Shannon here: Lynn U. Watson shares a romantic excerpt from her latest Historical Romance, Frayed Promises. I’m excited because this is one of my editing babies. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Aug 19th – 28th to enter the drawing for this title plus 5 others in my August Book Bundle #2, details below. Deadline: Sept 6th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Lynn:
Excerpt from Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson – Chapter 12:
Daniel looked down from the driver’s seat and soaked in the sight of his beloved as Tante Adeline, Onkel Martin, and Sandra stepped up to the carriage.
He hoped his smile matched hers—the one shining at him like the noonday sun. Jumping down and skipping the formality of a kiss to the hand, he embraced his lovely lady. He whispered in her ear. “Your Onkel Martin gave me permission to kiss you, too.”
“Oh, did he?”
“Ja, he did.” Daniel desired more but kept it respectable. His hands lingered on her shoulders. He held Clara arms-length away and rubbed her tummy.
“Daniel! People are watching.”
“But this is the closest I’ll come to holding my child before she’s grown. I’m going to miss everything. I’ll find a way to join you and the baby… before the year is out.” …
“I’m holding fast to your word, Daniel. Please don’t disappoint us.” Clara rested her free hand on her tummy.
“I will honor your trust.”
“Who gave permission for you to drive us to the train? Not Vati?”
“…The Gut Herr of Gut Apfelhof doesn’t want you to know, but he does care—very much. Curt convinced him to allow me the short time this morning to drive the four of you to the train station. I think he allowed it only because he expects this will be the last time I’ll see you.” …
Daniel helped Tante Adeline into the carriage. He lingered a few moments more assisting Clara. “Pregnancy looks beautiful on you, my Lovely Lady.” He brushed stray red curls from her face. Taking her in his arms he pressed his lips to hers, and they melted together. The flutters of her heart beat against his chest. He deepened the kiss memorizing everything about this moment. She wrapped herself more tightly to him. Her lips blossomed, and he tasted a remnant of peppermint igniting the growing fire of the passion they shared. Oh, how he desired more…
Onkel Martin cleared his throat. “We’ll be late for the train.”
Daniel slowly released his wife. “I’m not sure how this one kiss will hold me—hold us until I get to America.”
“Oh Daniel, me either. Is that another promise you will come?”
“It is.” He extended his hand to help her into the carriage…
Fifteen minutes later they arrived at the train station… Onkel Martin took Clara’s hand in his own and nudged her closer to Daniel. “You two say your goodbyes—again.” He pointed to the coach car they would be occupying. “Clara, be on board when the whistle blows.”
“Danke, Onkel.”
“We have only a moment, and a train platform is too public for what I’d love to do right now,” Daniel’s lower lip protruded… “I want to be there for you—all of you.”
“Like we’ve planned all along. He’ll be with me. Oh, how I want to trust Him. And you. I’ll write. Please write back.” Her eyes welled up.
Daniel stood tall. He forced a smile on his face and led her to the train car. “Maybe it wasn’t the best idea for me to come?”
“I’ll treasure the memory of this moment. I needed to know you care. I love you forever, Daniel Becker. Let me gaze on every detail of your face, your sky-blue eyes, your wavy golden hair, your single dimple, and your broad shoulders, remembering every inch of you for always, my handsome prince.”
Daniel laughed. “You still believe frogs turn into princes, do you?” He brushed his hands over her cheeks. “I love you with all my heart, and I always will, Clara Becker. I’m so thankful for your Mutti’s paintings, many with your image, hung with care all over the Gut Apfelhof home—many reminders of my lovely lady.” He gripped her hand while she stepped into the train car, then handed her the basket. She rubbed the cameo, as he released his hold.
A long blow of the whistle roared above the noise of people like him still on the platform, waving farewell to friends and family. Pungent gray puffs of smoke billowed from the engine’s stack.
He blew a kiss. She blew one back. Their arms reached toward one another until the train and his lovely lady rolled toward Bremen and the ship—the one transporting his wife far away from him and their dreams.
German Words:
Onkel …….. Uncle Danke …….. Thank you
Tante …….. Aunt Mutti …….. Mom
Vati …….. Dad
Question for Readers: Do you know any other languages? Why did you learn it and how fluent are you? If not, are there any languages you’d like to learn and why?
August Book Bundle #2 Giveaway
Blogs for this giveaway will run from Aug 19th thru 28th:
Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson print U.S. only, Historical Romance
Awakening (Lewis Legacy Series, Book 1) by JoAnn Durgin, e-book U.S. only, Contemporary Romance
Only A Heartbeat Away by Julianna Desmond, e-book U.S. only, Contemporary Romance
Love Upon a Midnight Clear (Snowcrest Christmas Series, Book 1) by JoAnn Durgin, e-book U.S. only, Contemporary Romance
Gazing into Darkness by Heidi Glick e-book, Romantic Suspense
A Lesson in Love by Linda Shenton Matchett e-book, Historical Romance
About Lynn: From stories whispered down generations to vibrant threads of her own life, Lynn
Watson’s journey is a testament to creativity and compassion. She’s a great-great granddaughter of a German baron. Nurtured by her grandmother’s love of needlework, Lynn built a thriving custom clothing business. She and husband, Steve, created The Lynn’n Butterfly Collection (x-stitch designs). Also a certified reflexologist, she combines her passions and heritage Stepping through Time Stitching Stories of Faith.
Lynn’s novels have won awards from The BookFest™, Literary Global, and Clean Fiction Magazine. A bold advocate for life, a portion of her royalties for Frayed Promises benefits Life Choices of Memphis, Inc.
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About the book – Frayed Promises (Book 2 Promised Destiny series):
Wurttemberg, Germany, 1881
“I’ll keep your secret. But, Clara.” Oma looked her granddaughter in the eye. “Choices carry consequences.”
Clara and Daniel–the Baron’s daughter and the family carriage driver, followed their hearts and married secretly circumventing nobility’s rules. They conduct their lives separately while sneaking every opportunity to be together. When Clara is forced to reveal her marriage, can she also hide the life growing inside her, and what punishment awaits from her father?
If Vati sends her away, Daniel promises to follow. But unexpected family troubles bring them face-to-face with the words of Proverbs 16:9. A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
Her grandmother’s last warning spins like a tempest threatening to shipwreck their joy and fray every promise they have made.
Will they trust that God gives impossibilities beautiful endings?
If you enjoy stories of faith in the face of society’s pressures and trusting God in times of struggle, you’ll love this closed-door romance that will keep you guessing until the end. For readers of Tracie Peterson and Ann H. Gabhart.
NOTE: Inconvenient pregnancy, sanctity of life, and past abortion are a part of this story—handled with gentleness and grace.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Lynn’s other titles.
Get your copy/copies now!
Come back Aug 21st for JoAnn Durgin!
Thank you for hosting me today! Excited to see who wins the bundle. 😀
I’ve enjoyed Amish fiction for years — this looks like a winner! Thank you for putting it onto my radar 🙂
Thank you, Susan. It’s not Amish, but I do hope you enjoy every word of Clara’s story.
Clara’s character is inspired by a tiny snippet of my great-grandmother’s life. My great-grandmother was pregnant with my grandmother when she traveled to America (that part of the story is true). Grandma was born August 19, 1882. So TODAY is a perfect day for Frayed Promises to be featured. 🥰
Do you know any other languages?
Actually, English is my second language that I started learning in school (5th grade). It helped when I moved to US 🙂 Russian is my first language.
My daughter is fascinated with German and learning it now!
Hi Natlya, That’s awesome that you daughter is fascinated with German. I learned German in school, but don’t recall a lot of it anymore. I had to look up several of the German words scattered throughout this book series. I admire anyone who speaks multiple languages. And interestingly, my high school freshman English teacher was also the Russian teacher. She was determined that we would at least learn the Russian alphabet in our English class. I think I knew it then, but I sure don’t remember it now. Blessings to you.
Hi Natlya, That’s awesome that you daughter is fascinated with German. I learned German in school, but don’t recall a lot of it anymore. I had to look up several of the German words scattered throughout this book series. I admire anyone who speaks multiple languages. And interestingly, my high school freshman English teacher was also the Russian teacher. She was determined that we would at least learn the Russian alphabet in our English class. I think I knew it then, but I sure don’t remember it now. Blessings to you.
I don’t know any other languages, but I took some Spanish in 7th grade and Latin and French in 8th. Too bad I don’t remember much of it!
I loved languages in school. Besides the 5 years of German I took, I also did a little with Spanish and French. Sadly, when we don’t have the opportunity to use it, it is so easy to lose. I’ve forgotten so much of the German I knew. Two of my grandkids are Ethiopian. After being here less than a year and living in an English-speaking home, taking ESL classes at school, they lost their native language, too. The older one has worked on reclaiming hers.
I have a winner! Leela won the drawing. I appreciate Lynn for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.