Shannon here: Laura Thomas shares her real-life love story along with an excerpt from her Romantic Suspense, The Final Word. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for an e-book copy. Deadline: July 12th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Laura:
It started young, this heart pounding for my one true love. It actually began in a little Welsh village when I was a fourteen-year-old schoolgirl, and it continues to pound for him ever stronger as we celebrate thirty-seven years of marriage…
My life changed dramatically when I was eleven years old. I observed the conversion of my father from alcoholic to born-again, on-fire-for-God Christian, resulting in my own decision to follow Christ. Not long after that, my dad enrolled in Bible School and our family uprooted from the beautiful south coast of England to a tiny village in South Wales.
A certain young man caught my eye at church, and my heart soon followed. Lyndon was everything my fourteen-year-old-self wanted in a boyfriend… he was handsome, attentive, fun, generous, loving, and a strong Christian (much to my parents’ relief!). We were besotted and both knew right from the start that we would marry one day.
Just before my nineteenth birthday, Lyndon got down on one knee and proposed in a romantic little restaurant in the Welsh countryside. A ruby ring surrounded by tiny diamonds appeared, a dozen red roses were placed on our table, and I was the happiest girl on the planet. The rest, as they say, is history…
A year later, we were married in Dinas Powys, South Wales. My grandfather walked me down the aisle, my father married us, and my husband promised to love me forever. Within five years, we had our first precious child and started pursuing our crazy dream of living in a new country.
When the doors for emigrating to Canada miraculously opened up, we kept walking—and then we were flying. This year we celebrate 30 years living in the same beautiful city in British Columbia, the perfect place for us to raise our three children—and now live as empty nesters with Lulu, our needy French bulldog!
This is my journey, my love story so far. Perhaps one of the reasons why I am drawn to writing romance. I’m glad to share that the suspense side of my stories is purely fictional… but I like to think my own Prince Charming is the inspiration for my fictional heroes!
Here’s an excerpt from The Final Word when Sophie and Miles first meet outside the Opera House in one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris:
“Bonjour. Bonjour.” Sophie focused on not dropping the delivery, and only when she was directly in front of the open door did she dare raise her head to make eye contact with the person who had given her a way inside. “Oh, h-hello.” Why had she reverted to her native English? Why indeed.
She could barely gather her thoughts as she stared up into the chiseled face of a man who struck a remarkable resemblance to the love interest in her work-in-progress novel. She blinked. Mute. Had she imagined him into being?
He raised his dark brows and all that handsomeness broke into a grin. “Thank goodness—you have cakes and you speak English?”
Sophie knew she was gaping like a fool, but she needed a second. He was literally Prince Charming. Wore the costume. Had the perfect wavy hair. Eyes the color of a stormy ocean. Plus, he spoke with a soft American accent.
“Miss? Mademoiselle? Can I take the box from you?” His forehead wrinkled.
Sophie blinked several times, willing her cheeks to cool down. “I’m so sorry. You took me by surprise. I’m here with a delivery from the Pretty Patisserie.” She nodded at his outfit. “I’m guessing you’re in tonight’s performance.”
He laughed and Sophie felt the warm sound reverberate in her own chest. “I am. You’ll be relieved to know I don’t usually dress like this. Would you like to come in or should I take the box from you here?”
She bit her lower lip. “At the risk of sounding paranoid, I’d like to be able to make sure they’re all perfect and set them out as per the instructions from my boss. Her creations are her babies, and I feel responsible. It’s my last day working for her and she bought me a ticket to see the performance tonight.” I’m rambling like a buffoon…
“Well, in that case—” He stood back and allowed her entrance. “Please, go ahead. I’m awfully sorry, I would come with you and help, but I’m running a quick errand.” He pulled at the golden tassels on his shoulder lapels. “It’s a costume thing. Are you okay to follow the corridor to the end? You’ll want to take the last door on the left. A bunch of the crew are in there. They’ll be stoked to see you and your cakes.”
Sophie’s heart sank a little at the thought of him leaving, which was ridiculous.
“It was lovely to meet you, Miss—?” He tilted his head.
“Sophie Brooks.”
He nodded. “Enjoy the opera tonight, Sophie Brooks.”
Question for readers: Which country would you choose as a romantic suspense story setting?
About Laura: A published, award-winning Christian author, Laura writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her numerous romantic suspense novels, Christmas novellas, teen fiction and children’s books, as well as her non-fiction writing.
Laura is a hope*writers certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog!
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About the book – The Final Word:
“When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night.
Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer-until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope … if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold.
In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives.”
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Thanks so much for having me here on your blog, Shannon! 🤗
Glad to have you here. I think Australia would make a good suspense setting
Yes! Perhaps something sinister in the outback… 😉
This book sounds interesting! Thank you!
Thanks so much, Bridgette—I hope you have the chance to check it out! 🤗
Loved reading your love story, Laura! I’m so thankful for the time we had together years ago at the hope*writers Writing Conference! I would love to see one of your books set in Australia. Sydney might be a natural starting point but please consider Brisbane as well! We spent two weeks there a few years ago when our daughter’s uni graduation graduated from uni and it was delightful!
Hi, Jill! Thanks ever so much… I will always treasure that special time in Charlotte. 🤗 Australia would definitely be a fun setting—I’m so glad you had the opportunity to visit Brisbane. Take care, friend!
How about Aruba? 🙂
Oh, I love that suggestion, Natalya! 🤗
I think Paris is a wonderful setting for a romantic and suspenseful book.
Thanks for your comment, Paula—I had great fun starting this book off in Paris… such a dreamy city! 🤗