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Finding Home by Marianne Evans


BLURB:
A Christmas voyage to London…
Six months ago, Alexa Gordon’s engagement transformed from happiness to betrayal. Christmas is on the way. The last thing she wants to do is spend the holiday in mourning for being so foolish with her emotions. A spontaneous, soul-reviving trip to London is just what she needs.

Becomes a mission of the heart…
Peter Colby, a treasured friend from Alexa’s study abroad term in England years ago, welcomes her back to the UK with open arms. He knows she’s still reeling, but he’s determined to show her a proper, fulfilling love that will keep her at his side forever.

And God’s plan unfolds…
But they life half the world apart, and Alexa is shattered by past pain. Can Peter help her find the courage she longs for? Can he convince Alexa that finding home isn’t just about logistics it’s about the power of the heart?


EXCERPT:

The first thing Peter Colby noticed on reviewing the newsfeed from his friends on line was an update from Alexa Gordon. Her post included a countdown clock, ticking relentlessly toward its assigned expiration date of midnight, December thirty-first.
“Thirty-odd days, twelve hours, five minutes, and forty seconds.” He recited the statistics in a mutter, brows pulled together as he perused the screen. Rubbing at his chin, he propped an elbow on the fully outfitted, though cluttered, work desk that stood sentinel in a corner of his study. “That’d be Pacific time, of course.”  Curious, he scrolled down a bit, so he could read her accompanying status report.
It’s the Friday after Thanksgiving. Two local radio stations are already playing Christmas music 24/7. I have the day off work, but instead of shopping with the masses, I’m tucked into my kitchen, baking scones. That takes me to a happy place. Frankly, I don’t know whether to embrace the Christmas season or rejoice that the year is finally coming to a close. As you’ll see by the accompanying time clock, I’ve opted for the latter option. I’ll celebrate, but I pray the year to come will blow all the previous badness away. As most of you know, this hasn’t been my best year. Not by a long shot.
He scrolled up, until he returned to the small square photo to the left. He enlarged it—studied it. The picture was his absolute favorite, even if it was nearly three years old. His sister, Vanessa had asked a friend to take the picture while they stood freezing at a local rugby match. Alexa’s smile all but exploded from the photograph, expansive, full of joyful laughter. Her blue eyes sparkled like bubbles bursting to life in a flute of vintage champagne. Straight, chin-length hair of blonde swung free as she stood along the green grass sidelines on a sunny, though blustery day in England.
In this shot, Peter stood to Alexa’s right, Vanessa to the left. He recalled giving the back of Alexa’s neck a playful tickle just as the picture was clicked. Interesting, he thought, that his friend chose to revisit the photo—and that she was baking scones.
In the throes of a heart-tug, Peter clicked on the comment box and began to type.
Hmm. Scones. Clotted cream. Berries. I can almost smell them from here. Seems a trip to the UK is in order. The food hall at Harrods awaits. Christmas in London is just the thing to kick those ghosts to the grave. Vanessa and I happily and willingly extend free accommodation in London. Peter looked out the window of the apartment he shared with his twin, which overlooked a curved section of Belgrave Road in Pimlico. He allowed his imagination to run with him for a bit before he resumed data entry. Picture the city like a scene from the pages of Dickens. Garlands of evergreen are lit and curved above cobbled streets. A thick blanket of snow covers the world as snowflakes tumble from the sky. The aroma of roasting chestnuts surrounds you (which, sadly, smell much better than they taste…as you know firsthand. Remember that culinary misadventure?) Come back to Britain. After all, you owe me my quid, right?
He posted the reply and grinned because he noticed she was listed as being online and available. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if…
An instant ‘like’ from Alexa hit his notification list.


REVIEW:
Come and spend Christmas in England, in London, see the tree in Trafalgar Square, carols, mince pies, everything quintessentially British about Christmas, Ms Evans has managed to get into this story. Forget the Dickensian version, come read this one. You won’t be disappointed.

PURCHASE LINK:









BIO
Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.
Evans’s novel, Hearts Communion, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors in the Romance category and readers have lauded her work as: ‘Riveting.’ ‘Realistic and true to heart.’ ‘Compelling.’ Evans has also won acclaim in such RWA contests as The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence where she has been a finalist twice, the Ancient City Romance Writers Heart of Excellence contest where two of her novels earned distinction as finalists and the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence contest.
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Evans is active in a number of a number of Romance Writers of America chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. She’s also active in American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.

Connect with Marianne:

Comments

Marianne Evans said…
Clare, it means so much to me that you pre-read Finding Home! You're "the real deal" - a total treasure - and I'm grateful to you! This review is amazing, and coming from a Brit I love and respect as much as you, the words of praise are fantastic. Love to you, and boy am I enjoying An Aussie Christmas Angel! Review to post in a day or two!!!! xo <3
Robin Patchen said…
This sounds great. I love everything English,so I can't wait to read it.
Mary Manners said…
I have had the pleasure of reading this great holiday novella by Marianne Evans and it is truly a keeper. Everything Marianne writes is a treasure for your keeper shelf!

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