Seasonal Shift by Darlene Fredette

Danielle from Winter’s Kiss doesn’t like winter, and for years, I’ve sided with her. Winter has never been my season. The cold bites, the snow piles up, and I don’t do winter sports. Just the thought of winter makes me want to hibernate until spring. I’ve always found comfort in summer’s warmth, but lately, even that has lost its charm. The humidity is stifling, and the dry spell since mid-July has left everything wilted and brown, resulting in wildfires.

Lately, I find myself falling for fall. There’s something about the fresh air, the colorful leaves, and the quiet stillness. It’s a season that invites reflection without the extremes. No shovels. No sweat. Maybe it’s the cozy sweaters or the exhale after summer’s heat. But wait…fall is hurricane season on the Atlantic Coast. Well, there’s always spring.

Winter’s Kiss by Darlene Fredette

Her high heels flattened the snow, and his defenses didn’t stand a chance.

Danielle Lerato adores the ocean breezes of Victoria, the comfort of her curated routine, and a life that requires minimal interaction with snow boots. But when her company relocates to Redford Falls, with a population of unpredictable charm, she agrees to train her replacement with one intention: get in, get out, and never look back.

Andrew Bailey, a local restaurant owner with a fierce protective streak, doesn’t believe in second chances. Yet, Danielle’s fiery spirit, stubborn streak, and snow-fueled scowls shift his expectations and crack open the door to a future he never dared to imagine.

As chilly glares thaw into cozy glances and sarcastic banter flirts over shared cups of hot cocoa, Danielle suspects the town’s snowy landscape is warming more than her toes. Add in the legendary matchmaker, Thumper, stirring Redford Falls into a romantic frenzy, and maybe this snowy wonderland isn’t a detour. Maybe it’s destiny.

Excerpt

The thunderstorm blonde had sworn she would never set foot in Redford Falls again. So, what was she doing here, in the middle of a blizzard? Sighing, he reached inside the car.

“What are you doing?” She raised a shaky hand.

“Saving your butt.” He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.

She slid out of his hold and landed in a heap at his boots. “You dropped me on purpose!”

“What? Why would I do that?”

“Payback. For the water—”

He hoisted her upright, this time holding her firmly.

“I’m quite capable of standing.” She shoved at his chest.

The combination of a squirming woman and a furious wind knocked them both off balance. Andrew toppled backward, and Blondie landed on top of him with a thud.

She scrambled to stand, using him as leverage and forcing him deeper into the snow. “I can walk on my own.” She stumbled.

He glanced at her boots. “Not in those. Who wears ankle boots with needle-thin heels in a blizzard?” Gusts of wind stung his cheeks like icy slaps. “I’ve had enough of this storm. You have two choices. Stay here and freeze. Or let me help you to the truck.” 

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Winters-Kiss-Redford-Falls-Story-ebook/dp/B0FMPF1MYH

Darlene Fredette is a multi-published author of contemporary women’s fiction with a passion for storytelling across various mediums. She brings both creative vision and strategic insight to her craft of heartfelt stories, character-driven moments, small-town magic, wit, twists, and a touch of intrigue. Residing on Canada’s Atlantic Coast, she finds inspiration in nature, family, and everyday moments, and shares her life with her husband, daughter, and two oversized, loveable dogs.

Website: http://www.darlenefredette.com/

Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/

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