Shannon here: Delores Topliff shares a romantic excerpt from her Historical Romance, Books Afloat to celebrate the anniversary of book two in the series, Strong Currents. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for an e-book copy of winner’s choice from the two titles. Deadline: March 2nd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Delores:
Here’s the love story from Books Afloat, released in January, 2021. Its sequel, Strong Currents, released in February 2023 and completes the story.
Annie Mettles here. After my folks moved us to the Pacific Northwest from Dust Bowl Oklahoma, I fell in love with the powerful Columbia River rolling from snowcapped mountains to the blue Pacific Ocean. Josh, Ted, and I became inseparable high school and church friends until Josh joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor, but Ted was crushed when turned down for flat feet.
Washington’s Governor loved my proposal for creating a floating house boat library carrying books up and down the river to folks who didn’t have them, but war drained his budget. When he told me, “The military has money if you help as an undercover volunteer,” I signed on. I’d pilot the boat myself, thanks—except I failed the river pilot exam and had to accept the help of an older, eccentric, but brave woman..
“You also need a mechanic and a man along,” Ted insisted as he marched onboard uninvited with his duffle bag. I admit, he filled gaps and rescued me and my boat in amazing ways as we networked with volunteers monitoring Japanese activity. And then emotions connected and things got more complicated between us.
Excerpt from Books Afloat by Delores Topliff:
I swing onto the galley stairs to get Char’s drink.
Ted dashes up the same steps from the galley. “I wonder how Sue bakes during sugar rations—” He ducks to avoid me.
Except I swerve the same direction and our mouths collide so hard I see stars.
“Yow!” Ted’s hand grazes my shoulder in a near caress before he pulls back to finger his slightly swelling lip.
I jump back, heart thundering. “I did not see you.”
“Obviously.” A sappy smile rules his face.
“But you’re okay?”
“Terrific—you got my attention.” He locks his deep green eyes on mine.
And they suddenly look as mysterious and worth exploring as the craters of the moon.”
“I wasn’t trying to get your attention.” I pass a hand over my lips—they’re fine but burn . . . .
This was wartime—not time for love—with Josh fighting at Midway and then missing in action. That tore the hearts out of both of our chests. But then accidents started happening on my boat, and a murder at one of our rendezvous points.
My romance with Ted wasn’t a swoony sweep-me-off-my-feet. He didn’t see himself as a hero compared to military men but risked his life to save mine and Books Afloat. It nearly cost his, but he saved the day, and I found I couldn’t live without him—
In my books, heroism isn’t a big, bold, one-time action. It’s many consistent courage and enough faithful kindnesses to fill our world. Ted was awarded our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal to prove it. I couldn’t be more proud!
Question for Readers: Are you a snowbird? Where do you split your seasons between? Would you like to be a snowbird? Where would like to split your seasons between?
About Delores: Delores Topliff grew up in Washington state but married a Canadian so enjoys dual citizenship. She teaches university classes online, travels, and published children’s books and non-fiction stories before finding her stride writing historic fiction. Books Afloat, Christmas Tree Wars, Wilderness Wife, and Strong Currents have been published since January 2021. Delores loves her two doctor sons and five grandchildren and divides her year between a central Minnesota farm and the gentle climate and people in Northeastern Mississippi. I used to make fun of snowbirds and now I am one.
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About the Books:
Books Afloat – Based on 1942 true events, Annie Mettles creates a floating houseboat library to bring books to Columbia River residents until a Japanese sub enters the river dividing Washington and Oregon and fires on a military base. She does undercover surveillance to report enemy activity until Japan targets her boat and crew. Her team and colorful volunteers hazard their lives to save the nation 
they love.
Strong Currents – When German Christian, Erika Hofer, opposes Hitler, church leader Dietrich Bonhoeffer helps her flee to her uncle John Hofer along the Columbia River in America’s Pacific Northwest. Erika finds acceptance and support but also suspicion, hatred, and an attempt on her life.
American pastor’s son, Josh Vengeance, joins the US Navy to serve his country but is injured at Midway and invalided home. While healing in body and spirit, he joins a network of colorful individuals, including John Hofer and his niece, Erika, who defend their homeland as volunteers.
Can two wounded young people move past betrayal and disillusionment to find love and freedom during a world at war?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in her other titles?
Get your copy/copies now! Delore’s Books
Come back Feb 23rd for Jennifer Slattery!
A resident of Texas, I am not a snowbird, but these sweet sojourners have been around all my life. If I were to be a “snowbird”, I’d escape the scorching Texas temps by visiting up north every summer, a different destination each time.
nope
I have a winner! Roxanne C. wont he drawing. I appreciate Delores for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.