Planting the Seeds of Love: A Novella by N. N. Light is a Spring Into Books Festival pick #99cents #99c #romance #sweetromance #friendstoloversromance #giveaway
- N. N. Light
- Apr 10
- 6 min read
Title: Planting the Seeds of Love: A Novella
Author: N. N. Light
Genre: Sweet Romance, Friends to Lovers Romance
Book Blurb:
The day her grandfather died, Sally’s life changed forever.
Twenty-Two-year-old Sally Rayton returns to the family farm she deserted four years ago to bury her grandfather. Her plan: to settle her grandfather’s estate and return to her life in the city with her boyfriend, Trevor Mattson.
Her childhood friend, Jack Smith, has other ideas.
Jack convinces Sally to transform the farm into a brewery and fulfill her grandfather’s dream while keeping the Rayton Farm in the family. Sally works side-by-side with Jack while Trevor is hundreds of miles away in the city. The more time she spends with Jack, the stronger her feelings are for him. Sally’s torn between her new feelings for her best friend, Jack and her boyfriend, Trevor.
When Trevor shows up to propose to Sally right before Christmas and finds her in Jack’s embrace, she’s unsure which man she loves. Will it be her best friend and farmer, Jack, or will it be rich, successful Trevor? City or Country… only Sally’s heart knows what’s right and true.
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/uPaHDQDL0RE
Excerpt:
It has been four years since she last said good-bye to the farm. Her grandfather was angry; she remembered their conversation as if it happened yesterday.
"You can't leave, I need you." Her grandfather crossed his arms across his broad chest. He towered over her petite five-foot-four frame but she stuck out her chin defensively.
"I want to do something, go somewhere. I’m tired of being in this small town." She raised her voice. "You don't know how much I hate this place, Grandpa. People judge me by the Rayton name, comparing me to all the other Rayton girls."
He shrugged. "What's wrong with that? You should be proud of being a Rayton." He stared off into the distance for a moment before shaking his head. He narrowed his eyes. "Are you ashamed of being a Rayton, girl?"
"Of course not! I just don't want to be compared to my sister." She exhaled. "It's not my fault she up and ran away from home when she was fifteen. I'm not her, Grandpa. You know I love you but I need to step out on my own, to make a name for myself."
He hugged her hard. "You're more like me than the rest of the family put together. I love you," he whispered gruffly. He held her at arm's length to look into her eyes. "You promise me you'll return."
She sniffed and nodded. She'd never seen such emotion from him before. Her life-long friend, Jack, had been right, Grandpa understood.
A twig snapped, bringing her back to the present. Must be an animal.
It was a warm spring day and the air was heavy with humidity. Sally fanned herself with her right hand. I’ve gotta get out of here. Without looking back, she bounded down the steps and walked down the lane. With every step, she filled her lungs with air. Her head started to clear.
The trees gave shade and a slight breeze tickled her pale skin. Her blonde ponytail swung back and forth. She was dressed in a hot pink tank top and white jean cut offs. She looked up at the mammoth trees, many planted over seventy-five years ago. Oak, maple and birch leaves winked in the sunlight. She stopped and touched the trunk of her tree.
Yes, it was her tree and she even carved her initials at the bottom. She bent down and traced the jagged S and R. A few inches below were the initials J and S. Jack. Jack, her best friend, lived next door. "Wonder how he's doing," she murmured.
A whistle pierced her thoughts. She froze. Who’s that? She whirled around and listened. Footsteps coming closer. Someone was in the lane. But who? It wasn't Trevor as he was coming by car.
“Sally,” a male voice called out.
She peeked her head around the elm tree and her mouth dropped open. Jack Smith. Gone was the rail-thin boy she knew all her life. He sure looked good, she thought. Strong muscular arms peeked out from his blue t-shirt and rock-solid thighs flexed through his khaki shorts as he closed the distance between them. His brown curly hair damp with sweat clung to his forehead and the nape of his neck, his green eyes twinkled with that same mischievous look he always had and his lips were full. Kiss him. Wait what? I can’t kiss Jack. He’s my best friend. He hugged her and flung her into the air. Sally laughed in his strong arms.
“What are you doing here, Jack?” She was breathless and excited at the same time. She hadn't laughed since she got the telephone call Grandpa had died. She wrapped her arms around his tan neck and really looked at him.
“When did you get back?” He asked. Jack set her down. He frowned. "I was sorry to hear about your grandpa. He was a good man." He took a half a step back.
That sobered her up fast. She nodded as tears clouded her vision. She wiped them away with an angry swipe. "Yesterday afternoon," was all she managed before the grief and guilt gripped her like a tidal wave. She started to shake and without asking, Jack pulled her into his embrace.
"Shhh, it's okay Sally." He held her tight. "We both know how much you loved him."
She beheld him, blurry-eyed.
"I wasn't here, though. I should've been, Jack." She bit her lip to quell the shaking.
"It's not your fault, Sally. I told him a thousand times not to go chasing after the coyotes. But you know your grandpa; he's more stubborn than you."
She smiled and dried her eyes.
"There's that Rayton smile I know and love." Jack winked.
She pushed playfully against his chest. Wow, solid muscle. When did he get so strong and muscular?
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Grab your e-copy for only 99 cents on Amazon!
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/plantingseeds
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01581XM50
Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01581XM50
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01581XM50
What’s your favorite thing about springtime?
We love the birds, trees and flowers blooming, and the warm lake breeze.
Why is your featured book a must-read this spring?
Many readers have raved about this romance. Here’s a sampling:
A delightful story of love! Enjoyed it very much! – Kim Janine Ligon
Do you like romance? This is a wonderful tale of loving two very nice and decent men who love her. Sally didn't know what to do. In the end her heart told her where home was and who belonged there with her. In a situation like this someone is going to be hurt. If you want to know more you'll need to read it. I highly recommend. – Mary Martinez
"I don't usually read romance novellas (or romance in general, call me hard-hearted if you want to), but this is a sweet coming of age novel which makes you wish too could come back home." - Author Ann M. Noser
"I found N. N. Light’s book refreshingly honest in its character development while still laying out those adult themes of desire, loss of control and jealousy." - L. Paul
"For a short story, this one is so well-developed and full of wonderful characters, it was a pleasure to read. " - K. Westrope
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs April 1 – 30, 2025
Drawing will be held on May 1, 2025.
Author Biography:
N. N. Light is the award-winning husband-wife writing team, commonly known as Mr. N and Nancy. Books are their addiction and lifeblood. Life is meant to be lived; cherish the exciting moments, and relish in those all too brief moments of relaxation. They are here to live their own lives, read as many books as humanly possible and live it passionately. N. N. Light's Book Heaven serves as a vessel to project their passions, and clue in their loyal readers as to what inspires them in this crazy world. So, sit back, relax, and read on.
Social Media Links:
Follow us everywhere: https://bio.link/nnlightsbookheaven
