Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.
A stolen Christmas kiss leaves them bewildered and breathless. A charming rogue-turned-vicar, Will wants to prove that he left his rakish days behind him, but an accidental kiss changes all his plans. His secret could bring them together...or divide them forever.
Holly has two Christmas wishes this year; finally earn her mother's approval by gaining the notice of a handsome earl, and learn the identity of the stranger who gave her a heart-shattering kiss...even if that stranger is the resident Christmas ghost.
Snippet:
Will set the ladder near one of the columns and eyed the metal supports
bolted to the pillars on either side of the altar. Good. All was ready for the
candles to be placed for the Christmas service. Miss Gray moved like a dancer
amidst the pews, her slender, yet curvy form softly contrasting with the stone
walls. She was such a spot of cheer.
Raised to marry a lord. Not a vicar.
That same kicked-in-the-gut sensation returned. Muttering under his
breath, Will followed the rector into the vestry to collect the candles. He
hurried back, almost starving for Miss Gray’s presence. As they worked, Miss
Gray hummed The Holly and the Ivy.
Will listened to her sweet voice for a moment and couldn’t resist joining
in. Bradbury also sang with a strong bass that harmonized with the melody. Was
there anything that wretched lord didn’t do well? Will indulged in some very
un-Christian thoughts about the oh-so-perfect lord.
Mrs. Gray also sang, with a voice as lovely as her daughter’s. After a
moment, the cheery tunes lifted Will’s mood. Standing on the ladder, Will added
the extra candles needed for the Christmas service, then assisted in wrapping
the columns as Miss Gray had suggested.
In less than an hour, they transformed the humble parish church into a
celebratory Christmas haven, almost fit for a drawing room.
“It’s perfect,” Miss Gray exclaimed. “A pity we cannot hang a kissing
ball.”
Will choked and laughed at the outrageous statement. Honestly, he agreed.
Lord Bradbury’s eyes widened. Mrs. Gray shot her daughter a withering look.
The poor girl flushed and bit her lip, looking down. “Erm, I mean…”
Mr. Appleby didn’t see the humor, either. “Adding such a pagan symbol as
mistletoe would no doubt create a public outcry and possibly have me removed
from my position as vicar.”
Of course, if Will could get Miss Holly Gray beneath a kissing ball….
Ahem.
For all intents and purposes, Will had given his word not to pursue her.
He reviewed his newfound resolve to cling to duty, to turn over a new leaf in
life, and to please his family by bringing honor rather than dishonor to the
Berry name. Keeping his word, duly given to a lady, fell squarely into that
resolve. No more romantic fantasies about Miss Gray.
Very well, he’d
avoid Holly Gray as much as possible without appearing to give her the cut. He
must resist talking to her or even looking at her. He must.
Of course, that
included ensuring that she never discover who had kissed her, which meant he
must continue an ungentlemanly deception.
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