Shelved Under Romance

By Kristin Billerbeck

The century-old Gentlewoman’s Guide to Love and Courtship is no ordinary book club choice. But for the little book club in Smitten, Vermont, it might be their best pick yet!

The thick, leathery tome Heather pulled out of the dusty cardboard box was definitely coming home with her. Not only was The Gentlewoman’s Guide to Love and Courtship an appealing curiosity by virtue of its title; it was also written by Smitten, Vermont native Pearl Chambers, a local gentlewoman from three generations back.

Little did Heather know the repercussions this little curiosity would have on her and her friends’ romantic exploits.

When Heather and her fellow book club members begin passing the book around, their respective interpretations are unleashed on their respective love lives . . . for better or for worse. Is it a mystery? An idealist fantasy? An intimation of Jane Austen? As romantic love finds its way to each woman, the Guide proves itself both surprisingly prescient and hilariously irrelevant.

What’s more, a handwritten inscription indicates that the arcane book might hold the only extant clues leading to buried gold—exactly what one of the members needs to keep her house. How could they not go treasure hunting?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Jan 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781401691424

Kristin Billerbeck

Kristin Billerbeck is the author of numerous Christian novels, hitting the CBA bestseller list and winning the coveted ACFW Book of the Year in 2004 for What a Girl Wants and again in 2006 for With this Ring, I’m Confused. She has been featured in the New York Times, USA Today, World Magazine, the Atlanta Journal Constitition and been seen on the "Today Show" for her pioneering role in Christian Chick Lit. She has a bachelor’s degree in advertising from San Jose State University.

Book preview

Always maintain an element of hope in your demeanor. A gentleman always appreciates optimism in a young lady.

PEARL CHAMBERS, The Gentlewoman’s Guide to Love and Courtship

CHAPTER ONE

Abby Gray rushed to get the last of the books shelved in the Smitten Library. Tonight her book group met at Lookaway Village Books, and the evening offered one of the rare occasions she got to be out of the house. She looked forward to discussing the books and to seeing her friends, so when several last-minute patrons entered the library, she frowned.

We’re closing! she said as cheerily as possible as she stood and peered over the long wooden counter. She never wanted to discourage reading. The other patrons turned and left, but Wyatt Tanner emerged from the group, holding up a stack of books in one hand and grinning. She noted how easily he raised the pile of hardbacks and thought he didn’t exactly seem like the reading sort. More like a guy who spent endless hours at the gym. But with the amount of time he spent in the library, there had to be more to him. If he didn’t render her speechless every time he sauntered into her domain, she might be able to find out what it was.

Wyatt did a lot of computer work for the library through his consulting business, but he was rugged. Tanned skin and lines etched around his mouth from extensive time outside. Looked as though he could hold his own in a street fight. If ever such a thing happened in Smitten, he’d be the one you’d want on your side. The way he looked at her was . . . smoldering and intense.

Wyatt had been volunteering at the library for the past year, converting their card catalog to digital. But Abby loved that the Smitten Library still had its historic card catalog, and that her library science degree still meant something. The Dewey Decimal system simply wasn’t as romantic when plugged into a computer. Any monkey could scan a code, but she adored the backup system; the dusty, aged smell of the cards and wood combination when someone opened a drawer was an homage to the old ways.

So . . . should I come back tomorrow, then? Wyatt asked with a disarming smile. He had a small freckle on his bottom lip. When he grinned, it captured her full attention.

She smiled. For you, I’ll make an exception.

She took the books from him, and his fingertips brushed hers. She bristled at his touch. Wyatt may have been an avid reader, but from what her friend Molly told her, he also loved extreme sports and challenged his body in ways she thought foolish. That, combined with his desire to streamline her library, made her feel tongue-tied in his presence. He simply had a dangerous air about him that made her want to cower into the safety of her small life.

How about if I buy you a cup of coffee to make up for keeping you late?

She slid each of his books through the scanner. Not necessary. You’re all checked in. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get the lights out and be on my way.

He stood up straight, his eyes wide at her easy rejection.

Is there anything else? she asked him.

Do you want some help with the lights?

She stammered. Th-that’s nice, but I have a system so that I know I’ve gotten everything turned off.

Oh. Gotcha. He made no motion to leave; instead, he followed her as she went to hit the lights in the back. You know, I read your library picks every month. I thought we might have a great discussion on them. You know, give me your professional viewpoint.

She couldn’t help but smile. I’d hardly call my opinion ‘professional.’ I’m just a book lover like you.

Did you notice what I read this month? He looked down at the books he’d just handed her.

"You read Persuasion?"

I did. ‘I am half agony, half hope,’ he said, quoting one of her favorite lines.

She had to admit, he was good. Very smooth.

A red-hot heat rose in her cheeks. I must give you credit. It’s not many men who will read Jane Austen. Unless they have to for school. She still wouldn’t look at him directly for fear that he could read her easily—like any book.

Jane’s not so bad. I can appreciate her humor. Her cynicism. He walked alongside her, shortening his long stride to stay beside her as she flicked off more lights. I took you for a Mr. Darcy girl, because I know how you like things the way they are. But now . . . He rubbed his chin. Your reaction makes me wonder if you don’t harbor a latent aspiration for risk. Maybe you’re a Captain Wentworth fan.

I’ll make it easy for you. I like Captain Wentworth’s sense of adventure, she told him, practically bursting to discuss her favorite hero. It’s the antithesis of my life. As soon as she said the words, she regretted them. Why prove what he already knew? That she was the quietest mouse in town. She lived like an eighty-year-old woman. He didn’t need to know it. But worse, why did she care if he knew?

He moved closer to her. I can’t believe you’re bringing this up. I’ve been trying to . . . What kind of adventure would you like to have, Abby? It’s my specialty, you know. Why don’t you come out on one of my outdoor adventures? You’d have a blast. And I’d take good care of you. I’d bring you back in one piece.

She shook her head. I’ll live my adventures through characters, thank you. In fact, I’m late for my book club as we speak. She buttoned the top button on her cardigan. Your weekend treks that I’ve seen advertised . . . She stared across the library at the community board. They seem like the stuff of Hollywood action movies.

Only because you haven’t tried them. You haven’t lived until you’ve soared off the side of a mountain on a hang glider or climbed a sheer granite cliff with—

Actually, I’ve lived very well doing none of those death-defying stunts. She put a hand to her hip. Do you know what you need, Wyatt?

He rested his chin in his hands on the counter. What is it I need, Abby?

To learn to enjoy life without the adrenaline rush of nearly losing it.

What makes you think I don’t?

She didn’t have an answer for that.

What makes you think that I can’t enjoy myself sitting in Mountain Perks and drinking coffee across from a beautiful librarian?

She lifted a brow and crossed her arms. "What do you want,