Marianne Arkins - No Matter the Decade, Always Happily Ever After

Marianne Arkins

No matter the decade, always Happily Ever After

Miles From You from The Wild Rose Press

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It's 1948, and thirty-four year-old diner owner Millie Townsend is well on the shelf. Millie's fallen hard for regular customer, Paul Whittier, a veteran of World War II and a civil engineer. When she discovers he's accepted a new job out of state and it's their last evening together, how can this ultra-shy spinster find the nerve to show she's interested in more than just friendship?

EXCERPT

He sat at his usual chair at the counter and slipped his hands around the hot mug of strong, black coffee she had waiting. His hands looked strong and capable, his nails neatly trimmed. He was a civil engineer and always kept a slide rule handy in his shirt pocket. She knew he looked forward to his weekends because he loved the outdoors. He often told her that coming here after his first day back at work helped him miss the weekends a little less and gave him something to look forward to.

She knew he referred to her cooking, and maybe a bit to her company. But she sure wished he felt more than friendship for her.

She slipped a fork and napkin next to his cup, knowing he'd open the napkin immediately and lay it in his lap. Millie took comfort in their routine and though she dreamed of seeing him outside the diner, she wasn't willing to take the chance of losing what little they shared. Instead, she risked nothing. And gained nothing. She settled for weekly coffee, pie and a bit of conversation.

"Are you voting tomorrow?" She asked, watching as he put a huge bite into his mouth and chewed.

Paul swallowed and nodded. "Of course. Truman deserves another term, by my way of thinking. A lot of folks think Dewey's going to give him some trouble, so I figure every vote counts." He put another bite in his mouth and his eyelids dropped shut in ecstasy. "Nobody can make a pie like you do, Millie. I'm going to miss it."

"Miss it? Why should you have to miss it?" She cocked her head to one side, confused. "I'm not leaving."

"That's true." His brown-eyed gaze lifted to hers, somber and steady. "But I am."

Reviews (click the link for the complete review)

Miles From You is a touching, heartwarming story of love and hope. I loved it! I felt as if I was living in the age along with the characters, as if I could feel the tears Millie cried and hear Paul’s voice as he said good-bye. Ms. Arkins has given dimension to her characters, even in such a short story. I would have honestly loved it if this was longer, because I liked Millie and Paul so much that I wanted to know more about them. I am hoping for a sequel to this story, just to learn what happens next! Aside from making me care about the characters, Ms. Arkins has also given the reader a compact, yet engaging, story, complete with tons of details that made the images come alive. Miles From You is one of those great little stories that can be savored time and again. 5 Angels & Recommended Read! - Marlene, Fallen Angel Reviews

Marianne Arkins writes one of those books that should come with a box of Kleenex attached, or at least one of those pocket packs... Ms. Arkins has done a great job with this book of memories of a different time in our history. Even though I'm sure there are still people like Paul and Millie around, we don't hear about them much. I'm glad the author reminds us. This is a sweet read. But remember what I said about needing tissues handy!! - 5 Hearts - Dee, the Romance Studio

Tender, loving, and romantic moments can be found in the story, Miles From You. I love stories that reflect love and show how two people will wait for that one love to come along. Marianne Arkins spins a story that stands on its own. She allows the reader to be pulled in from the first page and feel the emotions of the refreshing characters of Millie and Paul. I found the sweet story a happy, tear-jerking good read. -- 4 Cups - Cherokee, Coffee Time Romance

Page last updated on 02/13/2010