Title: I Love You More
Author: Cornelia Amiri
Genre: Women’s Literature, Literary Fiction
Book Blurb:
A mother's love never fails…it always prevails.
On the verge of turning sixty, Garland recalls memories and moments of her life’s journey from an abusive childhood to a bad marriage to the ups and downs of being a single mom. She is rewarded with a magical Mother’s Day with her son, daughter in law, and granddaughter. Her moving story is sure to touch your heart.
Excerpt:
“What does he say?” Judson crossed his arms over his chest.
“Apparently, he had such a hard time dealing with not ever seeing you again he had to go to a doctor. Though he is working as a civil engineer there now. That’s good.”
“He didn’t have to leave me.”
“No, he didn’t. Even though we divorced, he could have gotten a job, stayed here...been a part of your life. I think he realizes that now.”
“Well, it’s his loss.”
“It is. A great loss.”
Judson moved closer to her. “Mom, I’m sorry that I got mad about having dinner with Ted.”
“No, I just wish I had known about your plans then I wouldn’t have said yes to Ted.”
“The chicken fried steak was so good.” He flashed a wry grin.
“It was.” She laughed.
“Well, I’ve got to go. I’m meeting my friends at the club.” Judson hugged her tight. “I know I already told you, but happy Mother’s Day.”
“Happy graduation day.” As he opened the door she called out, “Have fun and drive safe.”
As Garland put the letter back in the chest she thought, Judson's right, Samuel messed up and missed out. But she didn’t. She’d been here with her son to celebrate not only another fantastic Mother’s Day but also the "first day of Judson’s adult life. “A great day indeed,” she said aloud.
Sixteen Years later
Texas 2016
As he sat on the sofa next to her, Judson leaned closer.
“Mom, we have one more surprise for you.” The smile on Judson’s face spread from ear to ear.
And the smile on Amber’s face was just as big.
“Another surprise?” Now, she was even more excited. Her heart hammered. “What is it?”
“I’ve been saving up and we’re taking a family vacation. We’re going to Disney World.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful.” He’d found a way to take his wife and daughter to Disney World. She was so happy for him. It was an old dream she hadn’t been able to fulfill—to take Judson to Disney World. She’d wanted to so bad when he was little. But she never had the money.
Amber got up and sat down next to her and said, “We want to take you too.”
“Me? Disney World?”
Judson nodded. “The walking may be hard for you, but you can go to the hotel room if you get tired.”
“We’re going to stay at the Polynesian Hotel. That’s the one Judson wanted.” Amber’s eyes shined so bright.
“Oh, that’s the famous one.” Wow, her son was taking her to Disney World. “It’s their best one.” Judson grinned.
“I won’t get tired. I can walk around Walt Disney World.” Garland smiled back at him.
“We’re not going until August, but we wanted you to know about it ahead of time, so you’d be able to make plans.” “And to give you time to find someone to watch your cat, Severus,” Amber said.
“It’s going to be for a week, do you think someone can feed Severus for you?” Judson’s eyebrows arched.
“Sure, I’ll make sure Severus is taken care of.”
“I’m going too,” Sidney said.
“You’re the main reason we’re going.” Amber put her arm around her daughter.
“Of course you’re going you have to see Disney World.” Garland smiled at her granddaughter.
“Nana, I have something for you too.” She eased out of her mother’s embrace and darted to her room.
She soon ran back to Garland with a card in her hand. “I made it for you in computer class.”
Garland took the precious card. There was a flower on it she’d copied and pasted from online.
Garland opened it up and read the message aloud, “To the best Nana in the world. One free hug for Mother’s Day!”
Garland couldn’t hold back any longer, tears burst from her. The card was better than Disney World. Though she’d love the magic kingdom, she’d be happy anywhere if her family was with her.
“This card is gorgeous. The best Mother’s Day present I’ve gotten. It’s going up on my refrigerator door.” She stood and took her free hug from Sydney.
Then she turned and gestured to Judson to stand. She pulled him into her arms. She held him as tight as she could then she said, “Judson,” with every bit of joy and pride as when she declared his name to the doctor in that operating room so long ago, “I love you.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
She looked into his eyes, knowing hers were tearing up again. “I love you more.”
Garland never had a real mother, but she knew what a good mother was. She was a good mother. She’d raised a great son.
Buy Links:
Get the eBook on sale for only 99¢!
What makes your featured book a must-read?
Set at Mother’s Day, It's a tribute to the relentless, loving spirit of all mothers. Drawn from my own journey as a single mother it is a story of motherhood all moms can relate to. Many women are parenting solo, due to many reasons not in their control, forming their own definition of what a family is. This story acknowledges these strong, loving single moms and all mothers. As well as the wonderful children they are raising or have raised. They are doing a great job.
Giveaway –
Enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card:
Open Internationally.
Runs May 7 – May 14, 2024.
Winner will be drawn on May 15, 2024.
Author Biography:
Boudica. The Celtic Warrior Queen made me start writing professionally. I love history and in reading a book about the dark ages, I came across the rebel queen. She inspired me so much, I started jotting down notes, but they were fiction, visions of me involved in the Boudica revolt. Before I knew it, I had accidentally written a rough draft for a novel. And I've been writing books on purpose ever since. Drawing on my love of a happy ending I have currently penned over 30 published romance books.
Now, for the more mundane stuff. I and my muse, Severus the Cat, live amid the hustle and bustle of humid Houston, Texas. When not writing, I love to read, watch movies, and attend comic cons. I'm currently working on a sequel to Rare Finds and a sequel to The Brass Octopus, which I am renaming and republishing as The Librarian and the Rake.
Social Media Links: