Hey, good to be back, everyone. I hope you’re all well. Happy Spring!
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I’ve been really busy. At the beginning of the year, I received publishing rights back for my Eclipse Heat series. I wanted the rights so I’m am not complaining. But sheesh…the work involved in getting them edited, formatted, outfitted in new covers, and marketed has been more than I expected. At the same time I’m juggling deadlines and edits I already committed to. But, it’s all coming together and since January, I’ve re-released three in the series and the fourth,Tupelo Gold, new book, never published before, will release on May 3rd. I’m sharing a scene today that introduces the title.
Hamilton nodded at the amber beads clinging to the wooden dipper. “Taste it,” he urged.
When Comfort looked at him doubtfully, he grinned, taking the dipper from her to dab a drop on her bottom lip. Tentatively she swiped her tongue across it, closing her eyes to better sample the flavor–a subtle essence carrying a delicate fragrance as well as a hint of cinnamon. The underlying tang made her think of lush forests with exotic flowers perfuming the air.
“Is it honey?” she asked.
“It’s called Tupelo Gold; honeybees in the swamps along the Apalachicola River valley produce it. It’s sweeter than regular honey, and more precious than gold.” He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand and added in a low growl, “Like you.”
Tupelo Gold © Gem Sivad 2016
Comfort Parker Bailey Quince wears her string of names with pride. Before she married Owen Bailey, she was a Parker, from Perry County, Alabama. She wasn’t one of the highfalutin branch. Comfort belonged to the scrabble in the dust, do anything to survive including sell herself for food, poorer side of the Parker clan. But, she dreams of being rich someday and studies a copy of Godey’s Lady’s Book, determined to learn the mannerisms of her more affluent relatives.
Though her tall, curvaceous figure, creamy skin, and thick wavy hair might be considered an advantage by some, her beauty often proves more of a curse when she’s forced to outwit men in order to survive. After Comfort’s abusive husband is killed, her friend, a respected local rancher named Hamilton Quince, sweeps her into a second marriage with the assurance he’ll always love and protect her.
But, Comfort’s plan to continue as a business woman residing in town, abruptly comes to a halt. Hamilton produces a ready-made family and expects her to move from her Eclipse boardinghouse to his VERY rustic cabin on the Double-Q ranch.She’s tempted to end the marriage and say goodbye. But having fallen in love with her husband, leaving him isn’t that easy.
After years of scheming to get rich, Comfort Parker Bailey Quince has finally discovered love more precious than gold.
Available @ Amazon
Nothing like being valued like gold. Great snippet, Gem, and congrats on getting your rights back! 🙂
Congrats on getting your rights back. I’m loving this snippet. Both he and the honey sound good. I’m looking forward to reading more. 🙂
Wow that was sweet, like literally. I really want to taste that too.
What ever girl secretly wants to hear: that they are more precious than gold. Sweet snippet.
Good to have you back …. with a great snippet, too.
Happy to see you back! Congratulations on getting your rights reverted! Enjoyed the snippet, your prose just flows so smoothly. Excellent!
That honey sounds awesome. (Now I want honey…)
I am glad you are back Gem. Excellent snippet!
I didn’t realize you were a Southern girl too! This snippet reads like home, and I love the last line. Can’t wait to read more!
Loved the snippet and the sweet conversation. Congrats on your upcoming release. Like always love the cover.
Honey and gold — a great combination for the senses. Taste. Golden colour. Aroma. Stickiness (as is lovers sticking together).
I loved the description, her impression of lush forests and exotic flowers – really made a vivid image.
Great snippet. Love the tension building between them and the honey sounds delicious.
MM…that last little bit was as smooth as Tupelo honey, too.
I’m so glad to see you back, Gem. I’ve missed your posts! Congrats on getting back the rights–and sheesh, you sure have been busy. 🙂 Good for you!
B)Parchment Old West
Fantastic sensory details. They really sell the whole scene.
Fantastic snippet!