“A puppy is a huge responsibility.” Grace tried to insert a significant degree of seriousness into her tone, even though the little girl had already almost convinced her.
Clover pondered Grace’s words for a moment before deciding. “I know, and I think I’m ready. I’ll be a great Mommy to the puppy because I learned how to Mommy from the best one in the whole wide world!”
Tears of happiness pooled in Grace’s lower lids. She hadn’t been at all sure about moving halfway across the country to the Northern California coastline and raising a child on her own. When she had found out she was pregnant, her long-term boyfriend had gotten scared and dumped her. She had then turned to her religious parents, who shunned her for getting pregnant out of wedlock.
Deciding she and the baby would have to figure out how to make it on their own, she had packed her belongings, collected her meager savings, and moved to the most beautiful place she could imagine: Redwood Cove, California, along the beautiful Gold Coast. The picturesque resort town was nestled by the ocean about an hour north of San Francisco. It seemed like the perfect place to raise a child––even if she had to do it all by herself.
Deep down, she knew she had made the right decision in moving here. She was also confident that she was doing a fantastic job of raising Clover, but hearing affirmation from the child herself was immensely gratifying. “Thanks, sweetheart.” She gave her daughter a watery-eyed grin.
Seeing her mother’s tears, Clover’s expression turned forlorn. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No, sweet girl, you make everything better,” Grace told her earnestly. Clover beamed at the praise, and Grace made a snap decision. “Let’s call Marlene to see if she’ll let us have a puppy.”
Clover’s eyes lit up with excitement because she knew as well as Grace did that their landlord, Marlene, would grant their request. They had been lucky enough to rent the empty apartment on the side of Marlene’s clapboard row house ever since Grace had arrived pregnant, scared, and alone in Redwood Cove.
Marlene had immediately taken lonely and frightened Grace under her wing. Marlene had three children of her own, whom she handled like a pro. She quickly became Grace’s adopted aunt, best friend, confidant, and––once Clover was born––babysitter. Grace couldn’t imagine how she would have survived the last few years if she hadn’t been lucky enough to meet Marlene in those first days after her arrival in California.
Finding an empty bench that looked out over the crystal-clear water, the mother and daughter duo sat down to call Marlene. When Grace located her phone and pulled it from her purse, Clover said, “Put it on speakerphone, please, because I want to talk to her, too.”
Grace complied with her request, knowing that meant there was absolutely no way Marlene would deny them the puppy. Their landlord had turned into their family-by-choice, and she had an even bigger soft spot for Clover than Grace did.
“Good morning, Sunshines,” Marlene greeted them when she answered her phone.
“Morning, Aunt Mar,” Clover greeted the other woman in her life. Unable to contain herself long enough for any more pleasantries, Clover asked, “Is it okay if we get a puppy?’
Obviously surprised by the out-of-the-blue request and stalling for time, Marlene answered, “Oh, my… a puppy.” She paused for a moment before asking, “Is your mom on board with this, Sweetie?”
Feeling grateful that Marlene was looking out for her, Grace answered, “Only if it’s not a problem for you.” She wanted to give the woman an out if she didn’t want them to have a pet. They had never had an official lease in writing, and the prospect of getting a puppy had never before been discussed.
Grace didn’t like putting the woman on the spot like this, so she offered, “Maybe we should discuss it later.”
“Is this what y-o-u w-a-n-t?” Grace smiled at Marlene’s spelled words. They had long used the tactic of spelling out words they didn’t want Clover to understand––especially around the child’s birthday.
“Yes, she wants it!” Clover beamed. She was obviously proud of herself for learning their previously-baffling secret language.
Both women chuckled at her glee. “Well, I guess we can kiss that secret code language goodbye.” Grace smiled down at her adorable little girl.
“When did you learn to spell so well?” Marlene asked the child, pride bubbling in her voice.
“I’ve been learning for a while now,” Clover told her seriously. “I was saving it to surprise you.”
“Well, that you did, little one.” Grace could practically hear Marlene smiling through the phone. Turning serious, she asked, “You’re sure, Grace?”
“Not completely,” Grace answered honestly, before adding, “But I think it’s time we added to our little family.”
“Okay, then, I can’t wait to meet your new puppy,” Marlene told them.
That confirmation was all the little girl needed. She jumped up from their bench and let out a loud “Whoop!” of excitement, which echoed out across the shimmery water.
When their laughter died down, Marlene said, “Wow! I think I might have been able to hear your gleeful shout without our phone connection.”
“We gotta go, Aunt Mar. We’re going to get our puppy!” Clover yelled. “Bye!” She grabbed the phone from her surprised mother to end the call. “Let’s go pick out our puppy!” she half-shouted.
A momentary shadow of doubt swept over Grace about this decision now that it seemed to be quickly becoming a reality, but the giddy expression on her child’s face told her that she was in too deep to turn back now.
After a quick Google search and a phone call, Grace had an appointment scheduled with Carol Graves, the friendly woman who loved to show off pictures of her adorable golden puppies when she came into the grocery bakery where Grace worked.
“Let’s go meet the newest addition to our family,” Grace suggested, before standing and taking Clover’s hand within her own. The happy duo set off on what would soon turn out to be one of the greatest adventures of their lives.
What's our Sweet Promise? It's to deliver the heartwarming, entertaining, clean, and wholesome reads you love with every single book.
From contemporary to historical romances to suspense and even cozy mysteries, all of our books are guaranteed to put a song in your heart and a smile on your face. That's our promise to you, and we can't wait to deliver upon it...
We release one new book per week, which means the flow of sweet, relatable reads coming your way never ends. Make sure to save some space on your eReader!
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Six special Golden Retrievers help their humans solve mysteries, save lives, and even find love...
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Saving Sarah by Melissa Storm
Sarah Campbell loves living vicariously through the residents at the Redwood Cove Rest Home. But when a surly patient insists she can’t die before “setting things right,” Sarah finds she may end up taking on far more than she ever bargained for… especially since all signs point to murder. Have she and her therapy dog Lucky stumbled upon the key to solving the most famous cold case in Gold Coast history?
Despite creating the world’s most popular social network, Finch Jameson lives a life of ashamed solitude. The last thing he wants is to draw attention to himself, but that’s exactly what happens when a distant relative delivers an earth-shattering confession in her dying days. Soon he finds himself more intrigued by the shy and beautiful nurse who’s committed to helping
him solve his great-aunt Eleanor’s mystery than in the mystery itself. But will she ever let her guard down long enough to let him in?
Can Finch and Sarah work together to solve Eleanor’s big mystery before time runs out? And might redeeming Eleanor’s legacy somehow save them both in the process?
Get your copy at SweetPromisePress.com/GoldCoast
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Rescuing Riley by S.B. Alexander
Riley Lewis may plan weddings for a living, but it doesn’t mean she believes in love. However, love may be just what she gets when she lays eyes on the disabled veteran running the bed and breakfast that will serve as her home during a much-needed visit with her best friend.
Joshua Bandon wanted one thing when he was discharged from the military—peace and quiet. But when his service dog, Charlie, falls hard for a beautiful woman staying at their inn, he just may end up following suit.
When Riley’s best friend disappears without warning, Josh and Charlie may be the only ones who can help… Especially when Riley goes missing too.
Get your copy at SweetPromisePress.com/GoldCoast
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Guarding Grace by Ann Omasta
Grace Wilson loves the wonderful life she has created with her daughter in picturesque Redwood Cove, California––even if she is a bit lonely. To add to their family, mom and daughter adopt a sweet “Golden Wetweevuh” puppy. And they’re not the only ones who think Star is, well, a star. A television show casts the pup for a role, but it’s the co-host that has Grace’s heart doing tricks.
Dash Diamond is a local celebrity with a megawatt smile. He is less than thrilled when his show’s producers inform him that a puppy has been cast in a new role. But his new co-star comes with an owner who makes Dash see stars when he looks at her.
When Star is puppy-napped and held for ransom, all attention goes to her rescue. Grace and Dash can’t act on their undeniable romantic spark of attraction while the pup is possibly in danger. Star is the missing piece. Will they find her in time to complete their puzzle?
Get your copy at SweetPromisePress.com/GoldCoast
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Protecting Peyton by Becky Muth
Peyton McIntyre's brother is missing. Local police claim they're looking into it, but hope dwindles as the days continue to pass without any answers. Worse still, her only chance of finding him may depend on a rookie officer who sends her temper flaring and her heart quivering.
Kurt Collins is a fourth-generation police officer, but so far he hasn’t been able to live up to his family’s long legacy of service. When the infuriating and beautiful Peyton asks for his help, he wonders if she might hold the key to the recognition he craves. Last time they met, her dog, Gilda, saved his life. This time she just might be able save his reputation.
As they begin their search it appears that Peyton’s brother may not want to be found. Unfortunately, failing to complete this assignment could risk both Kurt’s career and any chance he has at winning Peyton's heart. Is a happy ending even possible, or will Peyton and Kurt both lose everything before they’re through?
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Finding Felicity by P. Creeden
Despite a difficult childhood, Felicity Stilton never gave up on her dreams. Now, as an adult, she and her Golden Retriever, JJ, help special needs children pave the way for their own futures. Everything is perfect, until she gets the one call she never expected to receive.
Officer Darren Willis hates that it falls to him to tell the beautiful and inspiring Felicity her birth mother has taken her own life. Although the case appears to be open-and-shut, the grieving daughter insists something foul is afoot. Will he be brave enough to follow dark clues into the past along side the one woman with whom he just might want to make a future?
Only Darren believes Felicity’s suspicions and is willing to help investigate what really happened to her long-lost mother. When the signs begin to point to murder, Darren worries Felicity might be next… But should he abandon the case to protect her even if it means losing the woman he loves forever?
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Helping Hanna by Emmie Lyn
For Hanna Moss, love has always come with danger. From the incessant stalking by an ex to nearly losing her life in a hit and run accident, she vows to remain alone--and safe. So when her golden retriever, Bella, welcomes a handsome private investigator into their lives Hanna is surprised to find herself willing to open up despite the tremendous risks that have always come with letting others in.
Blake Bowman returns to Redwood Cove with a shattered heart. All he wants is to enjoy a much-needed quiet vacation far from his ex-girlfriend. At least, that was the plan until he meets Hanna—beautiful and with an injury that is more than skin deep. He'll need to stay focused, though, because it looks like what happened to her was no accident.
Blake desperately wants to help Hanna in every way possible, even if that means putting love on hold. Hanna is terrified of the feelings she's rapidly developing for Blake and refuses to repeat her past mistakes... Is Hanna safer on her own, or will trusting Blake finally allow her to heal?
Find out if Bella can help these two humans understand that trust is a two-way street, that the heart can be repaired, and that love can bloom again. This sweet romance is sure to shine the light of love into your life… Order your copy and start reading today!
Get your copy at SweetPromisePress.com/GoldCoast
More from S.B. Alexander
To read samples and find out where to purchase all books visit: http://sbalexander.com.
The Maxwell Series:
Dare to Kiss - Book 1
Dare to Dream – Book 2
Dare to Love – Book 3
Dare to Dance - Book 4
Dare to Live - Book 5
Dare to Breathe - Book 6
The Maxwell Series Boxed Set – Books 1-3
Dare to Kiss Coloring Book Companion
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The Vampire SEAL Series:
On the Edge of Humanity – Book 1
On the Edge of Eternity – Book 2
On the Edge of Destiny – Book 3
On the Edge of Misery - Book 4
On the Edge of Infinity - Book 5
The Vampire SEAL Collection - Boxed Set
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A Stand Alone Novel
Breaking Rules
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The Hart Series:
Hart of Darkness
Hart of Vengeance - Coming Soon
Hart of Redemption – Coming Soon
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About the Author
Navy veteran S. B. Alexander, also known to many as Susan, grew up playing and watching sports. But if you ask her what her favorite sport is, she’ll tell you hands down it’s baseball. She grew up collecting baseball cards, watching the Boston Red Sox, and playing the sport with the boys in her neighborhood, which was how her bestselling Maxwell series started—with a high school girl who plays boys’ baseball. While sports can be found in most of her books along with military heroes, you’ll also find suspense, family drama, angst, and romance.
Aside from her love for sports, you might find her devouring a bag of white powdered donuts and buying handbags like they’re going out of style. In fact, her husband calls her the bag lady. When she’s not writing, she’s a full-time caregiver
to her soul mate of twenty years who got a bad deal in life when he was diagnosed with ALS. Their motto: “Life is too short to waste. So live every moment like it’s your last.”
Rescuing Riley: The Gold Coast Retrievers, Book 2 Page 16