Happy Fourth of July

I've always loved the Fourth of July...and fireworks!

Thanks for visiting Time for Love during this sensational "When Sparks Fly" hop for the glorious fourth! I'll be giving away a copy of "Happily Ever After", my latest historical romance released by Sweet Cravings Publishing.

My love of fireworks found its way into the story of "Happily Ever After". In the story, Anne has been hired to look after Rowena Mather, a troubled child whose mother has died. In this brief excerpt, Anne takes Rowena to visit Otis, the aged caretaker at the Mather estate. She speaks to Rowena about the promises people make.

~ ~ ~

“Is Old Otis really going to have fireworks?” Rowena asked as they walked through the tall grasses at the edge of the garden.

The dear old fellow had got his hands on an antiquated book published decades earlier—A New and Comprehensive Edition of the Art of Making and Managing Fireworks with Safety and Ease. He'd shown the book to both Anne and Rowena and told them of his plans to try out a few of the recipes. He meant well, of course.

Anne gave her a hesitant smile. “Let's not get our hopes too high.”

“But he promised.” Rowena clutched Anne's hand tighter.

“Yes, I know.” She stopped and stooped down to Rowena's eye level. “Sometimes people make promises and they intend to keep them, but it turns out to be much more difficult than they expected. I'm not sure Otis was able to follow all those old-fashioned firecracker recipes.”

She wished the fellow had never spoken of it to Rowena. The child did not need any more disappointments in her life. It would have been far better to say nothing and then to surprise her, if, indeed, he actually succeeded. Anne had her doubts.

~ ~ ~

By the way, the book old Otis read actually does exist! I don't think I'd want to try making my own firecrackers, though. What's your favorite fireworks? Do you have a favorite Fourth of July memory? 

For a chance to win a Kindle edition of "Happily Ever After", please leave a comment. Our "blog hop" ends on July 4, and I'll be randomly choosing a winner at that time. Please make sure I have your e-mail address so I can "gift" your copy to you.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

To hop along, click HERE