Ready for another cover?? I have to admit that there are so many dates, titles and covers spinning around in my head at the moment that I have a hard time remembering what I’ve written about and what I haven’t.
Once in May is one of my favourite stories. I loved writing it, and while it’s been some time – it was first published in 2016 – I still remember Zach and John. Some characters disappear from my head once I’ve written their stories, others remain.
Since this now is an Up North story, and all Up North stories being stand-alone, Honey Baked has been added to the end of it. I didn’t want to publish Honey Baked as a story in itself since I feel you need to have read Once in May to fully appreciate it *snicker* But if you don’t feel like reading a Christmas story in May, save it for later in the year.
Okay, are you ready? Here it is!
Burb:
In an attempt to run from his past, John Welsh has spent the last few years building walls around himself. He knows the best way to stay safe is to keep people at arm’s length and preferably out of sight. During weak moments, he might wish he had someone, but he’s not ready. After all, it takes seven years for the body to replace all its cells. He has four years to go before he’s new.
Zachary Fane is always on the move, always on his way to somewhere. He’s going from job to job, from country to country. Contrary to what people might think, he wants nothing more than to find a place to call home, and he knows just where. This time, he is ready. This time, he will stay in Nortown. This time, things will be different. But when he arrives to buy the log cabin he believed would be his, he finds it inhabited. When he goes to talk to the new owner, he is met by the most beautiful green eyes followed by a door slammed in his face.
John should’ve known the peace he’s found in Nortown wouldn’t last. One day everything is fine, the next a mountain of a man shows up wherever he goes. All Zachary wants is to be close to the quiet man who has moved into his cabin. If following him around is the only way, then so be it. Sooner or later, John will get used to having him there…at least, if Zachary hangs around long enough.
Note: This story now includes Honey Baked.
Chris Hart owns the only grocery shop in Nortown, but he isn’t exactly overrun by customers. Some days he wonders why he bothers to open the doors at all. Spending his days smiling at the few people trickling in and his nights alone in bed isn’t the most interesting life a man could lead. But when Chris suddenly gets the excitement he’s been craving, it may be more than he bargained for.
Tom and Santino’s anniversary is coming up, and Tom has a plan. He’s going to show Santino how much he means to him. The night will be magical.
Ofelia Grand 