Joycee’s Reviews > Unexpected Gifts > Status Update

You might be surprised at the amazing things that come from the simple act of choosing love over fear.

“You may not realize how beautiful Sugarville Grove is because you’ve always lived here. But I’m seeing it with fresh eyes, and it’s simply spectacular.”

I wasn’t the smartest in my classes at school, but I made up for it by being very organized. I write everything down on a calendar, and every morning, I take a look to make sure I remember what I’m supposed to do that day.

This was not her. But she could get used to this new version of herself. Maybe this was the one she’d been meant to be all along.

the truck was rather like the man himself. Sturdy and reliable, if a little old-fashioned.

He drove a vintage red pickup, the kind that looked as if it had been plucked straight from an old postcard or holiday painting. Not that she knew much about cars, but it appeared to be a classic model, with a rounded body, wide fenders, and a gleaming chrome grille.

“Of course. They have to be your first priority. I’ll take whatever you have left.”

“Newcomers? How long have they been here?” Abby asked.

“I’d say around ten years.”

Abby laughed. “That’s not exactly what I’d call a newcomer.”

“That’s because you’re not from around here.” Luke winked at her. “But we won’t hold it against you.”

“How generous.”

He’d forever touched her heart the moment he kissed her. Would he wake to regret it? Or would he feel as she did? That it was a gift. An unexpected one, but one nonetheless.

(Source of the title!)

Her heart felt as if someone with a large, strong fist was squeezing it, wringing it dry of blood and filling it with tears instead. Ramona, I’ll do my best. I promise.