Title: Planting the Seeds of Love: A Novella
Author: N.N. Light
Genre: Sweet Romance, New Adult Romance
Book Blurb:
The day her grandfather died, Sally’s life changed forever.
Twenty-Two-year-old Sally Rayton returns to the family farm she deserted four years ago to bury her grandfather. Her plan: to settle her grandfather’s estate and return to her life in the city with her boyfriend, Trevor Mattson.
Her childhood friend, Jack Smith, has other ideas.
Jack convinces Sally to transform the farm into a brewery and fulfill her grandfather’s dream while keeping the Rayton Farm in the family. Sally works side-by-side with Jack while Trevor is hundreds of miles away in the city. The more time she spends with Jack, the stronger her feelings are for him. Sally’s torn between her new feelings for her best friend, Jack, and her boyfriend, Trevor.
When Trevor shows up to propose to Sally right before Christmas and finds her in Jack’s embrace, she’s unsure which man she loves. Will it be her best friend and farmer, Jack, or will it be rich, successful Trevor? City or Country… only Sally’s heart knows what’s right and true.
Watch the book trailer: https://youtu.be/uPaHDQDL0RE
Excerpt:
"What do you mean joint ownership of the farm?" Sally stared in disbelief at Mr. Jones. "Was Grandpa senile and no one told me?" She whirled and faced Jack. "Did you know about this?"
Jack shook his head.
"Sally, please calm down. Your grandfather was not senile and it's perfectly legal." Mr. Jones motioned for her to sit down.
She sat down in a leather chair and looked around the lawyer's office. Mr. Jones was Grandpa's solicitor. Why didn't he tell me? How am I supposed to make decisions when I have to run everything past Jack? She glanced at him; he looked just as confused as she was.
"Here, please read this aloud." Mr. Jones handed her a sealed envelope with her name in black typeface.
"Aloud?" she asked without looking up.
"Afraid so, Sally. It was one of your grandfather's last wishes."
Sally cringed. She opened the letter and read.
"My dearest Sally,
"If you're reading this, it means I'm dead as a doornail. Contrary to what you say about modern medicine and technology, in the end, you die when it's your time."
She chuckled.
"I want you to know how proud I am of you and your success at school. I knew you could do anything you set your mind to. You're smart with a great deal of backbone. Every day, you remind me of when I was young. Bet you're surprised to know I didn't always want to be a farmer. In fact, when I was twenty, I enlisted in the Navy. Did a fine job too."
She stopped and looked at Jack. "Did you know that?"
"Yes," Jack nodded. "He told me one day while we were harvesting barley a few years ago. He even showed me his medals."
"Medals? How come I didn't know?"
"You never asked, I imagine." Jack looked out the window.
She continued reading.
"I consulted with Tom across the desk from you on the best way to handle my assets and this is the plan we came up with. You're a Rayton, through and through, and my dying wish is that the farm stays with the Raytons. Do whatever you can to make it work, dear Sally. Farming's in your blood.
"Before you go all half-cocked, listen to your grandfather. I know a thing or two and the best person to help you is Jack. He helped me run the farm for the past four years. He's got a good head on his shoulders and is a strong lad. You will make a good team.
"One caveat, dear granddaughter, is you cannot sell the Rayton farm without Jack's consent.
"I love you."
Tears welled up in Sally's eyes and spilled onto the letter. She wiped them away. Jack handed her a tissue. She folded up the letter before blowing her nose.
"Are you okay?" Jack asked.
She nodded. I wish people would stop asking me if I'm okay. I'm grieving. Deal with it.
"So," she started. She cleared her throat. "What's next, Mr. Jones?"
"This is all the documentation on the farm and all the money owed." He handed her a thick manila envelope. It was heavy.
"Money owed? I thought the farm was free and clear." Her brows furrowed. "I wasn't expecting to have to deal with debt."
"Any farm deals with debt nowadays," Jack replied. "Don't worry, once the harvest comes in, we'll be fine."
"Well, over the past few years, your grandfather had some medical bills. There was that time he was hospitalized --"
"Hospitalized?" She glared at Jack. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Jack squirmed in his seat.
"Jack? Answer me!" Her voice went up an octave.
"Maybe I should leave you two alone for a moment." Mr. Jones didn't wait for a reply. He closed the door behind him.
"Look Sally, he made me promise not to tell you." He ran his fingers through his hair. Pain flashed across his face. "Two years ago, your grandfather was high in a lime tree and he had a heart attack."
"Oh no." Sally's chest contracted, making it hard to breathe.
"He fell out of the tree; Lord knows how long he was there before I found him." His eyes closed in memory. "I called the hospital, letting them know your grandpa had a heart attack and fell. Mike and a few of the farmhands helped me carry your grandpa to my truck. We wrapped him in blankets and placed him in the back."
"Jack," Sally whispered. "You saved his life." She reached out and grabbed his hand. "I can never thank you enough."
"I swear, Sally, I hated keeping it from you but your grandfather is one stubborn man. Was." He half-smiled. "Like grandfather, like granddaughter."
She smiled back. "I'm sorry I reacted that way. I didn't know."
Jack looked away, letting her hand drop.
"I think I can tell Mr. Jones he can return to his office," she replied. She opened the door and Mr. Jones walked in.
"Everything all cleared up?" He looked at Jack who had stood up.
"Yes," Jack said. "Everything is in order and we thank you for assisting us."
Sally nodded but said nothing. Did I say something wrong? Why is Jack acting so distant? She shook Mr. Jones' hand and left.
She waited for Jack in the parking lot but he took a long time coming out. When he did, he didn't look too happy she was leaning against his car. He pulled out his keys and unlocked the doors.
"Listen Sally, I have an appointment. I'll see you later, okay?" He handed her the thick envelope.
"Umm, sure. I thought we could go for lunch but if you're busy --"
"-- Dammit Sally, don't look at me with those big hurt eyes. I have an appointment with the bank," he interrupted her. He sighed as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. "You're killing me."
She straightened her shoulders defensively.
"Listen, I have things to do too." She looked around. "I'll see you around." She saw Doris, the local hairdresser, walk towards her car.
"Hey Doris, can I get a lift?" Sally asked. Without a backward glance, she walked towards her.
"Sure sweetie, hop in." Doris snapped her gum.
Tires squealed as she got into Doris' station wagon.
"What's the deal with Jack?" asked Doris.
"Beats me," Sally replied with a small smile. I don't need him to take care of me. I have Trevor.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/plantingseeds
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01581XM50
Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01581XM50
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01581XM50
November is a time to be thankful. What are you most thankful for this year?
We have so much to be thankful for. We’re thankful for each other and our love. We couldn’t have gone through everything that happened this year without each other. We’re so thankful for the blessing of our successful business and our clientele. We love what we do and feel so good when we help authors achieve their goals. We’re thankful for our health. We’ve had an eventful year health-wise but we’re so grateful to be healthy. We’re thankful for where we live. We retired to a beautiful small town near a lake and a river. We have tons of wildlife, including birds.
We’re also thankful to each and every reader who reads one of our books. We don’t talk about our books very much here on N. N. Light’s Book Heaven but we’re writers, too. We take a portion of our book sales and donate the money to charity. The rest goes to the tax people. LOL!
Why is your featured book worth snuggling up to?
Here's what a few readers/reviewers have said about Planting the Seeds of Love:
"I don't usually read romance novellas (or romance in general, call me hard-hearted if you want to), but this is a sweet coming of age novel which makes you wish too could come back home." - Author Ann M. Noser
"I found N. N. Light’s book refreshingly honest in its character development while still laying out those adult themes of desire, loss of control and jealousy." - L. Paul
"For a short story, this one is so well-developed and full of wonderful characters, it was a pleasure to read. " - K. Westrope
All November sales will be donated to our local United Way to help those in need.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Canada account to win.
Runs November 1 – 30
Drawing will be held on December 1.
Author Biography:
N. N. Light is the award-winning husband-wife writing team, commonly known as Mr. N and Mrs. N. Books are their addiction and lifeblood.
Life is meant to be lived; cherish the exciting moments, and relish in those all too brief moments of relaxation. They are here to live their own lives, read as many books as humanly possible and live it passionately. N. N. Light's Book Heaven serves as a vessel to project their passions, and clue in their loyal readers as to what inspires them in this crazy world. So, sit back, relax, and read on.
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