Title – A Garland at Bitterbark Creek
Author – Tammy Mannersly
Genre – Rural Romance
Publisher – Inkspell Publishing
Book Blurb –
He’s found a new home with her family while his own holds secrets to her past…This heart-wrenching 300+ page rural romance novel will have you gasping and keep you guessing as mysteries unravel, and as Jack and Sophie discover whether their love for one another can survive the deepest of wounds and darkest of betrayals.
Had it not been for her cousin’s wedding, Sophie Wendall would never have returned to Bitterbark Creek—her aunt and uncle’s idyllic farm-stay on the outskirts of town. Twenty years ago, tragedy stole everything from her including her memory, leaving only secrets and lies. Now that she’s back, there are just two things on her mind: to find out the truth of what really happened to her that day at the dam and to steer clear of the wicked Garland family and their charismatic son—the boy who broke her heart.
Jackson Garland is one of the few people who know what really happened to Sophie all those years ago, but he’s terrified of sharing the truth. To do so would jeopardize his happy sanctuary and newfound home at Bitterbark Creek. Upon reconnecting with Sophie, he realizes that while her extended family may have accepted him as one of their own, she’s going to take a little more convincing. Although he tries to charm and distract her to keep his secrets safe, it isn’t long before he’s at risk of falling under her own tantalizing spell.
As children, their love for one another kept them close until a car accident took one life and hatred tried to steal another. But dark truths can’t be hidden forever when ghosts from the past step into the light. Might the revelations be too daunting for them to handle? Or will Jack and Sophie finally put aside their family history and let love guide them into a future together?
A GARLAND AT BITTERBARK CREEK is about heartbreaking loss, rediscovering love and the healing ability of forgiveness and acceptance. If you love reading the novels of Mandy Magro, Alissa Callen, and Rachael Johns, then you will adore this heartfelt, second chance love story by award-winning author, Tammy Mannersly.
Excerpt –
“We can’t just go back to the way things were,” she told him.
“Why, Soph? Haven’t we been hurting and hurting each other for far too long? Isn’t it time to put the past behind us?”
How could she when she still didn’t fully remember what that past entailed?
Sophie sighed and eyed the bodily barricade before her. She could step over him. Her escape could be that simple, but she didn’t trust him to behave if she got too close.
“Come on, Sophie. I’m not asking you to act as though everything is fine. Just talk to me. See where we can go from there.”
“It’s the talking that’s the problem. You’re not the same little boy I used to tell all my secrets to.”
“Well, I’m not some stranger.”
“Close enough.”
Jack studied her. “No, I don’t believe it.” He grinned again. “I know you missed me. You wouldn’t still be standing here fighting with me if you hadn’t.”
“Excuse me?” Sophie scoffed. “Did you hit your head too hard falling from your ivory tower? I knew narcissism ran in your family, but I didn’t realise stupidity followed.”
He sighed with satisfaction. “I missed you, too, Soph. Why don’t we hug it out?” He reached for her, and she stumbled backwards in surprise.
“There’s such a thing as consent, you lunatic.”
It was only after she’d regained her composure that Sophie realised Jack hadn’t been serious—and that he’d started laughing.
“Shut up,” she grumbled, feeling a little silly. She bit her lip to stop herself from sharing his good humour. When they were kids, she’d often made Jack laugh so hard he’d caught hiccups. His genuine laughter still warmed her heart.
“I’ve really missed this, Soph.”
She wouldn’t dare tell him she felt the same. He was making it harder for her to keep hating him. But she wasn’t ready to let her pain go.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub) –
Author Biography –
Tammy Mannersly is an award-winning Australian author frequently praised for her heart-warming stories full of romance, dedicated friendships, and stunning Australian locations. All her books ensure a great Happily Ever After and a love story that will sweep you off your feet. Tammy has a Bachelor Degree in Creative Industries majoring in Creative Writing from Queensland University of Technology. She lives on the coast near Brisbane, Queensland and loves to write about her favorite Australian destinations.
You can find more information about Tammy and her work on her website: www.tammymannersly.com or by visiting:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammymannersly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammymannersly/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TammyMannersly
Inkspell Publishing: http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/tammy-mannersly.html
Social Media Links –
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Inkspell Publishing: http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/tammy-mannersly.html
Website: https://www.tammymannersly.com