Pushing Back the Storm: The Stones End Series, #2

By Ceil Warren

THE IRRISITIBLE LOVE STORY CONTINUES...

A bride, a groom and a former lover is never a good mix.

After forty years, Arthur's unexpected marriage proposal stuns Constance. But when she accepts his proposal, she doesn't count on his first love moving into their tiny Connecticut village. The famous opera diva, Ana Felicia, not only drives a wedge between the perfect couple, but the charming village of Stones End is unrecognizable in the wake of her plans. When the feisty villagers have enough, a high-stakes battle against the powerful Ana Felicia ensues. They devise an iron-clad plan to send Ana Felicia packing, but can they get Constance and Arthur to the altar? From the author of Turning Toward the Sun.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ceil Warren
• Release date: Sep 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781734127966

Book preview

Praise for

Pushing Back the Storm and Turning Toward the Sun

Pushing Back the Storm

In her second novel of the Stones End series, Ceil Warren reacquaints us with the quirky, but loveable characters of the village. The arrival of a famous opera diva heralds a cloud of intrigue and foreboding that envelops not just Arthur, but the whole village. Unexpected revelations and events further add to the web of suspense that guides the reader through this most exciting adventure. With deep insight and humor into the intricacies of life and love, the author has created a book that is truly a joy to read!

—Jacqueline Kutner, President

Bronx County Historical Society, Riverdale, NY

"Having first read Ceil’s book, Turning Toward the Sun, I could not wait to revisit the wonderful cast of characters in her sequel, Pushing Back the Storm. Once again, I found myself immensely engaged in their personal stories and adventures. Stones End is the fictional town where they live and Ceil has a wonderful ability to describe the comings and goings that bring a smile to my heart and a chuckle to my spirit. It is an endearing story and I sincerely hope that book three is in our future. Cheers Ceil! Once again you created a wonderful page-turner that demonstrates small-town values with plenty of humor to accompany it."

—Judy Leger, Quebec, Canada

"Ceil Warren’s second novel, Pushing Back the Storm, returns readers to the village of Stones End for more intrigue. Ceil is a marvelous storyteller. Readers will savor the race to know if love and devotion triumph over one of life’s many storms."

—Ralph Peluso, Literary Editor,

The Zebra Press, Alexandria, Virginia

"In her second novel, Pushing Back the Storm, Ceil Warren weaves a complex tapestry of human emotions. A charming, albeit quirky, set of characters deal with an outsider who threatens to turn the small village of Stones End on its ear. Warren’s book is a delightful love story with a fair share of twists and turns that leave the reader wondering how the story will end. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to anyone who likes to curl up with a good book."

—Doug Sahlin, Sarasota, FL, author of

Myakka Murders & Sarasota Sour Grapes

"In book two of Ceil Warren’s Stones End Series, Pushing Back the Storm, Arthur’s first love, Ana Felicia, takes up residence in Stones End. The move stresses Arthur’s upcoming marriage and poses unforeseen problems for the villagers. Ceil carefully crafts a captivating story of powerful love and fierce friendships with surprising twists and turns that keep you guessing. As for Arthur, was it better to have loved and lost? You’ll have to know the ending!"

—Anne Scavotto, Westchester, NY

Turning Toward the Sun

Wuthering Heights meets The Andy Griffith Show. — In her debut turn, author Ceil Warren paints a cast of characters with a backstory like Heathcliff's and heart like Aunt Bee’s. Set on a single day in the New Englandish village of Stones End, the story centers on Arthur, the reliable but passionless bachelor who owns the town printshop and harbors a deep secret. As each kooky resident of the village is introduced, flashbacks illuminate the characters and the strong relationships that make this day inevitable. Warren has a flair for dialogue. The characters’ playful and compassionate back and forth swaddle the reader in a cloak of friendship. Until you see how it turns out for your friends, Arthur and the rest, you won’t be able to put the book down.

—L. Moneypenny, Westchester County, NY

I got so close to Arthur and his family of friends I could almost hear them breathe. I laughed, cried, and chuckled at the endless kindnesses, grace, and vulnerabilities of the characters who left a hole in my heart. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

—Dr. Wally D. Borgen, New London, NH

Feel-good book of the year! A rare pleasure when an author takes the reader into the soul of a character. I cherished this richly woven, witty, soul-searching journey as Arthur struggles to shake off his past and take a path toward an unknown future.

—M. Cardinale, Dutchess County, NY

"Loved it! I was completely captivated by this wonderful novel celebrating life and all its messy complexities. Profound, witty, engaging story that constantly moves forward with fast-paced, hysterical dialogue, heart-stopping, heart-aching and stand-up-and-cheer moments. Turning Toward the Sun is filled with relatable characters: quirky, lovable, flawed. The story unfolds as 62-year old Arthur receives an unexpected letter which causes him to wrestle past demons, fight to keep a 40-year-old secret hidden and attempt to find an answer to a decades-old question. Will he find the redemption and answers he seeks?"

—N. Dmytrijuk, Orlando, FL

Acknowledgments

To my family and friends—thank you for your constant support and enthusiasm. You certainly bring joy to this writing journey.

Thanks to Mark Mathes—my editor. Your skill and talent steered me through storyline roadblocks and writer’s block. And all done with a generous spirit that kept me focused and moving forward. You’re the best!

Thanks to Asya Blue for another amazing cover design and flawless formatting. I count my lucky stars that you were available for Book Two. You’re still One in A Million!

Pushing Back the Storm

Chapter 1 The Mysterious Question 1

Chapter 2 A Secret Visit to Stones End 12

Chapter 3 A Romantic Dinner 16

Chapter 4 Needing Advice 22

Chapter 5 Arthur’s Confusion 27

Chapter 6 Mrs. Kruchinski is on the Grid 29

Chapter 7 The Confrontation 39

Chapter 8 The Wedding Is Off 45

Chapter 9 The Job Offers 51

Chapter 10 The Permit 56

Chapter 11 Yay or Nay 62

Chapter 12 The Coup 69

Chapter 13 A Devious Plan 73

Chapter 14 So, This Is Prosperity 79

Chapter 15 A Stormy Week 82

Chapter 16 Conservatory Gala 85

Chapter 17 A Cursed Village 88

Chapter 18 Sleepless in Stones End 96

Horace’s Sleepless Night 98

Arthur’s Sleepless Night 99

Constance’s Sleepless Night 101

Chapter 19 The Master Plan 102

Chapter 20 A Thief Among Us 107

Chapter 21 The Storm Is Building 114

Ana Felicia Plays Her Hand 114

Constance is Leaving 116

Arthur Is Lost 118

Birdie Is Hiding Something 120

Chapter 22 The Investigation 123

Needing Backup 128

A Covert Mission 131

Chapter 23 No Stone Unturned 135

Chapter 24 Begging Forgiveness 140

Chapter 25 A Long Day of Conspiracies 148

Last-Ditch Effort 148

A Shocking Revelation 152

Finding Clues 153

Time to Think 155

Now or Never 158

The Coming Storm 162

The Last Hope 164

Checking on the Plan 166

An Unexpected Friend 168

The Love Letter 171

Catching a Thief 173

A Daughter’s Advice 178

Chapter 26 The Storm Hits 181

A Misplaced Letter 182

Rosie Is Discovered 184

The Conservatory Is Ruined 187

A Friend in Need 189

Running Out of Time 191

Ana Felicia Comes Clean 193

Extending an Olive Branch 195

Constance Skips Out 198

The Conservatory Is Sold 199

Chapter 27 Shocking News 200

A Harrowing Ride 207

Chapter 28 A Surprise Gift 216

Chapter 29 One Final Task 218

Book Club Discussion Guide 220

About the Author – Ceil Warren 221

CHAPTER 1

The Mysterious Question

The unexpected engagement party for Arthur and Constance raged into the wee hours. The next day, residents of Stones End moved as if cutting through a thick fog.

Still in a daze between sleep and wake, Mrs. Kruchinski dragged herself into The Café.

Oscar. Coffee. Please.

Here you go, Olga. You look like death three-days-old.

Late nights are killing.

Madge’s sky-blue eyes danced as she scooted in next to her. Glad you stopped in, Olga. I have big news.

Madge. Don’t go spreading gossip, Oscar yelled from behind the grill.

Shush, dear, this is too important to keep secret.

You have news? What is it? said Mrs. Kruchinski. She jolted upright, dumping coffee on her middle-aged lap.

Something happened at Arthur and Constance’s engagement party last night.

What? The intriguing news concerned her. Constance and Arthur danced around the edges of romance for three decades. Now, finally engaged, she didn’t want to hear of any obstacles.

Oscar overheard Arthur saying that Ana Felicia asked him a question.

Mrs. Kruchinski gulped her coffee, wishing it were espresso. Well, it wasn’t the marriage proposal we were expecting. So, what was it?

No one knows. Curious, though. Don’t you think?

The women folded their arms. Suspicious minds working. What could she possibly have asked? Would it affect the upcoming wedding? Did it have anything to do with the village?

Do we, at least, know his answer?

Madge’s lips curled in a smirk. Look at this. Me having news before you. Feels kind of powerful.

I’m the one who knew it first, Oscar called out. The pancake batter sizzled onto the grill.

You never share secrets, so it doesn’t count, Madge shot back. Oscar grinned at his red-headed wife’s fiery reply.

If you two are finished, may we go back to the issue at hand? The sugar-laden coffee making her energy soar.

What issue? asked Caroline, coming through the door.

That I have news before Olga, said Madge.

You mean that Ana Felicia asked Arthur a question. And he said, yes.

Madge’s head waggled like an angry duck. How on Earth do you know?

Martin told me.

This is throwing me off. Mrs. Kruchinski whacked her palm on the counter, rattling cups and customers. Everyone knew except me.

I felt a seismic shift. Oscar’s laugh lines deepened at the flummoxed look on Mrs. Kruchinski’s face.

She threw him a look to curdle eggs before turning to Caroline. And did Martin tell you the question?

No. You came to at that moment and sucked the air out of the room. Arthur never got to say.

Horace slid his leather mail sack off his broad shoulder. It hit the coffee-stained linoleum with a thud.

Well, this is a shock, Horace. What brings you out so early?

I couldn’t sleep with last night’s drama. So, I got dressed and headed out to my route. Anyone find out what Ana Felicia asked Arthur?

Who told you about the question? demanded Mrs. Kruchinski. Horace was used to her bossiness. He didn’t even flinch.

I met Ari on the way over.

And did Ari tell you what the question was? said Oscar. His suspicions kicked in, wondering what Ana Felicia needed from Arthur. Was it a favor? Or was she asking permission for something? Both questions puzzled him.

Nope. I’m surprised Arthur didn’t tell his brother, replied Horace.

Oh, for Pete’s sake, he’s staying with Arthur. I’d have wrung it out of him, said Caroline.

No chance. Arthur was asleep when he got home.

How can we find out? Mrs. Kruchinski drummed her fingers on the counter. I’m sure Arthur told Constance. I wonder if she’s up yet?

The Closed sign was still on the bookshop door when I came in, said Caroline.

Maybe she’s awake. If her curtains are open on the upstairs windows....

Negative. The curtains were closed, said Caroline, using her official deputy voice.

I might as well go open the bakery. Call the second you have news. And if I see Constance’s curtains move, I’ll sound the alarm.

The group went mute as Constance scuffed in.

Here’s our bride-to-be, Oscar cried out.

What’s going on? Have you seen a ghost? Constance’s words dripped out slowly. Suddenly, the center of attention, she pulled the belt on her pink chenille bathrobe tighter and raked her fingers through her silver hair.

Oscar saw Madge and Olga ready to pounce on poor Constance, whose eyes were still at half-mast. Need a cup, Constance?

Yes. Even though mine’s better by a mile, she snickered. Oscar grunted, recalling he lost The Great Coffee Feud to Constance’s secret brew.

So, Constance, dear, come sit. Mrs. Kruchinski patted the stool next to her nearly drooling at the prospect of finding out the scoop.

Oh, let her swallow some coffee before you grill her, said Oscar.

Shush, Oscar. No one will grill Constance. We just need to ask her a question, Madge said in a syrupy tone.

Well, it must be an important question, said Constance. Your bulging eyes look as though they will pop.

Madge recognized they were putting Constance on the spot. Was Oscar right? Maybe the moment calls for a little more privacy and a load more diplomacy. Maybe delicacy.

A moment of reflection passed when Caroline blurted out, Last night Arthur said Ana Felicia asked him a question. And he said yes. So, what was the question?

Oscar and Horace winced at her bluntness. Mrs. Kruchinski and Madge huddled closer.

I have no idea what you’re talking about. I asked him if Ana Felicia proposed marriage.

And did she? asked Mrs. Kruchinski. They held their breath as though plunging into a pool.

He said she didn’t and that’s all he shared. Anyway, if Ana Felicia asked Arthur a question, I’m sure he’ll tell—when he’s ready.

Clutching her coffee, Constance made a move to escape her nosy friends. Her abrupt exit caused Mrs. Kruchinski’s jaw to drop, but no sound streamed out.

Birdie called out from the rear table, And when will Arthur be ready? Constance yelled over her