Christmas Cruise
in July
Book 14 in the
Ornamental Match Maker Series
A special event in OMMS
Christmas in July
By
Marlene Bierworth
Copyright © 2019 Marlene Bierworth
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without written permission of the author, Marlene Bierworth, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Disclaimer
This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, character and events are the product of the author’s imagination. While the author has tried to be historically correct, her goals in this book are great characters and storytelling. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locals, is purely coincidental.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1:A Death to Dreams
Chapter 2:North Pole Delivery
Chapter 3:All Aboard
Chapter 4:Dove Magic
Chapter 5:A Day At Sea
Chapter 6:Freedom Waves
Chapter 7:Five Gold Rings
Chapter 8:Island Fun
Chapter 9:Confrontation
Chapter 10:Busy at Sea
Chapter 11:The Final Day
Chapter 12:Epilogue
From the Author
About the series:
Mrs. Claus is all about spreading Christmas cheer — especially to the many lonely hearts seeking friendship, love, healing, second chances, and that special someone of their own.
To help each lovely heroine and dashing hero find their perfect match, Mrs. Claus sends them a magical holiday ornament. From a carousel horse that matches the exact horse a hero will be found riding to an iced angel just like the cookies a dreamy chef bakes, each ornament has a real world counterpart that, if followed, will lead to true love. These books are designed to be a fun quick read with a touch of magic and romance.
From historical to contemporary, from heartfelt to humorous, each of these sweet romance stories ends in a festive happily ever after that will leave you wanting more — so be sure to check out all the titles by multiple authors in our Ornamental Match Maker Series, by visiting
https://www.facebook.com/groups/712109532498752/
About this book:
This is my 3rd contribution to the Ornamental Match Maker series – a contemporary romance. Merissa’s story will have readers riding emotional waves of heartbreak and move them full steam forward to a new happily-ever-after. And, the ornament – what else but a cruise ship.
The North Pole is at it again. Its mission – seek out two lonely hearts.
Will the heat of July stop Mrs. Claus? Not when the setting is a Christmas Cruise in the Caribbean. Anyone living at the North Pole would gladly part with their stash of candy canes to see two lonesome doves climb aboard the Imperial Voyager.
Join Merissa and Chad as they deal with real life struggles while imparting upon an adventure to find true love.
Death to Dreams
“Close your eyes and don’t look. I have a surprise for you,” said Kyle.
“I love surprises,” Merissa’s painted toes curled up in her sandals and danced with excitement.
“Don’t I know? Between your love of everything that screams holiday, I’m amazed there are any days left in the calendar year.”
“As of seventeen hours ago, Independence Day became history. And today is wide open for yet another one of those surprises you appear to pull from your magic hat of tricks,” said Merissa with a playful air. It was out of character for Kyle to be spontaneous or creative in the romantic arena, but he was showing promise while trying to accommodate her compulsion to label every day a celebration.
Kyle positioned five fingers on his scalp and tugged on his hair, demonstrating a fake show of frustration. “How will I ever keep you entertained after we’re married? You give me an impossible task, woman!”
“Think of it as keeping the home fires glowing. And remember, what goes around comes around.” Merissa winked at her fiancé, and he shook his head. She relished the sport of keeping him guessing.
“Well, here it comes. Close your eyes – you’re peeking.” Kyle withdrew a manila envelope from his briefcase and placed it in the eager hands that blindly reached in his direction.
When she felt the paper touch her palm, she squealed and snatched it close to her heart. Round, sea-blue eyes flew open. “Oh, my. It’s too big for one of those mushy cards you send me weekly. And too thin for a new manuscript you might want me to read.” Merissa shook the envelope and cast him a teasing glance.
“Quit the theatrics, woman! Just open it,” Kyle said.
Merissa turned it over and ripped the seal, but not before she noticed the big lip sticker pasted on the flap. She sighed. “Ah – so romantic.”
“What did you expect? You are marrying a romance author. Need to keep up my reputation,” Kyle said.
“A suspense romance author. I am convinced my life will never be dull.” Merissa glanced inside and pulled out a booklet.
Kyle studied her expression. This was his best surprise yet. After one year of dating and another six months of engagement, he never tired of that little-girl-quality that found joy in every detail life threw at her. It was his mission to keep her guessing and anticipating his next move for the rest of their lives. Merissa’s face lit up brighter than the spectacular display they’d watched together last night in Times Square at the close of the outdoor Independence Day activities.
“A cruise!”
“Not just any cruise. This is a Christmas cruise – in July. And our honeymoon to boot.” Kyle had searched the Internet for months to come up with the perfect location to launch the celebration of their lives together. He’d hit the target, bulls-eye. Merissa remained tongue-tied and just stared at the brochure. “We board one year from today, right after the wedding. They haven’t
