Being nineteen in 1945 was tough for girls. Men were scarce because of the war, and Rose was expected to work at the store her family owned night and day while her cousin Stanley served overseas in England. Then one day Stanley’s Army buddy Gregory walked into the store, shaking up Rose’s provincial life. The attraction was instant, but their budding romance would soon be tested by Rose’s lack of experience with men, Gregory’s jealousies, and their families’ interference. 

Author's Favorite Excerpt

Her breath caught when she felt Greg’s fingers graze her spine. It reminded her of last night when she was hunched over at a table in the store’s kitchen using colored chalks to bring her drawing to life. 

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Greg came up behind her and squeezed her shoulders affectionately. When he kissed the side of her neck, she shivered. “I can’t concentrate when you do that.”

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“Sorry. I’ll stop.” He backed away.

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“I didn’t say you should stop, only that I couldn’t concentrate.” He returned to her chair and clutched her shoulders again. He leaned over on her right side and when she turned her head, he kissed her lips. “You can break my concentration anytime, Gregory Barnett.”

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Dedication

This book is dedicated to my parents whose youth and courtship was the inspiration for this story. Their love and devotion ran deep, both to each other and their family. Through this tribute to them, may they never be forgotten.

When I started writing this story, I didn’t know that I would learn so much about my mother as a person. In writing for her, I put myself in her shoes more than I ever had before, and I felt what she was feeling. For the first time, I saw her through her eyes, and not just mine. I saw her as a young woman coming of age, and not just as a mother who was always there for me. This story is my attempt to capture her heart and soul. 

Sweet Seasons