Monday, April 8, 2019

Excerpt & Giveaway - - The Summer Retreat


THE SUMMER RETREAT
By Sheila Roberts
MIRA Books mass market paperback and eBook original
Moonlight Harbor #3
April 23, 2019
ISBN-10: 0778369404
ISBN-13: 978-0778369400
ASIN: B07MFVJMS6


Celeste Jones has plans for a perfect summer with her boyfriend (and hopefully soon-to-be fiancé)—until he dumps her to be with the woman he’s had on the side for months. Heartbroken and furious, Celeste resolves to move on. When the going gets tough, the tough…okay, the not-so-tough go to the beach.

As soon as school lets out for the summer, she waves goodbye to her first-graders, packs up her bikini and heads for Moonlight Harbor, where she knows her big sister, Jenna, will receive her with open arms. Jenna could probably use some help at the Driftwood Inn, and Celeste is happy to do chores around the place in exchange for a relaxing summer escape. She just needs something—or someone—to distract her from her troubles.

Finding The One can be tricky, and Jenna is determined to make sure Celeste gets it right this time around. Not that Jenna’s an expert. She’s still trying to sort out her own love life. But if both sisters listen to their hearts, eventually they’re bound to discover that life—and love—is good at the beach.




Excerpt
The Summer Retreat
Chapter Three


Celeste had never been an early riser and on weekends made a habit of sleeping in. Which she was doing Sunday morning, splayed out on her stomach, one pedicured foot sticking out from under the covers, when Jenna shook her by the shoulder and announced it was time for breakfast.
“I’ll get something later,” she mumbled and turned her head away.
Oh, no. Nice try. “There is no later. We have to get out the door to church in forty minutes.”
Celeste turned back and gaped at her. “Church?”
“Yeah, you know, that place Mom always took us to when we were growing up.”
“I’m done growing up.” Celeste settled back onto the pillow.
Jenna pulled it out from under her.
“Hey!” she protested.
“Now that you’re here for the summer, you have to come with us and set an example for Sabrina.”
“Is Aunt Edie going?”
“No, she’s old and she doesn’t like the loud music.”
Celeste grabbed her pillow back. “Tell Sabrina I felt it was my duty to stay home and keep Aunt Edie company.”
“Come on, don’t give me grief. It’s only an hour out of your day.”
“An hour of lost sleep.”
“Come on,” Jenna repeated. “Please?”
“Oh, all right. But I’ll probably sleep through the sermon.”
Not once she saw Pastor Paul she wouldn’t.
Forty minutes later they were walking into the church foyer. Sabrina’s two best friends, Jennifer and Hudson, had been waiting for her and instantly swept her off to hang with the other kids, the three of them talking and giggling.
What a difference from when they’d first come to town and Sabrina had resented not only being at church but also being in Moonlight Harbor. Jenna had been relieved when she’d finally found some friends.
She’d also found a boyfriend. Tristan was a nice kid, but four years older than Sabrina. Due to their age difference, and rampaging hormones, Jenna had limited boyfriend time to parties and hanging out at the house. He’d just graduated from high school and would be going off to college in the fall, and she suspected her daughter’s year-long romance would come to a painful end once he met some cute college girl.
Sometimes it seemed that all the women in her family were love-challenged. Sabrina had fallen for a senior when she was only a freshman. Celeste fell for users and losers. Their mom had never found another man to take their father’s place. And there was Jenna herself. After her disastrous marriage she was standing at the edge of the love pool with just one toe in the water, even though Brody was ready to catch her and urging her to jump in. Would she jump if Seth was in the pool? In spite of the chemistry between them, he wasn’t holding out open arms.
She’d figure that all out once she helped Celeste get her love life right.
Maybe it wouldn’t be so hard, considering the way Celeste was looking at Pastor Paul, who was approaching them. She could almost see the thoughts swirling in her sister’s head. Prince or frog?
“Yes, he’s single,” Jenna said.
“Just because he’s in a church doesn’t mean he’s got it together,” Celeste whispered.
“This man does,” Jenna assured her. “Hi, Paul,” she greeted him. “I don’t think you’ve met my sister yet. Celeste, this is Paul Welch, our pastor.”
Celeste’s eyes got big. “P-pastor?” she stuttered.
Paul Welch was the polar opposite of balding, pot-bellied Pastor Munsen, the minister at the church they’d attended growing up.
“Welcome to Moonlight Harbor,” he said to Celeste.
“Thanks. You’re a pastor?”
He raised his eyebrows curiously. “Is that a bad thing?”
“No, it’s just that you don’t look like a pastor.”
“What does a pastor look like?” he asked, an easy smile on his face.
“Old. I mean…not like you.”
“Give me time, I’ll get there,” he said. “I hope you enjoy your visit with us today.”
“I will if you’re not boring,” Celeste teased, recovering from her shock.
“I’ll try not to be,” he said, still smiling. Someone called to him and he moved on, but not before saying, “I’m glad you could join us today, Celeste.”
Jenna elbowed her. “See what you missed when you didn’t come to church with me last summer?”
“Old.” Celeste rolled her eyes. “You could’ve warned me.”
“About what? That I have a cute pastor?”
“And an ulterior motive for getting me here.”
“You needed to get to church,” Jenna said as her friend Tyrella walked in. She waved and Tyrella joined them.
“You look too cute,” she said, giving Celeste a hug. “I swear, God overblessed you two when it came to looks,” she continued, hugging Jenna, also. “Have you been introducing her around?” she asked Jenna.
“Only to Pastor Paul so far.”
“I bet he’ll have trouble concentrating on his sermon now,” Tyrella joked. She waved at Hyacinth Brown, who was standing nearby, talking to two other women while simultaneously assessing Celeste. “Hyacinth, come on over and meet Jenna’s sister.”
Jenna didn’t know Hyacinth very well. She was a skinny little thing with big brown eyes who dressed in drab colors. She’d pretty much kept her distance since Jenna had been attending the church. Jenna had put it down to her being shy.
But now she felt the chill as Hyacinth said a polite hello to Celeste. Okay, so Hyacinth wasn’t simply shy. She was also insecure and not open to welcoming single women into the church family, especially curvy ones with platinum hair, green eyes and plenty of personality. Considering who their pastor was, that shouldn’t have been surprising. Half the women in church crushed on Pastor Paul, and Jenna supposed Hyacinth was a member of his fan club. Maybe all that volunteer work she did around church had a hidden agenda.
“Is this your first time here at Moonlight Harbor Evangelical?” she asked Celeste.
Celeste nodded. “I came with my sister.”
“Oh.” Hyacinth took a moment to digest that. “Are you visiting?”
“I’m here for the summer. I’m going to help out at the Driftwood Inn. How about you? Have you been in Moonlight Harbor long?”
“Two years,” Hyacinth said, and didn’t volunteer any more information about herself. There will be no effort made to become friends.
“She owns the fabric store,” said Tyrella. “And you’re offering quilting classes right now, aren’t you?”
Hyacinth nodded but didn’t share any information about her classes, either.
“She made all the banners in the sanctuary,” Tyrella went on, “and she and Susan Frank are on the decorating committee. Actually, they are the decorating committee. They do the flowers for church every week.”
“That’s appropriate,” Celeste quipped.
Hyacinth managed a wilted smile. “So you’re here with your…husband?”
Talk about the third degree. Was it because she’d seen Paul talking with Celeste?
Celeste’s smile suddenly looked a little wilted, too. “No husband. Not even a boyfriend.”
“Oh.” Hyacinth sounded surprised.
“I’m in between men,” Celeste said lightly, hiding her heartbreak.
Apparently, Hyacinth didn’t approve of being in between men. “I hope you enjoy your visit,” she said briskly, then excused herself and went back to the group of people she’d been talking with before Tyrella called her over.
“Yeah, I’ll bet you do,” Celeste said.
“A pretty woman in between men, just what the other single women want to see,” Tyrella cracked. “Come on, let’s go get a seat.”
Jenna enjoyed the service. She didn’t play an instrument and could never manage to sing in the same key as everyone else, but she loved music and she loved the morning’s selection of songs, which were all positive and encouraging.
Pastor Paul’s sermon was encouraging, too, although a couple of times he seemed to lose his place. Funny how those times coincided with when he happened to glance over at Celeste. “I know some of you have been going through hard times,” he said.
That was for sure. One of their members was battling melanoma. An older man had recently lost his wife. Annie, who’d slipped in late, was struggling with her alcoholic husband, and Jenna saw she was dabbing her eyes. And then, suddenly, right next to her, her sister was taking a shaky breath.
Pastor Paul looked Celeste’s way at that moment, and Jenna could have sworn that if he hadn’t been in the middle of a sermon, he’d have hurried over to offer comfort. “But,” he began. “Uh. But…” He cleared his throat and stared at his notes. “We can’t lose hope.”
Celeste sniffed, and Jenna took her hand and squeezed it.
“Let’s remember to embrace those difficult times in our lives,” he concluded, “knowing that they’re building perseverance and helping us mature in our faith. All things work together for good for those who love God.”
“Even those who haven’t been in church for a while,” Jenna whispered to her sister.
“He’s so right,” Tyrella said as they walked out of the sanctuary to an upbeat song the musicians were playing. “I have no idea why it is, but the times we seem to grow the most are when we’re under pressure. Like diamonds,” she added.
Celeste sighed. “I think I’d rather stay a lump of coal.”
“Too late for that,” Jenna said, linking arms with her. “You’re already a diamond in the rough.”
“Okay, then, let’s settle for that. I don’t want to be under pressure anymore.”
“As if you have a choice,” Tyrella scoffed. “Life’s gonna squeeze you whether you want it to or not. May as well work on learning to sparkle.”
Celeste had plenty of sparkle. She just needed to find a man who appreciated it.
Paul was at the door, shaking hands and visiting with people as they left. “A very good sermon, Pastor,” Susan Frank was telling him as they approached. She saw Jenna and managed her usual sour smile. “Good morning, Jenna. Say hi to your aunt for me.”
“I will,” Jenna said.
Not that it would make any difference. Aunt Edie hadn’t been in Susan’s clothing shop since Susan had dissed Jenna and her brain baby, the Seaside with Santa festival. That had been the end of a beautiful retail relationship.
“Thanks for coming,” Paul said and smiled at Celeste.

Oh, yeah. He’d be stopping by the house for a visit before the week was out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The beach is one of my happy places and one of my preferred places to escape to. Where do you go when you want to get away from it all?

Have you read any of Sheila Roberts' books? Are you reading the Moonlight Harbor series?

Two people who leave a comment before 11:00 PM, April 10, 2019 will each receive a copy of The Summer Retreat. (U.S. only)




Sheila Roberts lives on a lake in the Pacific Northwest. She’s happily married and has three children. She’s been writing since 1989, but she did lots of things before settling in to her writing career, including owning a singing telegram company and playing in a band. Her band days are over, but she still enjoys writing songs. Sheila's books are best sellers and often appear as Reader's Digest Condensed Books. Her novel "Angel Lane" was named one of Amazon's top ten romances in 2009. Her novel "On Strike for Christmas" was a Lifetime Network movie and her novel "The Nine Lives of Christmas" was made into a movie for the Hallmark channel. When she’s not speaking to women’s groups or at conferences or hanging out with her girlfriends she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate.

69 comments:

  1. Don't laugh, in my bed under the covers with a good book. And Yes I love Sheila's books.

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  2. Sheila's novels are captivating and special. My favorite place to relax and get away is the beach. I feel like a new person and love this setting.

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    1. I do love the beach. It's like a soul filler for me.

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  3. When I had a young family we used to go to Lake Huron for a week during the summer. What a special and charming town and a 7 mile long beach where we spent the day. I miss that place and pine for it.

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  4. On my back porch in my rocking chair :)
    And yes, I love her books !!!
    Patricia Bennett Barber

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  5. I'd love to have a beach house! I've vacationed at the beach every few years, but I really don't like the high heat & humidity in the summer - spring & fall would make me much happier - on a porch with a pile of books.

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  6. I'm in desperate need of a beach fix. It's also one of my favorite escape outlets. I haven't read the Moonlight Harbor series.

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    1. It's the third book in the Moonlight Harbor series so if you enjoy it you have two more books ready to be read immediately! :)

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  7. I love to relax on the beach especially with my granddaughter. I have never read any of Sheila's books. Thank you for the chance.

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    1. You're in for a treat, Patty B. She writes wonderful, heartwarming contemporary romance with plenty of great humor.

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  8. I haven't read Shelia's books yet. Looking forward to. My favorite beach getaway is in Aruba, beautiful beaches and people. Thank you

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    1. The photos I've seen of Aruba are gorgeous!

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  9. In a former life, I lived near Lake Michigan....the best beaches in the world....if you did not mind your feet being burned in the summer. I enjoy the beach but to be honest, every time I go, I get this hypnotic feeling of simply looking at the horizon and reading never seems to happen. I do love to read - on my couch with my feet on the coffee table and a wonderful story in front of me. Have not read any books by Ms Roberts, this certainly looks like a good one for me to start.

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    1. Have we talked about this, Annette? I grew up near Lake Michigan. And I hear you on the hot sand. Boy howdy, did my poor feet suffer!

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  10. I love going to the beach as well as scrapbook retreats anywhere! I get time away and get to be creative with the photos of the people I love - can't beat it!

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    1. I admire those of you with scrapbooking talent!

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  11. Hubby built a deck in the back yard. Complete with a water fall fountain. The most relaxing place to read. Birds, squirrels and hummingbirds rin around. I have read Ms. Robert's books. But not this series. Thanks for giving us a chance to win.

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    1. That deck sounds so soothing. I love water fountains.

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  12. Me too, the Beach. I haven't read any of Sheila's books. Would love to try one. TY for the chance.
    Karen T. (Natty's Mama)

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  13. I like to go to the beach. If not possible, I like to sit on the patio in my rocking chair with a small table to hold my iced tea and lemonade. I've read the first 2 books in the Moonlight Harbor series.

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  14. As a life-long resident of Michigan, I can say I'm a beach person. No matter where you live in Michigan, you are normally never more than 1 hour away from one of the Great Lakes and some incredible beaches. I lived in NC for about 14 years and visited the Outer Banks Islands and those beautiful beaches as many times as I could. I don't swim or take part in any water sports, etc, but I love my beaches.

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    1. I grew up near Lake Michigan and I agree. The beaches there are beautiful.

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  15. Since I don't live near a beach I go anywhere where I can find water. The Mississippi River is near my house and there's a path on the bluffs above to walk.

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  16. My all-time happy place is Yellowstone �� I’ve read several of Sheila’s books, plus the first two Moonlight Harbor ones.

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    1. I've only been to Yellowstone once and I was twelve but it made a lasting impressing on me. So beautiful.

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  17. I love sitting next to either a lake or a river.

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  18. I love Shelia's books they always make me feel warm & cozy inside. I love spending time at the beach. Thanks for this amazing chance, I'm keeping my fingers & toes crossed.

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  19. Love Sheila's books, I have read only 2 or 3. This one sounds just as great!

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  20. My husband and daughter love to vacation at the beach so we usually go for a few days. I have read a lot of Shelia's books and have loved them all.

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  21. If I need to get away I usually either go to the beach, Fort Bragg, Ca area or into the mountains by a lake. I love being somewhere where people are not. Moonlight Harbor series was the first books I read of Sheila's and have been a big fan ever since.

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  22. I love her books! Not a beach person, so my go to place to read is my living room recliner.

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  23. Love the beach wish had more time to go as I work a lot thank you for chance to win I do love your books! :)

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  24. sometimes the beach, but mostly the mountains

    I've read a few in this series

    denise

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  25. I haven’t gotten to read any of Sheila’s books yet. She’s a new to me author. I’ll have to get to my library and pick out a few of her books. I loved reading the excerpt, and have to find out what happens! Thanks for the opportunity! Carol in Michigan.

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  27. I do like the beach but to read I enjoy my comfy chair and puppy cuddled up besides me. I read the book before this one and can’t wait to read this new one!

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  28. My place to getaway is our cabin. I have been reading Sheila's books for years! Bikini Season is one of my favs! Yes, I've started on the Moonlight Harbor series!

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  29. We love taking walks on the beach before sunset its so nice and peaceful and we get really great pictures

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  30. I love Sheila's books. My favorite are the Icicle Falls books and especially the ones about Olivia and the wonderful lodge. I wish she and her lodge were real so I could visit them.

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  31. I love an uncrowded beach but hubby as always loved the mountains so I usually have to get my beach fix through books.

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  32. I've just found you as an author and started in Moonlight Harbor! I love the besch..the sun, the sand. Thank you for the great chance.

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  33. I live in The PNW , as well. My go to favorite Escape is the coast of Oregon. My summers as a kid, were spent there. I love the beach. I am not reading the moonlight harbor series but I want to! Going to have to get the books, maybe for my upcoming birthday. I have read a few books of Mrs. Roberts and loved them. ��

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  34. The beach is my favorite place to be and recharges my soul. Taking a few books and sitting on the beach reading as I listen to the waves and feel the water on my feet and the sun on my body is heaven. Sheila is one of my all time favorite authors.

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  35. My favorite place to escape is the pages of a good book. I have read some of Shelia Robert's Icicle Falls series.

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  36. I am soooo looking forward to reading this! I love Shelia Roberts books and buy every one I find.

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  37. Love the beach & This series! Some one needs to send me to the beach until I can behave myself!

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  38. I love the Colorado Rockies, especially love going to Grand Lake, CO! You are one of my favorite authors. I've read most of the Icicle Falls series. Haven't read any Moonlight Harbor yet.

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    1. I just ordered all three Moonlight books from Amazon. Can't wait to make this my summer, at the pool with my daughter, reading :) They sound great!

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  39. This sounds like an amazing book with a great story line. I hope to make it to the beach this year. A tropical beach sounds nice as well, but I'm sure with my schedule as a mother/baby night nurse it won't work out for me this year. I'll surely be looking forward to reading this book this summer.

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  40. I like to escape in crafts. Quietly focus on creating something beautiful. Yes I am enjoying this series a lot. Can't wait to meet more of the town folks. Especially the hardware store lady.

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  41. The beach is a happy place for me too. When I can't get to a beach, I escape into the pages of a good book.

    I have enjoyed several of Sheila's books. A personal favorite is Three Christmas Wishes.

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  42. The last two books I read were Moonlight Harbor books.I read Winter Beach then I was offered to get mailed a copy of Welcome to Moonlight Harbor. Someone I had stayed with suddenly showed up with a bag of my books and in there was Welcome that I already had bought and read. I reread it. Now I would love the third book. I have trouble finding certain books so I would be so delighted to win this one.

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  43. My hubby grew up by the beach here in California, so we go there as much as we can, lol I would love going to a freshwater beach so its on the bucket list. Love all your books Sheila, and I know I already told you that the last beach was my fav, love love love it and cant wait to read this next in series, so hope I win. lol thank you for what you do, you entertain all of us, thank you for sharing your gift

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  44. I love your books!! And I only read books set at the beach in the summer, Christmas themed books in the winter!! I know I am quirky ����

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  45. I don't really have a place to get away from it all. I have read several of your books and loved them. Your new series is one of them.

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  46. Curled up in my favorite chair in living room heaven!

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  47. I love e to read in my bed!Thanks for the chance!Would love to read your book!

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  48. The beach is my happy place, and I'm getting ready to go there for a week. I haven't read any of her books yet but would definitely love to start one, especially while I'm at the beach. LOL!!

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  49. Really looking forward to reading this book and getting an update on the motel.

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  50. Any where I can open a book is my happy place to read a book! Reading just makes me happy. I haven't read any of Sheila's books but would love to win this one and read it. It sounds wonderful, thank you for the chance!

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  51. I have not read any of Sheilas books but this one would be a great place to start. Thanks for the chance!

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