Today, our farm family expanded by twenty Cornish hens and five Easter Egger chicks. These new arrivals are proving to be a handful! Upon introducing them to their automatic waterer, they promptly decided to take a dip rather than a sip, leaving us scrambling to dry and warm them. Our quick-thinking Joe crafted a duct-tape solution to allow them to drink without the unnecessary bathing. They're an amusing lot.

However, the amusing antics come with a downside. It won't be long before my house absorbs the scent of these lively birds. That's when I'll start counting the days until they can move outdoors.

Meanwhile, our current flock is growing healthy and plump. A minor mystery occurred over the weekend with one of our turkeys vanishing overnight, only to return for Sunday breakfast before disappearing again. We discovered her nesting on eggs in the backyard, safely away from the dogs, but hopefully close enough to keep predators away. However, as loyal readers may recall from past newsletters, turkey nesting adventures on our farm don't usually yield positive results.

discovered, he can deliver a rock star-worthy kiss. This unusual arrangement feels strangely complicated, but their hearts can't resist the growing affection.

Join the charming community at Harvest Ranch!

Their annual Fall Festival is around the corner - complete with colossal pumpkin contests, a labyrinth of corn hosting secret kissing corners, artisanal craft booths, and so much more. (I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but it looks like such a fun story.)

Bonus Treat Readers get to indulge in the protagonist Wynn's favorite fall delicacy: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cocoa, a specialty of Main Street's Choco-Latte! The book includes this irresistible recipe as an exclusive treat.

Don't delay - secure a copy today and plunge into a heartwarming journey of love and warmth!

Zach. He needed to meet with Seamus McPherson. The feeling in her stomach turned to flutters. Seamus had returned to Southern California. Zach rarely made last-minute schedule changes, so whatever he wanted to see her former bodyguard about, it must be important. Opening her boss’ calendar, she entered the appointment he’d requested and buzzed their shared assistant, Marjorie.

“Zach had a sudden schedule change; can you reschedule his appointments for the rest of the day?”

“Sure thing.” Marjorie’s deep smoker’s voice crackled over the intercom.

Amy hadn’t seen or heard from Seamus since he’d returned to Virginia nine months earlier.

She couldn’t fathom what this meeting could be about. Unless— No. She dismissed the idea before it could take root. Seamus wouldn’t consider taking the opening as their new head of security. His job with Garrison Securities was glamorous and exciting. He had no reason to leave their employ. Besides, Zach wouldn’t poach employees from his good friend, Grayson.

Her cell buzzed, and she clicked the green button to answer Zach’s call. “What’s up, boss?”

“Did you get my message to cancel my lunch appointment and pencil in McPherson?”

“What do you think?”

“Good.” He chuckled. “I’ll need you at that meeting, Ames. Can you get us a table at Spago?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“I know you can do it. You’re a miracle worker.”

“I’ll give it a shot. Do you have a second choice if I can’t make it happen?”

“You always get me my first choice.”

She tapped her fingernails on her desk. “Zach, seriously. Give me a second choice.”

“You pick. Addison’s pinching me, I have to go.”

Amy smiled as she pictured Zach’s wife hassling him to hang up the phone. He was a workaholic, but Addy did her best to keep him focused on what mattered most. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

Getting Zach a table at Spago would be easy compared to sitting at the same table as Seamus. Hopefully, she could avoid making a fool of herself. Again. His coppery hair, olive-green eyes, brawny physique, and Scottish brogue turned her insides to mush, but he had more than good looks going for him. She’d fallen for him during their long talks when she’d gotten to see beneath his tough facade to the man underneath. She’d had a ridiculous crush on him, but he’d left. He hadn’t made her any promises, but she’d mistakenly believed their feelings were mutual and that they’d grown close over the weeks they spent together. Then one night he’d kissed her. She’d thought it was the start of a romance, but it was the last time she’d seen him.

Four hours later, Amy settled in beside Zach across from Seamus in the limousine. She tried not to meet Seamus’ eyes, for she knew the second she did, she’d melt and be useless to her boss for the remainder of the meeting.

If Seamus took a job with Fractal, she’d have to work closely with him every day, and she couldn’t even be in the same vicinity as him without flushing, so having him at work would be a monumental challenge. Zach had to know that. He wouldn’t consider a move like that before asking her.

Zach’s hand closed over her arm, and she turned to face him. “Where’d you go?” he asked.

She pulled her arm away and shook her head. “Sorry, I was lost in thought.”

“I was telling Seamus how you managed to get us a table at Spago despite the short notice.”

“It helps that you’re a frequent diner there. Your name recognition doesn’t hurt either, but I don’t think that type of thing would impress Seamus. He seems more like a hamburger joint kind of guy.”

Seamus grinned. “Aye. Right ye are.” His low bass voice rumbled through her. She glanced his way through lowered lashes. Oh, to have a man like him take an interest in her. It would be best if she could forget him. He obviously had no interest in her. If he’d been attracted to her, he would’ve stuck around when she’d practically gift-wrapped her heart and handed it to him. No. She needed to put away any fantasies she harbored and focus on getting through this lunch meeting.

I still haven't gotten Betrayed Trust back to Patti. Don't know what is with me lately. Can we blame it on menopause? There are more irons in the fire than I can keep up with, but I plan to get everything done—all in due time. 

I've also been trying to help my son find a house, so that has taken up much of my time.

The releases of Grave Secrets and Wooing the Widower have been scheduled, so now it's time to buckle down and get Betrayed Trust off my plate so I can focus on them. 

This narrative, while often somber, finds its beacon of hope in the modern-day storyline featuring Heather, offering readers a satisfying Happily Ever After. Dobson excels in character creation, especially evident in her portrayal of Libby, an autistic character that bears striking similarities to one of my loved ones who is on the spectrum.

The character of Christopher seemed excessively kind and forgiving. His endearing nature adds a touch of light to the narrative.

The story doesn't shy away from raw emotions; it navigates the stormy seas of love, anger, and bitterness with striking authenticity. Walter, a character initially difficult to empathize with due to his unforgiving nature, eventually experiences a transformative journey. He learns to lean on God, realizing how beautiful broken things can become under His loving guidance. This growth enables Walter to evolve into a character one can truly appreciate.

In its entirety, "Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor," with a 4.5-star rating, is a testament to Dobson's ability to portray humanity in all its beauty and flaws, leaving a lasting impression on readers.