What Is Bliss at the End of a Long, Hard, Exhausting Day?

Head pounding, exhaustion seeping from every pore, she enters the house and drops her things on the table near the door. A book on the end table beckons, but the weariness of the day prevents picking it up. Hunger tickles at the recesses of her mind, but she just doesn’t have it in her to make anything. The recliner in the front room waves an arm and promises feet up and relaxation in seconds. To her right, down the little hallway, a bed promises horizontal refreshment. As if the frame were an enormous magnet, it pulls her until, with a fan blasting on her, she curls up under the covers and collapses in stunned exhaustion.

What Is Bliss at the End of a Long, Hard, Exhausting Day?

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The sun has set by the time she crawls from the covers. A rumbling stomach demands to be satiated. Leftover enchiladas or a BLT? As if it were even a question. She grabs a couple of tomatoes off the windowsill and begins slicing as bacon slices sizzle in a pan. Her head no longer pounds a beat suitable for a hard rock concert, her exhaustion has dissipated, and the promise of food offers the promise of rejuvenation, but exhaustion still hovers It taunts her, mocks her.

She carries her meal to the reading room and lights a candle. With twinkle lights providing a warm glow and just enough light for a good read, she takes a bite while opening her current read. Page by page, bite by bite, peace returns. As her hands close the book after the last page, she closes her eyes and inhales. Exhales.

Time for a cup of tea.

It could be Zest Tea Blue Ladyor maybe Victorian London Fog. As her ceramic electric kettle heats the water, she flips open her Kindle and scrolls through her books. That new ARC she’d just gotten last week? Or maybe the mystery she’s been hoarding for just the right day? A book pops up. A sweet woman’s face shines back at her. Of course… the new Suamalie Islands novel. A glance at the clock shows five minutes past midnight. Oh, yes. An Unexpected Gift had released just minutes ago. A perfect night’s read after a long, miserable day. Yes… a perfect night’s read.

Yes… “she” is me.

And I told this little story about what I like to do after a long, hard day to relax and unwind. Why? Well, the end makes it obvious, no?

An Unexpected Gift by Melissa Wardwell released just a few days ago!

Something’s up in Suamalie, and it’s looking like love!

When Kiana, Lulu, and Meilani decide it’s time for the islands to have affordable wedding options, Something Suamalie becomes the marriage of skills, friendship, and wedding splendor on the islands.

Cruising around the island on a Moped in a business suit may seem incongruous, but Kiana knows how to blend practicality and professionalism, a strong work ethic, and relaxation. With no time for mistakes or changes in plans, she’s also decided to forgo romance (for herself). There just isn’t enough time in the day. That is until the early arrival of one of the groomsmen of Something Suamalie’s first booking throws everything off balance, including her thoughts on long-distance dating.

Beau was perfectly content with his job and the growing attraction to a girl back home; however, he hadn’t figured in the sassy and sometimes unprofessional wedding planner. Seeing her world begin to unravel while she and her partners fumble with their first weddings tugs at his heartstrings and leaves him second-guessing his choices in the romance department.

She’s a study in opposites. He’s attracted. So now what do they do?

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.