Happy Tuesday, y’all!
It’s another Takeover Tuesday, this time with Gina Holder. Grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and chat with her!
An Excerpt
As they walked to their cars, the congregation tried to avert their eyes from the dark stain on the asphalt, but no matter how hard they tried, it was impossible for them to turn away. Officer Hurston approached him. She reached up and straightened his clip-on tie. “You’re quite handsome in your civvies, you know that?”
Hamilton ran his sweaty palms through his thick brown hair and rubbed the back of his neck. He read the interest in Lillian’s eyes. Both residents of Whitman, they’d grown up together and had even dated a few times. Lillian was pretty, sweet, generous, and as loyal as a golden retriever. He always knew she had his back and he had hers. If he was looking for a life partner, she had all the important qualities, but marriage was out of the question. To Lillian. To anyone.
“I’ve got to get back and start typing up these notes while they’re still fresh in my mind.”
“I’ll come with. Pretty sure my night’s ruined. I don’t think I could sleep now.”
“Do you wanna grab some coffee on the way?”s
“Need a ride?”
“Please. Officer Martin left to canvass the neighborhood.”
They walked toward an Odyssey minivan. When Hamilton held open the passenger door for her, Lillian eyed the sticky cup holders, stained seats, and gobs of McDonald’s cheeseburger wrappers. “What’s with the soccer mom vehicle?” She climbed inside the van.
“It’s my sister’s minivan,” Hamilton answered, then ran around to the driver’s side. He hopped in and put the key in the ignition.
“Where’s your truck?”
“At the shop.”
Lillian rolled her eyes and locked her seatbelt into place. “Again? Why don’t you get a new vehicle?”
Hamilton scoffed in mock annoyance. “That truck’s a classic!” His 1962 Chevy spent more time in the shop than it did on the road, but he couldn’t bring himself to part with it.
“Classic is just another word for piece of junk.”
He turned the key, and the engine rumbled. He checked the left mirror, then pulled out onto the quiet street. “It was once my grandpa’s car. Call me sentimental.”
“Definitely mental.” Lillian whispered under her breath. In a normal voice she said, “Sentimental over a piece of metal.”
“Wow. That was almost poetic.”
“Poetic justice every time it breaks down on you. I know how much you make. You can afford a new car.”
He flipped the left blinker and slid into the center turn lane. When the traffic cleared, he pulled into a space in front of their favorite coffee stop, Rustic Cup. He left the truck idling, ran inside, and at the counter he ordered two coffees, one with cream and sugar, one black—both regular. They might need the caffeine. He knew he would. It had already been a long day, and it was about to get even longer.
About the Author
Gina Holder dreamed of being a writer from her early teen years and completed the Long Ridge Writer’s Group “Breaking into Print” course. She also graduated from Faith Bible Institute. In August 2017, she published her first novel, Whither Shall I Go?, a historical romance. No Greater Love is her first contemporary romantic suspense.
She lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter. When she’s not homeschooling her daughter or working on her next novel, she enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking, singing, and playing the piano and organ.
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About the Book
One Book Changed Her Life…and Her Eternity
He said he’d never risk leaving a widow.
She said she’d never love a man in uniform.
Paige McDonald collects antique literature and works at the largest bookstore in Portland, Oregon. When her grandfather, a firefighter, was killed, Paige vowed never to fall in love with a first responder. But an old Bible leads to an unexpected discovery and disrupts everything she knows about herself, her family, and God. Her desire to know the truth sends her to the town of Whitman directly into the radar of Patrol Officer Hamilton Bryant.
After the loss of his best friend and fellow officer, Hamilton vowed never to marry. He won’t risk leaving a widow. Instead, he reserves his passion for serving his family and the town he’s sworn to protect. When a series of robberies and threats against the mayor correspond with Paige’s sudden appearance in Whitman, their paths intersect.
Toni Shiloh 
Love this! That excerpt totally grabbed my attention. I’m so excited to be participating in the Celebrate Lit tour for this book! I can’t wait to read it, romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres! 🙂
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