Uh-oh. What’s Dad up to?
Ryan seemed to know what was on her mind.
“Don’t worry about your dad,” he said. “God is going to work out all things for his good.”
*
As the trolley driver drove them straight toward Rosa Pendegrast Lane, Tamsyn thanked God for the air-conditioner.
“Remind me again why we decided to marry in July?” But she already knew the answer.
“Because the house wasn’t ready in April when the azaleas bloomed.” Ryan eyed the wrapped gift on Tamsyn’s lap. “Is that from my mother?”
Tamsyn nodded. She untied the lovely ribbons, and loosened the sprig of silk flowers entwined in them. She carefully tore open the thick wrapping paper.
She gasped.
It was an old leather-bound Bible, its edges slightly worn.
She looked at Ryan, who only smiled.
Tamsyn read the card inside. “To my daughter-in-law. May God bless your marriage. From your mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law.”
She chuckled. “A lot of ‘in-laws’ in there.”
“That’s my mother. She puts you in your place.”
“I’m sure she means well.” Tamsyn opened the Bible to the copyright page. “This Bible was printed in 1811.”
“It’s even older than your mom’s lost Bible.”
“The Word of God is never lost, Ryan.” Tamsyn remembered one of the verses that Mom had loved to read to her from I Peter 1:24-25. She found the passage in her new Bible.
“‘For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.’”
“The word of God endures forever,” Ryan echoed.
“Where do you think your mom found this Bible?”
“My guess is that she bought it at an antiquarian bookstore in Cirencester. We’ll ask her next week. I do know that she rarely goes anywhere anymore, though she made it to our wedding.”
“I think I’m going to like your mom.”
“Don’t get too cozy. We’re not moving to England, not after we’ve spent all year renovating our new family home.”
“Savannah is our home,” Tamsyn said.
“Hmmm.” Ryan’s fingers fiddled with the ringlets in Tamsyn’s hair as the trolley navigated old Savannah squares where Tamsyn had conducted walking tours. “I enjoyed our tours. I remember walking on that sidewalk over there.”
“You took every tour Tamsyn Tours offers. I wasn’t sure what to expect when you hopped on the trolley for the first time for the Historic Homes Tour.”
“And it was nice of you to give me free tour tickets for filling in for you at your office just before the Colonial Squares Tour. Remember that one? Your guide had stomach flu or something.”
“Yeah, Mike did. I’m glad you were there and that you helped,” Tamsyn said. “Much appreciated.”
Ryan scooted closer to her on the bench seat. “When we come home from England, let’s get on one of those Friday night couples’ cruises. We’ll do it right this time.”
Tamsyn blushed.
“That too.” Ryan held Tamsyn’s hands in his.
Tamsyn felt his thumbs rubbing against her palms. Saying nothing more, he smiled into her eyes, and pressed his forehead gently against hers like he had done the day they had tea on her back porch.
As if sensing she was waiting for it, Ryan reached for her lips, and Tamsyn knew they were his for a lifetime.
Farewell from Ryan and Tamsyn
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
―Romans 8:28
Thank You
Thank you for reading WALK YOU THERE, Book 5 in Jan Thompson’s Savannah Sweethearts series celebrating faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ.
Your honest review of WALK YOU THERE would be appreciated and would help other readers to discover books that they might enjoy.
If this is the first Savannah Sweethearts book you are reading, know that there are 4 books preceding this one in the series, starting with KNOW YOU MORE. Also, there are 3 more books coming to complete the series.
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Savannah Sweethearts: JanThompson.com/savannah
Subscribe to Jan’s newsletter for book release news: JanThompson.com/newsletter
About Savannah Sweethearts
Clean and Wholesome Multiethnic Contemporary Christian Romances Celebrating Faith, Hope, and Love
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Welcome to the multiethnic new South, to Savannah and Tybee Island, two of Jan Thompson’s favorite coastal Georgia towns by the Atlantic Ocean. Eight churchgoing friends go about their daily businesses when they meet the loves of their lives. What is God’s will for these Christians?
Against a backdrop of ocean, sand, and sun, these clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian romances showcase aspects of the human need for God and for one another. Have some tea, settle on a comfortable reading chair, and enjoy these sweet celebrations of faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ.
You are reading WALK YOU THERE, Book 5 of the Savannah Sweethearts series. Know that there are 4 books preceding this book, and 3 more romances to come.
Savannah Sweethearts
Available Now:
Book 1: Know You More
Book 2: Tell You Soon
Book 3: Draw You Near
Book 4: Cherish You So
Book 5: Walk You There
Coming Soon:
Book 6: Hear You Now
Book 7: Love You Always
Book 8: Call You Home
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Subscribe to Jan’s newsletter for book release news: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Savannah Sweethearts: JanThompson.com/savannah
About Jan Thompson
Jan Thompson is the author of multiethnic Christian fiction celebrating the grace of God and hope in Jesus Christ. Whether they are clean and wholesome Christian romance, women’s fiction, inspirational romantic thrillers or sweet historical fiction, Jan’s books are for readers who love inspiring stories of faith, family, friends, and yes, happy endings. Always.
Jan is also an avid reader and enjoys reading good books on pleasant days. When she is not busy writing and publishing, she is a wife, mother, educator, family scribe, and chief of staff to the family cat.
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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
―JOHN 3:16
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Jan’s Mailing List: JanThompson.com/newsletter
For more information:
@ThompsonAuthor
JanThompsonAuthor
JanThompson.com/books
Books by Jan Thompson
Savannah Sweethearts
Multiethnic Contemporary Christian Romances Celebrating Faith, Hope, and Love
Available Now:
Book 1: Know You More
Book 2: Tell You Soon
Book 3: Draw You Near
Book 4: Cherish You So
Book 5: Walk You There
Coming Soon:
Book 6: Hear You Now
Book 7: Love You Always
Book 8: Call You Home
Savannah Sweethearts: JanThompson.com/savannah
Seaside Chapel
Multiethnic Contemporary Christian Romance Novels Celebrating Faith, Family, and Friends
Available Now:
Book 1: Share with Me
Coming Soon:
Book 2: Step with Me
Book 3: Sing with Me
Book 4: Speak with Me
Book 5: See with Me
Book 6: Stay with Me
Book 7: Smile with Me
Seaside Chapel: JanThompson.com/seaside
Jane Austen Upside Down
Jane Austen Upside Down: A
Persuasion Parody
Thornton in My Side: An Antebellum Parody
Jane Austen Upside Down Parody Pack
Devotionals for Authors
Writing Days
52 Devotionals for the 52 Weeks in a Christian Writer’s Year
Romantic Thrillers (Coming Soon)
JanThompson.com/thrillers
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Jan’s Books: JanThompson.com/books
A MATCH FOR MAGNOLIA
Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters Book 1
Marion Ueckermann
Womanizer. Adulterer. Divorced. That is Lord Davis Rathbone’s history. His future? He vows to never marry or fall in love again—repeating his past mistakes, not worth the risk. Then he meets Magnolia Blume, and filling his days penning poetry no longer seems an alternative to channel his pent-up feelings. With God’s help, surely he can keep this rare treasure and make it work this time?
Magnolia Blume’s life is perfect, except for one thing—Davis Rathbone is everything she’s not looking for in a man. He doesn’t strike her as one prone to the sentiments of family, or religion, but her judgments could be premature.
Magnolia must look beyond the gossip, Davis’s past, and their differences to find her perfect match.
Dear Reader
Often we’re quick to judge people based on what we’ve heard, what we’ve seen, what we know (or think we know). But people can change. People do change. All because of Jesus. That’s a lesson my heroine, Magnolia Blume, comes to learn. It’s a lesson I’m continually learning. Far too many times I’ve summed up people the first time I met them, only to find when I got to know them, that they’re not at all like the person I first thought they were. And I have to reprove myself for judging, for having wasted precious time viewing that person, who God loves with an everlasting love, in a negative light.
If you struggle with this, too, remember that there is something so amazing about acceptance!
Be blessed.
Marion
Praise for A Match for Magnolia
Marion Ueckermann brings us another sweeping tale of romance and redemption, transporting us onto location in the heart of England. Though almost a Cinderella story, prepare to root for Prince Charming.
~ Angela K Couch, Award-winning Historical Romance Author
Fans of inspirational romance will enjoy this quick, satisfying read—a sweet story of love, redemption, and second chances.
~ Heidi McCahan, Author Unraveled
A Match for Magnolia is a wonderful story! The author has re-told the story of Cinderella giving it a modern twist and combined it with wonderful characters and a story picturing how God’s love and forgiveness offers His children a second chance at life and finding love. The result is a delightful and heartwarming story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
~ Ann Lacy Ellison
Marion Ueckermann has done it again! A Match for Magnolia is a delightful love story with a Cinderella-like twist. Magnolia is a jeweler creating a magnificent special order ring for Lord Rathbone. Who would think a man like him could fall for a girl like her?
~ Diane Tatum, Author Gold Earrings
This was an enjoyable inspirational novella showing us how God can give us love, redemption, and second chances.
~ Linda Rainey
A MATCH FOR MAGNOLIA
Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters ~ Book 1
A Heart of England Romance
© 2016 by Marion Clair Ueckermann
This book is a work of fiction set in a real location. Any reference to historical or contemporary figures, places, or events, whether fictional or actual, is a fictional representation. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
eBook editions are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. eBooks may not be re-sold, copied or given away to other people. If you would like to share an eBook edition, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Cover Art by Jessica Sprong, Creative Junkie, [email protected]
Cover Image ID 42995435 purchased from 123RF Copyright Dmytro Gilitukha
To my sister, Lydia ~
A true Proverbs 31 woman.
Always clothed in strength and dignity.
Always able to face the future without fear.
You’re the strongest woman I know.
I’m so glad God gave me you.
My strength. My confidant. My best friend.
Forever.
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
~ Proverbs 31:10
Chapter One
Magnolia Blume extended her hand and admired the view. Never before had she seen a diamond so big, so pure, or with such flawless clarity. Perfect. As was her handiwork. This had to be her best design ever. Then again, the enigmatic Lord Rathbone, Baron of Levens Hall, was very specific in his requirements for this ring.
“Something different. Something unusual. Something way beyond extraordinary. Something you’d want as an engagement ring,” he’d said as he glanced down at her hand.
The nerve! To presume she was unmarried just because her finger was bare. She vowed then and there to give him something beyond description. And she had. Eventually. Even though he hadn’t acknowledged as much when she’d emailed him her sketches last month. The third set. The ones she’d designed after he’d told her to give him something from her heart, questioning whether everything he’d heard about her was true.
Really? What had he heard? And from whom? She’d ask him today when he collected the ring.
“That’s more like it. Now bring it to life,” his emailed response had read.
Magnolia took that as a yes to proceed with manufacturing.
The baron’s rough diamond had provided the first three Cs for this masterpiece: clarity, color, carat—2.5 for the center stone alone. She made sure the fourth—cut—happened to precision on every stone she faceted from the original rock.
By the time Magnolia gave her handiwork one last dip in the ultrasonic bath this morning, no doubt remained that she had truly crafted this ring from her heart—faith and family, her inspiration in this design.
She dabbed the corners of her eyes with the tip of her finger. The diamonds sparkled with the movement, and her heart missed a beat. What a nice sight that would be to see daily. Alone in her small workshop, she released a sigh.
Davis Rathbone would likely have an entirely different perspective on this ring. Not that she’d ever have an opportunity to discuss his feelings on the design, or her inspiration behind it, even though the piece begged to be examined, debated, and admired for the work of art that it was. He did not strike her as one prone to the sentiments of family, or religion. But, she’d barely met the man, so perhaps her judgments were premature. Hardly likely, though. Magnolia was never wrong about men. Perhaps that’s why she was staring down the barrel of a single thirtieth birthday come autumn. At least she wasn’t the oldest bachelorette in their family.
Did she really need a man in her life, though? She owned a relatively successful jewelry business, as well as a beautiful home in the most scenic part of England—the Lake District. The slate-roofed stone cottage, built on the lower slopes of Skiddaw, overlooked the quaint town of Keswick, her view ending with the still waters of Lake Derwentwater. On the northern side, closest to her house, lush pastures bordered the lake while undulations of mountains faded fro
m green to blue on the other side. Still, it would be nice to have someone to talk to besides her wild hedgehogs when she got home. It wasn’t as if she could cuddle one of those prickly creatures. At least not for long.
Sentiments aside, Davis Rathbone’s fiancée was one lucky lady to have a ring like this. The woman’s fiancé, on the other hand, was a different story. Now there was a prickly creature if ever there was one. Even his dashing looks could not smooth away his bristly nature.
Standing, Magnolia reached behind her back and loosened the bow of her jeweler’s apron. She smiled at the words embroidered in white on the black calico as she draped the garment, last year’s Christmas gift from her shop assistant, Jayne, over her chair. First Class Jeweler. Someone must have thought so to have recommended her services to the baron. But who? Hopefully she’d find out soon enough. Davis Rathbone would be here within an hour.
Still admiring the ring on her finger, she moved toward the door leading from her workshop to the small showroom. She’d show Jayne the final product before cushioning the very expensive item between black velvet in a white ring box, monogramed MB in silver cursive.
“Tada!” Magnolia followed her outstretched hand through the open door, making an exaggerated entrance into the showroom.
One too many sets of eyes fixed on her, and the sparkly piece she sported.
She dropped her arm to her side, her right hand swooping to her ring finger, as if removing the precious item would help now.
“L–Lord Rathbone, I—”
*
Had it not been for the look on Magnolia Blume’s face, Davis Rathbone might’ve been irked by her presumptuous behavior. In fact, his first instinct was to stride right across to her and remove the ring from her finger. But in the brief moment it took to reach her, all choler dissipated. She was more exquisite than he remembered. And he had tried to forget. Big blue eyes that seemed even larger at the shock of seeing him there earlier than expected. Full lips, the softest shade of pink, almost the same as the fragrant bloom she’d been named after. And that porcelain skin… Like a fragile flower.
Love Blossoms: 7 Spring-Fresh Christian Romances Page 46