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More about His Boss's Little Sister
Broken hearts, underground smuggling, and a meddling family ... one Wisconsin Teehaus offers a love of more than sweet treats.
November 1931---Needing a new start, Samantha Martins escapes the happily-ever-afters of her hometown to take a waitressing position at a German Tea House. But all is not as it appears beneath the pretty trappings. When she discovers illegal oleomargarine on the premises, which could shut down the cafe, and thus cost her job, she goes searching for the source.
Samantha's old beau, Kyle Docherty, returns to Crow's Nest a changed man, both inside and out. An apology burning in his heart, he finds she's left home. However, with trouble on her trail, Samantha's brother hires Kyle to be her bodyguard. But will she even speak to him? And if not, will she at least allow him to protect her, even without the arm he lost in a logging accident?
When the breadcrumbs lead them into a trap, putting Kyle's life in danger, Samantha faces an impossible choice: listen to Kyle and run for help, or stay a captive and outwit a criminal. If only the ticking bomb were on their side.
A touch of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope.
Don't Miss the Series that Happen Before and After!
Before: Harbored in Crow's Nest
After: Unexpected Protectors
Read the Opening Scene
Friday, November 13, 1931 Fox Dune Hollow, Wisconsin
Samantha Martins strategically arranged the plate of scones, dish of butter, and ring of Kringle on the tray meant for customers of Das Teehaus Café, an elegant German tea shop on the outskirts of town.
She’d sworn she’d never be a waitress like her brother’s friend Mindy, but her need for independence won out. Especially since both her brothers were now married, and even Mindy was engaged. Sam had needed out of her hometown of Crow’s Nest, a small fishing town north of Racine, Wisconsin. And this was the first job that made such an escape possible.
Herr Vogel, the large-waisted baker who made every treat except the famed Kringle, tapped the side of his head with the back of his wrist. The owner of the bakery, Astrid Becker, hated it when one of the waitresses had her blue fedora askew. It was part of the required uniform that offered a nod to Frau Becker’s German heritage. Only ten days on the job, and Sam had been scolded thrice. One of these nights, she’d make herself a properly fitting one—once she’d saved enough for the materials, which might not happen for a long time.
Setting the fedora-inspired hat with the black lace firmly on her bobbed hair, Sam gave Herr Vogel a nod of thanks and lifted the tray to her shoulder. She liked the middle-aged baker. He was quiet, but had no time for fussy waitresses. She was glad he’d taken a shine to her. He’d saved her from a scolding more than once.
Leaving the bustling kitchen, Sam wove through the tables, each covered in starched white linen with autumn-inspired centerpieces, a reminder that Thanksgiving was merely two weeks away. When David had conceded that Sam needed to get out of Crow’s Nest, he’d encouraged her to wait until after the holidays. That hadn’t stopped her, though. Her brothers, her friends, they were all so happy.
The large picture window allowed bright November sun to filter in, making the ornate chandeliers above sparkle. Even the walls had gorgeous oil paintings commissioned by Frau Becker. It was unlike anything they had in Crow’s Nest, and Sam always took a moment to soak it in, especially before greeting these particular customers.
“Here you go, ladies.” Sam forced a congenial smile. Smiles were easy when gentlemen joined the usual female customers, but not with these two older ladies. Regulars. Widows. And entirely too full of their own importance. “Scones, butter, Kringle, and a plate for each of you. Do you need another pot of tea?”
Winifred Farncombe sniffed, the feather in her wide-brimmed hat—two decades out of date—bobbing at the movement. “We wouldn’t need one if you hadn’t taken so long to bring our food. Now it’s cold.”
Beulah Pritchard eyed the scones through her spectacles, and the tiny fascinator perched on her gray curls looked a breath away from falling into her plate. “These don’t look like apple.”
Sam eased out a calming breath as she set the teapot on her tray. Mrs. Farncombe and Pritchard always required another pot of tea when the food arrived, and they always complained about the scone flavors, no matter what they ordered. “They are apple cinnamon, ma’am. Herr Vogel pulled them out of the oven not two minutes ago.”
Mrs. Pritchard turned up her nose, which was small, like her eyes, but they fit in her narrow face. “I don’t like cinnamon. I asked for apple. Take them back and bring the correct scones.”
Sam forced her shoulders to stay relaxed. It wasn’t personal with these two, but if they hated the service here so much, why did they return every afternoon like a broken clock? “I believe you ordered apple, correct, ma’am? I’m afraid these are the only apple scones we have today.”
The older lady huffed. “Incompetent girl. Where is Astrid?”
Mrs. Farncomb wagged her ring-bedecked fingers, waving Sam off like a child. “Go fetch Astrid and bring the tea. And be quick about it.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Sam turned away before clenching her teeth against the heat of embarrassment that warmed her insides. She couldn’t do anything right for these two. It seemed she was only good at flirting, but that had grown hollow over the past few months. She wanted more. Still, her oldest brother, David, would be proud of the self-restraint Sam had to apply whenever these two gray-haired ladies entered the shop.
Paula Shreckhise –
I enjoyed reading this story that took place in Wisconsin where I lived for 12 years. It brought back memories of living in a small town surrounded by beautiful woods.
Samantha Martin moved from Crows Nest to Racine to squash the memories of Kyle Docherty and his abandoning her without a goodbye. Now, suddenly, he is back, saying that her brother wants him to protect her. They have some serious issues to put to rest. And how can Kyle protect her when he lost an arm and he still questions if he is worthy of her love.
In this second-chance romance, Kyle and Sam are faced with other problems that involve a crime. I was surprised to find out that oleomargarine was illegal at the same time as prohibition. Oleo was forbidden because it was jeopardizing the dairy industry in Wisconsin.
Facing multiple troubling situations, Kyle held on to his faith and helped Sam realize that she needed to renew her trust in God. A theme that was clear was the unity of family and their faith in God.
Another fascinating historical by Danielle Grandinetti.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Heart Spot Press on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*