It means the world to me to hear from you :) historical romance books romantic christian books romance in a vineyard
South Island, Nelson, New Zealand
The Three Tikanga Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is led by disciples who have proven to be fearless messengers of the gospel for hundreds of years. Woven into this congregation is the King family. Tony is a Kiwi boy with aspirations of playing top level rugby and Hannah sees her life as ideal at Lions Vineyard, the land in Northland the family has lived on since the early 1800's. Things change when they dig up an old sea chest filled with secrets. This alters the course of their lives after Hannah reads the old journals hidden within. Uncovered are clues that lead to the Wolf family at Bergen Op Meer in the Netherlands.
Faith is tested, relationships are changed and no one is ready for the consequences.
AN EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER FOUR
“What in God’s green earth is going on here?” Massy pushed his way past the tower of a man standing by his sister who was looking half dead in their library. Taking her other hand, he checked her pulse and smoothed a wayward hair from her cheek. This tender act sent jolts of jealousy through Tony, the like of which he had never felt before. He could feel Hannah’s eyes on him. The blush that spread across his cheeks could not be hidden from her eagle stare. It was obvious to Hannah that the young woman was going to be fine after fainting dead away at the sight of Tony. The young man now attending her had to be her brother or close relation, as the family resemblance was striking.
“What happened?” Kat looked up at her brother for reassurance, but found herself needing to reassure him at that moment as his concern was etched into his face. “Oh, this is a mess I have made, all in front of an audience. Have you met our guests yet?” Tony was beginning to wonder if everyone in this country spoke English. Massy had in fact not given the others in the room a moment's notice. Helping his sister to sit up, he plopped down next to her and faced the small group that had gathered so impromptu in their library at this early hour.
“Good morning Tante Anita, and Oom Wim, who have you brought with you today?“ Massy had full confidence and trust in the couple that he adored.
“May I introduce Hannah King, mein lieveling” Anita said. He gave Hannah his full attention and scrutinised her as though she was an exotic species one looks for for years but rarely ever finds.
“You must be Thomas Wolf, it is my pleasure to meet you.” Hannah held out her hand in anticipation of the standard greeting being reciprocated. But he sat speechless next to his sister. It was only the elbow to his side by Kat that he jumped into action and returned the greeting in fluent, flawless English. “Greetings to you, Hannah King, please call me Massy.” A bell rang in Hannah's head. Massy?
Massy did not want to let the silky hand he held now go. He was looking at a woman that held him enchanted. He hoped the huge presence of a man taking up so much space in their home was not her husband. “And may I introduce Tony King,” said Wim. Massy's heart fell as he realised his hopes were dashed in that simple introduction. All eyes watched his reaction to meeting Tony.
Kat found it impossible to believe what she was seeing and wanted to pull her brother into a private conversation as soon as possible. Tante Anita and Oom Wim must have known meeting Tony would come as a shock and came early to ease them into this vision. Reluctantly letting the hand go that he held, Massy turned and extended his hand to what could only be described as a mountain of a man. “Hi Tony, this is my sister Kat and I am Massy Wolf, pleasure to meet you.” Standing he gave Tony his full measure and wondered briefly why this guy looked familiar. Tony for his part was relieved, though he could not explain why, it mattered that this guy was the brother of the woman he had just been holding in his arms.
Kat could not believe how blind her brother was and decided to take this moment to interrupt. “I would like to begin again and welcome you both to Bergen Op Meer.” Tony liked her voice.
“Thank you, Kat. Is ending up in the arms of a stranger in a dead faint a common greeting?” Never one to let anyone build a guard, Hannah got right to business with a calculated grin.
“It is first important to note,” Anita said, “that the King’s found the missing journals of Johanna Malefyt.” The bomb dropped. Now time for triage.
The leather couch caught Massy as he ungracefully once again sat down next to his sister and stared at Tony. It was just now beginning to dawn on him why he looked so familiar. “Oh my, now I know why you look so familiar.”
“Oh, can you tell us why?” asked Hannah
“I can.” An ancient voice heavily accented came from the double doorway into the library and all faces in unison turned to her like six needles of a compass finding true North.
I reach into the richness of the truth and tell stories of historical romance through life experience. The history of Aotearoa New Zealand has never been told like this before. Wholesome storytelling with true life drama.
(Photo taken by Birgit Meister at Marsden Cross
Oihi Bay, Kerikeri. The historical site of Christmas 1814)
LV:Inner City Rugby Club Vancouver Canada