Excerpt from the Book
Everything was in place for her sister’s engagement party.
Cassie Beaumont pulled out a stool from under the granite counter in a quiet corner of her father’s enormous kitchen, resting her weary body on the cushioned seat. Platters of gourmet appetizers filled the kitchen and the large round table in the breakfast nook. She’d given the caterers detailed instructions and they were ahead of schedule, preparing additional food at the island in the center of the kitchen. Everything was going brilliantly. Dad and Laura should be happy.
She twirled long strands of blonde hair around her finger and glanced at the time illuminated on the microwave oven. Eight fifteen. Guests had started arriving at eight.
The aroma of mini quiches fresh from the oven stirred her appetite. She’d only eaten a muesli bar for lunch, squeezed in between
appointments. Her feet ached from rushing around at the hotel. Fridays were always hectic and today had been no exception. Snatching a few minutes to rest her feet felt like a precious gift.
Her father strode through the busy kitchen, coming to a halt a few feet in front of her. “Cassandra, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
She flexed her fingers, tipped up her chin, and switched on a smile that could light up the Sydney Opera House. “What’s up?”
John shoved his hands in the pockets of his conservative gray suit. “Laura and Greg are expecting a big turnout.” His frown deepened and he lowered his voice. “Do you have enough staff?”
“It’s all organized.” She’d made sure he would have no reason to worry. She’d scrutinized all the arrangements, leaving nothing to chance.
His gaze swept over his spacious kitchen. “Have you ordered enough food?”
She pointed to the trays of canapés lined up on the nearby table, keeping her tone even. “There’s a mountain of food ready to be served. I have it all under control.” Thankfully her competent catering staff couldn’t overhear their conversation.
“I expect this party to be perfect.” An icy edge laced his clipped words.
“It will be.” She held his gaze, refusing to be intimidated. She’d worked hard to pull this party together. Why couldn’t he acknowledge her efforts with a thank you?
He leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms. “I told Laura she should have hired a professional party planner.”
“And what am I?” Pain flooded her weary heart and old insecurities resurfaced. Her professional role as an events manager for a five-star Sydney hotel wasn’t good enough for him. What would it take to convince him she’d changed? She was twenty-six years old and no longer the unreliable daughter with a drinking problem.
Want to know more about the book?
Cassie Beaumont believes in second chances.
Cassie is set on proving she’s no longer a party girl, instead focusing on her career as an event planner. Ryan Mitchell, her dad’s top executive, proves to be a handsome distraction, especially when someone from Cassie’s wild past tries to draw her back into the life she has worked hard to escape.
Ryan is taken with his boss’s beautiful daughter. But he is slow to trust, having been burned by a brother who ran in the same circles. When Cassie’s newfound faith works its way into his heart, Ryan wants to claim both Cassie and her faith as his own. Can they forgive past mistakes and navigate a future together?
Get your copy here!
About the Author
A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, NARELLE ATKINS was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle’s contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia and international locations.
Scavenger Hunt Word Twelve: genres
Giveaway!
Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!