I'm delighted to share a note from author Cate Beauman...
Fresh starts and second chances…
It’s hard to believe that the Carter Island Trilogy is coming to an end with the addition of No More Secrets. Originally, I intended to write Secrets Hidden in the Glass, book one in the series, as a standalone title. Famous stained glass artist Callie Davis’ life is a mess as she heads to tiny Carter Island for a much-needed vacation. She soon meets gorgeous Sheriff Nathan Carter, and the sparks fly quickly thereafter. Despite her hot new romance, things go from bad to worse for poor Callie when her past comes back to haunt her.
As I told Nate and Callie’s story, I fell in love with Carter Island and the many secondary characters, particularly Nate’s sisters, Molly and Gwen. They’re so sassy and irresistible. I knew I had to tell their stories, too.
By trade, I’m a romantic-suspense author. There are definitely a few mystery/suspense elements in Secrets Hidden in the Glass, but Molly and Gwen’s stories take us into the contemporary romance genre. Nate and Callie’s adventure evolved into the Carter siblings’ journeys as they move through one year. From autumn to summer, so much changes for Nate, Molly, and Gwen, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
In Aftermath of Secrets, Molly fights her feelings for her long-time best friend Bradley Sanderson when a shocking scandal forces him to return to Carter Island.
In No More Secrets single mother Gwenyth Carter finds herself betrayed, divorced, and nearly broke. She’s determined to pick up the pieces of her life on her own, but sexy Aussie billionaire businessman Cade Paxton keeps getting in her way.
Gwen and Cade were so much fun to write. I hope you’ll enjoy their story.
Cate Beauman
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The Carter Island Trilogy, Book 3
by
Cate Beauman
Three Siblings. One Year. Everything Changes.
Aussie billionaire businessman and pilot Cade Paxton has struggled to put his life back together after suffering a tragic loss. With his purchase of Carter Island Air and recent move to the small Massachusetts island, he sees his chance for a fresh start. Cade’s sole focus is on growing his investment and avoiding romantic entanglements at all costs. But then he hires Rebecca Carter Interiors’ new assistant designer to help him update the aging airport. Cade quickly finds himself fascinated by the sassy beauty who often speaks her mind, talking to him in a way most people wouldn’t dare.
Single mother Gwenyth Carter has recently been through hell. She’s starting over after several months of nasty surprises. Newly divorced and nearly broke, she’s rebuilding her life one step at a time. Gwen’s certain she has everything she needs: her sweet baby girl, a supportive family, and her dream career. She’s endlessly grateful when the lucrative airport project falls into her lap. But Gwen soon realizes that her new job comes with unforeseen complications, mainly the amount of time she’s forced to spend with her gorgeous client and his sexy accent.
Their mutual attraction is undeniable, yet Gwen tries her best to keep a professional distance, even when she recognizes how wonderful Cade is with her daughter. But it isn’t long before Gwen is dealt another unexpected blow that she struggles to handle on her own. Gwen will have no choice but to turn to the one man she’s determined not to want or risk losing what she loves most.
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Excerpt:
Kaitlyn dropped the rattle and started fussing.
Gwen reached for it at the same time as Cade did, but his long arm allowed him to grab the toy first. “Here you go, sweetheart.” He tried handing it to her, but she wanted nothing to do with it.
Gwen took the toy instead, setting it on the table. “Thanks, but she’s hungry.”
“Do you want to cut this short? I’m here on your time.”
She shrugged. “I guess that depends on how comfortable you are with me feeding her while we work.” Her chin jutted out ever so slightly as her eyes held his.
What was this quiet fierceness—a dare of sorts for him to say that feeding Kaitlyn wasn’t okay? He casually shrugged, even when he’d never been in the presence of anyone nursing their baby. His sisters had bottle-fed their little ones. “Go for it. Everyone’s got to eat.”
“All right.” She turned away, lifting her shirt, settling Kaitlyn at her breast. Seconds later, she turned back, glancing at him before she looked at the boards again. “Is there anything you see here that you don’t like?”
He listened to Kaitlyn’s greedy swallows as he breathed in the scent of Gwen’s shampoo, finding the moment appealingly cozy while all three of them sat close together. Right now, he liked everything he saw just fine, but that wasn’t what she spoke of. “I’m not a fan of this lighter shade of blue. I like this darker one here. It seems more on-brand.”
She nodded, taking the marker, crossing out the lighter shade, then put a check mark next to the darker blue. “I want to hear everything that doesn’t work just as much as I need to know what does. Tell me what you don’t like. I’m also interested in why.”
He nodded, pointing to one of the pictures with a forest-like feel. “I want to be sure we’re not going too rustic. I don’t want the space to feel like a cabin.”
She nodded again, making an X through the image. “Does anything else come to mind—anything I’ve missed?”
“I want the fireplace. Gas, and more upscale than what’s in the picture with the couple—something you’d see in a city apartment.”
She winced.
He frowned. “You don’t like it?”
“No, it’s not that I don’t like the idea. But gas makes things complicated. We’re doing a face-lift—making things pretty. Structurally, everything we’re tackling is already in place and up to code, which keeps this easy and allows us to get started right away. As soon as gas enters the picture, we’re talking gas lines, venting pipes, getting the town involved, dealing with code and inspectors—maybe even calling in my mom and Jeremy, depending on where you want the install. You’re adding serious dollar signs to your bottom line.”
He shook his head. “I’m not worried about the money. I want it.”
She set down the marker. “All right. I’ll make some calls.”
He held her gaze. “But you still think this is a mistake.”
She nodded. “Frankly, yes, I do. Money may be no object to you, but this is going to cost you in time.”
He clenched his jaw, not liking what he heard—that Gwen had made several perfectly practical points. Gas sounded like a pain in the ass, and he wanted to get the ball rolling. “So, what are my other options?”
“We can explore electric—flat-screen wall-mounts.”
He scrubbed at his chin. “I don’t want it looking cheap.”
Her left eyebrow winged up. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear you say that.”
He couldn’t help but grin.
She smiled. “For your price point, we can order in gorgeous units for each seating area. I can also make you mantles for displaying seasonal décor. Every gate will look like a living room, which will only add to the home-away-from-home vibe. Plus, electric will be safer than real flames, which will keep kids safe and your insurance company happy.”
And this was why he liked Gwen Carter. She’d held her ground as few would have. He’d demanded, and she’d countered with something better. “Okay. But I want to see what we’re talking about before you place the order.”
She nodded, jotting down notes on the side of the board. “Now that we’re on the same page, I’ll pull what samples I can from Mini’s design center—a couple of colors for the flooring options. But I’m already planning several trips to the mainland, which means endless variety.”
“I want in on those trips.”
She stopped writing as her gaze flew to his. “You do?”
He nodded, biting his cheek, fighting not to smile, because she was so damn easy to read. Gwen wasn’t loving the idea. “I intend to be hands-on during this entire process.”
“But you’re so busy. I’m more than happy to collect what I think you’ll like—several options—so accompanying me to Boston really isn’t necessary.”
The hell it wasn’t. He’d spent a handful of hours in Gwen’s company and knew without a doubt that he wanted to spend several more. There was something about her that intrigued him in a way he’d never been before. Life was still screaming at him, and he hadn’t stopped listening. “The airport’s my top priority. I can fly us over whenever you want.”
BUY LINKS:
Google Play
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ABOUT CATE BEAUMAN
Cate's novels have been named Readers' Favorite Five Star books and have won the Booksellers' Best Award, Maggie Award for Excellence, the Holt Medallion Award, two-time Aspen Gold Medal, two-time Readers' Favorite International Gold Medal, three-time Readers' Favorite International Silver Medal, and the Readers' Crown Award.
Cate makes her home in New Hampshire with her family and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack.
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GIVEAWAY
HI ELF! I'm so happy to be back with you. Thank you for your continued support.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your family are well,
~Cate
Congrats on the new release, Cate! It sounds delicious as usual.
DeleteGreat excerpt. It really sucked me into the story. Love the detailed remodeling repairs. Makes it so real. Enjoy the day.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear, Rae. Thanks for visiting!
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