Can Love Forgive A Secret Hidden In The Shadows?
We have a fun spotlight on debut author Kristie Self! THE PIANO TEACHER, first book in The Ladies of Roderick Glen series introduces us to the citizens of Roderick Glen as they follow their dreams and discover that one’s heart is always happiest near the friendly faces of home. Check out the excerpt below…
Melody gasped as he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her onto his horse. He swung up behind her a moment later, his arms surrounding her as he took the reins.
Her face burned in the darkness as he turned the horse toward the village, her heart pounding at his nearness. She was leaning against his chest, his chin nearly touching the top of her head. It was far from an unpleasant experience.
“Why are you out walking so late?” he asked after a moment.
Melody hesitated. “I was on my way to see you,” she said at last.
“Indeed? It must be something quite important.”
“It is. Lady Francesca told me that you are leaving for London in a few days.”
“I am.” He leaned forward, his breath brushing her cheek. “Did you come to bid me farewell?”
“Not exactly, my lord.” She paused a moment, then said, “I wanted to know if you plan to visit my father’s solicitor while you’re in town.”
“Do you mean Fenwick Peele?”
“You have learned his name, then,” she said, trying to hide her despair.
“Indeed. And yes, I have plans to visit him. I am concerned for your safety. You have no father or husband to protect you. I feel it is my duty to be certain this gentleman does not bother you.”
“And it is my duty to ask you not to do that.”
Henry sighed. “I don’t understand, Melody. If you are frightened of this man, why would you refuse protection against him?”
“It’s not that simple. There are things you do not understand.”
“Then help me to understand them.”
Melody shook her head. “I cannot. I’m sorry, but some things are best left in the past. Please, Henry, please don’t do this. I am begging you.”
Henry looked down into her face. “All right,” he said at last. “I will not do anything to make the situation worse for you.”
Melody breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, my lord,” she said gratefully. “Thank you for respecting my wishes.”
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I liked it better when you called me Henry,” he whispered against her hair.
Melody’s heart felt as if it would burst at his tenderness. She snuggled against him and his arms tightened around her. She knew it was improper to be alone with him like this, but she didn’t care.
She would enjoy the comfort of his arms while she could.
The Piano Teacher
She longs to escape a dreadful secret from her past, but can she ever run far enough to truly forget?
Melody Creston is left penniless following the death of her father. Desperate to escape the threat of an unwanted and dangerous marriage, she flees to the small village of Roderick Glen in the English countryside to begin life anew as a pianoforte teacher. She is hired to teach the daughter of the Earl of Rockingham and soon falls in love with the quaint village and its quirky residents. Despite her newfound freedom, she is haunted by the secrets of her past, as well as the constant fear that she will be discovered and forced to return to London.
Lord Henry Roderick is the younger son of the Earl of Rockingham and has no desire to obey his father’s wishes and help his brother attend to their family’s estate, Cheswick Park. Carefree and fun-loving, his reputation as a scoundrel often hides the true nature of his heart. Upon meeting Melody, he is instantly captivated by the beautiful piano teacher, and is determined to do whatever it takes to win her heart and become the man she needs.
Melody is intrigued by Henry and encourages him to follow his own path as he searches for his purpose in life. Shy and reserved, she is reluctant to admit her feelings for him, but as they grow closer, he begins to break through the barriers of fear and mistrust that surround her heart. As their love deepens, she becomes increasingly afraid of what will happen when he learns the truth of her turbulent past. Can love forgive a secret hidden in the shadows when it is exposed to the light of day?
Brimming with laughter, love, emotion, and heart, this first book in The Ladies of Roderick Glen series introduces us to the citizens of Roderick Glen as they follow their dreams and discover that one’s heart is always happiest near the friendly faces of home.
About Kristie...
Kristie Self combines her love of history and romance to write faith-filled love stories with memorable characters and intriguing plots. A banker by day, she spends most of her nights and weekends focused on writing. She enjoys traveling, watching movies, and curling up with a good book. An avid lover of music, she plays several instruments and teaches piano. She is a graduate of Howard Payne University and lives in Lott, Texas with her cat, Arlo.
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