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- Herausgeber: Two Hearts Press
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
Enjoy this steamy small-town romantic suspense series, where family bonds run deep, and let the power of love sweep you away.
Amanda Kane & Lee Simpson
Amanda and Lee fell in love in Book 13 of the series, and he asked her to ‘go steady.’ In Book 14, they discover the unexpected—a baby is on the way. He wants to get married, but her heart and head aren’t in sync. As love and loyalty are tested, Amanda and Lee discover that sometimes, the best surprises are the ones you never see coming.
Elsa Winters-Reade & Liam Reade
When Elsa discovers a photograph of her mother holding an unknown infant, the past starts unraveling, revealing a name that stirs both curiosity and heartache—Drew. Determined to uncover the secrets that Alzheimer’s might take away forever, Elsa dives into her family’s history. Together, they must untangle the secrets from the past in order to embrace the surprises to come.
Deborah Star-Abbott & Spence Abbott
After ten years of marriage, Obstetrician Deborah Star and Anesthetist Spencer Abbott are ready to start a family. So far, they’ve had no luck. When a newborn is left at the fire station, both feel an instant connection. Will this infant be the child they’ve been waiting for?
Welcome to Swan Harbor
Cygnets & Dreams
is a bonus book for the Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor series. It bridges the gap between
The Journey to Love
and the
Mystical Waters Canyon Series
. It’s a contemporary romantic suspense, steamy, small town romance with a guaranteed happy ending.
Curl up with a copy of Cygnets & Dreams where life comes full circle.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
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CYGENTS & DREAMS
A SMALL TOWN BONUS BOOK
HOPE & HEARTS FROM SWAN HARBOR
BOOK 16
SOPHIE BARTOW
CONTENTS
Hope & Hearts Series in Order
Some Residents of Swan Harbor
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Guide to Swan Harbor
Other Books by Sophie
About the Author
Sophie’s Heart
This book is dedicated to...
My street team;
The Wall-Giennie Wicks-Delaney,
Connector Inspector- Linda Hagerty
Plot Catcher- Maggie Grimes
Sign Crew- Kate Semenyuk
And to my family for their patience while I write
Two Hearts Press
An imprint of LLIPSS, INC.
Copyright © 2024 by Sophie Bartow
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and places are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business or locales is coincidental.
Cover Design by Kate Semenyuk
FROM DARKNESS INTO LOVE
KITTENS, PUPPIES & LOVE
BROTHERS, HOPE & HEARTS
KISSES, FAMILY & HOPE
A TREE, MISTLETOE & A SUNSET
HOPE, HEARTS & FOREVER
THE MEMORY OF LOVE
THE INNOCENCE OF LOVE
THE FORGIVENESS OF LOVE
THE POWER OF LOVE
THE CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG
THE KISS OF LOVE
THE LESSONS OF LOVE
THE HEART OF LOVE
THE JOURNEY TO LOVE
Hope & Hearts Bonus
CYGNETS & DREAMS
Hope & Hearts Historical Novellas
GUIDED BY LIGHT - 1952
GUIDED BY HEART - 1964
GUIDED BY LOVE - 1969
WELCOME TO SWAN HARBOR- 1979
FINDING HER LOST HEART- 1983/1990
GUIDED BY A KISS - 1995
Inspiration began …
when a lost girl fell for a lost boy
SOME RESIDENTS OF SWAN HARBOR
Deborah Star - She’s an OB/GYN at Swan Harbor General Hospital. She is married to Doctor Spencer Abbott.
Spencer Abbott - He’s an anesthesiologist at Swan Harbor General Hospital and married to Doctor Deborah Star.
Amanda Kane – She’s the head librarian at the Swan Harbor library, the mother to eight-year-old Ethan, and the ex-wife of Joe Kane.
Lee Simpson – He’s a Special Agent with The Agency, a shadowy government agency, and partners with Gabe. Lee is ‘going steady’ with the town librarian, Amanda, whose son is Ethan. Their story is told in The Lessons of Love.
Liam Reade: Chief Paramedic for the Swan Harbor Fire Department. He is married to Elsa Winters and father to infant Griffin. Their story is told in Brothers, Hope & Hearts.
Elsa Winters: She owns a pediatric practice in Swan Harbor, is married to Liam Reade and mother to Griffin.
Killian Reade: Investigator for the Swan Harbor Sheriff’s Department. He is married to Emma Foster. Their story is told in Kittens, Puppies & Love.
Emma Foster: The veterinarian and owner of Swan Harbor Veterinary Hospital. Daughter of Ava King and Peter Foster and married to Killian Reade.
Ava King: Philanthropist and businesswoman. She’s married to Finn, the mother of Emma, and related to Captain Jack.
Finley Reade: He is a realtor and owner of a real estate business in New York City. He and a group recently invested in the Mountain View Lodge - a couple’s retreat. Finn is married to Ava and the father of Liam and Killian. Their story is told in Kisses, Family & Hope.
Gabe Ricci: He is a Special Agent with The Agency, a shadowy government agency, and partners with Lee. His story will be told in Whispers of Lovecoming in February 2026.
Chet Simpson – He is an entrepreneur in Swan Harbor. Chet is married to Cora, father to Nathan and Patrick, and grandfather to Justin, Lee, Eric, and Amy.
Cora Edwards Simpson – She is married to Chet and mother to Nathan and Patrick. Cora is the mother to Nathan and Patrick, and grandmother to Justin, Lee, Eric, Amy, Evan and Piper.
Courtney Simpson – She is a neonatologist and works with newborns who are very sick. Courtney is married to Patrick, and the mother to Justin, Lee, Eric and Amy.
Patrick Simpson – He is the owner of Simpson Sips – a coffee shop not far from Swan Harbor University. Patrick is married to Courtney, and the father to Justin, Lee, Eric, and Amy.
Justin Simpson – He’s an orthopedic surgeon at Swan Harbor University. His story is told in Whispers of Luck.
Eric Simpson – He’s a deputy with the Swan Harbor Sheriff’s Department. His story will be told in Whispers of a Miracle coming in December 2025.
Amy Simpson - She is the day clerk at the Swan Harbor Sheriff’s Department. Her story will be told in Whispers of Love coming in February 2026.
Rusty Langley: He is an investigator for the Swan Harbor Sheriff’s Department and partner of Killian Reade. He is married to Rene Langley and father to Roland and Lizzy. Their story is told in The Power of Love.
Rene Langley: She is the mayor of Swan Harbor, married to Rusty, and the mother of Roland.
Dylan Prince: The Sheriff of Swan Harbor, married to Molly BarnesPrince, and father to twins Geoffrey and Luke. He is the brother of Jessie. Their story is told in The Innocence of Love.
Kelly Thompson – She’s a nurse who works in the nursery at Swan Harbor General Hospital. Kelly is the mother of two boys, Landon and Henry, whose husband has been missing for several years. Her story is percolating.
ONE
QUICK NOTE: If you listen to music while you are reading, enjoy the Cygnet’s & Dreams Playlist.
Happy reading!
* * *
Swan Harbor General
April 30
12:30 p.m.
“Doctor Star, ER stat. Doctor Star, ER stat.”
Before the intercom announcement faded, Deborah was on the move. She tossed her half-eaten sandwich into the trash and raced to the Emergency Department. On the way down the stairs, she mentally ran through which of her patients could be in trouble. By the time she pushed open the double doors, she still hadn’t come up with an answer.
It’s a surprise! Happy birthday to me.
“You paged me?” she asked the receptionist.
“Bay 4.”
Deborah rushed into the room and, when she saw Liam Reade holding an infant, immediately jumped to conclusions.
“What’s wrong with Griffin?”
Liam angled toward her, and she realized he wasn’t holding his son. The new Reade baby was fair, whereas the child in his arms had caramel-colored skin and a head full of black curls.
“Are you sure you wanted me and not a pediatrician?”
“I’m sure.”
He laid the infant on the table and folded back the blanket.
“A newborn?”
“Yes.”
“Where’s the mother?”
“Killian and Rusty are looking for her.”
“How …?” Then it clicked. “Safe Haven law?”
A law that allowed infants to be surrendered at hospitals or fire stations for adoption with no questions asked.
“Someone left her right inside the station door in a laundry basket.”
When the infant made a mewling sound, Liam stuck his little finger into the baby’s mouth. It was such a ‘new parent’ behavior it made Deborah smile. However, it also caused a little ache in the center of her chest.
“It’s lucky you found her.”
“Very lucky,” Liam agreed.
Deborah shoved the feelings coursing through her aside and performed a cursory examination. The infant was female and, while small, appeared to be in good health. She hadn’t been cleaned, and her umbilical cord needed to be trimmed.
“How long has it been since you found her?”
“Less than an hour.”
“I’ll take her upstairs and get her cleaned and fed.”
“When do you have to contact the state?”
“When I need to,” Deborah offered noncommittally, even knowing that wasn’t the correct answer.
“Will you keep me posted?”
“I will.”
Deb re-wrapped the infant and took the long way up to the nursery. When she arrived and the nurses were busy, she let out a silent cheer. She bathed, weighed, measured, and dressed the newborn. With that done, she took a bottle and settled in one of the rocking chairs.
Just like the infant had latched onto Liam’s finger, she knew what to do with the nipple. She took about an ounce before falling asleep, but Deb didn’t want to let her go. Not only did the rocking motion soothe the baby, it also touched something inside the adult.
She lost track of how long she sat there, holding the child as multiple thoughts raced through her. It was her birthday. A day that, as an adult, was just like any other day. For her, though, it signified another year she hadn’t become a mother. Another year closer to her time to do so running out.
When the nursery door opened, she glanced up, expecting to see one of the nurses. Instead, it was her husband, Doctor Spencer Abbott.
“There you are.”
“You were looking for me?”
Spence sauntered toward her, and just as it had for the last ten years, her heart pounded a little faster. He was well over six feet, with a long, lean runner’s body, brown hair, a light beard, and dark eyes that melted her heart. His genuine spirit in caring for others and loving her, though, gave the real picture of the man. In her eyes, there was no better man than her husband.
He dropped onto a knee next to her and peered at the infant in her arms. “Who do we have here? She’s a beauty.”
“Isn’t she though?” Deb explained her first few hours of life.
“No one knows where she came from?”
“Not unless they’ve found out in the last hour.”
Spencer cupped Deb’s cheek and kissed her. “You know I’m okay with adopting, right?”
“I know.”
“If we do, it doesn’t mean we’ve given up having one of our own.”
Deb brushed her fingers through the soft curls peeking out from underneath the baby’s hat. Her gaze once again met Spencer’s, and she saw nothing but sincerity. “I’ll think about it.”
Spencer grinned. “Are you done in here?”
“Why?”
“Do you have time for lunch with your husband?”
Her stomach growled, reminding her she’d only eaten a quarter of her sandwich before she’d been paged.
“What did you have in mind? The cafeteria?”
“Meet me in my office?”
She studied him for a few seconds. He’d planned something—she just didn’t know what.
“Give me five?”
“I’ll give you ten. But hurry. You never know.” He kissed her again, then winked on his way out.
Deb reluctantly placed the infant in a bassinet, wrote a notation in the baby’s chart, and made her way to her husband’s office. When she arrived, he was leaning against the doorjamb, wearing a crooked smile.
“There’s my birthday girl.”
“I’m not sure I would still classify as a girl.”
“To me, you’ll always be that fourteen-year-old girl whose smile made a newcomer feel welcomed.” Spencer kissed her and nuzzled her nose. “I love you.”
“I know.”
Spence responded with one of his endearing grins. It was a little crooked, a little shy, and the combination was so sexy, it took her breath.
“Come.” He linked their hands and led her into his office, where he’d set sandwiches from Sally’s on the conference table. In between, there was one slice of chocolate cake.
“You went all out.”
“Nothing’s too good for my best girl.”
She tossed a smile over her shoulder and picked up the cake. “Can we have dessert first?”
He chuckled. “If you wish.”
“You know me—”
“Doctor Star, ER stat. Doctor Star, ER stat.”
Deborah blew out a breath. “Duty calls. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“You know what.” She grabbed his tie, pulled him closer, and kissed him. “I’ll see you at home.”
“Don’t forget, we have dinner reservations.”
“We do?” Her brows arched with surprise. “I thought you were cooking.”
“I changed my mind. I want to wine and dine you at Captain Jack’s. Okay?”
“Okay.” She kissed him once more and rushed to the Emergency Department. Two visits in one day were not the norm for her profession, making her curious as to what to expect this time. When she arrived, they handed her a chart and sent her to Bay 10.
Deborah skimmed the notes and pushed open the door.
“Amanda,” Deborah greeted the town’s head librarian. “How are you feeling?”
“A little sore. But I don’t understand. Why did they call you?”
“Well,” Deb began. “Your bloodwork showed …”
* * *
Swan Harbor General
April 30
3:30 p.m.
Amanda leaned her head back on the pillow and closed her eyes. Her body ached, her stomach kept doing flips, and she wanted to go home. She considered arguing and would have if it would do any good.
The door whooshed open, and she thought about keeping her eyes closed, not sure if she wanted to talk to anyone.
“Can I sit on the bed?” her son whispered.
“Let’s wait until she’s awake,” Lee returned.
Her lips curved, and slowly, she opened her eyes. Both of her men were staring at her, wearing almost identical expressions.
Lee brushed back her hair and kissed her forehead. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay.”
He just looked at her with his expressive hazel eyes. However, before she could ask him what was wrong, Ethan captured her attention.
“Momma, you don’t sound so good.”
“I don’t?”
“No, you sound tired.”
Amanda laughed. “I am tired. How was school?”
“Well.” Ethan scrunched up his face in concentration. “When the ground shook, the blinds on the window did this.” He rocked his body from one side to the other.
“I see. Did anything break?”
“No, but if Mrs. Robinson hadn’t caught her flower vase, it might have.” Ethan paused for a bit, then came back with, “That would have made a mess.”
“I imagine it would have.”
“Oh, and PJ fell and cut her leg. There was blood everywhere.”
Amanda frowned. “Is she okay?”
“I don’t know. She cried a lot.”
“I bet it hurt.”
He tilted his head and studied her for a second. “Did you cry?”
“Did I cry when?”
“When you got hurt, silly.”
“I wanted to.” Lee squeezed her shoulder, pulling her attention to him. When he smiled, her heart turned over. “But I didn’t have time to cry, Ethan. Lee rescued me.”
“I know!” Ethan’s dark eyes sparkled. “He told me he had to move a million rocks to free you.”
“A million, huh?” Amanda glanced at Lee.
He shrugged. “It made for a better story.”
“How’s—?” A knock on the door interrupted her, seconds before it opened.
“Poppa!”
Jason grinned. “There’s my boy!”
“Poppa, did you hear that momma was in a cave-in?”
“A cave-in, huh?” He gave Amanda a concerned look. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, dad. I don’t even want to be here, but …”
“They just want to make sure you’re okay, ‘Manda.” Lee murmured. “You know that.”
“Your mother sends her love,” Jason told her. “She’ll be by to see you later.”
Her mother was the drama teacher at Swan Harbor High and in the middle of the spring production of Grease.
“She called,” Amanda assured him. “I’ll be home tomorrow.”
“Poppa.” Ethan brought the attention back to him. “Am I going home with you?”
“You are. Is that okay?”
“Yes! Can we pick up Merlin?” he asked, referring to the dachshund they’d recently adopted.
“I think we can do that.”
“What about some pizza?”
“That sounds like a plan.”
“And then some ice cream?”
Amanda laughed at her father’s expression. “He’ll just keep pushing.”
“That sounds like a little girl I used to know.”
She gave her father an exasperated look. “Be nice. Can’t you see I’m injured?”
Jason laughed. “Since it looks like you’re in excellent hands, we’ll get out of your hair.”
“Bye, momma.”
After they left, the room felt too small, and her throat too tight. She snuck a peek at Lee, only to find him watching her closely.
“Lee?”
“Hmm?”
“How’s Kelsey?”
“She’s fine.”
“And Sarah?”
“Fine.” Lee smoothed the blanket and settled next to her hip. Warmth radiated from him, and when he closed his hand around hers, she no longer felt cold. But the look in his eyes told her he had something on his mind. “Do you remember what you said to me this morning?”
“I said several things.”
He quirked his mouth just a little, causing his dimples to pop, and there was laughter in his eyes. “I’m referring to when I didn’t want to talk about work.”
“I asked you if you loved me.”
“And I said yes. Then you asked me if I wanted to build a future with you.”
“And you said yes,” she whispered, somehow knowing where he was going.
“Then I’m tossing them back to you. Do you love me?”
“Of course.”
“Do you want us to build a future together?”
“Very much so.”
“Then tell me what’s going on.”
“What do you mean?”
Lee lifted a brow. “What else did you say?”
She blew out a breath. “That I knew you weren’t giving me the complete truth.”
“So?”
“I’m scared.”
He kissed her softly and leaned his forehead against hers. “Did the doctor give you some upsetting news?”
“Upsetting? Well, no.”
“If not upsetting, then what?”
“Surprising.” Amanda nodded. “Yes, definitely surprising.”
“Go on.”
Just say it.
“Lee,” Amanda began, not giving herself time to think about it. “Lee, you’re going to be a father.”
His eyes flared, and his mouth dropped open. He wiped his hand over his chin, then through his hair. “You’re, you’re …?”
“I’m pregnant.”
“But how? When?”
She’d shocked him, and while he didn’t look upset, neither did he look happy. He just looked ….
“Surely, you know how that works.”
“Of course, I know how it happens, Amanda. But I mean …”
“I’m not quite six weeks along, so it happened—”
“Our first time.” His eyes drifted shut. “I didn’t use …”
“No.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Numb.”
“Do you want this baby?”
A lump clawed its way into her throat, and she answered in the only way possible.
“While I’m shocked and a little freaked about having a baby now, I’m thrilled. But the question is, how do you feel?”
His shoulders relaxed, his hazel eyes sparkled, and the sexiest smile she’d ever seen lit up his face.
“I didn’t really know how much I wanted a family with you until I heard the words. But, yes, I want this baby, very, very much.” He cupped her jaw, and his eyes bore into hers with an intensity she’d not expected. “I love you, Amanda.” Lee kissed her. “First, we’ll need to get married.” He kissed her again, and while there was more that needed to be said, those things could wait until she was stronger. Right then, she just wanted to be held by the man she loved, and who loved her in return. Everything else could wait.
* * *
Swan Harbor General
April 30
5:00 p.m.
Once she’d finished with her last office patient of the day, Deb could have gone home. In fact, she was willing to admit she should have gone home. Before she did, though, she wanted to make a stop … or two.
A quick check of the hospital records gave her Amanda’s room number. When she arrived, and the door was closed, she hesitated. She’d just decided to wait until the following day when the door opened, and she came face-to-face with Lee Simpson.
“Deb!” Lee grinned. “Is everything alright?”
“I just thought I’d check on Amanda,” Deb replied. “Is she asleep?”
“Not hardly. Right now, ‘Manda is complaining.” Lee opened the door a little wider. “I thought I’d run to Sally’s and get her a sandwich. Is that okay?”
“It’s fine. While you’re gone, I’ll check on her.”
Deb stepped just inside the room and studied her patient. While she thought Amanda’s color was better, she still wore an ‘I’m a little freaked out,’ look.
“Did you tell him?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
Amanda shrugged. “He said he’s excited.”
“That’s good. Right?”
“Yes.”
“But?”
“There are so many emotions rushing through me right now, I’m struggling with what to focus on first.”
“Talk to me. Bottling up everything isn’t good for you … or the fetus.”
Amanda didn’t say anything right away, forcing Deb to exercise patience and not push—like she wanted.
“Lee wants to get married.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
“Yes, but—”
“—You don’t want him marrying you because of the baby?”
Amanda sighed. “If I would have been ready, I think he would have proposed a month ago.”
“Then what’s the problem?” Deb hesitated. “Do you not want to marry Lee?”
“I do. It’s just …”
“You haven’t let go of the past?”
“I’ve tried.” Amanda blew out a breath. “In my heart, I know Lee is nothing like Joe. I know what I feel for Lee is nothing like what I felt for Joe. But he doesn’t live in Swan Harbor. What if he leaves?”
“You want a guarantee.”
“Do I?”
“Only you know that, Amanda,” Deb replied. “Talk to Lee. Tell him your thoughts. It’s the only way to know for sure.”
Amanda winced. “Easier said than done.”
“That I know,” Deb laughed. “You’ll get there.”
“Is this where you tell me things happen when they’re meant to happen?”
“I could, but it sounds like you’ve already heard it.”
“I have.”
“There’s no rush. You have plenty of time before this new baby comes. I’ll check on you in the morning.”
“Thanks, Deborah.”
Deb left Amanda’s room and, instead of taking the elevator down, went up. She walked by the nursery viewing window, and what she saw caused her heart to flip several times.
Spence sat in the same rocking chair she’d been sitting in earlier. He had a bottle in one hand and a tiny bundle in the other. While she couldn’t see much of the infant in his arms, she knew he was holding the newborn left at the fire station.
Her breath caught, and tears rushed to her eyes at the sight. Spence wanted a baby. She wanted a baby. Yet she couldn’t get pregnant. It made her feel ….
Her thoughts faded when her husband looked up, and their eyes locked through the window. He glanced down at the infant, then back up, wearing a grin. It was the one that said, ‘Oops, you caught me,’ and made her love him a little more.
After a quick breath, Deb entered the nursery. Slowly, she wound her way across the room.
“It looks like I have competition,” she teased.
Spence’s dark eyes twinkled. “My heart only belongs to you.”
“That’s good. But why are you up here?”
“I was looking for you.”
“Oh?”
“When you weren’t here, a nurse asked if I had time to feed her.” He glanced around, but right then, they were alone. “She was here just a moment ago.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t Nurse Ruby?”
A frightened look crossed Spence’s face. “Doesn’t Nurse Ruby only visit the dying?”
“I believe the story is that when Nurse Ruby was alive, she worked in the nursery.”
“And died protecting the little ones,” Phyllis Manning, an older nurse, added on her way by. “Now, when we see Ruby up here, it’s to ‘protect’ the little ones.”
“Just like she did when she was living.”
“That’s right,” Phyllis went on. “Don’t you worry none about seeing Nurse Ruby in here. That’s a good thing.”
“So there.” Deb took the baby and carried her to the bassinet. She brushed her finger across the infant’s soft cheek and tucked her in. “I’ll check on you in the morning, little one.”
Spence was waiting for her near the door. He slipped his arm around her waist and tucked her close to his side.
“Come on, birthday girl. Let’s go celebrate. I think you’ll enjoy what I have planned.”
Deb pressed her cheek against Spence’s shoulder and glanced up so their eyes met. A part of her wanted to ask him questions—ones she didn’t know if she was ready to hear the answers. Especially if they weren’t the ones she wanted to hear.
“Do I get any hints?”
Spence grinned. “Well, it starts with dinner at Captain Jack’s.”
“That much I knew.”
“Then I thought we’d dance a little.” He dropped a quick kiss on her mouth. “At home, I’ll build us a fire, then you can unwrap your gift and thank me.”
“You’re sure I’ll like it?”
“I think so.”
The way his dark eyes dove into hers took her breath. So much so that when they walked into her office, she shut the door and pushed him against it.
“Why, Doctor Star! Is there something I can do for you?”
“Kiss me, Spence. Just kiss me.”
He cupped her jaw with both hands, and their gazes clashed. There was heat and so much more looking back at her. She struggled to breathe.
With slow, deliberate movements, Spence inched closer until his lips hovered a hair’s distance from hers. Just when she thought she was going to scream, his mouth covered hers. His kiss was all-consuming and took her breath, leaving her with little choice but to let go.
TWO
Swan Harbor General
April 30
5:30 p.m.
Instead of going straight to Sally’s, Lee drove around town. It took about thirty minutes before his thoughts were no longer sluggish and answers began to form. He wanted the baby, and he wanted to marry Amanda. But, rather than giving her time and space, he’d pushed—something he’d promised himself he wouldn’t do. With that understanding, he needed to back off, at least for a little while, he’d listen—and not pressure her.
When he arrived at Sally’s, he found his brother and partner eating at the table closest to the door.
“There you are,” Gabe greeted him. “How’s Amanda?”
“She’s …” The word pregnant stuck in his throat, though. While a part of him wanted to shout it to the world, he didn’t think Amanda was quite ready for that. Instead, he offered a noncommittal, “She’s fine.”
Eric frowned. “There’s more, isn’t there?”
“Why do you think that?”
“That little tic in your jaw is pulsing away.”
“What?”
“It says you’re parsing out your words. Why?”
Lee brushed his hand through his hair. “It’s just been one of those days, you know?”
“Right.”
“And you.” Lee turned his attention to Gabe. “Do you agree with my little brother?”
Gabe held his hands up in surrender. “I’ve nothing to say.” Then, he repeated his earlier question, “How’s Amanda?”
“Frustrated and sore she has to spend the night in the hospital.”
“Oh, I’m sure you know how to turn her frown into a smile.” Gabe waggled his brows. “You know what I mean, right?”
Lee smirked. “I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Except that one time …” Gabe began.
“Haha. I’d better go. ‘Manda wants a crab cake sandwich.”
“Hey, Lee,” Eric called before he’d gotten far. “Have you touched base with mom and dad?”
“Not yet. Will—?”
“I’ll fill them in,” Eric assured him.
Lee gave him a grateful smile and picked up his order. After one more quick stop, he hurried back to the hospital. Yet, as much as he wanted to see Amanda, he hesitated before barging into her room. He understood they needed to talk, but knew it wasn’t the right time.
Listen, Simpson.Just listen.
He backed into her room carrying a bouquet of roses in one hand, and their Sally’s order in the other.
“I’m sorry …”
However, Amanda was asleep, giving him a few moments to just look at her. She was pale, and the place on her forehead was turning a nice shade of purple. It didn’t seem to matter though as to him she was still the most beautiful thing in the world.
Lee set the roses aside and brushed a gentle kiss across her mouth. Her eyes slowly drifted open, and their gazes met.
“Lee?”
“How are you feeling?”
“Fine. Why?”
“Deb was here when I left.”
“Oh.” She nodded. “That’s right. It was nothing.”
“Are you ready for your sandwich?”
“Crab cake?”
“Of course.”
Lee handed her the bag, but she refused to take it, her dark eyes locked with his. “Didn’t you forget something?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Are you sure?”
“I don’t—” Then, he noticed her subtle pucker. “Didn’t I just kiss you?”
“I want more.”
“My pleasure.” The kiss was soft and lazy, making it a struggle to let go. When he lifted his head, Amanda’s lips curled up slightly. “How was that?”
“Better.”
“Are you hungry?”
“In a minute. Lee, we should talk.”
He placed a finger on her lips. “When it’s time.”
“This conversation isn’t over.”
Lee laughed. “I never thought it was.”
“Good. Sandwich, please.”
Amanda was halfway through her meal before she came up for air. “You’re not hungry?”
“Not really.”
She paused an extra second, then re-wrapped her sandwich and patted the bed next to her hip.
“Come here.”
He dropped his head, then slowly glanced back up. Almost gingerly, he settled next to her and took her hand.
“What is it, ‘Manda?”
“This is going to be hard, but …”
Lee’s heart pounded, and nothing but negative thoughts flew through his head.
“What is it, Amanda?”
“We need to keep my pregnancy a secret.”
“Why?”
“It’s just for a few weeks.”
“But?”
Amanda surprised him by grabbing the front of his shirt and tugging him down for a kiss.
“Lee, I love you.”
“And I love you. But—”
“Just listen,” she barreled on.
Something he’d promised to do, yet he’d already failed.
“It’s only for a few weeks.”
“Why?”
“For one, the baby’s health.”
“Did Deb say—?”
“No,” Amanda cut him off. “I’m older than when I was pregnant the first time. I just want to make sure I shouldn’t be doing things differently.”
“Is that why they wanted you to stay in the hospital tonight?”
“Maybe. I’ve had no pain, but I would prefer to be cautious, rather than say something, and then lose—”
Lee kissed her, shutting off her words. “We’re not going there, honey.”
“But I’m not just worried about us.”
“Ethan?”
“Yes. Can you imagine if we told him, and then something happened?”
Lee tipped up her chin. “In this, I’ll follow your lead. You know, I’d never hurt Ethan intentionally. Right?”
“Of course I know that!”
“Good. Are we done talking?”
“There’s one more thing.”
“Go on.”
“I do want to marry you … more than anything. I just feel …”
“Pressured?”
“No. Overwhelmed.” Before he could jump in, she continued, “If I marry again, I want it to be forever.”
“If?” Lee murmured. “Not when?”
A little of her sparkle returned, and a corner of her mouth tipped up. It reminded him of what he’d been carrying around for a few days. While it wasn’t something he’d use to pressure her about marriage, it would give her a promise.
“I want you to listen to me, Amanda Kane, and listen well.”
“Okay.”
“Your ruby and diamond pin means we’re going steady, right?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Then this,” Lee pulled the ring from his pocket and slipped it onto her finger, “can only mean one thing.”
“What?”
“We’re promised.”
“Isn’t being promised old-fashioned, just like going steady?”
“It’s our thing, isn’t it?”
“Meaning?”
“We’re promised that when it’s time, there will be no looking back. Okay?”
It took several seconds before she nodded. Lee kissed her, and, never letting go of her mouth, stretched out next to her. If anyone tried to kick him out, he had a badge and knew how to use it.
* * *
Captain Jack’s Fine Dining
April 30
9:45 p.m.
Liam kissed the top of Elsa’s head and pulled her a little closer. When he did, the smell of her perfume sent a rush of lust through him.
“Tired?”
She hummed but otherwise remained quiet, making him second-guess his decision to stay out late. Perhaps he’d been selfish, but he’d hoped for a little couple time.
He glanced at the clock and the words, One more minute, one more minute, rolled around inside. If only he could ….
Before that minute passed, Elsa’s breath caught. “So that’s what you were waiting for.”
“What?”
“Don’t play dumb, Mr. Reade. Come dance with me. After all, you picked the song, didn’t you?”
“It is our song, isn’t it?”
“It is,” she agreed. “We first danced to it—”
“—Two years ago tonight.” Liam nuzzled her temple. “I still regret being such a jerk in the beginning.”
Elsa kissed him again. “It’s over, Liam. What matters to me is the love I see looking back every time our eyes meet.”
“I do, you know.”
She grinned, and her eyes sparkled. “You do what?”
“Love you.”
Elsa glanced up, and with her pink cheeks and glistening lips, he couldn’t stay away. He leaned a little closer until his mouth hovered just above hers.
“Liam? What are you doing?”
“What do you think?”
“Not what I want.” She grabbed both his lapels, and their mouths collided. As soon as their lips touched, Liam’s determination to behave dissolved.
The song continued around them, and while he could hear the melody, his focus was no longer on the music. It was on the way his heart pounded every time he kissed his wife. She made him whole.
When the notes faded, they made their way back to the table to find Killian and Emma ready to leave.
“Calling it a night?” Liam grinned. “You two are still footloose and fancy-free.”
“On the tail of the earthquake, and the mystery surrounding the infant, I’m not so sure about fancy-free,” Killian sighed.
“You’ve learned nothing about the newborn?” asked Elsa.
A frustrated look crossed Killian’s face. “Hopefully, tomorrow.”
“Let me know if you need anything,” said Elsa.
“Will do.” Killian agreed.
They waved goodbye and started toward Elsa’s mother’s home. Since Patty’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s and subsequent move to Swan Harbor, her decline had been relatively slow. Recently, though, Liam had noticed a significant progression, which made Elsa’s burdens heavier. Getting her to share her feelings wasn’t easy—something he could understand. However, he didn’t care to see his wife in pain.
“I’m here if you need me.”
“I always need you,” Elsa whispered. “You should know that.”
“I do. I just don’t want you to forget.”
She gave him a grateful smile, but otherwise, their drive was quiet. As soon as he’d parked and powered down the car, Elsa jumped out and started toward the house.
When Liam caught up with her, he curled his arms around her, bringing her close. “Hold on there, love.”
Elsa’s concerned eyes met his. “Did I forget something?”
“No. I did.”
“What?”
“This.” Liam swooped in for a kiss. One that was full of love, lust, and desire. His body immediately hardened, telling him if he didn’t want blue ones, he needed to cool it.
When he lifted his head, he willed his body to relax. Willed his mind to drift in other directions.
“I love you, Liam. Never doubt that.”
“And I love you. Shall we get our boy?”
“I bet he’s asleep.”
“Probably,” Liam agreed. “Maybe he’ll stay that way until tomorrow morning.”
“Oh? Do you have something else you want to do?”
He brushed a kiss across one eyelid and then the other before reaching her mouth. “Maybe a little of this and that. If I run out of ideas, do you have any?”
Elsa grinned. “I bet I could come up with a few things.” She winked, and on her way past him, her fingertips lagged to give him a little squeeze.
“Elsa! Don’t open the door—yet.” She hadn’t waited, causing Liam to adjust himself slightly before following. “What’s wrong?” he asked when she stopped just inside.
“Look!” Elsa gave a subtle nod across the room to where her mother was holding their son, Griffin.
Liam heard words and a melody. He just couldn’t identify it. “She’s singing.”
“Mom has sung to Griffin before.”
“The same song?”
“Maybe? I’m not sure.”
Liam watched Elsa approach Patty, her steps hesitant, making that hole inside just a little deeper. He wanted to go after her, but Lilly, Patty’s caretaker, came from the kitchen with Griffin’s diaper bag.
“How was he?”
“Perfect.” Lilly glanced toward Patty and then back to him. “Just don’t be surprised if he puts up a fuss when you go to lay him down later.”
Liam laughed. “Do I even want to know?”
“Oh, I think you already do.”
Another look at Patty confirmed his thoughts. “Grammy P hasn’t put him down all evening?”
“Hardly.”
“The connection isn’t all bad for someone in her condition,” Liam hummed. “Did she talk to him?”
“Mostly, she sang.” Lilly nodded to where Patty still had her head bent over Griffen, ignoring Elsa.
“Think there’s going to be a problem?”
“I hope not,” Lilly sighed. “Let’s see.”
They crossed the room, noting that Patty’s sole focus was still on the child. Liam smoothed his hand across Elsa’s back several times before whispering, “Do you want me to get him?”
Their eyes met, and his heart turned over. The words, If only I could take some of her pain, floated by, adding an extra dig. Elsa sighed and turned her attention back to her mother.
“Mom, let me put the baby down, okay? If he cries during the night, you can sit with him. Would that be alright?”
Surprisingly, Patty kissed Griffin’s head and whispered, “Goodnight, Drew. Sleep tight.”
A glance in Elsa’s direction told Liam not only had she heard the same thing, but she couldn’t put a face with the name.
“Come on, love. We should go.”
Elsa easily allowed him to lead her to the car. She settled Griffin into his car seat and then turned into his arms.
“Are you okay?”
“I don’t know what I am besides tired.”
“Come on, Sweet Elsa. When we get home, I’ll give you a massage.”
“A massage?” Elsa grinned. “Exactly where are you offering to massage me?”
“Wherever you want.” He winked and left her with her mouth hanging open. Then ran around to climb into the driver’s side. The thought of what lie ahead had him pushing the gas pedal a little harder.
* * *
Liam and Elsa’s Cottage
April 30
11:00 p.m.
Elsa leaned over the crib and watched Griffin sleep. Visits with her mother were becoming more emotional. As a physician, she could pull back from it. Could say the disease caused brain cells and connections to degenerate, taking away memory, thinking, and other brain behaviors. If needed, she could even make it more complex and say the accumulation of abnormal neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles causes Alzheimer’s. Or use words such as microscopic lesions, extracellular amyloid beta-peptide, or fibrillary intracytoplasmic structures, which distanced the daughter even further.
Except those were just words. They hinted at the medical complexity of the disease. Yet, none of those words described her feelings—not as a doctor, but as a daughter. They didn’t explain her sense of loss or the helplessness she struggled with daily. Nor did they hint at how her heart felt as if it were literally being squeezed when she spoke to her mother. Mostly, they didn’t describe her frustrations of not being able to make things better.
She lightly brushed her finger across Griffin’s cheek and smiled at the way his lips suckled, searching for food. When they’d walked into Patty’s home, the sight of her son being held tore a little piece from her heart. It reminded her of photos she’d seen of herself being rocked, and in each, there was love in her mother’s expression. Tonight, though, something was different. Not only was there love, but a distance had appeared, as if her mother was lost in memories.
In Elsa’s logical mind, if those memories weren’t of her grandson, they would have been of her daughters. But Patty’s words said she’d been wrong. ‘Goodnight, Drew. Sleep tight.’
Who was Drew? Was he another sibling Elsa hadn’t known? Was he her mother’s sibling? There were too many questions. Ones that might never have answers. That was another outcome of the disease. Eventually, it took everything, rewinding a person’s life to infancy. Unlike infants, though, an Alzheimer’s patient would never again move forward—often, their only appreciation, consuming something sweet, as those tastebuds were the last ones to go.
Thinking that way caused those emotions inside to swell until Elsa struggled to handle them. Most of the time, she busied herself with Griffin and his needs. With him asleep, though ….
A rattle followed by a crash, and Liam’s “Bloody hell” caused her heart to trip, and, strangely enough, made her smile.
“Liam?” Elsa called softly. “Do you want one of those words to be Griffin’s first?”
Liam glanced up, and a sheepish expression raced across his face. “Sorry, love. But bloody hell, I’m injured.”
“Oh? Do you need a doctor?”
“Yes!”
She pressed her lips together, determined not to smile, but the pouty voice was almost her undoing.
“Is it bleeding?”
“Well, no.”
“You didn’t cut yourself on the glass?”
Liam winced. “Speaking of glass, El …”
Elsa glanced around and immediately noticed what was missing. “You knocked over the orange bowl, didn’t you?”
“Sorry.”
“That was a wedding present.”
“I know. Sorry.”
“You realize that I’m not hearing any contrition in your voice, don’t you?”
He grinned. “You’re not going to tell me how much you loved that bowl, are you?”
“No.” She shrugged. “I kind of hated it.”
“Then everything’s alright?”
Elsa found the broom and swept up the pieces of colored glass. As an extra precaution, she ran the hand vac over the area before returning her attention to Liam.
“Shall I get you a crutch or some ice?”
Liam studied his toe for a few seconds. “I thought you were going to look at it for me.”
She pushed the books aside and placed his foot in her lap. A cursory glance told her the appendage was just fine, but she’d play along. “It’s very red.” The minute she touched his toe, Liam groaned. “It hurts that badly?”
“It does.”
If she’d really thought his injury serious, she wouldn’t have been so flippant. Right then, something told her that was the attitude he wanted.
“Do you need to go to the hospital?”
“No.”
“Do you know what will make it feel better?”
“I do.”
“Tell me.”
Liam smiled. One that was just a touch unexpected, but when her heart started racing, she realized where he’d been leading her. Rather than upsetting her, it pushed those awful feelings back into the box and turned her on.
“Do you really want me to tell you?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t expect an answer.”
“Oh, so you’re bringing out that sassy mouth of yours, I see.”
“And if I am?”
“You know what I like.”
Elsa chuckled. “I do. Except how will that make your toe feel better?”
He waggled his brows. “Osmosis?”
“Try again.”
“It will divert blood to another part of my body,” Liam offered. “Hence, my toe will cease to hurt.”
“I see.” Elsa let the words roll around for a few minutes. “How about a kiss?”
“A kiss?” His brows arched. “A kiss would be nice.”
When Liam reached for his belt buckle, showing where his thoughts lay, she brushed a kiss across his toe.
“How’s that?”
“Now, El, honey.” He pulled her up and swung her into his arms. “You know I want more, don’t you?”
Their gazes clashed, and Elsa’s heart raced so quickly she struggled to get the next breath. The feeling reminded her of the night she’d learned about her mother’s diagnosis. He’d held her, and the moment was forever seared on her brain. She wanted. No, she needed him.
“Show me, Liam. Just show me.”
He growled, turning her on even more. “I thought you’d never ask.”
In the next heartbeat, Liam raced into their bedroom and followed her down onto the mattress. When their lips crashed together, and he cupped her breast, she let the moment carry her away.
* * *
Cygnets & Dreams, a Hope & Hearts Bonus Book began before I even began writing The Journey to Love. It all starts with Amanda and Lee’s final scene in The Heart of Love, jumps over the timeline of Book 15, and then creates the transition straight to the new series, Mystical Waters. Currently, the book is only available from Sophie’s Store.
Cygnets & Dreams
GUIDE TO SWAN HARBOR
I HOPE IT BECOMES YOUR NEW FAVORITE SMALL TOWN.
While the first email in my NL sequence explains a little about my series, let me break it down a bit more.
Swan Harbor is a charming, fictional town nestled in southern Maine. Each book in the series blends the allure of steamy romance with the intrigue of a cozy mystery, all tied together in a happy ending. While you can enjoy each book on its own, reading them in order enriches your understanding of the town and its vibrant residents.
Swan Harbor’s timeline is continuous, with each epilogue written in the POV of a main character from the next book.
The Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor series has seven novellas and 16 contemporary books in storefronts. To my newsletter subscribers, there are bonus scenes, a short story, and a novella that bridges a gap between book 13 and book 14.
The novellas.
Guided by Light – Terri & Dean’s story set in 1952. It introduces the Patterson family, the diner, lighthouse, Cygnet Harbor and the ship – people and places important in the contemporary books.
Guided by Heart – Angie & Jimmie’s story set in 1964. It introduces you to the marina and Siren’s Cove.
Guided by Love – Lucy & Roman’s store set in 1969. It introduces you to The Agency ,and The Mountain View Lodge.
Welcome to Swan Harbor – Sally & Danny’s story set in 1979. Catch up with the Pattersons.
Finding Her Lost Heart – This is a dual timeline book set in 1983 & 1990. It takes a dangling thread left in Welcome to Swan Harbor and introduces you to Two Hearts Lake.
Guided by a Kiss – Lanie & Wyatt story set in 1995. You catch up with the couples from Guided by Heart and Guided by Love and learn more about The Mountain View Lodge. A very important place in multiple contemporary books. There is also a time jump between chapters 10 and 11 & 12 that takes you to the Mystical Waters Canyon magnet.
The Novels
From there, the epilogue takes you into From Darkness into Love, Book 1 of the contemporary books. However, there is also a prequel to those books called Saved by Love.
From Darkness into Love is set ~ five years ahead of Saved by Love. And the Hope & Hearts Series covers four years.
Cygnets & Dreams is a Hope & Hearts bonus book. It bridges from the end of April in Book 13 and ends in January of the following year. This bridges current day time to the Mystical Waters Canyon Series.
Mystical Waters Canyon Series
There are four books and a magnet in this series.
Whispers of the Future – Suzie & Noah’s story. Suzie is first introduced in Guided by a Kiss. The saying ‘Listen to your heart. It always knows,’ is an important saying in Swan Harbor. This book introduces you to the place where the legend started and explains why the canyon no longer works.
Whispers of Luck – Justin & Shay’s story. Their book is all about fire and luck and discovering the magic of the canyon. Justin is first mentioned in The Lessons of Love, as his brother, Lee is a main character. He is also in the bonus book. Shay is ‘talked’ about in the bonus book.
Whispers from the Past – Hugh Simpson’s book, due to release in October 2025. He just recently moved to Swan Harbor, and is the football coach at the university.
Whispers of a Miracle – Eric Simpson’s book, due in December 2025. He’s a deputy with the sheriff’s department and is mentioned in Book 2.
Whispers of Love – Amy Simpson’s book, due in February 2026. She works for the sheriff’s department and shows up in Book 2 for the first time.
Promises Kept
Swan Harbor Books will introduce a spin-off in summer 2025. It will be Scott & Joyce’s story. You briefly met Joyce in Guided by Light. Look for the magnet set in 1955.
In each book, I’ve dropped clues about what’s coming in future books. (Believe it or not, hints dropped in Guided by Light show up again and again.)
If you’re still with me and ready to dive in. Pick up a copy of Guided by Heart and see what’s happening in 1964 Swan Harbor.
Sophiex0
* * *
More information about my books can be found on my website. SophieBartow.com
These books are available in Epub, and print. Many are available in hardback and Large Print. From Darkness into Love is available in audiobook.
Hope & Hearts Historical Novellas
GUIDED BY LIGHT - 1952
GUIDED BY HEART - 1964
GUIDED BY LOVE - 1969
WELCOME TO SWAN HARBOR- 1979
FINDING HER LOST HEART- 1983/1990
GUIDED BY A KISS - 1995
Contemporary Hope & Hearts
SAVED BY LOVE
FROM DARKNESS INTO LOVE
KITTENS, PUPPIES & LOVE
BROTHERS, HOPE & HEARTS
KISSES, FAMILY & HOPE
A TREE, MISTLETOE & A SUNSET
HOPE, HEARTS & FOREVER
THE MEMORY OF LOVE
THE INNOCENCE OF LOVE
THE FORGIVENESS OF LOVE
THE POWER OF LOVE
THE CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG
THE KISS OF LOVE
THE LESSONS OF LOVE
THE HEART OF LOVE
THE JOURNEY TO LOVE
Bonus Hope & Hearts
CYGNETS & DREAMS
WHISPERS OF LUCK
WHISPERS OF THE PAST
October 31, 2025
WHISPERS OF A MIRACLE
December 2025
WHISPERS OF LOVE
February 2026
THE PROMISE TO BE THERE
Series Prequel - May 2025
THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW
Book 1 - June 26, 2025
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sophie crafts small-town mystery romances that weave intricate plots with richly developed characters. Her female leads are intelligent, resourceful, and resilient, while her male characters, often stubborn, exude sexiness, wit, and a protective nature. She delights in building slow-burn romances, savoring the tension and delaying that first kiss for as long as possible. No matter the trope, every story she writes has a happy ending.
After a fulfilling 30-plus-year career as a speech-language pathologist, working with adult post-stroke and Parkinson's patients, she is enjoying her new journey. With their four children spread out, Sophie and her husband live in South Florida. They share their home with a pampered cat named Irma.
You can find her on her website: https://sophiebartow.com/Sophiexo
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