Mattie Winston, sober, sensible, and steady, has served as Keeper to the family for decades. Amber Harrison, hovering on the edge of flunking out of college, unsure what she wants out of life, has barely even heard of the Winston estate. The family, however, has decided that it's time for the changing of the guard. These two exceptional women soon find themselves dealing with violence, murder attempts, and old family mysteries while each finding the love of her life. Two romances and a growing friendship, all twined around a brooding family tragedy, make for an outstanding paranormal mystery offering depth and charm beyond the commonplace. The growing love of Amber and Carter and of Mattie and Quincy offer readers a tender and engaging first novel in a winning new paranormal series.
Excerpt
“Yes, I spoke to your father. My name is Mattie Winston. I’m the present keeper of the Winston Estate. It’s my job to show you how to be the new keeper.”
The term puzzled Amber. “Keeper? Keeper of what?”
“Why of the estate!” The woman appeared shocked by the question.
“Keeper of the estate? What does that mean?”
“Don’t worry.” Mattie repositioned herself on the couch and patted nervously at her hair for stray strands. “We’ll have plenty of time to talk later. You’ve traveled a long way and must be tired and hungry.” She pointed to a platter of little triangle sandwiches on the coffee table. “Please help yourself.”
She leaned forward and picked up a glass.
Amber’s stomach growled. Other than a donut on the way out of her apartment, she’d not eaten much over the course of the day.
With a small sandwich in her hand, Amber considered Mattie’s comment and pressed the issue.
“What exactly is a keeper? I thought I was supposed to inherit the estate.”
“Yes, well, the keeper is also the person who takes care of the trust fund, which includes the estate.”
The lady’s hands didn’t settle. They fluttered in her lap without finding a resting place.
Her apparent anxiety confused Amber. She couldn’t figure out a reason for her nervousness. But sympathy for the lady enticed Amber into changing the subject. “How long have you lived here?”
“I’ve lived in Ohio all my life. But I’ve lived in Winston Manor for about thirty years.” Mattie’s mouth broke into a small, almost shy smile.
Strange after thirty years, why switch the family keeper, or caretaker or whatever they called them? The lady didn’t look old.
Why leave? Did her family want to move? “Does anyone else live here?”
Mattie paused for a long moment. “Well, there are a few others around.”
“Are you married?”
The woman shook her head.
“Is that part of the keeper’s job—not to be married?”Read the 1st Chapter of Summer’s Growth at www.tinagayle.net/sgchapter.html
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