Since I now have a release date for my newest time travel romance, Thoroughly Modern Amanda, thought I’d share an excerpt today on my ‘Wednesday Excerpt’ post.
Excerpt:
Her footsteps sounded hollow on the unfinished wood floor as she paced. He lifted his gaze to study her. Her skirts nearly touched the freshly sanded floor as she braced her hands on either side of her hips. Her brow furrowed, lips twisted into an expression of anxiety.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
She turned and faced him. “Sorry?”
“For putting you to all this trouble.” He realized he didn’t even know his rescuer’s name. “I’m Jack Lawton, by the way and you are…?”
She pursed her full lips. “Miss Montgomery.”
“You don’t have a first name?” he asked.
“Sir, we are strangers to one another.” Her face reddened.
“But I gave you my first name.” He spread his hands.
She propped her hands on her hips. “My father would have a conniption fit if I gave my Christian name to a strange man. On the other hand, my step-mother…” Her lips curved into the hint of a smile. “…always introduces herself by her first name to the consternation of my father.” She lifted her chin as if appraising Jack. “I’m Amanda.”
Jack smiled but winced as a shot of pain sliced through his skull. “Amanda Montgomery. I’ll be sure to remember that name.” He lifted his hand. “Now, if you could assist me to the front door.”
She stretched her arm down toward him, and he used the wall to hoist himself so he wouldn’t put all his weight on her.
A brief wave of dizziness halted his progress, but he steadied himself. “Lead on.”
By the time they reached the door, he realized how eerily familiar this house looked. Almost as if the house he’d been in had traveled back in time. Could the new owner have changed his mind and decided to rebuild the place?
Amanda threw open the door.
Jack’s mouth gaped. Not only was his car gone, but the entire block was transformed. What had been a paved walk and blacktop street was now packed dirt.
Heat rose to his cheeks. “Where’s my car? Did they tow it away to tear up the street?” He couldn’t have been unconscious long enough.
“I don’t know what you mean.” Amanda’s gaze scanned the road.
Jack froze in the doorway, not sure what to do. This was insane. He had no car, no cell phone or ID. If he made it to his house, would it even be there? For one chilling moment, he wasn’t sure.
Amanda glanced at him, then back at the road, not saying anything for a long moment. “Mr. Lawton, if you’re able to walk a short distance, I’ll take you to my home. My step-mother may know how to help you.”
Thoroughly Modern Amanda coming December 19, 2012 to The Wild Rose Press.
Susan, that is such a gorgeous, romantic cover. Even if you weren’t such a good author, that cover would sell your book.
Thanks, Caroline! I love it too. Hope you’re right about the cover drawing readers.