Title: 2Sweet 2Be 4Gotten
Author: Carlene Havel
Genre: Christian Romance
Book Blurb:
A boxed set containing two short Christian Romances
Evidence Not Seen: Love keeps no record of wrongs.
Jeff Galloway cannot forget how he and his mother were left to cope on their own when his father went to prison. Furthermore, he does not understand why his mother wants to welcome John Galloway home with open arms after almost thirty years. As a new romance begins to blossom with perky social worker Melanie Clark, she encourages Jeff to let go of the past. Can a crotchety retired detective help Jeff unravel long-kept secrets in his attempt to accept his parents as they are?
Parisian Surprise: When best friends Allee Bell and Tina Bandolino win the vacation of their dreams, they plan to have a fabulous time in Paris. However, Allee has to go on alone when Tina has to cancel. That takes some courage for a young woman who doesn’t speak French and has never been outside the State of Alabama.
Once she arrives in France, Allee meets swoon-worthy Paul Chevalier, a U.S. Air Force captain assigned to the U.S. Embassy. Despite two wonderful weeks and their mutual attraction, common sense tells Allee she and Paul don't have enough time for love to blossom…or do they?
Excerpt:
“What’s your connection to the Wilcoxes?” Jeff asked, as he followed Melanie’s directions south toward the center of town.
“I’m friends with Gretchen.”
He tried to guess her age. Twenty-five or so? “Are you an attorney?”
Melanie laughed. “Good grief, no. I’m a social worker.”
“A social worker, huh? Instead of making money, you’re dedicating yourself to saving the world with good decisions, healthy relationships, and personal dignity?”
“It’s lucky for you that I tolerate sarcasm. Go south on the interstate at the next exit.” Melanie turned toward him. “No doubt you’re a lawyer.”
Jeff sensed her studying him as he changed lanes. “Why no doubt?”
“I’ve spent enough time at the courthouse to spot you legal beagles. Are you kin to Gretchen?” Melanie asked.
“Hardly.”
“You must be a celebrity of some kind, then. Possibly a star athlete?”
He stole a glance at her. “What makes you think that?”
“Mr. Wilcox hires his relatives and people with useful connections. You’re too young to be a retired politician. Maybe your father is a banker, old money?”
“For your information, Wilcox-Meyer occasionally hires a guy merely because he graduated at the top of his class in law school.”
“Really? Is that you?” She briefly touched his sleeve. “Did you pass the bar exam on the first try, too?”
“As a matter fact, I did.”
After a moment, Melanie said, “I’m impressed.”
“You should be,” Jeff replied with a grin. “After all, someone has to do the work all those celebrities bring in.”
“Yeah, and I’d bet mister sloppy drunk William Bentsen doesn’t carry his share of the load, not unless he’s a lot different at work than he is on a date.” Melanie pulled at the front of her blouse. “And to think, I bought this new top and had my hair done for him. What a chump I am. I should’ve listened to my dad.”
“Your father warned you not to go out with William?”
Melanie exhaled noisily. “Not him specifically. Dad has always told me to stay away from cops and lawyers.”
“So, what made you not listen? Were you dazzled by William’s good looks, or was it his charm?”
“I’ll bet you knock ‘em dead in the courtroom, with your quick wit and snappy repartee.”
With a chuckle, Jeff replied, “Well, you said you like sarcasm.”
“Correction. I used the word ‘tolerate’, not ‘like.’” She shifted in her seat. “In a couple of miles, we’ll come to a farm road. Go left, or southwest to be more precise.” After a moment, Melanie added. “Gretchen talked me into going on a blind date. You know William’s a cousin to the Meyer family, right?”
Wondering how he’d missed this tidbit, Jeff silently tucked it away for future reference. So that’s why the firm hired him. And that’s also why the Wilcox chauffeur was assigned to take William home instead of tossing him out on the street.
“Anyway,” Melanie went on. “Having a date and going to a fancy party both sounded like a good idea at the time. Now I wish I’d stayed home with my dad and played checkers.”
Jeff rarely spoke without thinking, but something about Melanie’s humor and honesty disarmed him. “You live with your parents?” Oops, I didn’t need to sound so shocked.
“We lost Mom ten years ago. I have a little bungalow behind my dad’s house. After I graduated, I lived at home to pay off my student loans.” She brushed at her blouse again. “This stain is never going to come out. By the time I could afford my own place, Grandma had passed away and I realized how lonely Dad would be, living out here by himself. So, I decided to move into Grandma’s place and stay, at least for a while.”
She smoothed her already-perfect hair. “Having separate houses works out so Dad has his privacy, and I don’t have to let nosey people make me feel like a weirdo because I haven’t flown the nest.”
Jeff glanced toward Melanie. “I didn’t mean to imply anything.”
“It’s okay. Next driveway on the left.”
As soon as Jeff turned, he heard a cacophony of raucous barking. “Do you breed dogs?” he asked.
“Not if we can help it.” Melanie laughed. “Everyone has dogs out in the country, don’t you know that?” She glanced around and sprang from her seat. “Looks like Dad’s not home yet. I’ll open the gate.”
In the glow of his headlights, Jeff watched as she swung open the metal gate that guarded the driveway. At her command, the gaggle of dogs stopped barking and wagged their tails.
Buy Links (including BookBub):
What’s your favorite part about being a romance author?
Creating fun characters who engage in witty dialog.
Here’s my tip to add romance to your love life:
Don’t take yourself too seriously; learn to laugh at your mistakes instead of obsession over them.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon US or Canada gift card.
Open internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon CA account to win.
Runs February 1 – 28, 2023.
Drawing will be held on March 1, 2023.
Author Biography:
Carlene Havel writes Christian-themed romances and historical novels. She has lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and numerous US states. After a career in human resources and software development, she began writing in 2005. The Havels live in Texas, surrounded by their extended family. She is currently hard at work on a sequel to Song of the Shepherd Woman.
Social Media Links: