Hi Lovelies,

I'm getting super excited for the imminent launch of my brand new sweet romance series set in the delightful seaside town of Cosy Cove!!

Not long to wait now!

In the meantime, I promised you an exclusive snippet from book 1, Candlelight Dreams in Cosy Cove, so here it is:

Beth twirled a strand of her hair around her finger as she stepped back to admire the new display. The flicker of candlelight bathed Harbour Lights in a golden hue, casting dancing shadows on the walls. She placed a sea-foam-green candle front and centre on the bleached driftwood shelf. With a contented smile, she breathed in the familiar scents: lavender mingled with vanilla, and a hint of that unmistakable sea breeze aroma.

As she positioned the last candle—a rich-amber jar infused with hints of cinnamon and apple—pride swelled within her; this little world of wax and wick was hers, each candle showcasing her creativity and dedication.

‘Perfect,’ she murmured, her voice barely rising above the soothing strains of the radio playing in her shop.

‘I couldn’t agree more,’ came a man’s voice from behind, startling her.

She spun around and gasped.

The ruggedly handsome guy’s presence seemed to command the space as he stepped into the soft glow, and for a second, the air seemed charged.

His piercing blue eyes met hers and something unspoken flickered between them.

Or maybe it was just her imagination.

Keep it professional, Beth. He’s a customer.

She offered a smile, hoping she looked calm and collected, when inside her stomach fluttered. ‘Hi…’ She cleared her throat. ‘Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.’

Must get that bell fixed.

‘It’s quite all right,’ he replied with a charming smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes, warm like the amber candlelight. ‘You looked, err… busy.’ He gestured to the display behind her.

‘Sorry. I get carried away sometimes.’ She cringed inwardly. Stop apologising, you fool. She focused, put on her best business-like voice and beamed. ‘Welcome to Harbour Lights. Can I help you?’

His gaze stayed on her for a tad longer than necessary.

Maybe it hadn’t been her imagination after all.

‘I’m not sure,’ he said finally. ‘Maybe. Hopefully.’

‘Is there a particular scent you’re drawn to?’

He blew out a breath. ‘Honestly? I’m just following my nose. A lovely lady called Maggie from a café along the promenade suggested I visit you. Your shop, I mean.’ He shuffled from one foot to the other. ‘Visit your candle shop.’

Dear Maggie—not one for subtlety in the matchmaking department, that one. Again, the café owner’s words echoed inside her head. “Love might be just around the corner.”

Maggie was always trying to fix people up; claimed she had a sixth sense where matters of the heart were concerned, and told everyone she instinctively knew when two souls were meant to find each other.

Beth refused to dwell on the fact that Maggie had quite possibly steered this handsome visitor to her little candle shop on purpose. ‘Well, you’ve come to the right place,’ she told him, still business-like.

‘Is that so?’ His voice held a playful note, but his eyes were curious and attentive.

‘Absolutely.’ She brushed her fingers against a pearl-coloured candle. ‘I call this one Vanilla Dream.’

He leaned closer to inhale the scent. ‘Sounds enchanting.’

His proximity sent an unexpected shiver down Beth’s spine. ‘Enchanting, and apparently irresistible, according to my customers. It’s my best seller.’ She took a small step back to regain her composure.

‘Sorry, I should introduce myself. I’m Jacob Lawson Journalist. I’m writing a piece on Cosy Cove and its hidden treasures.’

The way he rolled off his name and occupation made it sound like it was his whole name.

‘Hello, Jacob Lawson Journalist.’ She smirked. ‘I’m Bethany Williams Candlemaker.’

Jacob flashed another one of those charismatic smiles and extended his hand.

She shook it, the contact brief, but it left a tingling sensation in its wake. 

Candlelight Dreams is available to pre-order now!

https://www.books2read.com/CandlelightDreamsCosyCove

And don't forget, you can save money if you order direct!

www.payhip.com/AbbeyHicksAuthor

Bye for now,

Abbey xx