Title: Heart of the Matter
Author: Ruth A. Casie
Genre: Contemporary Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Book Blurb:
Digging into the past can be murder
Addison Moore, a well-known psychiatrist is having difficulty coming to terms with the death of her grandmother Cookie. The woman was everything to her after her parents died in the plane crash over Lockerbie, Scotland. Little did Addy know that an old picture, tucked away in the family bible of Cookie with a handsome stranger would lead her to a discovery for which she is little prepared.
Ethan Taylor is an art historian. He’s lived with his Great Uncle Ben for a long time and would do anything for him. He never anticipated that Ben’s dying wish would introduce him to Ben’s biggest sacrifice.
Neither Addy nor Ethan are prepared for the lengths at which their families went through to keep Cookie and Ben apart. As they try to put the pieces together they uncover a decade’s old unsolved murder implicating Cookie and Ben. Will Addy and Ethan’s blossoming love be able to stand the strain of finding the truth? Will they be able to overcome their own matters of the heart?
Excerpt:
“Ina’s not here, but he is.” Ryan motioned out the window to a gentleman standing by the family cemetery. “Which is why I’m still here. He didn’t say much, just asked to speak to Cookie. I told him he missed the funeral and let him go to the cemetery.”
“Who is he?” Addy asked, looking out the window and scrutinizing the man.
“I wish I knew. One of Cookie’s more handsome and younger patients, perhaps? I’ll stay until he leaves.”
“No. You go on. I’ll thank him for his condolences.”
Ryan left. Addy headed for the cemetery. From her vantage point coming down the patio steps and across the lawn, the man appeared respectful and intriguing. By the time she reached the cemetery, her pace slowed and her bluster cooled. Maybe she should have asked Ryan to stay. Too late now. Besides, he piqued her curiosity. She waited at the gate to give him time alone with his thoughts, and to study him.
He appeared out of place, the way he held his six-foot frame with his hands clasped in front, his head bowed. His dark brown hair ruffled by the breeze coming off the cove reminded her of rich soil, almost black in the shadows. The angles of his face were pleasant to look at and familiar, but she couldn’t place him. He raised his head. A soft gasp escaped her as their eyes met. His were a beautiful, compelling gray, gentle and understanding.
“I’m Addison Moore. Can I help you?” She came through the gate toward him.
“I’m too late.” The man examined her face as if searching for an answer, then lowered his head.
“Did you know my grandmother?” Addy had an urge to put her arms around him, console him. She had similar urges dealing with her grandmother’s patients and steeled herself to remain neutral.
“I have a letter to give to Cookie. I hoped to meet her.”
“A letter?” Her fascination with the handsome stranger evaporated into cold facts. Who was he and what did he want?
“No. I mean yes, sort of.” The man shook his head. “Let me start over. My great-uncle gave me a picture before he passed away with a message to Cookie on the back. Since I had a meeting in Newport and Havenport is so close, I thought I would hand deliver a photo.”
He ran his hand through his hair and looked at her.
“My uncle planned to send the letter, but never did. I thought…” He laughed nervously and handed her the envelope. “It sounded like a good plan at the time. This is the only clue I had, his note on the envelope, Cookie, Havenport, RI.”
She took the envelope and with one glance recognized the doctor scrawl. With butterflies in her stomach and her head buzzing with questions, Cookie’s voice echoed in her head. Destiny.
Buy Link:
Free to read on Kindle Unlimited!
Author Biography:
RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author of historical swashbuckling action-adventures and contemporary romance with enough action to keep you turning pages. Her stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. She lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international bank where she was a product/ marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing romance. She hopes her stories become your favorite adventures. For more information, please visit RuthACasie.com or visit her on Facebook, @RuthACasie, Twitter, @RuthACasie, Instagram RuthACasie, or Pinterest RuthACasie.
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