The Dahlonega Sisters: Golden Adventures: The Dahlonega Sisters, #3

By Diane M. How

Not all dreams are meant to be achieved.

 

Who wouldn't love an all-inclusive paid vacation to Tuscany? Rose Ellen Preston expected her family to enthusiastically support her extraordinary dream if it meant a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. She wasn't prepared for the harsh criticism of her late-in-life wedding plans. Her unrealistic world unravels when she turns to her fiancé for support.

 

When Marge McGilvray Ledbetter, Rose Ellen's younger sister, explores her long-suppressed dream of opening a bed and breakfast, she finds it more of a challenge than she ever expected.

 

Having previously organized a successful 70th birthday bash, Mutzi Parks, Marge's triplet, fantasizes about being a successful party organizer. She agrees to plan a baby shower for a friend, preparing every detail possible. Karma intervenes.

 

Will any of their dreams be fulfilled? Join the Golden Adventures of The Dahlonega Sisters to find out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Silver Lining Publishing, L.L.C.
• Release date: Aug 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781734038347

Diane M. How

Diane M. How is the author of the contemporary women’s fiction series, The Dahlonega Sisters. The location of the fictional stories takes place in the historical gold rush town of Dahlonega, Georgia. The first of the series, The Gold Miner Ring, went to press in 2019, Veins of Gold was published in 2020, and Golden Adventures, the last of this series, was released in 2021. Diane is a member of the Missouri Writers Guild, St. Louis Writers Guild, and St. Louis Publishers Association. Diane is the treasurer of Saturday Writers, a non-profit organization with over one-hundred members. More than twenty-five of her award-winning short stories and poems are available in numerous anthologies. When Diane isn’t writing, she enjoys walking, reading, and visiting casinos with her husband of fifty years. She and her daughter have been weaving baskets for more than thirty years and are members of the Missouri Basket Weaver’s Organization.

Book preview

Praise for

The Dahlonega Sisters Series

"What an absolute pleasure it was to read The Dahlonega Sisters by Diane M How. This moving family drama, laced with mystery, is a beautiful, touching romance and a lot more besides Diane M How brings to life such wonderful characters that if they were real people, I would love to meet them."

5-star review by Jewel Hart, Editor

Book Marketing Specialist

Author Visibility/Brand Consultant

Chick Lit Cafe-Bookstagram

You can't help but like these women and you are going to want to get to know them better. Each has their own unique personality and the conclusion wraps it all up in one neat package, although I believe there is a follow-on story. I'm looking forward to reading it. This story will keep you happily immersed in the sisters’ world for a few hours.

Congratulations on your 5-star review!

—Reviewed By Anne-Marie Reynolds

for Readers’ Favorite

I was thoroughly charmed by this story of sisterhood /family, return to faith, small town living, and second chance at love. The main characters (Mutzi, Marge, Rose Ellen, and April) are all relatable and real. Ms. How gave each of them distinct personalities right from the start with quirks and mannerisms that make them likable and sympathetic.

4.5-star review by Maida Malby, Carpe Diem Chronicles

Praise for The Dahlonega Sisters – The Gold Miner Ring

"The Dahlonega Sisters is such a fun and delightful read, I want to get to know the three sisters in real life."      —Jeanne Felfe, author of Bridge to Us

The bond between the Dahlonega sisters is secured by celebrating their differences in the mist of conflict and heartache. The story symbolizes how answers to the past can pave the way for the future not only for these women, but for us all.

—Nicki Jacobsmeyer, Author of Images of America: Chesterfield, Arcadia Publishing

"This delightful novel twists and turns with comedy, romance, tugged heart strings, mystery and more. The Dahlonega Sisters entertains on every page."

—Tammy Lough, Author of Lacey’s Deception and Romance Columnist at DIYMFA.com

The Dahlonega Sisters

Golden Adventures

Diane M. How

Silver Lining Publishing, L.L.C.

ST. PETERS, MISSOURI

Copyright © 2021 by Diane M How

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

Published by Silver Lining Publishing, L.L.C.

70 Oakridge West Drive

St. Peters, Missouri 63376 (United States of America)

Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any re­semblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental. Although some real-life iconic places are depicted in settings, all situations and people related to those places are fictional.

Book Layout © 2017 BookDesignTemplates.com

Book Editing and Formatting by Jeanne Felfe

Cover Design by Jennifer Quinlan of Historical Editorial

Cover Photos: iStock and Adobestock

Publisher's Cataloging-in-Publication Data

provided by Five Rainbows Cataloging Services

Names: How, Diane M, 1951- author.

Title: The Dahlonega sisters : golden adventures / Diane M. How.

Description: St. Peters, MO : Silver Lining Publishing, 2021. | Series: Dahlonega Sisters, bk. 3.

Identifiers: ISBN 978-1-73403-835-4 (paperback) | ISBN 978-1-73403-834-7 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Sisters—Fiction. | Older women—Fiction. | Women—Fiction. | Small cities—Fiction. | Georgia—Fiction. | Humorous stories. | BISAC: FICTION / Family Life / Siblings. | FICTION / Women. | FICTION / Humorous / General. | FICTION / Southern. | GSAFD: Humorous fiction. | Love stories.

Classification: LCC PS3608.O8965 D34 2021 (print) | LCC PS3608.O8965 (ebook) | DDC 813/.6—dc23.

Dedicated to the man who’s made me laugh for fifty years. Your love, support, and wittiness makes every day of our journey entertaining. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support. Love you forever and a day.

Dahlonega, Georgia

It really isn’t hard to say once you’ve tried it a few times. You don’t need to roll your eyes or thump your forehead, but it might help to get started.

Duh lon eh ga

Duh lon eh ga

One more time. Duh lon eh ga

You’ve got it!

This quaint, historical town is in Northeast Georgia and is the first official gold rush location in the United States.

Visitors from across the nation are attracted to Dahlonega because of the friendliness of the folks living there and the exciting events they sponsor, like the annual Gold Rush Festival held each October.

The town of Dahlonega is real, as are many of the locations mentioned in Golden Adventures. However, everything else is fictional. The McGilvray sisters, Marge, Mutzi, and Rose Ellen, are pretend characters. All the events/scenes in Golden Adventures only took place in my imagination.

I hope you fall in love with The Dahlonega Sisters and their lovely town. If you’re looking for a new adventure where you can pan for gold, kayak down the Yahoola Creek, and nibble on scrumptious chocolate while sipping delicious wine, add Dahlonega, Georgia to your schedule. You won’t be sorry.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Delightful venues in and around Dahlonega

Acknowledgements

A Note to Readers

Chapter One

THE SURREAL DREAM CEMENTED in Rose Ellen McGilvray-Preston’s soul. The oldest of the Dahlonega sisters had waited a lifetime to get married again. She refused to settle for less than spectacular, no matter the cost.

I’ve decided on a venue for our wedding. Rose Ellen ran her slender fingers through her thinning brown hair, and then folded them together, resting them on the marble kitchen island. Villa Parisi. She waited for the venue to register with her sister.

Marge Ledbetter tilted her head and looked up, as if trying to remember the location. Her perfectly-shaped brows pulled tight, emphasizing tiny creases in her forehead. I don’t recognize the name. Is it new to the area?

Restraining the urge to blurt out her response, Rose Ellen lifted her tea cup and pretended to take a sip from the empty vessel. Not to Tuscany it isn’t. She paused, knowing the revelation would provoke at the very least a two-brow lift.

Marge did not disappoint. Her pupils expanded to the size of the chocolate covered peanuts Rose Ellen had bought from the fudge shop in the town square.

Tuscany? Her mouth dropped open. You plan to be married in Italy?

I do! Rose Ellen squealed. The notion of such an impressive event made her giddy. Isn’t it the perfect place? She closed her eyes for a moment, replaying the vision in her mind. Standing on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, her flowy white dress danced in the gentle breeze. I dreamed about it again last night and decided to make it come true. I can’t wait to tell Roberto.

She handed her empty cup to Marge, knowing her younger sister would fill it without asking. "Can’t you imagine the article in The Dahlonega Nugget? Rose Ellen glanced toward the ceiling and swooped her hand high in the air. I can see our photos spread across the newspaper’s front page. It’ll be the most talked about wedding in town, maybe all of Georgia."

Marge drew in a sharp breath, then stood, lifted both cups, and turned toward the stove. Her voice softened to a near whisper. It sounds...lovely.

The slight pause didn’t escape Rose Ellen’s attention. But?

A brief silence followed, and then Marge turned and met Rose Ellen’s eyes. I thought you’d want your family at your wedding.

The comment tickled Rose Ellen. Oh, for heaven’s sake, of course I do. She couldn’t help but giggle. I’ve worked it all out. There’s a magnificent hotel on site. It’s rather pricey, but Roberto and I will pay for everyone’s airfare and accommodations.

Instead of the joyous response Rose Ellen anticipated, Marge’s jaw clenched tight as she massaged the muscles in her neck. Rose Ellen knew her sister well enough to recognize the silent angst.

Now, what’s the problem?

Marge gnawed on her bottom lip for a second, and then her cheeks rose in a forced smile.

It does sound amazing...and romantic. I’m sure it will be wonderful.

The phony smile irritated Rose Ellen. She slapped her hand on the marbled island. Just say it. I know your disapproval when I see it.

Marge avoided the question, lifting the tea kettle instead. A pleasant citrus aroma drifted through the room as she poured the liquid. You deserve to have the wedding of your dreams. Let’s focus on that right now. I’m sure everything will work out...somehow.

Rose Ellen refused to acknowledge the air seeping from the tiny pinhole poked into her masterful plan. She had considered the chance both sisters might initially resist, but surely she could change their minds with her generous offer.

I can’t imagine anyone refusing an all-expense-paid luxurious vacation to Italy.

It is a lavish opportunity, for sure. Marge carried the refilled cups to the island. Have you decided on a date?

Rose Ellen tucked Marge’s unspoken concerns aside. I checked with Villa Parisi this morning and guess what? She wiggled on the stool, excited about her good fortune. They’ve had a cancellation for the third weekend of October—this year!

Marge plopped the cups down, spilling hot tea across the countertop.

Rose Ellen jumped to her feet before the hot liquid splashed on her new ecru cashmere sweater. She glared at Marge. You did that on purpose!

Her sister’s face flushed bright pink as she scrambled to find a towel. I did not.

The startling mishap spoke otherwise to Rose Ellen. Out with it.

Unfamiliar daggers shot from Marge’s eyes. Why would you plan a wedding the same weekend as the Dahlonega Gold Rush Festival?

That’s it? Your beloved festival? Blood pulsed through Rose Ellen’s temples. Can’t you miss it one year? What’s the big deal?

Marge stopped wiping the counter top and twisted the towel in her hand. I told you I’m chairing the craft committee for the woman’s club. I can’t back out now. It’s just a few months away and there’s tons of things to do. Marge unfolded the rag in her hand and dabbed at another drip on the floor. It may not be important to you, but it is to me...and Mutzi.

Rose Ellen folded her arms tight against her chest as Marge pushed the stools to the side. She pointed toward the floor. You missed a spot.

Marge glared at her again and swiped the towel over the drip of tea.

The silence that followed rubbed on Rose Ellen. She refused to let the discussion drop. So, your precious event comes before family? That’s rather self-centered.

Marge’s face burned a brighter shade of red. "I’m self-centered? Her voice rose a few octaves. It’s called commitment—and I always keep my word."

Rose Ellen stomped her foot and turned to leave. If her sister decided to stay home, so be it. Then I guess you’ll miss the wedding.

Marge threw the damp cloth across the room, hitting Rose Ellen in the back. It’s always about you, Rose Ellen. You’re the one who’s selfish. The moment the words were spoken, Marge clamped a hand over her mouth.

The insinuation stung Rose Ellen like a slap to her face. Excuse me for trying to give my sisters a free vacation.

Defiant strands of brown hair splayed from Marge’s never-messy tresses. She planted her hands on her hips. You know Mutzi won’t fly, and I’ve told you I have no desire to travel outside the United States. Marge scowled at Rose Ellen. The thing is, I would have done it for you. She shook her head. Why would you pick the one weekend you knew I had plans?

The words left a mark, and the fact Marge had thrown something at her rattled Rose Ellen even more. She couldn’t remember her prim and proper sister ever getting so angry. Still, stubbornness won over concern, and Rose Ellen lashed out again. "My wedding should be all about me."

Everything is always about you.

Flabbergasted and unsettled with the scene, Rose Ellen stormed out of the kitchen to her room, slamming the door behind her for good measure. How dare she call me selfish? Rose Ellen plopped on the end of her bed.

The annual festival had always been important to her family...and to Rose Ellen. After moving to New York and graduating college—more years ago than she cared to recall—Rose Ellen tried to make the trip back each year to join in the celebration. Even while she raised her daughter alone, after leaving an abusive husband, she had made an effort to return for the event. April loved spending time with her two aunts, and the small town had enticed her daughter enough to move in with them while