Robin's Reward (Bonita Creek Trilogy Book 1) (31 page)

So strong was the emotion in the church as everyone observed Jeff’s sweet act of devotion even Pastor White paused to gather his own composure. Sniffles and coughs could be heard throughout the sanctuary.

“There’s nothing as heartwarming and inspiring as a man declaring his love for his bride in front of a church full of family and friends,” Pastor White spoke extemporaneously.

As Robin’s tears ceased, the minister prompted the bride to recite her vows to her groom. Her voice reverberated strongly and clearly throughout the church. Soon after the rings were exchanged, the minister gave Jeff permission to kiss his bride. As Robin walked into her husband’s embrace she was showered with several sweet kisses hinting at the depth of Jeff’s happiness and passion at their marriage.

Jorie’s songbird-like voice drifted into Robin’s consciousness as she sang “Morning Has Broken.” When the song ended Pastor White motioned the couple to turn around to face their guests.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to present Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Clarke.”

Applause broke out as the couple scurried down the aisle toward the back of the sanctuary. There Jeff pulled Robin aside and kissed her passionately until the sound of footsteps broke them apart.

“You’ve made me the happiest man in the world today, Mrs. Clarke,” he whispered.

“I couldn’t possibly be any happier myself, Mr. Clarke.”

~*~

Everyone enjoyed the reception, but no one was surprised when the newlyweds were the first to say farewell to their guests soon after the cake cutting ceremony. They’d be leaving early the next morning for a honeymoon in Victoria, British Columbia.

After Jeff carried Robin across the threshold at the cottage, he set her down gently on the sofa while he turned to lock the front door and close the drapes.

“How are you feeling, Mrs. Clarke?” he asked as he settled in close to his bride.

She nuzzled his neck and mumbled, “Exquisitely, exceptionally, extraordinarily, exuberantly happy.”

He began kissing her soft neck. “My thoughts exactly,” he said as he reached over to dim the lamp.

~
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
S
~

I would like to send my sincere appreciation to the many individuals who have contributed in some way to the publication of
‘Robin’s Reward’
.

Thank you to my editor and self-publishing mentor, Author Cindy C. Bennett. Your ideas and tips made all the difference in polishing my original manuscript. To say that I couldn’t have done this without you would be an understatement. You’re awesome, Cindy.

My appreciation goes to my cover designer, Author Sherry Gammon. You considered my vision for Robin’s cover and brought it to life with a brilliant photo of Robin’s favorite flowers, pompom dahlias. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us, Sherry.

To my dear friend, Author Rebecca H. Jamison, for reading and endorsing this book. I appreciate the time you took out of your busy writing and home schedule to do this greatest of favors for me, Becky.

I’ve received valuable advice about book promotion and self-publishing from Author MK McClintock. Thanks for listening, MK.

To the dedicated bloggers who supported my first novel,
‘A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom’,
through two blog tours. You ladies are the fuel that keeps the engine moving in book promotion. Thank you for your time and efforts on my behalf by sharing my work with your readers. Some of you have become dear online friends, and I enjoy corresponding with you.

To the readers of my blog and my Facebook followers, thank you for your interest in and support of my writing and sewing ventures. Your positive comments keep me smiling.

To my extraordinary husband and my outstanding personal friends who have encouraged me to continue writing and who showered me with support when times were tough—you all are greatly appreciated, and I’m blessed to have you in my life.

Other Books by June McCrary Jacob

A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom

Praise for A Holiday Miracle

A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom
is terrific holiday reading. June McCrary Jacobs's debut novel and is a heartwarming and encouraging story for the holiday season.  . . . It is a quick read that is pleasant and clear of swearing, detail violence or innuendo.  

K. Patrick Cassell, Deseret News

~
ABOUT THE AUTHO
R
~

Award-winning author, June McCrary Jacobs, was the winner of Cedar Fort Publishing’s 2013 Holiday Tale Contest for her debut novella,
‘A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom’. ‘Robin’s Reward’
is her first full-length novel, and is set in her favorite location in California—the Mendocino coastal region. This book is the first installment of the
‘Bonita Creek Trilogy’
.

June’s original sewing, quilting, and stitchery designs have been published in over one hundred books, magazines, and blogs in the past few years. When she’s not writing, reading, or sewing, June enjoys cooking, walking, and visiting art and history museums. She also enjoys touring historic homes and gardens and strolling around the many historic Gold Rush towns in the Sierra Nevada foothills. In the summertime you can find June at a variety of county fairs and the California State Fair admiring the sewing projects, quilts, and handiwork other inspired seamstresses, quilters, craftspeople, and artists have created.

June enjoys hearing from her readers and other authors, bloggers, sewers, quilters, and crafters. Connect with June on her website/blog at:  junemccraryjacobs.com or by sending her an email message at [email protected]  Follow her on her Author’s Facebook page, her Goodreads Author page, and her Amazon.com Author page. (Links to these platforms may be found at:  junemccraryjacobs.com).

~
DISCUSSION QUESTION
S
~

1.  At the beginning of their relationship Jeff and Robin both kept secrets from each other. Have you ever begun a friendship without being totally honest with the other person? What was the result of your lack of transparency? Were you able to resolve the issues later on or did the secrecy drive a permanent wedge between you?

2.  Robin was passionate about her job as the town’s librarian. Have you ever known anyone who was dedicated to her or his profession? Have you ever been passionate about a job or profession? How does this dedication benefit those individuals whom the professional serves?

3.  Gardening is Robin’s physical and emotional release from the stress and strain of bad memories and the everyday challenges in her life. What hobby or activity do you engage in to relax and enjoy your leisure time? Do you share the hobby with someone close to you? If so, what benefits do you both gain when participating in the activity together?

4.  If Robin was your friend, what advice would you give her about her past marriage to Thomas? What advice would you share with her about how to handle her bully, Susan Stinson?

5.  It is enjoyable to reread greeting cards received on past special occasions. Let’s look ten years into the future. If Robin was rereading the card you gave to them on their wedding day, what handwritten message from you would make her smile? Would you include a special wish for the happy couple? If so, what would that wish be?

6.  Many small communities make their own fun like the citizens of Bonita Creek did with the Chili Cook-off, the Storybook Fair, and even the annual Library Work Day. What events and activities do you like to help organize or participate in that may be unique to your community? Why are these events valuable to you as an individual and to the community?

7.  Pastor Andrew White and his wife loved and nurtured Robin like a granddaughter. Have you ever known someone who has taken you under her or his wing in your time of need? How did their presence and involvement in your life minister to you during your challenging time? Did you remain close to them after your issues were resolved?

8.  Penny and Robin have a special bond. Do you have a relative who is also your closest friend?  What qualities do you look for in your friends? Have you ever become with friends with someone whom you initially would not have expected to like?

9.  In this age of technology, do you have ‘online’ friends whom you have never met in person? Is there anyone you consider to be one of your
closest
friends? What makes you feel close to these individuals?

10.  Project what is in store for Robin and Jeff as their marriage progresses. Will her ex-husband, Thomas, contact them again? Will they continue to be taunted and bullied by Susan Stinson?

11.  Who was your favorite and least-favorite character in
‘Robin’s Reward’
? Give specific reasons for each. Which character would you choose as your friend? Why?