Sanctuary of the Heart - A NA Christian Romance Short Story: Christian Romance Short Stories

By Abigail O. Nwaocha

Good girl Natalie always followed her family's strict religious rules in their beachside town. She planned a lifetime of humble devotion and purity. Until the day a rebellious biker named Damien roared into town on his motorcycle, unleashing unexpected desires and spiritual curiosities that shook Natalie's carefully structured world apart.

 

From their very first encounter, Damien awoke an uncontrollable longing within Natalie that push her to question everything she was raised to believe. As she falls deeper under his thrilling spell, she's forced to choose between her safe, traditional path or blazing an entirely new trail into the unknown with the rough-edged rebel who's ignited her body, heart, and soul like a raging wildfire.

 

Damien dares Natalie to rewrite her future with every searing kiss and vow of endless devotion. She becomes his guiding light, the radiant beacon illuminating his own chance at redemption from past sins. Together they will burn away the restraints of judgment and small-town oppression with the boundless power of two souls uniting as sacred, unstoppable partners.

 

Get swept away by their passionate, spiritually-charged journey as Natalie and Damien fight to claim the freedom that can only be found when you surrender everything for true love. Hold on tight for Sanctuary of the Heart - it will shatter your world into a million pieces before setting your own spirit gloriously ablaze.

• Language: English
• Publisher: His Merciful Grace
• Release date: Apr 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224374496

Book preview

Abigail O. Nwaocha

Sanctuary of the Heart

Copyright © 2024 by Abigail O. Nwaocha

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

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There is no one who always does what is right, no, not even one!

Romans 3:10 (TPT)

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

About the Author

Also by Abigail O. Nwaocha

Chapter 1

Afaint ocean breeze caused the sheer curtains to billow, streams of early summer sunlight drifting across Natalie’s face. Her eyes fluttered open, thick dark lashes fanning over rosy cheeks as she blinked slowly awake. Natalie’s lips curved into an involuntary smile as her senses were enveloped by the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of her quaint seaside hometown stirring to life.

Rolling over, she hugged her pillow tighter, relishing that first blissful inhale of the morning - briny ocean air mingling with the sweet fragrance of the rose trellis beneath her bedroom window. In the distance, she could make out the cry of seagulls taking flight over the harbor. Natalie felt that same bubbling sense of excitement she did every year when the summer months finally arrived.

With a contented sigh, she stretched her slender arms above her head, pointed toes peeking out from under the crisp white cotton sheets. At 21 years old, Natalie was embracing the final rise of youth before blossoming into womanhood. Her lithe frame was toned from years of beachside walks and biking town’s winding trails.

Tousled blonde waves spilled across her pillow, glowing like sun-kissed wheat in the morning rays. A sprinkling of faint freckles dusted the bridge of her naturally upturned nose and high cheekbones. When she blinked, long feathery lashes fanned over blue eyes that sparkled with the pure joy and optimism of someone discovering the world anew each day.

Throwing off the covers, Natalie swung her tanned, toned legs over the side of the bed, feet hitting the hardwood floor with a soft thud. She padded across the room, flowery pajama shorts swishing around her thighs.

Pulling open the lace curtains, she leaned into the window frame to greet the new day, chin resting in her palms. Mrs. Willingham from next door was already outside hanging laundry to dry. Natalie watched the elderly woman struggle slightly with the basket of sheets and gave a friendly wave when she looked up.

Good morning, Mrs. Willingham! Need a hand? Natalie called out. She was met with a warm smile and brushing off wave of the woman’s liver-spotted hand.

No need to trouble yourself, dear. Just taking advantage of the sunshine while it lasts, the gravelly voice replied. Natalie smiled politely before turning her attention back to the harbor view.

This small exchange was the epitome of how life should be, Natalie mused - simple, grounded in faith, and woven through the familiar rituals of a community chasing the modest dreams of health, home, and basic human decency. She couldn’t imagine ever wanting for anything more than what she’d been blessed with right here.

Being the devoted daughter of Reverend Noah Gray meant Natalie had been immersed in the church’s embrace since birth. Led by example to put others before herself and embrace a life of charitable service, she approached each new summer as a chance to rededicate herself more fervently to her family’s steadfast spiritual traditions.

Turning away from the window, Natalie gave a slight straightening to her bed covers before selecting a breezy yellow sundress from her closet, the color as sunny as her mood. With a happy hum under her breath, she laid out the dress and readied herself to begin another season helping wherever needed to keep her beloved church community thriving.

Giving her hair a final brush, Natalie made her way downstairs and out the back door. She breathed in deeply, savoring the salty ocean air mingling with the heady perfume of the blossoming summer flora.

The Gray family garden was aptly named Eden - an emerald sanctuary filled with blooming fruit trees, meandering stone paths, and an old oak swing dangling from thick, gnarled branches. But Natalie’s favorite area was the flower patch, a kaleidoscope of carefully tended daffodils, peonies, and her beloved roses in every vibrant shade.

Stooping down, she carefully selected a bunch of the freshest lilies, soft petals kissed by early morning dew droplets. The church’s modest interior would be utterly transformed by these natural works of art.

Cradling the flowers tenderly, Natalie made her way through the wrought-iron gate onto the street. At the corner, Mrs. Abernathy was pruning her hydrangeas, wide-brimmed sun hat shading her wizened face.

Good morning, Mrs. Abernathy! Natalie chirped. Lovely day for gardening.

The elderly woman straightened, squinting as a bright smile creased her features. Why, if it isn’t young Natalie Gray! Already up bright and early doing the Lord’s work, I see.

Natalie couldn’t help but beam with pride at the compliment from someone she so deeply admired. Mrs. Abernathy had been the pillar of their congregation for over sixty years, her faith never wavering.