Shannon here: Jennifer Slattery shares a romantic excerpt from her latest Contemporary Romance, Recapturing Her Heart. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Feb 23rd – 27th to enter the drawing for a copy. Deadline: March 9th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Jennifer:
Excerpt from Recapturing Her Heart by Jennifer Slattery:
What had she just agreed to? Accepting his dinner invite might not have been such a horrible idea, if her insides didn’t practically melt to mush whenever he turned his green eyes her way. Or, if she wasn’t growing increasingly attached to him, her internal reactions creeping toward pre-breakup intensity. Or, if seeing him holding his chainsaw, his thick brows pinched in concentration, his biceps flexing, hadn’t almost made her regret walking away five years ago.
Almost. She’d made the right decision, for them both. Regardless of how things had turned out for her—temporarily—she’d been able to tour with a professional dance company. And in her absence, CJ had birthed a dream. She could tell by watching him that carving made him feel alive in much the same way dance did her. Had she stayed, his constant focus on her could’ve kept him from discovering his passion for carving.
And now? They both kept moving—him toward becoming a successful artist and her toward returning to the stage. Saying goodbye, again, would hurt. But they’d healed before and would do so again.
With a sigh, she placed a handful of Emaline’s sensory toys back into her diaper bag alongside her folded Noah’s ark blanket, draped the strap over her shoulder, and climbed CJ’s steps. He’d left the front door open and his deep voice drifting through the screen caused her heart to stutter.
He was singing! Stepping inside, she paused to make out the song, then suppressed a giggle.
Harper smiled and leaned a shoulder against the doorframe separating the living room from the kitchen. “That’s a lullaby I’ve not heard before. What’s it called?”
A hint of pink settled into his face. “It’s The Green Berets movie theme song.”
She quirked an eyebrow at him. “Quite soothing and whimsical, I’m sure.”
He laughed. “She looked like she was about to fuss, and those were the only lyrics I could think of.”
“About to fuss, huh? Must have been terrifying.” How easily she was falling back into their old teasing banter. Was that a sign of friendship or further indication that her heart was inching in a forbidden direction?
He gave a one-shoulder shrug and turned toward his cupboards, her daughter looking quite content tucked between his chest and arm.
Either Harper had hurt him or he, too, had sensed their precarious footing—an indication that he’d closed his heart to her as firmly as she was trying to close hers to him.
She came up beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder, a surge of warmth shooting through her upon contact. “I was just teasing. Would you like me to take her?”
He glanced at Emaline with a look of wonder in his eyes. “I don’t mind.”
Maybe she was reading too much into this, but she sensed he wanted to say no. Funny, he’d always been great with kids—the way he used to get the children she babysat laughing! But she never remembered him looking at them with the almost paternal fondness with which she’d caught him gazing at Emaline.
Thinking this way would only make it harder when it came time for her to leave.
Question for Readers: What song have you sung to a child to keep them from fussing or to put them to sleep? What song comforts you?
About Jennifer: Jennifer Slattery is a writer, podcast host and speaker who has addressed women’s
groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the lead host of the Faith Over Fear podcast and cohost, with four others, of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She also maintains devotional blogs found and is a regular contributor to iBelieve.com. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves playing games with her family, working puzzles, and adventuring with her hilariously fun husband. Learn more & connect or book her to speak at your next event:
Jennifer’s Website Faith Over Fear Podcast
Jennifer’s Facebook Jennifer’s Instagram
About the book – Recapturing Her Heart:
What she’s always wished for… might be right here at home.
When she loses her job, professional dancer Harper Moore returns to her Texas hometown with one goal in mind—leaving again. But first she needs money for her big move, even if that means working for her ex-boyfriend. CJ Jenkins is certain he can help the single mom and keep his still-bruised heart intact. But as old feelings resurface, can they let go of the past for a new dream together?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
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Recapturing Her Heart Jennifer’s Books
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“I found a peanut” always made my son smile and not cry.
My son always loved the song from the Barney tv show. Praise songs comfort me and Great Is Thy Faithfulness.
I always sang Amazing Grace to our son to put him to sleep. He hated sleep so it took awhile. That song has tons of verses and I knew them all. The Garden comforts me. And He walks with me and He talks with me.
I used to sing all the verses of “Jesus Loves Me” repeatedly to my daughter as I rocked her, trying to lull her to sleep.
Skeeters am a hummin on the honeysuckle vine. Sleep Kentucky Babe.
Or
Swing, swing, swing, swing, under the apple tree.
Sing, sing, sing, sing, happy and gay are we….
Old, old, old songs.
The song that comforts me lately is My Soul Will Wait (Psalm 62) (Song by Sovereign Grace Music).
I have a winner! Maryann won the drawing. I appreciate Jennifer for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.