Showing posts with label Colleen Coble. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colleen Coble. Show all posts

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Book Tour Finale & Giveaway: One Little Lie by Colleen Coble


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What was the inspiration for ONE LITTLE LIE and for this new Pelican Harbor series?

I was at a restaurant in Gulf Shores, AL with friends. Their 16-year-old son mentioned he’d been working on a shrimp boat. He said, “You wouldn’t believe the stuff we bring up in the nets. Washing machines, other appliances, you name it.” I immediately had the image of a shrimp net hauling up a body clad in a wedding dress, and that was the nugget that started One Little Lie.


"This was truly a suspenseful "page-turner" with drama, lots of action, and situations which keeps the reader guessing who the "good guys" and the "bad guys" really are! . . . The characters are portrayed so well, one will tend to forget this is fiction."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

She turned toward the coffee shop and bumped into a man who reached out to steady her. “Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners as if smiling was his usual expression, though his lips were flat now. He towered over her five feet two inches, and she guessed him to be six foot. His shaved head made his large brown eyes even more expressive and compelling, and he exuded controlled energy and power under his very attractive surface. His muscular arms and face were tanned as if he’d spent a lot of time in the sun. Her immediate attraction to him made her take a step back. She steered clear of relationships. Losing someone you cared about hurt too much.

Those dark eyes smiled down at her. “You’re Jane Hardy.”


"One Little Lie is the first book in the Pelican Harbor series, and after reading this one I certainly cannot wait to read the next book. . . . I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book and I thought that they were interesting, relatable, and people I could see in real-life situations. Colleen Coble is one of my go-to authors . . . and she certainly came through again with this great book."


"I have read a few of the author's books and enjoyed them. . . . The plot was predictable but, had a few surprises. . . . I did enjoy the book . . ."


"This was one of those stories that compelled me to keep turning the pages. There were so many questions to be answered and lots of secrets to be uncovered. . . . The chemistry between Jane and Reid was there and I enjoyed the suspense . . ."


Kimber Li - Excerpt

Jane parked her SUV in the driveway behind the flashing lights of a patrol vehicle and got out, the rising sun glaring into her gritty eyes. The call to investigate another body had sent her straight to her vehicle without a shower. Two bodies in twenty-four hours . . .

Was she really equipped for this job?

She let Parker out of the back before she walked toward the shotgun house with its neat spring flower beds lining either side of the red front door. She spotted a woman standing off to one side with her arms clutched around her. It was probably the neighbor who’d made the 911 call, and Jane would talk to her next.

A figure moved in the brush at the side of the house, and she caught the shine of something metallic. A gun? She pointed at the bush. “Take down, Parker!”


"Wow, there was a lot going on in this book! I loved the first chapter of the book which really set the stage for the rest of the story. It gave me an instant connection to emotion and really peaked my interest. . . . The intensity ramps up slowly but I could feel it happening. It's exactly what you want to feel when reading this type of book."

I'm Into Books - Spotlight


“Did you need something from me?”

He spread out his hands. “Look, I could shout up to you from the street, but I’d like to come up and talk to you.”

The lights were on next door. What could it hurt to have a private conversation? She wasn’t afraid of him. She gestured to her left.

“There are exterior stairs off the alley. I’ll open the door for you.”

He nodded and moved that direction, and she went inside to open the door in the kitchen. The iron stairs clanged as he ascended them, and for some reason, the sound made her pulse jump. Maybe this was a bad idea.


"Over the years, I’ve read many of Colleen Coble’s books and have enjoyed them immensely. She never ceases to amaze me with her ability to come up with new stories. One Little Lie is another example of her superb writing. . . . One Little Lie is filled with well-written characters, and you’ll love reading their stories. . . . The book’s pacing is perfect for a suspense novel. You’ll be frantically reading to find out how all of the clues fit together."

Uplifting Reads - Review

"This one starts out with a bang, gripping you from the first page . . . I did enjoy the story. I kept my attention during a time of a lot of uncertainty in the world and was a welcome distraction."



"Right off, from the prologue, the novel grabbed me . . . While others could feel bogged down by all that is going on in it, Coble has found a way to make it all work and carefully weave it together. The cases, the people – every little bit. It’s a wild roller coaster of a [read]."


"This was my first ever read from Colleen Coble and just wow! I was blown away by the writing, the flow and the themes within the story. I loved the way everything unfolded as the story progressed and that ending was superb!"


"Overall, I thought the premise of the novel is fantastic and unlike [any] other book I have read. I found the characters fascinating and well developed and I started to care what happens to the them, basically I just want them to have the happiness they so richly deserve. A great book to read in one day or over a weekend."

Wishful Endings - Spotlight


"I have read nearly all of Ms. Coble’s books. She is a wonderful storyteller and infuses her tales with mystery, suspense, romance, and faith. . . . In the end, most things wrapped up nicely."

Hallie Reads - Excerpt

Will’s smile could light up a football stadium. The boy wore a Saints cap backward, and he slung two camera bags onto his shoulders as he exited Reid’s SUV outside the police station. A tripod stuck up out his backpack.

A pelican fluttered down the strut on the grass by the road, and Will pointed it out. “Look at that!”

“No fish here in town.” Reid locked his vehicle. “You don’t look eager or anything. This will be hard work.”

Will bounced a little on his flip-flops.

“It’s going to be great, Dad. I know I can do it. Thanks for giving me a chance.”


"Overall, this has everything that I have come to love from Colleen Coble--- great suspense, unexpected twists, themes of faith and yes, romance too. It was a great start to this new series and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Current fans of Colleen Coble will certainly want to add it to their collection, and new readers are sure to fall in love too!"


"This is such a strong book to begin a new series of hers. The characters were absolutely delightful and relatable. Moreover, she tackles a hot topic now that seems to make its way into popular culture on a regular basis–cults. I appreciate the fact that she, a solid Christian author, tackles such a timely subject, while still including twists, turns, and the gospel message. . . . Fair warning, however. Once you start the book, I promise you WILL NOT want to put it down!"

Splashes of Joy - Spotlight


"One Little Lie is so intriguing and has many twists and turns in this wonderful story that I just couldn't put the book down. . . . Colleen Coble sure knows how to grab your attention and keep it there. Her writng style is fantastic! . . . I wasn't at all disappointed with this novel. It had a little bit of everything in it and just right amount too. Nicely done."

All excerpts from One Little Lie by Colleen Coble. Used with the permission of the publisher, Thomas Nelson. Copyright © 2020 by Colleen Coble. Learn more at TNZ Fiction.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

One Little Lie
(Pelican Harbor #1)
By Colleen Coble
Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 352 Pages
March 3rd 2020 by Thomas Nelson

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there's no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she's facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane's career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid's calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

Praise for the Book

“Colleen Coble always raises the notch on romantic suspense, and One Little Lie is my favorite yet! The story took me on a wild and wonderful ride.” —Diann Mills, bestselling author

"Colleen Coble once again proves she is at the pinnacle of Christian romantic suspense. Filled with characters you'll come to love, faith lost and found, and scenes that will have you holding your breath, Jane Hardy's story deftly follows the complex and tangled web that can be woven by one little lie.' —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.


Bookstagram Tour


Check out all the pictures from the Bookstagram Tour here!

March 9th:
@simplehomemama
@ChristenKrumm
March 10th:
@_coffeecatsandbooks_
@adventurous.bookworm
March 11th:
@irishgirliereads
@christy41970
March 12th:
@SimplyKelina
@ya.its.lit
March 13th:
@savingsinseconds
@fortheloveofchristianfiction

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a print copy of Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble (US only)
Ends March 25, 2020.

Friday, October 25, 2019

First Line Fridays: Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first line from Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble:

"Lisa ran to her Datsun Bluebird and jerked open the yellow door."

Have you read this book?

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Harper Taylor is used to being alone—after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own. 
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name? 
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future. 
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble. 

First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books

Sunday, March 10, 2019

March 2019 Book Giveaway!

Wasn't it just Christmas? The days are flying by so fast lately!  I totally missed doing a book giveaway in February. Oops! So, I'm giving away two paperbacks to one lucky winner! The books are: My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream by Pepper Basham and the Mother's Wedding Dress novella collection by Kristin Billerbeck, Colleen Coble, Gina Fields, and Cathy Marie Hake.

Both books have been read before. My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge looks almost perfect. Mother's Wedding Dress novella collection was published in 2006 and the pages/inside covers show some yellowing from age.





About My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge:


A British missionary meets a chilly welcome in a remote Appalachian community.

Laurel McAdams is well acquainted with trouble, but her dreams keep her hopeful that life can improve on her mountain in the Blue Ridge. Still, trouble does come in the form of an outsider.

Having failed his British father again, Jonathan Taylor joins his uncle's missionary endeavors as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse. Laurel feels compelled to protect the tenderhearted teacher from the harsh realities of Appalachian life, even while his stories of life outside the mountains pull at Laurel's imagination.

Faced with parents angry over his teaching methods, Laurel's father's drunken rages, and bad news from England, will Jonathan leave and never return, or will he stay and let love bloom?

Journey into North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918 where a young woman's dreams are held captive by rugged landscape and long-held traditions.


About Mother's Wedding Dress Novellas:

Four short stories:

Button String Bride by Cathy Marie Hake.


Wedding Quilt Bride by Colleen Coble.


Bayside Bride by Kristen Billerbeck.


The Persistent Bride by Gina Fields.



About the Giveaway:

Enter using the Rafflecopter. Must be a resident of the US, 18 years of age, and legally able to enter. Books will be shipped via Media Mail. No purchase necessary.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

Finding a husband for Olivia is very important to her mother. Using a possible suitor as an excuse, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California, in search of the truth regarding her sister's untimely death. Unfortunately, Olivia meets Harrison Bennett, her late sister's fiancée and possible murder suspect, during an attempt on her own life. As a precaution Olivia assumes the title of Lady Devonworth to ensure her safety and anonymity. In an effort to uncover the truth, Olivia spends time observing Harrison. Unexpectedly, attraction grows between Olivia and Harrison and she begins to struggle with her hidden motives and identity. Harrison has a resolute dislike for the Stewart family and Olivia is searching for an unconditional love. Will Olivia and Harrison's relationship withstand the truth? Can love ever really be unconditional?

I enjoyed reading The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble. The Lightkeeper’s Ball is the third book in the Mercy Falls series, but it reads well as a stand-alone novel. The story quickly grabbed my attention and drew me back to it during the days I read it. The plot's pace was appropriate and Olivia's character was intriguing. While the individual scenes were unique and enjoyable, I found the overall plot was somewhat predictable. However, since it is fiction and I am a fan of happily-ever-afters, I still recommend this book to fans of historical romance. The setting and characters make it a very enjoyable read.

Click here to read an excerpt from The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The B & B Media Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, June 13, 2011

FIRST Wild Card Tour: The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:

Thomas Nelson; 1 edition (April 19, 2011)
***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Colleen Coble’s thirty-five novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending.


Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:


Olivia seems to have it all, but her heart yearns for more.

Olivia Stewart's family is one of the Four Hundred—the highest echelon of society in 1910. When her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, Olivia leaves their New York City home for Mercy Falls, California, to determine what befell Eleanor. She suspects Harrison Bennett, the man Eleanor planned to marry. But the more Olivia gets to know him, the more she doubts his guilt—and the more she is drawn to him herself.

When several attempts are made on her life, Olivia turns to Harrison for help. He takes her on a ride in his aeroplane, but then crashes, and they’re forced to spend two days alone together. With her reputation hanging by a thread, Harrison offers to marry her to make the situation right. As a charity ball to rebuild the Mercy Falls lighthouse draws near, she realizes she wants more than a sham engagement—she wants Harrison in her life forever. But her enemy plans to shatter the happiness she is ready to grasp. If Olivia dares to drop her masquerade, she just might see the path to true happiness.



Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 1 edition (April 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 159554268X
ISBN-13: 978-1595542687

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The New York brownstone was just half a block down from the Astor mansion on Fifth Avenue, the most prestigious address in the country. The carriage, monogrammed with the Stewart emblem, rattled through the iron gates and came to a halt in front of the ornate doors. Assisted by the doorman, Olivia Stewart descended and rushed for the steps of her home. She was late for tea, and her mother would be furious. Mrs. Astor herself had agreed to join them today.

Olivia handed her hat to the maid, who opened the door. “They’re in the drawing room, Miss Olivia,” Goldia whispered. “Your mama is ready to pace the floor.”

Olivia patted at her hair, straightened her shoulders, and pinned a smile in place as she forced her stride to a ladylike stroll to join the other women. Two women turned to face her as she entered: her mother and Mrs. Astor. They wore identical expressions of disapproval.

“Olivia, there you are,” her mother said. “Sit down before your tea gets cold.”

Olivia pulled off her gloves as she settled into the Queen Anne chair beside Mrs. Astor. “I apologize for my tardiness,” she said. “A lorry filled with tomatoes overturned in the street, and my driver couldn’t get around it.”

Mrs. Astor’s face cleared. “Of course, my dear.” She sipped her tea from the delicate blue-and-white china. “Your dear mother and I were just discussing your prospects. It’s time you married.”

Oh dear. She’d hoped to engage in light conversation that had nothing to do with the fact that she was twenty-five and still unmarried. Her unmarried state distressed her if she let it, but every man her father brought to her wanted only her status. She doubted any of them had ever looked into her soul. “I’m honored you would care about my marital status, Mrs. Astor,” Olivia said.

“Mrs. Astor wants to hold a ball in your honor, Olivia,” her mother gushed. “She has a distant cousin coming to town whom she wants you to meet.”

Mrs. Astor nodded. “I believe you and Matthew would suit. He owns property just down the street.”

Olivia didn’t mistake the reference to the man’s money. Wealth would be sure to impact her mother. She opened her mouth to ask if the man was her age, then closed it at the warning glint in her mother’s eyes.

“He’s been widowed for fifteen years and is long overdue for a suitable wife,” Mrs. Astor said.

Olivia barely suppressed a sigh. So he was another of the decrepit gentlemen who showed up from time to time. “You’re very kind,” she said.

“He’s most suitable,” her mother said. “Most suitable.”

Olivia caught the implication. They spent the next half an hour discussing the date and the location. She tried to enter into the conversation with interest, but all she could do was imagine some gray-whiskered blue blood dancing her around the ballroom. She stifled a sigh of relief when Mrs. Astor took her leave and called for her carriage.

“I’ll be happy when you’re settled, Olivia,” her mother said when they returned to the drawing room. “Mrs. Astor is most kind.”

“She is indeed.” Olivia pleated her skirt with her fingers. “Do you ever wish you could go somewhere incognito, Mother? Where no one has expectations of you because you are a Stewart?”

Her mother put down her saucer with a clatter. “Whatever are you babbling about, my dear?”

“Haven’t you noticed that people look at us differently because we’re Stewarts? How is a man ever to love me for myself when all he sees is what my name can gain him? Men never see inside to the real me. They notice only that I’m a Stewart.”

“Have you been reading those novels again?” Her mother sniffed and narrowed her gaze on Olivia. “Marriage is about making suitable connections. You owe it to your future children to consider the life you give them. Love comes from respect. I would find it quite difficult to respect someone who didn’t have the gumption to make his way in the world. Besides, we need you to marry well. You’re twenty-five years old and I’ve indulged your romantic notions long enough. Heaven knows your sister’s marriage isn’t what I had in mind, essential though it may be. Someone has to keep the family name in good standing.”

Olivia knew what her duty demanded, but she didn’t have to like it. “Do all the suitable men have to be in their dotage?”

Her mother’s eyes sparked fire but before she spoke, Goldia appeared in the doorway. “Mr. Bennett is here, Mrs. Stewart.”

Olivia straightened in her chair. “Show him in. He’ll have news of Eleanor.”

Bennett appeared in the doorway moments later. He shouldn’t have been imposing. He stood only five-foot-three in his shoes, which were always freshly polished. He was slim, nearly gaunt, with a patrician nose and obsidian eyes. He’d always reminded Olivia of a snake about to strike. His expression never betrayed any emotion, and today was no exception. She’d never understood why her father entertained an acquaintance with the man let alone desired their families to be joined.

“Mr. Bennett.” She rose and extended her hand and tried not to flinch as he brushed his lips across it.

“Miss Olivia,” he said, releasing her hand. He moved to her mother’s chair and bowed over her extended hand.

Olivia sank back into her chair. “What do you hear of my sister? I have received no answer to any of my letters.”

He took a seat, steepled his fingers, and leaned forward. “That’s the reason for our meeting today. I fear I have bad news to impart.”

Her pulse thumped erratically against her ribcage. She wetted her lips and drew in a deep breath. “What news of Eleanor?” How bad could it be? Eleanor had gone to marry Harrison, a man she hardly knew. But she was in love with the idea of the Wild West, and therefore more than happy to marry the son of her father’s business partner.

He never blinked. “I shall just have to blurt it out then. I’m sorry to inform you that Eleanor is dead.”

Her mother moaned. Olivia stared at him. “I don’t believe it,” she said.

“I know, it’s a shock.”

There must have been some mistake. She searched his face for some clue that this was a jest. “What happened?”

He didn’t hold her gaze. “She drowned.”

“How?”

“No one knows. I’m sorry.”

Her mother stood and swayed. “What are you saying?” Her voice rose in a shriek. “Eleanor can’t be dead! Are you quite mad?”

He stood and took her arm. “I suggest you lie down, Mrs. Stewart. You’re quite pale.”

Her mother put her hands to her cheeks. “Tell me it isn’t true,” she begged. Then she keeled over in a dead faint.

#
Harrison Bennett tugged on his tie, glanced at his shoes to make sure no speck of dirt marred their perfection, then disembarked from his motorcar in front of the mansion. The cab had rolled up Nob Hill much too quickly for him to gather his courage to face the party. Electric lights pushed back the darkness from the curving brick driveway to the porch with its impressive white pillars. Doormen flanked the double doors at the entry. Through the large windows, he saw the ballroom. Ladies in luxurious gowns and gentlemen in tuxedos danced under glittering chandeliers, and their laughter tinkled on the wind.

His valet, Eugene, exited behind him. “I’ll wait in the kitchen, sir.”

Harrison adjusted his hat and strode with all the confidence he could muster to the front door. “Mr. Harrison Bennett,” he said to the doorman.

The man scanned the paper in his hand. “Welcome, Mr. Bennett. Mr. Rothschild is in the ballroom.”

Harrison thanked him and stepped into the opulent hall papered in gold foil. He went in the direction of the voices with a sense of purpose. This night could change his future. He glanced around the enormous ballroom, and he recognized no one among the glittering gowns and expensive suits. In subtle ways, these nobs would try to keep him in his place. It would take all his gumption not to let them. It was a miracle he’d received an invitation. Only the very wealthy or titled were invited to the Rothschilds’ annual ball in San Francisco. Harrison was determined to do whatever was necessary to secure the contract inside his coat pocket.

A young woman in an evening gown fluttered her lashes at him over the top of her fan. When she lowered it, she approached with a coaxing smile on her lips. “Mr. Bennett, I’d hoped to see you here tonight.”

He struggled to remember her name. Miss Kessler. She’d made her interest in him known at Eleanor’s funeral. Hardly a suitable time. He took her gloved hand and bowed over it. “Miss Kessler. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

“I came when I heard you were on the guest list.”

He ignored her brazen remark. “It’s good to see you again. I have some business to attend to. Perhaps later?”

Her eyes darkened and she withdrew her hand. “I shall watch for you,” she said.

And he’d do the same, with the intent to avoid her. “If you’ll excuse me.” He didn’t wait for an answer but strolled through the crowd. He finally spied his host standing in front of a marble fireplace. A flame danced in the eight-foot hearth. Harrison stepped through the crowd to join the four men clustered around the wealthy Rothschild.

The man closest to Harrison was in his fifties and had a curling mustache. “They’ll never get that amendment ratified,” he said. “An income tax! It’s quite ridiculous to expect us to pay something so outrageous.”

A younger man in a gray suit shook his head. “If it means better roads, I’ll gladly write them a check. The potholes outside of town ruined my front axels.”

“We can take care of our own roads,” Rothschild said. “I have no need of the government in my affairs. At least until we’re all using flying machines.” He snickered, then glanced at Harrison. “You look familiar, young man. Have we met?”

Flying machines. Maybe this meeting was something God had arranged. Harrison thrust out his hand. “Harrison Bennett.”

“Claude’s son?”’

Was that distaste in the twist of Rothschild’s mouth? Harrison put confidence into his grip. “Yes, sir.”

“How is your father?”

“Quite well. He’s back in New York by now.”

“I heard about your fiancée’s death. I’m sorry for your loss.”

Harrison managed not to wince. “Thank you.” He pushed away his memories of that terrible day, the day he’d seen Eleanor Stewart for what she really was.

“Your father was most insistent I meet you. He seems to think you have a business proposition I might be interested in.”

Harrison smiled and began to tell the men of the new diamond mines that Bennett and Bennett had found in Africa. A mere week after Mr. Stewart’s passing, Mr. Bennett had renamed the venture to include Harrison. An hour later, he had appointments set up with three of the men as possible investors. His father would be pleased.

Harrison smiled and retraced his steps to toward the front door but was waylaid by four women in brightly colored silk. They swooped around him, and Miss Kessler took him by the hand and led him to a quiet corner.

“Let’s not talk about anything boring like work,” she said, her blue eyes sparkling. “Tell me what you love to do most.”

He glanced at the other women clustered around. “I’m building an aeroplane. I’d like to have it in the air by the time Earth passes through the tail of Halley’s Comet.”

She gasped. “Do you have a death wish, Mr. Bennett? You would be breathing the poisonous fumes directly. No one even knows if the Earth will survive this.”

He’d heard this before. “The scientists I’ve discussed this with believe we shall be just fine,” Harrison said.

“I assume you’ve purchased comet pills?” the blonde closest to him said.

“I have no fear.”

The brunette in red silk smiled. “If man were meant to fly, God would have given him wings. Or so I’ve heard the minister say.”

He finally placed the brunette. Her uncle was Rothschild. No wonder she had such contempt for Harrison’s tone. All the nobs cared for were trains and ships. “It’s just a matter of perfecting the machine,” Harrison said. “Someday aeroplanes will be the main mode of transcontinental transportation.”

The brunette laughed. “Transcontinental? My uncle would call it balderdash.”

He glanced at his pocket watch without replying. “I fear I must leave you lovely ladies. Thank you for the conversation.”

He found Eugene in the kitchen and beckoned to his valet.

Eugene put down his coffee cup and followed. “You didn’t stay long, sir,” he said. “Is everything all right?”

Harrison stalked out the door and toward the car. “Are there no visionaries left in the country?”

Eugene followed a step behind. “You spoke of your flying machine?”

“The world is changing, Eugene, right under their noses—and they don’t see it.”

Eugene opened the door for Harrison. “You will show them the future, sir.”

He set his jaw. “I shall indeed.”

“I have a small savings set aside, Mr. Bennett. I’d like to invest in your company. With your permission, of course.”

Eugene’s trust bolstered Harrison’s determination. “I’d be honored to partner with you, Eugene. We are going to change the world.”