you wonder about them and keep you anticipating the next chapter. I actually stayed up way too late finishing the book. If you're looking for a romance that's not filled with vulgar smut and bad language, yet has a great story line that is written very well, THIS IS THE BOOK! Interesting characters who are faced with real struggles and difficult decisions, and through it all discover what is really important in life even through the ups and downs ... and find a little bit of paradise along the way.
(Sandy S. – Amazon)
Very interesting story line - job or family
Many people face this every day. The plot was well put together and the story moved at a good pace. I had to read this one straight through, couldn’t put it down until I finished. First time for this author and I really enjoyed this one. (Alice – Goodreads)
Reviews for Only God Knows Why
A beautifully written memoir
It's hard to find the words for beautifully written memoir. You must have a box a tissue at all times while reading Amy's journey through joy, struggles, tragedy and finding a balance in her life. There is humor mixed with sadness within the pages and you'll want to reach through the pages and hug Amy. (Jody – Goodreads)
I very highly recommend this book!
I literally could not put this book down once I picked it up. I lost my son a little over three years ago and Amy's words spoke straight to my heart. I felt so connected to her, Isabelle, and her entire family. (Megan – Goodreads)
Best book I’ve read in a long time
Yesterday I started one of the best books I have ever read. I want to ask you to purchase this - for your library, your daughters, your book clubs, your church reading groups... I am purchasing a copy for my daughter and my church. (Jeanne – Amazon)
Touching
This was an ‘open book’ about an honest young woman that reveals the touching story of her struggles with God. I would highly recommend this to anyone with children, and especially to anyone who knows someone who has lost a child. She is a gifted writer and I truly felt her raw emotions come thru on each page. I was very touched.
(Barbara M. – Amazon)
Relatable story
I haven't read a book in a long time that I haven't been able to put down. If I hadn't had a family commitment, I would have stayed up all night and finished this book. This is an amazing story about a family living with depression after child birth and the horror of losing a child. Amy Lyon is a wonderful writer who has the knack of telling her story in a way that we can all relate. I would recommend this book to anyone. Please share this book with all of your friends and family. (Janice – Amazon)