INTO THE STARLIGHT by Amanda Cabot
“Have you thought about what you’d like to do today?” Emily asked as she passed the plate of toast to Della.
As had been customary when their parents were alive, Saturday breakfast consisted of nothing more than scrambled eggs and toast. Father had claimed that a meatless meal helped him think more clearly and resulted in better sermons. There were no sermons to be written today, but no one seemed to mind the simple fare. Josh and Craig piled eggs on their plates, and Noah grinned when his toast crunched.
Both Burke and Della appeared more rested than they had yesterday, but the pain Joanna had seen in Burke’s eyes had not lessened. Though he smiled as he accepted the bowl of peach jam, the smile did not reach his eyes, making her wonder whether he’d slept as restlessly as she had.
Della nodded as she spread jam on a piece of toast. “I want to visit Clive’s grave.”
“His grave?” Joanna blinked in surprise. “I don’t understand. He’s not buried here.” When Burke looked as startled by her response as she’d been by Della’s request, Joanna continued. “My father believed Clive was killed in the war. He’d told his friends that he was going back to Alabama to fight with the men he’d grown up with, so no one was surprised by anything other than the suddenness of his departure, but Father had expected to hear from him. When no letters came, he wanted to write to you to ask what had happened, but he couldn’t recall the name of the town where you two lived. Father spent the rest of his life regretting that he didn’t know when or where Clive died.”
Emily and Louisa’s nods confirmed Joanna’s statement. Josh and Craig, who were relative newcomers, remained silent, but Mrs. Carmichael said, “That’s what we all believed.”
The blood that had drained from Della’s face rushed back, and she shook her head vehemently. “That’s not possible, Joanna. Your father sent me a letter, telling me what happened.” Obviously distressed, she pushed back her chair and rose. “Please excuse my poor manners, but I can’t swallow another bite until this is settled. I need you to see the letter.”
She left the room, her footsteps echoing as she climbed the stairs.
“Lady sad.” Noah crumbled a corner of his toast.
She was indeed.
A few minutes later Della returned and handed a well-worn envelope to Joanna. “It’s all here.”
Her own appetite forgotten, Joanna slid the single sheet of paper from the envelope and began to read aloud. “‘Dear Miss Samuels, I regret to inform you that Clive Finley died of dysentery last evening. The doctor did everything he could but was unable to save him. I extend my condolences to you.’ Signed Joseph Vaughn.”
Della nodded slowly. “You see.”
Joanna fixed her gaze on Della. “What I see is that my father did not write this letter. It’s not his penmanship.” She extended the sheet to Emily and Louisa for confirmation. When they’d both agreed that this was not Father’s handwriting, Joanna continued. “Furthermore, he always included a Scripture reference in his letters. There’s none here.”
“But if he didn’t write it,” Burke asked, “who did?”
Copyright 2024 Amanda Cabot
Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #3
Three Sisters Facing Mystery and Romance in the 1880s Texas Hill Country
After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.
After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.
As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.
Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle.
Romance Historical | Christian [Revell, On Sale: July 16, 2024, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800740665 / eISBN: 9781493445493]
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of A Stolen Heart and A Borrowed Dream, as well as the Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds series. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming.
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