A Summer of Stars
By Lisa Watson
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About this ebook
McKinley Graham receives a wake-up call from her doctor...either change her stressful lifestyle, or he’s putting her on medication. It’s not the best news this hardworking Virginian could receive, but she’s determined to put her health first. Taking a leave of absence from work, McKinley’s first step in reclaiming her life is to rent a small cottage in Shady Glen, Maryland; a picturesque beach town that’s as charming as the residents are friendly. When she arrives, the cozy home, and a warm welcome from her neighbors put at ease. For McKinley, trying to unplug from her busy life just got a lot easier.
Zane Davidson is trying hard to pick up the pieces after a bitter divorce leaves his finances, and his heart in ruins. Moving back to Shady Glen, and working at his father’s restoration company seem like perfect ways to calm the rough seas in his chaotic life. When Zane meets Shady Glen’s newest resident, he can’t help but be affected by her gentle nature, and sense of humor. It doesn’t take long for him to become drawn to McKinley in a way he never expected.
Friendship soon sparks a desire that neither can deny, but when an unexpected betrayal comes to light, will it bring the McKinley and Zane closer together, or end up being more than their new found love can bear?
Lisa Watson
Lisa Dodson (formerly Watson), is a National Bestselling Author, and native of Washington D.C. She writes in the Multicultural & Interracial, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Sweet Romance, and Clean Read genres. Nominated for Best Contemporary Fiction, her debut novel, Watch Your Back, sparked Lisa’s desire to continue creating engaging storylines, strong characters with universal appeal, and a keen sense of humor. They are drawn together by love, respect, and strong family ties. Lisa loves traveling, so weaving beautiful destinations into the pages of her novels as lush backdrops, or the heritage of her characters is not uncommon.Her novels for Harlequin's Kimani line, The Match Broker series: Love Contract, Her Heart's Desire, and Love By Design, introduced readers to matchmaking guru, Norma Jean Anderson, aka The Love Broker. Each novel in the series hit the #1 spot on Amazon's Bestseller List.Lisa enjoys writing warm-your-heart stories. Her novellas, A Summer of Stars, her holiday-themed Sweet Romances, A Heart for Christmas, Two Hearts for Christmas, and A Fiancé for Christmas, make great reads no matter what time of the year.Her Romantic Suspense, Spicing Things Up, proves that there’s a time for playing it safe, but sometimes you need to spice things up!Danger doesn’t need an appointment...sometimes it just shows up! With an adoring assistant, an ambitious publicist, and jealous ex-lover vying for her attention, debut novelist, Sasha Lambert, soon finds herself at the center of a dangerous tug-of-war. Interview with Danger is a thrill ride that you’ll want to be on!Lisa is also a contributing author to the new novel, Kings of the Castle.Fate made them brothers, but protecting the Castle and the women they love, will make them Kings. If you like romance, suspense, or contemporary fiction, it's past time for you to visit ... The Castle.This world was brought to you by S.L. Jennings, Naleighna Kai, Martha Kennerson, J.L.Campbell, Lisa Watson, Karen D. Bradley, Janice M. Allen, London St. Charles, and MarZe Scott.Her latest novel is King of Hyde Park – Book 8 in the Kings of the Castle Series.Lisa works at a technology consulting firm and is a Co-Publicist for the BookLovers Con. She is the mother of two young adults, a Maltipoo, Brinkley, and lives in Raleigh, NC. She is avidly working on a new Romantic Suspense for her next series.Connect with Lisa on Facebook (authorlisadodson), Twitter(@LisaYDodson), Goodreads (Lisa_Watson_Dodson), Pinterest (LisaYDodson), Instagram (LisaYDodson), and www.lisawatson.comWant a FREE e-book? Sign up for my Newsletter and you’ll receive one of my e-books as a thank you! https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y4o9u7
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A Summer of Stars - Lisa Watson
A SUMMER OF STARS
LISA WATSON
~~~
Smashwords Edition
A Summer of Stars - Copyright©2015 Lisa Watson
This is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people, living, or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality.
Any similarities in other names, characters, places, and incidents are entirely coincidental.
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
DEDICATION
For my wonderful, amazing daughter, Alyssa.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Author’s Note
More Novels by Lisa Watson:
CHAPTER ONE
To hear that she had six months to change her lifestyle or go on medication wasn’t the best news McKinley Graham could’ve received from her doctor’s appointment, but it was in no way the worst. She’d find a way to make the best of it.
Her first instinct was to call her parents and fill them in on what was going on, but not while she was a sniffling ball of emotions. Once she’d made it back to her car in the parking garage of her physician’s office, she took a few minutes to get the crying out, then the next few moments trying to dry her eyes and make her voice sound like she hadn’t just been crying. When she was sure that she’d composed herself enough, McKinley dialed her parents.
The moment she said hello, her mother said, Honey, what’s wrong?
McKinley stared wide-eyed at the phone receiver. With a loud sigh, she filled her mom in on everything.
So what do you plan to do?
Veronica Graham asked her daughter a few minutes later.
McKinley shrugged as though she could be seen. I don’t have a lot of options, mom,
she replied. I’m going to do exactly what Dr. Reynolds suggests.
If you’re thinking about going on the medication—
No,
she said adamantly. I’m not taking pills. I’ll just…you know, make some changes to my lifestyle.
What if you just take a few days off…or even a week or two and get this under control.
Get what under control?
McKinley heard her father’s voice in the background, and her mother telling him that she’d fill him in later.
You’ll fill me in right now,
he insisted.
The next thing McKinley knew, she was on speakerphone while her mother brought her dad up to speed.
Go ahead, sweetheart,
Nathaniel Graham prompted when he was ready for her to continue.
McKinley shook her head. Look, Dr. Reynolds was pretty specific. This is more than just a few weeks of vacation we’re talking about. If I continue down this path, I’m looking at high blood pressure, being pre-diabetic, or something more serious. It didn’t help to know that I’ve gained almost ten pounds since I saw him six months ago.
Sweetheart—
I know, Mom,
she cut in. Trust me, I plan on turning this around. It’s time to face the music—I need a complete overhaul.
Her mother’s sigh ricocheted over the phone line. McKinley knew she was worried. She had been after her for years to slow down, scale back the travel, long hours and the questionable diet.
I knew this would happen. Didn’t I tell you? Honey, you’re working too hard… not taking care of yourself…it was bound to catch up with you. At the rate you’re going…
Mom…I know,
she replied gently.
It was true. McKinley knew where she was heading. After all, it was something she’d heard countless times. Ever since her father had suffered a mild heart attack two years before, her mother had been overly anxious about her only daughter’s hectic lifestyle. McKinley understood her mother’s motivation. It was her father.
At sixty, Nathaniel Graham was on the go, still had a thriving career, and lived life on his terms. Her mother would fuss after him to get check-ups, and to watch what he was eating, but her father would say that he felt fine, and didn’t have time.
Shortly after, he suffered what he liked to call a cardiac episode.
Everyone else called it a heart attack.
It was a sensitive subject for their family. Her father received a wake-up call before his condition became deadly. Now, he no longer took his health, or anyone else’s for granted.
I promise you that I’ll be fine. Don’t worry, okay? I’ve got plenty of pamphlets on stress, high blood pressure, and an appointment with a nutritionist,
McKinley said as upbeat as she could. I’m good.
You’d better be,
her mom warned. Or I’m on the first plane down there to check on you.
Your mother’s serious, kiddo.
McKinley didn’t doubt for a second that her mom meant every word. She was thirty years old, but her parents would lovingly remind McKinley she was still their baby.
I know. Look, I’ll call you both soon and let you know how things are going, okay?
You’d better,
Veronica sniffed.
Mom…
Okay, okay. We’ll talk to you later. We love you, honey.
I love you too.
When McKinley hung up. She placed her head on her steering wheel and closed her eyes.
She didn’t want to admit it to her parents, but she was nervous. Change was never easy under the best of circumstances…and she had six months.
First thing was first. In the morning she’d talk to her manager and let her know what was going on. There was no point in delaying. Not with the clock running.
One day at a time,
she whispered tearfully. That’s how we’ll take this thing…one day at a time.
Two weeks later…
"Wow, this place is