All The Write Stuff: When Doves Lament

Sometimes the love of your life comes later.

When Doves Lament

The Love Birds Book 3

by Katie Eagan Schenck

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Neither expected to fall in love again. But together they might just discover that the love of their lives came later.

Max McAllister swore off love before the ink was even dry on his divorce papers. Between his attempts to salvage the strained relationship with his daughter and rekindling his passion for woodworking, he doesn’t have time for the drama that romance brings.

Carissa Owens has finally found her footing again after losing her husband five years ago. Her wedding business is thriving and she has her sights set on expanding to corporate events—if she can secure a meeting with a lucrative new client.

But when Max’s daughter hires Carissa to plan her wedding, he insists on being involved in every aspect of the process, ruffling Carissa’s feathers. As they spend more time together, an unexpected attraction sprouts wings. That is, until Max reveals a surprise for his daughter that puts Carissa’s professional reputation at risk. Can they find a way to dovetail their plans or will their budding romance have a crash landing?

EXCERPT

“Carissa! Thank you for fitting us in on such short notice.” She pulled Carissa into a hug.

Nate stood and shook her hand, but Max didn’t move. His expression had changed from one of genuine surprise to a cold fury, the warmth in his deep-brown eyes frosted over like a window on a snowy winter day. The feeling was mutual.

“Max.” Carissa tried to keep her tone even.

Unfortunately, he didn’t repay the favor. “What are you doing here?”

She opened her mouth to respond, but Lanie beat her to it. “Dad! You said you were going to behave.”

“I didn’t know she was coming,” he replied without a bit of remorse.

Nate pulled out a chair for Carissa, and she gave him an appreciative smile, choosing to ignore Max’s less-than-welcoming reception. You’re not here for him, she reminded herself. It was a mantra she’d developed for the more difficult family members of her clients, but somehow, it had never worked with Max. Something about that man got under her skin.

“It’s nice to see you too,” Carissa said, surprised by how calm she sounded.

Before Max could insult her further, Nate cleared his throat. “We’ve been looking over the menu, and we have some ideas of what we want to serve at the reception.”

Grateful for his intervention, Carissa nodded. “That’s great! Tell me what you envision, and we can look at how it works with your overall theme.”

“It’s food,” Max said, his eyes narrowing at her. “Food doesn’t need a theme.”

Carissa was tempted to laugh. How little people understood the way weddings worked. From the venue to the decor to the meal, everything needed to fit in with the overall theme of the wedding. Most food was versatile enough to work with any theme, but there were certain ways to finagle dishes to support the overall vision.

But that would be lost on someone like Max McAllister. She’d learned that lesson while planning his son’s wedding. Instead of engaging Max, Carissa decided to do what she’d done the last time she’d had to deal with him: ignore him entirely

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Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXGY3Y5M

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/when-doves-lament/id6479704384

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-doves-lament-katie-eagan-schenck/1145125468?ean=2940186151586

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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/when-doves-lament-the-love-birds-book-3-by-katie-eagan-schenck

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217948057-when-doves-lament

When Swans Dance

The Love Birds Book 2

A new business. The wedding of the year. But when a health scare jeopardizes their plans, can Steven and Rose learn to dance or will this be their swan song?

Fresh off the closing of his late mother's estate, Steven is ready to start the next chapter of his life—marrying Rose. Though he struggles to find that ever elusive work/life balance, he's optimistic about the future of his new law practice.

One double shift too many makes Rose an unhappy nurse, but all that overtime will not only help fund her upcoming nuptials, it might earn her the coveted head nurse position as well.

But when Steven suffers a health emergency, suddenly all of their plans—and finances—are thrown into a tailspin. Postponing the wedding makes the most sense, but Steven won't hear of it. Rose fears if he doesn't slow down, he'll make her a widow before she ever becomes a wife. As questions arise over whether they'll ever take that walk down the aisle, can a pair of swans help them find their way back to each other?

When Swans Dance continues the emotional saga of The Love Birds women’s romantic fiction series. If you like spunky heroines, tenacious heroes, and stories of rekindled love then you’ll adore Katie Eagan Schenck’s bittersweet tale.

Buy When Swans Dance to learn the steps today!

EXCERPT

“What changed your mind?”

His words brought me back to the present, and I worked to keep my face neutral while my shoulders sagged in relief. Curiosity danced in his eyes, along with another emotion I couldn’t place, but at least he didn’t seem angry or upset.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” I laughed, shaking my head. “Let’s just say a little bird told me I should.”

He rubbed his chin, and a slow smile broke over his face, stealing my breath. But he still hadn’t said what he thought, and that worried me.

I frowned. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“I’m a little speechless,” Nate admitted. He slid his hand across the table, and I tentatively placed mine in it. “And I’m not sure what’s... safe to say.”

I cocked my head. “Safe? What do you mean?”

“Just that, well, the other day, you wouldn’t even consider applying, and now, you’ve applied and interviewed.” He pulled away and ran his hand through his hair. “I guess I’m trying to understand what changed.”

The oven timer beeped, and I jumped up to toss the rolls in the oven, grateful for the interruption. I wasn’t sure how I should answer him. To blame it on James and the apartment felt childish and reckless. Besides, I wasn’t even sure if Nate knew about James. We’d never talked about him.

And I couldn’t very well tell him that my neighbor thought my mother’s spirit was trying to communicate with me through a bird. My joke about it earlier had been more for my benefit than his.

When I returned to him, he stared at me with that same intensity again, and it was all I could do not to fidget. I decided that a half-truth was better than nothing.

“My dad is dead set on me staying in Cedar Haven,” I said, forcing a smile. “And I feel like I owe it to him, as the only parent I have left, to at least see how that would work. I’m not making any promises, but it might get him off my back for a while.”

“Did they say when they would make their decision?” Nate asked, and I breathed a little easier.

“As soon as possible.” I shrugged. “But you know the government. I’m sure there are levels of approval they’d need to go through. It went well, though.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Nate said. “If you stay, do you think you’ll still sell the house?”

“Probably. I can’t afford to buy Steven out of his share of the estate, and I don’t know that I’ll ever feel comfortable here without her.” I took another sip of wine. “I haven’t really thought about that. It was an impulse decision, and I hadn’t expected to be interviewed so soon.”

“I don’t think they’ve had a lot of applicants,” Nate said. “Not many people looking for small-town life these days. I’m glad you applied. It’s good to have options.”

I spun around at his words, and he gave me a wary look. Swallowing, I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry, it’s... I… I, er, that’s something my mom would say.”

Nate sat perfectly still, and I had the distinct impression that he was choosing his next words carefully. All the air seemed to leave the room as I waited, wondering if he was about to reveal whatever secret he’d been keeping from me.

“Perhaps I heard her say it once or twice,” Nate finally replied, his voice strained. “But it’s a common saying.”

I nodded, choosing not to force the issue. The oven timer went off behind me, and I bent to check dinner.

Nate stood and got plates and silverware while I set out the shepherd’s pie and rolls on the table. I refilled our wineglasses, though the last thing I needed right then was more alcohol, and took a seat, gesturing for him to serve himself. After spooning out a healthy portion, he passed the spoon, grazing my fingers. His eyes met mine briefly before looking away.

“This is delicious.” He scooped up a mouthful of mashed potatoes.

“Better than a TV dinner?” I teased.

“Not even in the same neighborhood.”

“You never learned to cook?”

He shook his head. “I’m afraid the most I do is grill.”

A laugh bubbled up in my throat. “Cooking is just grilling indoors.”

“I disagree,” he said as he reached for his wine. “There’s something about burning something over an open flame that brings out the caveman in all of us.”

I snorted. “‘Burning something’? So what you’re saying is, you’re not good at grilling either?”

“Hey now, I said I grill. I never said how the food turned out!”

“Did you learn your skills from Max McAllister? He never met a hamburger he couldn’t turn into a hockey puck.”

“I don’t believe I ever had the pleasure of your dad’s, er, culinary experiments.” His mouth twisted as he stumbled over the words, and I laughed again.

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Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/When-Swans-Dance-Small-Romance-ebook/dp/B0CH3T5LY8

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/when-swans-dance/id6464066573

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-swans-dance-katie-eagan-schenck/1144021667?ean=2940186141969

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Katie_Eagan_Schenck_When_Swans_Dance?id=MJTUEAAAQBAJ

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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/when-swans-dance-women-s-romantic-fiction-the-love-birds-book-2-by-katie-eagan-schenck

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198375722-when-swans-dance

When Cardinals Appear

The Love Birds Book 1

She has a promise to keep. But when her plans are thrown into a tailspin, will a persistent red bird show her how to let her dreams take flight?

Lanie McAllister is ready to move on. Wrestling with her mom’s death, the young woman just wants to settle the estate and soar off for good to her boyfriend in California—far away from painful memories. But she suspects the lucky cardinal she keeps seeing is trying to send a message when a flat tire puts her back in the path of the man who broke her heart.

With fate constantly throwing the man her mother always hated in her way, Lanie can’t seem to shake the wounds of the past. And when her current love makes a serious misstep and she discovers her ex harbors a secret, she starts to rethink what will make her truly happy.

Questioning her vow to her mother to never look back, is the cardinal a clue Lanie’s true happiness is hiding in plain sight?

When Cardinals Appear is the emotional first book in The Love Birds women’s romantic fiction series. If you like heroines who grow, overcoming loss, and second chances, then you’ll adore Katie Eagan Schenck’s bittersweet tale.

Buy When Cardinals Appear to read the signs today!

EXCERPT

“Steven?” she called. The late-summer-evening sun poured into the room from behind her, basking the hallway in an orangey hue.

No response came, but the distinct sound of keys clacking on a keyboard drifted down the hall. Unbelievable. She prepared to catch him in the act.

Sure enough, Steven scrambled to shut his laptop as she entered the living room. He was in his chair beside the couch. His hazel eyes widened, and he bit his lower lip in quite possibly the guiltiest expression she’d ever seen. If she wasn’t so angry, she might have laughed.

“What do you think you’re doing?” She crossed her arms.

“Nothing,” he said a little too quickly. “I mean, it’s not what it looks like.”

“It looks like you’re working.” She raised an eyebrow.

“Not really. I mean, I’m trying to catch up on email, I swear.” He raised his hands as if in surrender. “I’m not working on any briefs or pleadings, nothing that would cause me undue stress.”

She scoffed. “Knowing some of your clients, I find that hard to believe.”

With a wry smile, he slid the laptop onto the coffee table. He moved over to her cautiously. When he grabbed her hand and began pulling her into his lap, she stiffened, and he released her with a frown.

“What are you doing here?” He searched her face.

“I came to finish our argument,” she said coolly, narrowing her eyes. “But it appears we’re about to have another one.”

He sighed. “I told you Lanie brought the laptop here so I could catch up on work.”

“No.” She jabbed him in the chest. “Lanie brought the laptop home to write the advertisement for a law clerk, which you’ve done. She should have taken it back to the office where it belongs.”

“Be reasonable, Rose,” he whined. “I can’t just sit here day in and day out doing nothing while my business goes to hell.” He leaned closer to her, both eyebrows raised in a challenge. “Do you want me to fail?”

That caught her off guard, and she staggered back. “Of course not, but I don’t want your heart to either.”

Taking her hand, he placed it on his chest. His pulse pounded beneath her palm. “It’s still ticking.”

A faint smile pulled at her lips before she could stop it. She tried to rearrange her features into a sterner expression. “For now.”

But Steven took advantage of her faltering anger and brushed his hand over her cheek. She started to pull away, but he slid his other hand around her waist, pulling her into his lap and kissing her.

“Not fair,” she murmured against his lips.

He chuckled and released her. “But the best part of fighting is the making up.”

“You assume we’re done fighting,” she retorted as she stood and put her hands on her hips.

“I took a nap earlier, and I’ve taken multiple breaks. I promise you, even though I’m working, I am heeding Dr. Myers’s advice.”

Rose was losing the battle, but she held on to the last shreds of her aggravation at finding him typing away like he hadn’t just suffered a heart attack. “How long a nap?”

His gaze went to the ceiling. “I didn’t time it.” After a quick glance over his shoulder, he turned back to her. “But I’d guess maybe forty-five minutes?”

She pursed her lips and nodded. “I suppose that’s better than nothing.”

“And I have an idea for how to pay off the remaining balance for the wedding, though it might not be easy.”

Despite her apprehension about the direction of the conversation, she laughed. “What do you propose?”

“Mr. Willoughby,” he said. Her face must have betrayed her shock and misgivings because he hurried on. “I spoke to him this afternoon. While he’s still not happy with me for not taking his calls, he was much more focused on the latest response from his wife. She was open to the settlement I had sent her before my accident, but she had some minor adjustments, which he is, of course, blowing out of proportion.” Steven let out an exasperated sigh. “He’s bound and determined to take this to court, and that means if I can keep him happy, he’ll owe me an even larger retainer fee than what he’s already paid.” His teasing grin melted her heart. “The irony is he may single-handedly ensure our marriage through his divorce.”

She giggled, then her face fell. “But he’s your most demanding client.”

“And the law clerk will help alleviate some of that demand.”

“It’s a start,” she admitted.

Slipping his arms around her waist again, he pulled her close. “Can we make up now?”

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Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/When-Cardinals-Appear-Romantic-Fiction-ebook/dp/B0C8QKKZZF

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/when-cardinals-appear/id6450486848

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-cardinals-appear-katie-eagan-schenck/1143681609?ean=2940160808628

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Katie_Eagan_Schenck_When_Cardinals_Appear?id=7_bDEAAAQBAJ

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76791501-when-cardinals-appear

About the Author

Katie Eagan Schenck writes sweet romance and women’s fiction that warms the heart and gives all the feels. She has an MFA in creative writing from Queens University of Charlotte and her debut novel, A Home for Christmas, was released in October of 2022. When she's not writing she's either drafting regulations for the federal government, baking delicious treats, or binging Hallmark movies. She lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter, and their three cats.

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