Dellani Oakes
Historical Romance
978-1935171102
282 pgs
About
A unique regency novel of a girl's coming-of-age. The Spanish call it “quinceanera” a girl's 15th birthday. Gabriella Deza, innocent daughter of a nobleman in 1739 St. Augustine, Florida, finds herself caught up in international intrigue and romance far beyond her years.
Reviews
Gabriella watches with anticipation and envy as her older sister prepares for her own wedding, never dreaming of the turn of events that would lead her to the love of her own life, the decision she would have to make – and the possibility of agonizing loss. Author Dellani Oakes leads the reader through tumultuous times in the Spanish town, bringing it to life through Gabriella’s eyes. The life of the young woman and that of the old town intermingle, creating a verbal feast for lovers of historical tales set in real places. Get to know Gabriella through these pages – and then visit her in old St Augustine.~Kellie Sharpe, certified tour guide in St. Augustine, Florida.
Excerpt
Manuel took his aunt's hand on his left arm and me on his right. We settled Aunt Securo on the first row and made sure she was comfortable, then walked a few feet away from her and stood near the fence. The race had several minutes before it was set to start. Manuel looked at me and his eyes glittered like dark fire.
"The sun is bright and hot, my sweet. It will burn your nose and make it freckle. You should use the parasol, don't you think?" He glanced back as his aunt who was trying not to fall asleep..
I blushed deeply, dropping my eyes from his."See, already you burn! Quickly before it's too late!" He playfully snatched the parasol away from me, opened it with a flourish and handed it back to me, placing it over my shoulder directly in his aunt's view. I smiled in spite of myself.
"Does this mean, then, that you intend to steal a kiss before the race starts?" I spoke ever so quietly so as not to alert his aunt.
He smiled at me, that odd flicker in his eyes again. It was disconcerting but exciting all at once. He whispered close to my ear. "I intend to steal more than one, if you will let me."
Something subtle but powerful burned within him, igniting his voice, changing its timbre. A delightful shiver of great anticipation rushed up my spine. Eyes dancing, I gave him my most winsome smile as I tilted my face up toward him playfully.
"If I let you take them, it's hardly theft, then. Is it?"
He chuckled deep in his throat, an unfamiliar emotion played tricks with his voice adding new dimensions. "Ah, Bella," he said huskily, "you can always make me laugh."
He leaned over, tipping his hat in his other hand so it covered our faces from the crowd around us, and kissed me. I didn't know what to expect, but that first kiss was all it should have been; gentle, caressing, warm, soft, enticing, deeply moving, invigorating, making me want more. I opened my eyes when his lips left mine, my face raised to him. His eyes held that special sparkle just for me.
INDIAN SUMMER
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Indian Summer for $13.95
