Christmas Star Sapphire, a Novella (Inspirational Romance): The Jewel Series, #6

By Hallee Bridgeman

He cast away his birthright. She'll inherit an enterprise. Can he captain her heart? 

MADELINE VISCOLLI finds herself on the Gulf shores of Alabama, where she takes part in a graduate program to earn her MBA. On her first day there, she meets JOE WESTCOTT, team leader for a campus ministry. Despite a mutual attraction, Joe's personal rule of no romance with any student keeps any kind of deep relationship from developing.
Joe has no desire to have a relationship with anyone, ever, anyway. He left a life of luxury and his family's business behind to live alone on a sailboat and serve in ministry. Then Madeline walks into the auditorium the week school starts and Joe suspects his personal rules might not apply to this graduate student.
That is, until he discovers Madeline is one of the Viscollis, and that her destiny lay in running her father's massive corporation. Having rejected wealth and all its trappings since childhood, Joe finds himself falling for the vivacious sapphire-eyed beauty. Madeline knows she loves Joe, but is not willing to throw away her destiny of taking over at the helm of Viscolli Enterprises.
A Christmas Eve funeral washes all Joe's plans away. Will their love succomb to the rising tide caused by their differences in lifestyles, or will raging seas calm and allow them to sail off into the sunset?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press
• Release date: Jan 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781681900612

Hallee Bridgeman

Hallee Bridgeman is a best-selling Christian author who writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy. An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee finally settled in central Kentucky with her family so that she could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. She enjoys the roller-coaster ride thrills that life with a National Guard husband, a teenaged daughter, and two elementary aged sons delivers. A prolific writer, when she's not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the 'heart of the home'. Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food "Parody" cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture. Hallee is a member of the Published Author Network (PAN) of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) where she serves as a long time board member in the Faith, Hope, & Love chapter. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the American Christian Writers (ACW) as well as being a member of Novelists, Inc. (NINC). Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

When Madeline Viscolli arrived a few minutes late at the small auditorium on the east side of the University’s campus, she expected to see a few dozen people already there, but found only one lone man sitting on the floor with his back against the base of the raised stage. Frowning, she glanced at her watch. Surely on the campus of one of the largest universities in Alabama, the Cru program had more than one person involved.

Once called Campus Crusade for Christ, Cru served on college campuses all over the world. Cru provided students with worship and fellowship opportunities in a body of believers – a family away from family. While an undergraduate at the University of Florida, she’d spent hours and hours with her Cru family, and grew into a deeper relationship with God than she’d ever even thought possible. She’d gone on four mission trips spanning a total of eight different countries, volunteered in summer programs, and had developed friendships she knew she would treasure for the rest of her life. Now, pursuing a Master’s degree in business, she found herself on the coast of Alabama hoping to integrate into a new Cru group.

Never shy, Madeline walked into the nearly empty building and marched straight down the aisle. The man looked up from his book and smiled at her. He had light red hair and a goatee that looked nearly blond. As she drew closer, she recognized the logo on his T-shirt from her favorite seafood restaurant in Key West.

Hello, he greeted, setting his book aside and standing. Even though Madeline stood just two inches shy of six-feet, she had to look up at him. He smiled warmly and looked directly into her rich blue eyes as he held out his hand. Joseph Westcott – Pastor Joe – though most people just go with Joe.

Madeline Viscolli. She shook his hand. Even though he kept his grip purposefully light she felt the hard calluses on his palms. Her father, an avid rower, had similar calluses. So, he was a pastor. Why was no one else here, then? Am I in the right place for the Cru meeting?

You sure are, he answered, his green eyes shining with amusement, and you’ll be right on time in about fifty-eight minutes.

Doesn’t the meeting start at six? Madeline frowned checking her watch.

Yes. It does. He raised an eyebrow. Still on east coast time?

Why would he be asking…? Feeling her face flood with heat, she realized. Of course. We’re in Central Time.

With a friendly laugh, he gestured toward a cooler that sat on the floor near the stage. Takes a little while to lose that hour. Water?

That would be lovely, thank you. Accepting the ice cold bottle from him she slipped her bag off of her shoulder and sat in one of the comfortable auditorium seats. I didn’t get in until just now. Came straight from the airport. I actually scheduled my arrival to coordinate with the meeting.

Where you comin’ from, Miss Viscolli? While he casually dropped the verb much like a native, his accent didn’t sound Deep South to her ear. It made his manner of speaking interesting. His warm smile made it even more interesting.

I graduated last spring from the University of Florida. She took a long pull from the bottle, not realizing how thirsty she felt until the icy water hit her dry throat. I’m going to be getting my Master’s here.

Gators? Let me think. He hopped up onto the stage, facing her. He wore leather deck shoes with no socks and, despite the red hair, had a rather dark tan. Chris Wilson still the Cru director there?

Picturing the dark brown face and laughing light brown eyes of Pastor Chris, Madeline smiled. He is. His wife just had their second baby.

He showed me pictures at our annual conference. He gestured at his T-shirt. I usually spend a good bit of the summer in Florida myself.

The calluses on his palm and the tan lines despite his fair complexion had her guessing his hobby. Do you sail?

His eyebrows rose in surprise. How did you know that?

Madeline shrugged. Lots of little clues, I guess. Plus, she could see him, in her mind’s eye, on the deck of a little catamaran, skimming the turquoise waves off the Florida Keys. Her family had a home down there, and she had spent her childhood living in either Boston or southern Florida. Sailboats were just a part of what she considered normal in life.

Quite observant, Miss Viscolli. He pronounced her name perfectly, long o sound and all. He looked at his watch. We have some time before the meeting. If anyone else had their times mixed up, they would have been here by now. Honestly, you should probably eat something now if you’re still on Eastern Time. You’ll be starving in a few hours. Want to grab a coffee and a snack or something?

Actually, I think I’ll skip tonight and go find my apartment. She stood, almost instantly regretting turning down the offer. She suddenly realized she might enjoy getting to know Mr. Westcott better. I thought I’d have more energy. I just got in from spending the last several weeks in England with my brother and his wife, and I’m a bit jet lagged. Waving a hand around the room, she added, Hence the mix-up with the time. She picked up her bag and slipped the strap over her shoulder. I look forward to the next few years, Pastor Joe Westcott. Cru has been a major focus of my life since my first day at college. I’m praying I’ll be able to develop the kind of friendships I had in Florida.

He scooted off of the stage and held out his hand. Without hesitation, she placed her hand in his again.

It was truly a pleasure to meet you, Madeline Viscolli. I look forward to seeing you again very soon and I’ll be sure to email Chris Wilson and let him know I met you. He held her hand throughout this tiny little monologue, then gave her fingers a gentle squeeze before he released her grasp. Did he hold her hand a heartbeat longer than necessary, or was that just her jet lagged brain slowing everything down?

***

MADELINE had to hit the panic button on her electronic key fob to find her rental car. She felt rather foolish about that, but after traveling for the last twenty or so hours, she honestly couldn’t remember what color car she’d just rented. The remnants of a hurricane hitting the coast of Massachusetts had thrown all of her travel plans off and brought her here two days later than originally planned. So, when she arrived at the airport so close to the Cru meet and greet time, she just rented a car. She would visit the car dealership to pick up her new lease vehicle later in the week. Audibly thanking God for built in GPS, she input the address of her new apartment and followed the electronic voice’s directions to an upscale town house neighborhood within walking distance of campus.

Her father, Tony, had told her he’d rented her an apartment. Madeline had expected a studio apartment, or at most, a two bedroom place. The red brick townhome surprised her, though it likely shouldn’t have. She pulled into the driveway, not really astonished to see another rental car already there. She dug through her purse and found the key her father’s secretary had delivered to her in England, then popped the trunk on the rental car.

She pulled her suitcases out of the trunk and secured them together so she wouldn’t have to make another trip outside. When she unlocked the door to the town house, she smelled fresh paint and new carpet. She also caught a whiff of her mother’s perfume about two seconds before she saw her.

Madeline! Robin Viscolli greeted, coming forward with her arms extended.

Mama! Madeline hadn’t seen her mother in three weeks. She had inherited her mother’s height and sapphire blue eyes, but the resemblance nearly ended there. Where Robin had thick blonde hair that fell to her shoulders in soft curls, Madeline had her father’s dark hair and Italian complexion. I’m so happy you’re here!

She let her mom pull her into her arms and hugged her back tightly. When they broke the embrace, Robin smiled and ran a hand over Madeline’s hair. I’m thrilled to be able to help you settle in. I missed you while you were visiting your brother. I’ll show you around and you can tell me how he and Faith are doing these days.

They walked through the entryway and into a room with gleaming wood floors. A large wooden desk sat on a rectangular oriental rug. The desk faced a big bay window that looked out onto a small porch and a manicured lawn. An ornate wrought iron table and chairs and a covered stainless steel grill looked perfectly at home on the porch.

Several bookcases lined the two available walls. About half the shelves held books. Madeline saw boxes stacked in the corner and suspected they contained yet more books.

Your father sent the books he thought you’d need on top of the ones you said you wanted, Robin said. I was just unpacking when I heard you pull in.

I love this desk, Madeline said, leaving the suitcases by the stairs and walking into the room. She ran her fingers over the gleaming wood. It is so beautiful.

I had it custom designed for you, Tony Viscolli confessed, coming down the stairs. "Hello, figlia."

Papa! Madeline rushed into his familiar arms, breathing in the scent of his aftershave. Mama didn’t tell me you were here, too.

I assumed it was assumed, Robin teased with a grin.

"We got in yesterday. How are you, figlia? You look tired." He stated, studying her face.

I had a pretty long layover in Amsterdam.

Tony scolded. Should have taken the Viscolli jet.

Madeline half smiled. I don’t mind flying commercial.

Robin interjected, How are your brother and Faith doing?

Madeline smiled. England is beautiful in the summer. It rains like Florida; hard and fast and completely dry a few minutes later. Their little house is so nice. And I really, really like Faith. I like her more the more time we spend together. She is the coolest British chick in the world. And TJ is incredibly happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen him. I can’t wait to visit again.

Robin interjected, We’ve already made them promise to join us in the Keys this Christmas.

"Faith

Reviews for Christmas Star Sapphire, a Novella (Inspirational Romance)

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wealth...Blessing or Burden?God's will. What is God's will for one's life? Is possessing money wrong, as Joe seems to think, or can it be that just the love of money is wrong? Madeline Viscolli is a beautiful master's student at the college where Joe is on the Cru leadership team. Madeline quickly falls for Joe, but Joe not only doesn't want to get involved with a student, but not one who desires to run her father's vast business empire. Joe has to learn that he doesn't have to reject his wealth to reject the way he was raised.This was light reading and a fun story. I had some personal difficulty with it, maybe because I felt like the woman was the pursuer in the relationship. I personally believe the man needs to be the pursuer, but not everyone will nor needs to agree with me. Read the novella and decide for yourself if the situation works.Hallee Bridgeman does a superb job of exploring and developing relationships; she also writes thoughtful conversations for dating couples to hold. Her characters are very three dimensional as they interact with each other. They would be interesting young people to know.I gratefully received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a nice quick read packed with a wonderful story about wealth, unforgiveness and letting go of your past. Some of us think that being wealthy is the most important thing in finding happiness. We believe with money, we will be happier, have lots of friends and live an easy care free life. The book is written with depth as it explores the different ways the characters handle being wealthy. In this book, the author tells a story about Joe who is a very dedicated man of faith. He ministers to college students and is content with his life. He starts to fall for a young woman named Madeline. As they start to grow closer, Joe decides he can't be in a relationship with her. He has found out that her family is extremely wealthy and it bothers him. He is afraid to let someone in, to trust someone , to love them. Will Joe let go and trust God? Can Joe follow God for direction in his life , or turn away and stay alone forever ? What reaction will Madeline have when Joe tells her about his painful past? Will a tragedy during the holidays bring Joe close to his father again? Can he forgive his father for the painful childhood he endured? Don't miss this great intriguing story of redemption, letting go of the past and learning to trust God . I really enjoyed the way the author focused on the struggles that being wealthy can cause. We don't realize how "the love of money " can destroy relationships until it is to late. The author has done an amazing job of showing readers how unforgiveness can lead to mistrust, loneliness and bitterness. I loved the realism between Joe and his estranged father. The past is sometimes painful, but it can be a lesson to learn to trust God and know He never gives us more than we can handle. "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

[jbarr5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Christmas Star Sapphire by Hallee Bridgeman Although this is not the first in the series I don't want to spend the time reading the earlier ones.This one starts out with a table of contents, dedication page, listing of jewel series books than the story.Madeline arrives at her townhouse and find her parents who are there to unpack her.She attends meetings for CRU and meets a pastor: Joe. She learns of his background and is able to share some time with him to understand him better.She also learns of his past, his family's wealth and how he has given it all up to others. Her family is also very wealthy but she doesn't flaunt it and acts normally.Love time Joe spends with Pastor Larry and the knowledge that he has about relationships and even finds passages in the Bible to share with him.Love that Joe and Maddy are able to go over his father's estate after his passing. There are many things to learn, as family secrets are revealed.The time they spend with themselves may be the answer....Found a bonus recipe during the story for their Thanksgiving meal.Italian words are translated at the ind along with discussion questions.Meal plan is also included along with the recipes.Excerpt for On The Ropes is also included at the end, note from the author, other works by the author. and about the author. Sign up for her nesletter link at the end.Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[lcjohnson1988_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Christmas Star Sapphire (A Special Christmas Novella)Author: Hallee BridgemanPages: 126Year: 2015Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell PressMy rating is 5 stars.Here is a very unique tale that isn’t what most readers expect for a Christmas story, which is one reason it is so good. Hallee Bridgeman handles some very real family issues.Maddie comes from a very loving family background and though the family is wealthy they focus on glorifying God with what He has entrusted to them. Joe grew up in a fractured and messy family which still impacts his life as he ministers on college campuses. Maddie’s family isn’t all roses as they have their own skeletons in the closet and heart breaks to handle. Maddie is very down to earth and her walk with God is very intimate. Joe is close with God as well but when God throws a wrench in Joe’s plans for his life, Joe wrestles with the Lord.There is more to the short story written for readers to enjoy and even perhaps help them be thankful for the blessings they have or surrender their heartaches to God. I so appreciated this book as it isn’t a fairy tale type of story but one that deals with heart, spiritual and life experiences that are real. Throughout the book I was touched by the way some characters depended on God, falling on their faces to hear from Him what he wanted to speak to their hearts. The holiday season may be over, but this is one book to be read and shared anytime of the year!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Christmas Star Sapphire (A Special Christmas Novella)Author: Hallee BridgemanPages: 126Year: 2015Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell PressMy rating is 5 stars.Here is a very unique tale that isn’t what most readers expect for a Christmas story, which is one reason it is so good. Hallee Bridgeman handles some very real family issues.Maddie comes from a very loving family background and though the family is wealthy they focus on glorifying God with what He has entrusted to them. Joe grew up in a fractured and messy family which still impacts his life as he ministers on college campuses. Maddie’s family isn’t all roses as they have their own skeletons in the closet and heart breaks to handle. Maddie is very down to earth and her walk with God is very intimate. Joe is close with God as well but when God throws a wrench in Joe’s plans for his life, Joe wrestles with the Lord.There is more to the short story written for readers to enjoy and even perhaps help them be thankful for the blessings they have or surrender their heartaches to God. I so appreciated this book as it isn’t a fairy tale type of story but one that deals with heart, spiritual and life experiences that are real. Throughout the book I was touched by the way some characters depended on God, falling on their faces to hear from Him what he wanted to speak to their hearts. The holiday season may be over, but this is one book to be read and shared anytime of the year!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”