Blog Layout

Bungling a Reunion

Susan G. Mathis • Nov 26, 2022

Today I welcome friend and author Susan G. Mathis back to share more about her latest release, Rachel's Reunion.


Have you ever bungled a reunion with someone, especially when there had been tension between you? I sure have. More than once. Part of the fun of writing is adding personal experiences that have taught me a thing—or three. And reading about those experiences can sometimes help the reader not repeat your dumb mistakes and avoid their own bungled kerfuffles. Here’s an excerpt about one such kerfuffle from my latest story, Rachel’s Reunion:

 

Mitch chided himself for bungling his first encounter with Rachel. How many months had he planned a romantic moment under starry skies with fireflies twinkling about her? Aye, how long had he dreamed of seeing her, to share his wanderings—and declare his love for her? But nae … he had to grin like a drunken sailor and startle her into a pretty pink flush.

Deep down, her startled response didn’t surprise him. But the anger, the pain that flashed in her slate-gray eyes broke his heart. He had hoped that somehow, when they met, she’d run into his arms, ecstatic to see him again.

What a dunderhead. 

After sufficient self-chastisement, he softened at the recollection of her beauty. Though still a tiny spit of a thing and her mere five-foot frame still couldn’t hold more than ninety pounds of flesh, her face had changed. Just as lovely as in days past, her thick, wavy chestnut locks danced in the river breeze. Her full, pink lips still appeared soft. And her oval face remained the same porcelain picture he’d remembered. But she carried an air of confidence, poise, and grace she’d lacked on Calumet Island.

He liked the new Rachel. Gone was the childish timidity she exhibited when last he’d seen her. Last kissed her. Would she quiver like an autumn leaf if he did that now?

Mitch eased the Island Swan toward Clayton harbor. After he let off the dozen passengers, he’d pick up another boatload of the hotel’s most elite guests. Working at the resort less than a week, still he marveled at his luck. How in heaven’s name had he gotten this dandy position?

The head boatman said Mr. Emery suggested it, since Mitch had done his time on ocean vessels and could read the river charts with ease. So, they assigned the Island Swan to his charge. Dandy luck, to be sure.

 

About Rachel’s Reunion

Summer 1904

Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.

 

Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?

 

About Susan:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has nine in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, and Rachel’s Reunion. She just finished writing book ten, Mary’s Moment. She is also a published author of two premarital books, two children's picture books, seven stories in compilation books, and hundreds of published articles. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com

Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Walmart

Social media links: Social media links: Website |Author Central |  Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog | Goodreads l Instagram| Book Bub| 

Share by: