Title: A Garland at Bitterbark Creek
Author: Tammy Mannersly
Genre: Rural Romance
Lost love, dark secrets, and a heartwarming holiday surprise. Sophie returns to her childhood home, Bitterbark Creek, for a family wedding, only to be haunted by the past. As she reconnects with the boy who once stole her heart, Jack Garland, she uncovers shocking truths about a tragic accident that shattered their lives. Can love conquer all, even when the past threatens to tear them apart?
As she tilted the pencil to shade a segment of her artwork, she heard the crunch and snap of a twig on the dry leaves behind her. Knowing it was probably her mother come to check on her, Sophie took her time, carefully etching the final scratch of graphite.
“Laura told me you’re an artist.”
She jumped and scraped a long, solid line across the page. Crap.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” This time she recognised Jack’s silver tongue.
“What are you doing here, Jack?” Sophie shot a scowl over her shoulder but saw only dark denim jeans with a sizeable bulge beneath them. Her mood grew fierier as she followed the black T-shirt–clad bulk of muscular chest upwards. Jack’s smile greeted her at the top. “Do you make it a habit to sneak up on people?”
There was a shimmer of amusement in his eyes. “No, but now I’m enjoying it, so maybe I’ll have to start.” Stepping over the end of the log, he sat down beside her, blocking her easy escape. “I see you still like to draw. Laura told me you were a graphic designer for some fancy fashion company in the city.”
“Sounds like my cousin has told you lots of things.” Sophie had deduced as much after catching Laura’s guilty expression earlier that day. She shifted away from him, but Jack just moved closer. His nearness was something she used to yearn for as a child. Now it was just infuriating.
“Thanks, I needed the room.” He reached towards her. “Show me what you’re working on.” Pinching the sketchpad from her lap, Jack examined the pencilled drawing. “It’s beautiful.”
Sophie snatched it back. “It’s ruined.” She flipped the cardboard cover back in place. “Thanks to you.”
Book Links
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fG4fuS
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-garland-at-bitterbark-creek/id6705121724
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-garland-at-bitterbark-creek-tammy-mannersly/1146317093?ean=2940186195221
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-garland-at-bitterbark-creek
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/a-garland-at-bitterbark-creek-by-tammy-mannersly
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219397428-a-garland-at-bitterbark-creek
Tammy Mannersly is an award-winning Australian author frequently praised for her heart-warming stories full of romance, dedicated friendships, and stunning Australian locations. All her books ensure a great Happily Ever After and a love story that will sweep you off your feet. Tammy has a Bachelor Degree in Creative Industries majoring in Creative Writing from Queensland University of Technology. She lives on the coast near Brisbane, Queensland and loves to write about her favorite Australian destinations.
You can find more information about Tammy and her work on her website: www.tammymannersly.com or by visiting:
Author Links
Website: https://www.tammymannersly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammymannersly
X: https://x.com/TammyMannersly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammymannersly
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tammy-mannersly
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tammy-Mannersly/author/B073XXG1PZ
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16935790.Tammy_Mannersly
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The excerpt sounds really good. I would enjoy reading this one.