Julie looked to Wind, but she only smiled. Apparently she didn’t mind. “We should all head to the party. Hey Dustin, you swimming or paddling to Friendship Beach?”
“Ah, beach? Like across the river? Um, no. I’m not going. I have to go do…something.”
“Come on. You can ride with me in the canoe. Let the love birds take the dinghy.” Trace grabbed him by the wrist and scooted out the door.
Trevor laughed but didn’t let go of Julie. Not when they walked down the road or when they got to the beach. Not when they had cake and played horseshoes. He only let go when presents were being given and he had to slip away to collect his gift for her.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“Not far. I have a present for you. Well, for all you ladies.” He summoned an uneasy Dustin, who still hadn’t calmed down since being forced into a boat by Trace. Not to mention the fact he hadn’t taken his eyes off her or made any suave comment since his arrival. How Trace got him into the boat at all based on what Trevor had told Julie about his fear had surprised them all.
They both ran to the other side of the lagoon and returned, each dragging three chairs with them. Each colored in a different paint—blue, green, and red. “These are for your book club.”
“We might need one more,” Julie announced, eyeing Bri.
Kat tossed another log on their bonfire. “I don’t know. Let’s find out what book she chose for our club.”
Bri looked to each of them and then held up one finger and ran to the canoe. She returned with a bag and pulled out bound paper a couple inches thick. “You never mentioned any rules about what kind of book or if it had to be published, so I wrote one.” She held it out for everyone to see. The title read Sisters of Summer Island. “I’ve actually been writing it for some time now. That’s why I originally reached out to each of you. It was going to be Mom’s birthday present. It’s a story about your childhood. I wrote down all your amazing stories with some fiction mixed in.”
Julie touched the cover. “Oh, sweetie. I didn’t know you enjoyed writing. Well, not since you were in high school.”
“I do, but I was too scared to try to pursue it as a career. That was until I saw how you overcame your fear. I have a couple of manuscripts that I’ve been working on, but I think this one’s the best. With your permission, I’d like to put it out on submission.”
Wind snagged the manuscript. “Only after I read it. You better have painted me as the talented, good-hearted, beautiful sister.”
Trace rolled her eyes. “It is fiction.”
Julie faded away from her friendship circle but not too far. Only enough space to allow Trevor to hold her tight but close enough to let them know they were always welcome on Friendship Beach. After all, Summer Island Book Club was where their hearts and friendship belonged.
The End
Friendship Salad Recipe
Ingredients
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple (with juice, do not drain)
1 (3 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, completely thawed
2 large bananas, sliced thin
2 1/4 cups mini marshmallows
1 (15.25 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange slices, drained
Directions:
1. Pour the instant pudding into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add crushed pineapple (with juice), and mix well. Do not drain your pineapple!
3. Mix in whipped topping. Stir in bananas, marshmallows, fruit cocktail, and mandarin oranges.
4. Cover, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Readers Guide
Julie was anxious about facing her childhood friends after so many years. Why do you think she was so nervous?
After being married for over half of her life, Julie faced living alone. Worse, she faced dating again. How do you think dating has changed from the time she was in high school to today?
Summer Island is a small beach community in Florida. Have you ever visited a beach area away from the tourist crowds? Did you find it charming or boring?
Julie’s daughter returned home to help her mother move on with her life. How do you think you would’ve handled one of your children giving up their own lives to look after you?
Do you think her daughter came home more for herself or for Julie?
Have you ever been a member of a friend group with so many different personalities? If so, was there a lot of tension and arguing or did you embrace each other’s differences? How about in book club?
How do you think you would feel seeing an old friend from your childhood you’ve barely spoken to over the years?
Have you ever been around a pet ferret before? They can be the sweetest, smartest little creatures. Oh, and mischievous. Do you think you’d ever want one for a pet?
Trevor retreated to Summer Island to escape publicity and his former life. However, he obviously had a love for sailing. Do you think he found the happiness he was seeking?
Who was your favorite friend or neighbor in Summer Island?
Bonus Question:
Have you ever picked a Florida orange off of a tree and eaten it fresh? If not, you should. Trust me.
About the Author
Ciara Knight is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, who writes clean and wholesome romance novels set in either modern day small towns or wild historic old west. Born with a huge imagination that usually got her into trouble, Ciara is happy she’s found a way to use her powers for good. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.
Also by Ciara Knight
For a complete list of my books, please visit my website at www.ciaraknight.com. A great way to keep up to date on
