Page 30 of Soldier's Chrismas Hope
“Definitely,” Nora told her. “River went to the hardware store, so he’ll be a few minutes.”
“Well, browse around a bit,” Sarah told her. “Enjoy yourself.”
“Thank you,” Nora told her. “I think I will.”
For the second time in a day, Nora found herself with a quiet moment where she was right here with the kids, but could relax a bit.
She looked around the children’s section and made a mental note about a few titles she thought the kids might like for Christmas.
Then she found herself drawn to the romance section. The shelves had Christmas cards displayed beneath some of the titles.
Curious, Nora opened one.
I loved reading about Heather and Warren and the obstacles they overcame to finally be together. And there’s a wonderful little mystery in the story with an ending that surprised me. I think you’ll love it too!
—Alice Cassidy
She opened another and found another recommendation for the book above. Nora got so interested in checking out the recommended books that she didn’t notice when Sarah finished up reading the story to the kids.
“I see you found our local recommendations,” Sarah said as she approached.
“These are so cool,” Nora said. “What a great idea.”
“We have a lot of fun with them,” Sarah said. “I have a few book groups that like to meet here, and their members have been amazing about making recommendations.”
“That sounds like fun,” Nora said.
“Oh, it is,” Sarah told her. “And our local customers tell me they sometimes even base their decision onwhorecommended the book. Since everyone knows everyone around here, they have a pretty good idea about whose taste they might share.”
“You’ve really turned this place around,” Nora said.
“I loved it just the way it was when I was a kid,” Sarah confided with a fond smile. “But I definitelyneeded it to turn a profit, or I wouldn’t be able to hang onto it. There was a serious learning curve that first season, but I think it’s turning out to be a good fit for the community.”
“Cats,”Pixie cried out rapturously.
Nora turned to see two cats curled up around each other in a ray of sunshine in the bookshop display window.
“That’s Romeo and Juliet,” Sarah told Pixie. “They sort of work here.”
“Theyworkhere?” Pixie echoed.
“Well, they’re supposed to keep mice away,” Sarah said. “And Juliet does a good job of that. But mostly they just hang out and attract customers.”
As if on cue, someone stopped outside to speak with the cats through the glass. A moment later, they came inside and Sarah dashed off to help them.
“Want to see some of the books I found while you were reading with Sarah?” Nora asked.
But Pixie and John-John were already moving toward the front of the store to see the cats. Nora could only smile at their sweetness as they watched the snuggly kitties without trying to touch them.
Outside the window, she could see shoppers walking by. Three women about her age passed carrying paper coffee cups and laughing, and she felt a little pang of loneliness.
Her own gang of friends in the city all stayed so busy with work. She’d had a few visits from them, but for the most part they seemed to carry on their lives without her.
Not forever, she reminded herself.Just until I feel okayabout leaving the kids with a sitter for a few hours so I can go for brunch with the girls.
But for some reason, that idea wasn’t as appealing as she expected it to be. She thought again about sipping coffee at the table this morning.
“Can we look at more books?” John-John asked.
