What if we had family spirits that guided our lives?
In Summer's Growth, Amber Harrison is given the opportunity to become the Winston family keeper. She runs the family trust and lives in the family home.
Problem is she has to prove herself by solving a two hundred year old mystery.
The family spirits try to help her find the answers to the disappearance of her great, great, great, great, grandmother. Yet, there are forces which don't want her to find the answer. Luckily, the ghost of her grandmother is helping and saves Amber's life on more than one occasion.
Can Amber solve the mystery or will those who don't want the mystery revealed kick her out of her new job permanently by killing her?
Excerpt -
Mattie raised her chin as if ready to receive the blow. The
resistance in her eyes warned of the fireworks to come. “Amber isn’t a
stranger. She’s part of the family.”
Heedless of the danger, Cynthia forged ahead. “What’s that
supposed to mean?”
Having forgotten Josh, Amber jumped at the sound of his
voice. “Mom, don’t you remember? Amber told us she’s part of the Winston family
tree.”
Locked in combat with Mattie, Cynthia didn’t shift her gaze
away from her sister. “I believe there’s more to it. Would you care to tell us
the rest of the story, Mattie?”
She shrugged. “I have decided to name Amber as heir to the
estate.”
Stunned, questions shot through Amber’s head like bullets.
What? Did Winston Manor really belong to Mattie? Then who was Jonathan? And why
did he write...
Cynthia jumped to her feet and screamed at the top of her
lungs. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing? The estate is locked up in
a trust fund.”
She threw her napkin on the table and slammed her hand down
over it. “You idiot, just because this girl claims to be part of the family is
no reason to award her the estate. We’re talking about my family legacy too.”
The sheer fury resonating from Cynthia’s body frightened
Amber. Were the two sisters about to rumble?
“You have no right to hand it over to her or anyone else.”
Cynthia pointed her finger at Mattie and continued with her tirade. “If you
don’t want to be in charge of the trust fund, let Josh handle it. We’re your
closest living relatives.”
The color drained from Mattie’s face, but she remained
composed. “I’m sorry, but my mind is made up.”
“You’ll regret this. I won’t stand by and let you steal away
my inheritance.” Cynthia pivoted on her heels and without a backward glance
stomped to the door. “Come on Josh, we’re leaving.”
In shock, Amber waited for the scene to unfold. Josh stood,
walked to his aunt, kissed her cheek and followed his mother out of the room.
The front door clicking shut didn’t interrupt the hushed
sound of hurt radiating from Mattie.
Impatient for answers, Amber couldn’t remain silent. “This
doesn’t make any sense. The letter I received said I’m supposed to inherit the
estate from someone named Jonathan. Not you.”
A sad expression marred Mattie’s face and she patted Amber’s
hand. “I know. I’m the current owner-slash-keeper of the estate. When I die,
you’ll inherit the estate. Until then, you’ll be the new keeper or lead
trustee.”
“But I don’t understand. It’ll be years before you die.”
Amber swiveled her head around and studied Mattie's pale complexion. “Unless
you’re sick?”
“No, but I’ve had the responsibility of the estate for a
long time. I need to learn to do something else.” She shoved away her plate.
“This arrangement will offer you the chance to learn what it takes to be the
keeper. And it will free me up to figure out what I want to do. A nice exchange
if you ask me.”
“But why didn’t you tell me this before?” Amber suspected
more to the omission.
“I didn’t think it mattered.” Mattie rose, lifted her plate
and walked into the kitchen.
“But Cynthia is your sister.” Amber rushed to gather up her
dishes. “Shouldn’t one of them inherit the estate?”
Also if you are a member of Goodread be sure to check out my preview of Summer's Growth that includes several chapters.
https://www.goodreads.com/reader/35560-summer-s-growth?return_to=%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F17332182-summer-s-growth
The next book, "Fallen Leaves" has been released and you can read the 1st chapter on my website.
http://www.tinagayle.net/mybookpg.html
Also, check for the exclusive offer inside the ebook.
Have an awesome day,
Tina
