Great Reads Monday - Defending Glory by Anne K. Albert

Anne K. Albert writes romantic suspense stories that chill the spine, warm the heart and soothe the soul - all with a delightful touch of humor. She is the author of two series: The Piedmont Island Trilogy, and the Muriel Reeves Mysteries series. Frank, Incense and Muriel, the first book of the MRM series is available now in e-book format, and will be released in print mid-2011.  Today I'm pleased to share with you her book Defending Glory - this week's Great Read!

Suffering from survivor’s guilt and unable to resume his career with the FBI, Mac McKeown moves to northern Minnesota to start over as a general contractor and forget that fateful day that changed everything. When he discovers the body of his nemesis on Glory Palmer’s property, along with a warning for her to leave while she still can, Mac realizes his past has come back to haunt him and an innocent woman’s life is in grave danger. He vows to keep her safe... but how will he protect his heart?

Excerpt

“Glory?” Mrs. Cole, the B&B owner, exited the back door.

“I’m here. In the gazebo.”

The older woman sauntered across the lawn, juggling two ceramic mugs.

“Chamomile tea,” she said as she offered one to Glory. “Steeped for five minutes. I thought you could use a cup. Something to settle your nerves.”

“Thank you.” Glory inhaled the delicate aroma before taking a sip. “I take it you heard about the murder at Hanover Point?”

Mrs. Cole sat in the chair opposite the chaise. “I did. It’s shocking. I’m glad the pastor was with you. And that you’re safe and sound.”

“Me too.”

“I hope you were spared from seeing the body.”

“I wasn’t. It was awful.” She relayed a few details, sparing the older woman most of the gruesome facts. Still, Mrs. Cole’s eyes bugged out of her head.

“Please tell me this horrid event hasn’t changed your mind about moving here. Or building the retreat.”

The threatening words printed on the back of Manny Singh’s neck zipped across the front of Glory’s brain. Goosebumps formed on her arms and she had the strangest feeling she was being watched. Her fingers tightened around the mug. She concentrated on its warmth and willed away her fears.

“No,” she said at last. “I’m here to stay.”

A snapping sound, like someone stepping on a twig behind the cedar hedge, made her jump. She turned her head, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Another twig snapped just beyond the B&B’s backyard.

“Are you all right, dear?” Mrs. Cole asked.

Glory did her best to shake off the eerie feeling. Surely, if someone was spying on them, Mrs. Cole would sense it too. She smiled at her hostess, and stood up. “I’m fine. But it’s getting chilly. Do you mind if we go inside?”

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