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- Herausgeber: Two Hearts Press
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
Enjoy this steamy, small town 20
th
century historical mystery romance set in 1990 Swan Harbor.
Some hearts aren’t lost…
they’re waiting to be claimed.
Haunted by her past and desperate for a fresh start, Marci Wright arrives in Swan Harbor carrying nothing but a battered backpack and a wounded heart. Trust doesn’t come easy, but in a town built on hope and second chances, she dares to dream that maybe, just maybe, she’ll find the future she thought she’d lost forever.
Sally Patterson has always trusted the quiet magic of Swan Harbor. When a stranger collapses in her diner and fate delivers a mysterious key, Sally’s heart leads her toward a new purpose. Guided by her instincts, and the unwavering love of her husband, Danny—she must believe in the town’s timeless promise: that it only shares its secrets when love is ready to lead the way.
After years of guarding others from the shadows, Special Agent Lance Diamond thought he understood sacrifice. But when destiny pulls him back to Swan Harbor, he’s forced to fight for more than survival. This time, the fight isn’t just to save lives—it’s for something deeper, something he never dared to imagine—and he’ll have to risk everything to claim it.
When Sally’s and Marci’s pasts collide with their present, innocent lives are put in danger. Can Lance save their happy endings and discover his own in the process?
In Swan Harbor,
hope is more than a wish—it’s a promise.
Welcome to Swan Harbor
Finding Her Lost Heart is part of the Historical Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor series. It is a secret identity, dual timeline, found family, mystery romance with a guaranteed happy ending. In this small town series, you’ll find layered plots, complex characters, town gossip, and a strong sense of family.
Curl up with a copy of Finding Her Lost Heart and meet some old … and new friends.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
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FINDING HER LOST HEART
A SWAN HARBOR HISTORICAL
HISTORICAL ROMANTIC SUSPENSE FROM SWAN HARBOR
SOPHIE BARTOW
CONTENTS
Some Swan Harbor Residents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Other Books by Sophie
About the Author
Sophie’s Heart
Inspiration began …
when a lost girl fell for a lost boy
SOME SWAN HARBOR RESIDENTS
Marci Wright – She works at Love’s Drugstore (Buffalo Creek)
Tony Long – He’s a mechanic at Pop’s Gas & Go (Buffalo Creek)
Cheryl Wilson – She works at Love’s Drugstore and is married to Walter. (Buffalo Creek)
Sally Miller Patterson: Owner of Sally’s Diner, the place to see and be seen in Swan Harbor. Sally is married to Danny and mother to Christian and Tracey. Her story is told in Welcome to Swan Harbor
Danny Patterson: Married to Sally and is a neurologist at Swan Harbor General Hospital. He’s the father to Christian and Tracey
Rupert Duncan – He’s an agent with The Agency. He’s married to Lois, father of Lanie and is the caretaker of Haven House.Theirstory is told inGuided by Love.
Lance Diamond – He’s an agent for The Agency, and one of Sally’s guardians.
Brad Maddok – He’s an agent for The Agency, Lance’s partner, and one of Sally’s guardians.
Clint Hunter - He owns and works for the construction company, HCI, Inc. He is married to Mary, and the father of Gray and Cameron.
Robert Prince – He’s the Sheriff of Swan Harbor and married to Ruth. He is thefather of twin boys, Dylan and James and Jessie.
ONE
QUICK NOTE: If you enjoy listening to music while reading, Finding Her Lost Heart has a playlist. You can find the link: Finding Her Lost Heart.
With that, enjoy!
* * *
To Portland, Maine
July 24, 1990
6:00 p.m.
“Go to Swan Harbor, Maine.”
“It’s been seven years. Why did it show up after all this time?”
“You needed it.”
“That makes no sense.”
“Just go. Don’t overthink it.”
“My life is here.”
“He wanted you to go there.”
“He did. But he won’t be there.”
Pieces of a conversation filtered through Marci’s mind. What choice did she have? She’d seen them—the men who’d taken her heart. If they’d seen her ....
“Safe. You’ll be safe then.”
“I hate leaving ...”
“We’ll meet you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course.”
“I can’t ask you to do—”
“You didn’t. I have an idea. Trust me.”
“What?”
“Just trust me.”
In the end, she’d had no choice.
Marci hugged the old backpack and tried to sleep. She’d lost track of how many buses she’d been on since that day. More than she could remember, just not as many as she’d been on in the past. Hiding in plain sight was something she’d had too much practice doing. Would she ever reach a place where running would no longer be necessary?
The bus hit a pothole, and the bile climbed into the back of her throat. Marci swallowed hard and willed her stomach to settle. Beads of sweat popped out on her forehead and upper lip. She pressed her face against the cool window and took several slow, steady breaths. If she could only make it to ….
She’d listened to her doctor and scheduled an appointment with a specialist. Everything was all set until ....
Don’t look back!
Power forward!
Except, every time she’d thought she’d made it, something always got in the way. Why?
Your journey is almost over.
When had she heard those words? Where had she heard those words? In times of danger, they returned, pushing her forward. They made her feel safe.
An hour later, the bus pulled into the Portland, Maine, bus station. Marci barely made it to the ladies’ room and leaned over the toilet. Bile burned the back of her throat and tears sprang to her eyes. Was she doing the right thing?
Go to Swan Harbor, Maine.
She rinsed her mouth and stared at her image in the mirror. Her skin was pasty, her face thin, eyes hollow, and her dark hair stringy. Who was she?
On not quite steady legs, she made her way to the ticket window. Sweat dotted her forehead, yet she was shivering. Her stomach cramped, and the nausea wouldn’t go away.
Just a little farther, then safety.
“What will it be?” the cashier asked.
“I want ...” Marci’s voice cracked. She swallowed and tried again. “A one-way ticket to Swan Harbor, Maine.”
“Fifteen dollars, please.”
Marci pushed a twenty through the window and noticed her hands were shaking.
“The bus leaves in a half-hour,” the woman explained. “Listen for the boarding call, because it doesn’t wait.”
“Thank you.”
She stepped away from the window, and a wave of dizziness rushed over her. Marci grabbed the counter for balance and waited, hoping her head would right itself.
“Are you okay, ma’am?” Rather than startle her, the soft voice calmed. “Miss, can I help you?”
She looked up to meet the concerned eyes of a custodial worker. “I’m just a little dizzy.”
“Let me help.”
Marci once again met the grizzled older man’s eyes. They were comforting, and her sixth sense wasn’t shouting danger.
“Thank you. That’s very kind.”
“It’s my job.” His dark eyes twinkled, and a mischievous smile flitted across his face, making him look younger. “My name’s Ernie. I’ll just get you some water.”
Before she could accept or decline, he’d scurried off, leaving her to get settled in one of the hard plastic chairs.
“Here you go.”
She took the bottle. It was cold, and she thought about pressing it against her forehead.
“Do you need some help?”
“Help?”
“Opening it.” Ernie nodded toward the bottle.
“Oh, no. I can …” Except her fingers were clumsy, and when she couldn’t immediately open it, he took it from her.
“Drink slowly,” he instructed.
Marci took a sip of the water and prayed it would stay down. She kept thinking she should be uncomfortable with Ernie’s assessing gaze. Instead, he gave her a sense of peace.
“Where’s your journey taking you, child?”
“Swan Harbor. Do you know it?”
“Yes, ma’am. Very well. It’s a special place.” He hesitated a beat. “Are you well enough to travel, though? No offense, ma’am, but you don’t look so good.”
Marci took another sip of water, and the cold caused her stomach to roll. “I can make it.”
“Do you have family there?”
“I, I’ll be okay.”
The older man’s eyes bore into hers, and he gently squeezed her fingers. His skin was much darker than her own, and his hands were rough from hard work. Why did he affect her like he did? Shouldn’t she be freaking out—even just a little?
She’d been through bad times in her life. Which meant she didn’t easily trust people. Nor did she talk to strangers—especially ones she’d met in a bus station.
“You’ll be safe in Swan Harbor.”
“I hope so,” Marci whispered. “I’m tired.”
“Your journey has been long. It’s almost over.”
“It’s almost over? What do you mean? Am I going to—?”
“No!” Ernie cut her off. “That wasn’t what I meant. I just meant that, since Swan Harbor is a place for lost hearts, perhaps you’ll find yours there.”
“Find my heart? I’m afraid that’s an impossible feat.”
“Open your heart, Marci. Remember, things happen when they’re meant to happen.”
The intercom crackled to life and announced her bus was boarding. It wasn’t until she was halfway out the door, Marci realized he’d called her by name—and she hadn’t given it to him. When she glanced back to ask how he’d known who she was, he was gone, taking the peace she’d been feeling. In its place, there was worry she’d made a mistake. Had she been wrong, thinking she was being guided to safety? Was she really being led into a greater danger than the one she’d left behind?
* * *
Swan Harbor, Maine
Sally’s Diner
July 24, 1990
8:00 p.m.
A sense of urgency had guided Sally all day. It pushed her to search every drawer and cabinet whenever she had a break. Her only problem was—she didn’t know why or what she needed to find.
It could have stemmed from the anxious feeling she’d had for the past ten days. Strangely, Christian, her son, had felt something similar. Were they connected?
When she completed her search of the kitchen, she started on her office. First the filing cabinet, then she moved to her desk.
Sally opened the bottom drawer—the same one she’d stored her handbag in when she was at the diner. This time, there was something different waiting for her. Inside, she found an envelope with her name written on it in Granny’s spidery scrawl.
The moment she touched it, a chill raced up her spine. Where had it come from? Why had it suddenly appeared?
Things happen in Swan Harbor, when they’re meant to happen.
“Sally.” Mickey stuck his head in the door. “They need you out front.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Sally took the envelope with her into the dining room. It didn’t surprise her to find her three guardians watching her. That included Rupert, the older man who’d watched over her in Swan Harbor. As well as Lance and Brad, the two men who’d rescued her, and three others from the Lee home years before.
Something was going on with them. She’d tried multiple times to find out what. But every time she’d gotten close, they’d stopped talking. Whatever it was, didn’t make them happy.
Since Granny’s death, the younger men had often shown up in town. Yet Sally knew very little about them.
Neither were married, nor did they have children. Both had transferred from the west coast, where they’d worked, before she’d come to Swan Harbor, to the east. While they were friendly, they held themselves apart, always maintaining a professional barrier.
“Is there any fresh coffee, Sally?” Rupert asked, pulling her away from her musings.
“Sure, hold on.” She tucked the envelope under the counter, then grabbed the pot and refilled his cup. “You too, Lance?”
“Thank you.”
While she refilled his cup, he watched her, his dark eyes so intense, her breath caught.
“Brad?”
“No, thank you.”
“Let me know if you need anything else.”
For the next hour, she waited on a few people, wiped down the tables, and refilled the salt, pepper, and sugar dispensers. Yet, she couldn’t forget about the letter, and the more time that passed, the more anxious she grew.
Sally drifted to the window and stared out into the darkness. It was a clear night, and she wondered how bright the stars were at Two Hearts Lake Camp.
Were Chris and his friends watching them? Or were they watching a movie, roasting marshmallows, or telling ghost stories? Were they safe?
With that thought, an uncomfortable feeling rushed by. She turned around quickly, somehow not surprised to see Rupert standing nearby.
“Are you okay?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
Rupert lifted a brow. “I was just asking.”
“I’m waiting for Danny.”
“If you say so.”
“I do.”
“Then tell me what you were thinking about?”
“The camp.”
“Two Hearts Lake Camp?” Rupert frowned. “Are you worried?”
“I’m a mom.” Sally grinned. “Isn’t that my job?”
“Lois would say the same thing.”
“See, it’s no big deal.”
“Lanie’s at the camp.” Rupert mentioned his daughter. “She’d let me know if there was a problem.”
“I know.” Impulsively, Sally kissed his cheek. “Go home to your wife. I’ll see you later.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. Now, go.”
Rupert said goodnight, and after one more look, disappeared into the night. Lance and Brad soon followed, leaving Sally with a chance to investigate the envelope.
Just as she removed it from its hiding place, her husband walked in.
“Danny!” Sally greeted him with a kiss. “I’m glad you’re here.”
He hugged her closer, and after making sure they were alone, kissed her in that way that usually made her knees weak. She loved kissing him. Right then, though ….
“What’s going on, honey? Are you still worried about Christian?”
“Are you referring to his anxiousness before he left for camp?” Sally frowned. “Maybe?”
“Go on.”
She handed Danny the envelope. “This was in the bottom desk drawer.”
Danny’s brows shot up. “Your bottom desk drawer?”
“Yes.” Then she added, “It’s the same drawer where I store my handbag. And no, I’ve never seen it before.”
“Another case of things happening, when they’re meant to happen,” he murmured, almost absently.
“Do you think so?”
“You don’t?”
“I don’t know what to think. But it feels like I’m getting a message from beyond.”
“Aren’t you?” Danny brushed back her hair and dropped a light kiss on her mouth. “Just open it. I’m right here with you.”
Sally hesitated an extra second, then dumped the envelope’s contents on the table. Inside, she found two smaller envelopes. One was old, wrinkled, sealed with wax and contained something heavier than just a letter. On the front, it said.
To be opened by The One.
“What does it feel like?”
“Maybe a key? What do you think?”
He ran his physician’s hands along the surface of the envelope, and a sentimental smile crossed his face. “It feels like an old skeleton key. My grandmother used to have several of them hanging near the Inn’s back door.”
“But why leave it for me?”
He tapped the second envelope. “See what Granny has to say?” he prompted.
Sally removed the single sheet of paper and pressed it flat. Seeing Granny’s handwriting had tears rushing to her eyes.
Dear Sally,
You’ve lived in Swan Harbor long enough to know that things really do happen when they’re meant to happen. Hope, love, heartbreak, tragedy, death, and even happy endings don’t always happen when ‘we’ want them to—but on the whims of our little town. So too, is your discovery of the key.
For generations, this diner has been guarding the key to one of Swan Harbor’s secrets. Now, it’s your turn. Here are the instructions I was given.
The key belongs to someone with a true heart. They will be the third person who asks you for it. Until they do, keep it safe. Happy endings are at stake.
Affectionately,
Granny
While the words made little sense to Sally, since living in Swan Harbor, she’d grown used to that. It didn’t mean she wasn’t curious. Nor did it mean, she wasn’t just a little freaked out.
She tucked the letter back inside the envelope and walked into Danny’s arms. “What do you think?”
“I think we keep the key safe until the third person asks for it.”
“Do you think my feelings were because of this letter?”
Danny tightened his arms around her and rested his head against her temple. “It’s possible.”
“But you don’t believe it.”
“I didn’t say that,” he hummed. “But how are you feeling now? Do you still have that feeling of waiting?
“I feel …”
The diner door opened, cutting off her response. When she glanced around Danny’s shoulder, her gaze collided with those of the woman who’d entered. With that one look, she realized that place inside had settled.
A myriad of emotions crossed the woman’s face. Surprise, fear, relief, pain ….
“The feeling’s gone,” Sally murmured. “It was her, Danny. She’s who I’ve been expecting.”
“Wuh-Why?”
“I don’t know.”
Sally took a step toward the newcomer. “Can I help you?”
Before she’d finished her question, all color leeched from the stranger’s face, and she slumped to the ground.
“What the hell?” Danny jumped into full doctor mode and dropped next to the woman. “Do you know her?”
“She looks familiar, but I don’t know why. I just know she’s here because of me.”
“We’ll get there—later. She’s running a high fever, and her coloring is off.” He lifted the woman’s sleeve, and the mark on the inside of her wrist made Sally’s pulse race.
She brushed her finger across the small tattoo. It made her head swim and spots floated in front of her eyes.
“Honey?” Danny’s voice sounded far away. “Sally, what’s going on?
“It’s a lily.”
“Yeah, so?”
“That’s a brand.” Sally swallowed and forced out the rest of the statement. “This was the Lee’s brand.”
Danny pulled her into his arms while he dialed 911. “I’ve got you.”
She burrowed her face against his chest and waited for him to hang up. Could this be what Lance, Rupert, and Brad were talking about? Were they talking about this woman and her reason for being in Swan Harbor?
“You’re safe,” Danny murmured over and over. “You’re safe.”
“And what about her?”
“Hospital first, and then answers,” he promised. “Just remember. We’re in this together.”
TWO
Buffalo Creek, Texas
Love’s Drugstore
January 14, 1983
4:00 p.m.
Buffalo Creek, Texas, was just like any other small town. There were a couple of grocery stores, two or three churches, and a handful of places to eat. You could find a family-owned drugstore, a drive-in movie theater, and a bus stop. More importantly for Marci Wright, with fifteen to twenty-five thousand people, it was easy to blend in. It had taken six years, but finally, she thought she’d found a small town to call home.
Life had been easier before her current supervisor came into the picture. Jan Love, the daughter of the Love’s Drugstore’s owner, thought she had special rights. Since she’d been in the picture, she’d made Marci’s life hell.
After Marci received compliments for her Christmas displays, the treatment had gotten worse. That she also worked at Lucky’s, a honky-tonk bar, with the man Jan was currently chasing didn’t help either. However, the tips were good, and she needed the money. Especially since she never trusted what was around the corner.
After living in Buffalo Creek for over a year, she hoped she’d found her people. Hoped she’d finally be able to look beyond today, think about tomorrow, and consider a future. Except after listening to Jan’s criticisms all day, she wasn’t sure any of her hopes or dreams would ever be possible.
Don’t do it like that, Jan complained while restocking the candy bars. Do it like this. Another time when she’d been hanging up brushes, Jan snapped, Those don’t face that direction. Do it like this. Did it really matter how it was done, if it looked good?
With Jan’s waspish instructions ringing in her ears, Marci pushed the cart into the storage area. The noise from the vinyl strips hanging over the door echoed around her, causing her heart to race.
“Calm down, Marci. That was your own fault.”
The storage room was a large open space with mounds of boxes spread around haphazardly. Some were half-open, with their contents spilling out. Others looked as if they’d been around since the store had opened. There was a neglected feeling, and the shadows made her uneasy.
Once she’d located the nail polish and make-up boxes, she placed them on her cart. Then she pushed it back toward the front, trying to make herself invisible, so Jan wouldn’t notice her.
Luck wasn’t on her side, as Jan was waiting to pounce. Marci ducked her head and hurried past. Her hair curtained her face. Her heart pounded, and blood rushed through her veins.
“That the stuff for aisle two?” Jan snapped.
“But you said aisle one.” As soon as the words were out, Marci wanted to call them back. But it was too late.
Jan’s cold eyes met hers. “Don’t be stupid. I said aisle two.”
Marci pulled the scrap of paper from her pocket.
Aisle 1. Sally Hansen polish. Cover girl foundation and blush.
Since it wouldn’t matter to Jan, Marci reversed her direction and started back toward the storeroom. She was replacing the Cover Girl boxes with Revlon when a cloud of perfume alerted her, she was no longer alone.
“Are you okay?” Cheryl, the pharmacist’s wife, asked. “You were right about Jan telling you to stock aisle one.”
Marci stacked several boxes on the cart before meeting the older woman’s eyes. “I’m fine.”
“She’s jealous, you know?”
“Jealous?” Marci glanced down at herself, seeing old jeans and a turtleneck on a slim frame. “I don’t know why she’d be jealous of me.”
“Because Jan’s been trying to get her father’s attention for years. As far as I know, he’s never given her a compliment—about anything.”
Marci frowned. “But he gave her a job, pays her a nice wage, bought her a new car, and who knows what else.”
Cheryl shrugged. I’m explaining Jan’s situation, not to make you feel sorry for her. But it might help you understand her better.
“Nasty?”
“I was thinking bratty but nasty works, too.”
“I still don’t understand. Is there more going on?”
“Jan’s parents divorced when she was young,” Cheryl continued. “She lived with her mom, and before her stepfather’s arrest, I believe her father was absent from her life.”
“Her stepfather was arrested? Why?”
“They caught him trying to outsmart the wrong person,” Cheryl whispered. “Or at least that’s the rumor.”
Cheryl’s innocent comment sent a chill straight up Marci’s spine. “Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, honey.” Cheryl patted her on the back. “Keep your chin up. If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
Marci thanked her, then started back toward the main part of the store. Sometimes Cheryl treated her motherly. It had her thinking about sharing her story. She worried, though. If the older woman knew the truth, would she still feel the same way?
* * *
Pops Gas & Go
January 14, 1983
5:00 p.m.
Pops was the only full-service station left in Buffalo Creek that offered gas, service, and a chance to socialize. After fifty years, it had become, to the men of the town, what the beauty parlor was to the women. A place to hang with the boys and complain as much as they wanted.
For Tony Long, it was a job. A place to be until it was time to move on. Even though he got on well with Gil Hurd, the man he usually worked with, he refused to be pushed around. Especially with serving the more demanding customers.
“You’re up,” Gil muttered when a bright red Cadillac parked in front of the garage door, and the driver looked in their direction.
Tony laughed but had no intention of waiting on Mrs. Stone. She could go on for hours, and he had plans for the evening that didn’t include the older woman.
“That’s not fair,” Gil grumbled. “It’s your turn.”
“Maybe.” But then a police cruiser stopped next to the pump, giving him his out. “Do you want to wait on the Captain?”
“You know I don’t like the fuzz.” Gil glanced toward where Mrs. Stone had parked her Cadillac. “Fine. You win.”
Tony sauntered toward the cruiser. “What’ll it be today, sir?”
“Fill ‘er up,” Captain Anderson replied. “Can you check the oil, too?”
Tony started the gas, then popped the hood and pulled out the dipstick.
“Is it low?” Captain Anderson asked.
“No, all clear.” Tony returned the dipstick, slammed the hood, and wiped off his hands. “Should I clean your windows?”
“No, they’re good,” Captain Anderson reported. “But I think I’ll go have one of Pops’ cold drinks.”
He’d just tightened the gas cap when Pops stuck his head out the door.
“Tony, I need you to make a run to Love’s Drugstore. There’s a 1974 Honda Civic that won’t start.”
The destination had Tony’s heart kicking up a few beats. He’d been trying to meet the pretty brunette who worked there.
Pops tossed him the keys. “Take the tow truck.”
Tony caught the keys and, with a little extra bounce in his step, hopped into the truck.
The drugstore was located in the center of town, and pacing in front was the woman who’d been on his mind.
He slowed and rolled down the window. “Did you call about a Honda Civic not starting?”
When their gazes met, somehow, he knew, from that moment on, his life would never be the same.
“Oh, yes! It’s the orange one over there.”
It didn’t surprise him the ugly car wouldn’t start. Its better days were in the past.
“I’ll just park behind it.”
She was waiting beside her car, and the heat of her gaze had him feeling like a schoolboy.
“It, It won’t start, right?”
“It won’t.” She glanced up, and then right back down. “Everything worked fine this morning. After work, though, nothing, and I need to be somewhere.”
“Lucky’s, right?”
Her gaze flew to his and immediately skittered away. She was afraid, which had him adding, “I’m not a stalker. Honest. I’m Tony Long, Patrick’s friend.”
Patrick was a manager at Lucky’s, the honky-tonk on the outskirts of town. The club, patterned after the famous Gilley’s, was where Tony spent many evenings. It was also where he’d first seen Marci.
She relaxed, and her fear faded. “That makes sense. Yes, Lucky’s.”
“You’re Marci, right?”
“How could you know that?” Her wary look returned, pushing him to backtrack again.
“I asked Patrick.” Tony gentled his voice. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Marci immediately turned her attention back to her car. “Can you start it?”
He wanted to talk to her more, but instinct had him stepping back.
“Let me try. Can you pop the hood?”
“Okay.” She got into the driver’s seat and looked up helplessly.
“You don’t know how to open it, do you?”
She winced. “No. Sorry.”
“Let me show you.” Tony squatted next to the driver’s side and pointed to the latch. “You just pull.”
“That was easy. Now what?”
“Wait right there.” He propped the hood open, but a cursory glance revealed nothing obvious. That had him checking for loose wires. When he touched the lead wire to the distributor and found it loose, he tightened it with a few turns.
“Try to start it.”
The engine turned over on the first try, and her smile lit up her face.
“Thank you! What was it?”
“A loose lead wire to your distributor.” Tony grinned. “It should be fine now.”
“How much do I owe you?”
“Don’t worry about it. You got me out of waiting on Mrs. Stone.”
“Oh!” she snickered. “Well, then, thank you again.”
“You’re welcome. You’re not too late, are you?”
She glanced at her colorful watch. “I should be fine. Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome … Marci.” He waited until she’d settled behind the wheel to tell her his evening plans. “I’m going to Lucky’s tonight.”
“You are?”
“I’ll see you there.”
It disappointed him slightly when she offered nothing further. Then decided it didn’t matter—he’d met her, which was what mattered right then. Besides, her car was so loud, if she’d said anything, the entire town would hear her.
“I’ll just get out of your way. Drive safely.”
He couldn’t stop thinking about her for the rest of his shift. If he was lucky, someday, he’d hear her story.
* * *
Lucky’s Honky-Tonk
January 15, 1983
12:00 a.m.
Marci delivered her last order, stuffed the money in her apron, and wove her way back to the bar to cash out. It had been a good night. A part of her wanted to say Tony had nothing to do with it. However, that would have been a lie.
Tony had shown up shortly after she’d started her shift, sat at the bar, and hadn’t moved. While she’d not waited on him, she’d known he was there. She could feel him watching her, making her feel—something she’d not expected. He spoke to one or two individuals, but none had stayed.
She was wary of attracting anyone’s attention. Except the female side of her yearned for recognition. It had been years since she’d acknowledged the need to be touched, admired, possibly even loved. So long, she’d almost forgotten how. Having Tony’s attention seemed to have flipped a switch.
When Marci finished counting her tips, she knew Tony was nearby.
“Hi.”
“Hi yourself.”
“Do you need something?”
“Is your shift over?”
Her pulse raced, and she had to grab hold of the bar to keep her knees from buckling.
“It is.”
“Do you two-step?”
The beat of the music rushed through her. It made her want to tap her foot, a side she never allowed others to see. Right then, nothing mattered but how much she wanted to dance … with Tony.
“I do.”
“Will you dance with me?”
Her gaze drifted from his mouth to his closely cropped beard, then up to the straw cowboy hat covering his shaggy, dark hair. Mysteries surrounded him, but nothing that made her afraid.
“Okay.”
Tony led her to a corner of the dance floor, tucked her left hand on his hip, put his right on her shoulder, and linked his left to her right. The music started, and they stepped off. Dancing with him was easy, almost too easy for her peace of mind.
She kept thinking just one dance, then she’d call it a night. Except one song bled into two, then three, and he didn’t let her go. Since she wasn’t ready to leave, she didn’t mind. It felt like her heart had finally woken from a long sleep. Could she trust it? Could she trust him?
* * *
Finding Her Lost Heart pulls from a thread left dangling in Welcome to Swan Harbor. Download a copy and find out who Sally is waiting for.
Finding Her Lost Heart
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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