Tackling Summer (27 page)

When life breaks you, love can heal you…or run you over.

A broken heart and a preference for solitude leads Web Baker to driving a street sweeper on the night shift for Basil City. His mother wants grandchildren, and his sister is intent on fixing him up with every dimwitted beauty she can find. Add that to the late night antics Web encounters on his nightly shifts and he has more than enough excitement to keep him on his toes, but nothing could prepare him for the woman who stumbles into his sweeper’s headlights.

Kara Deleray has never learned how to be herself, leading to a lifetime of bad decisions. She hits rock bottom and ends up moving in with her best friend and her husband. With their help, she manages to land a job teaching English at Basil State University. Finally pulling her life together, a whiskey soaked night almost tears everything she’s worked for apart.
 

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Swept Up
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The writing of this book was quite personal. Many people have talked about the power of place in a story, and this one is the most powerful that I’ve created. I grew up on the OX Ranch in Idaho, and my experiences with the location and the people had a huge impact on who I am today. So first off, I want to tip my hat to all the cowboys, cowgirls, and friends from the ranch who have left their fingerprints on my life. I also want to thank my dad for taking the time to teach me so many things about the land and the ranching lifestyle. I know he doesn’t think I was listening, but I was, and even though I very much like living in town, there will always be a part of me that resides in those ruggedly beautiful mountains.

I want to thank Heidi Bigler Cole for being such a patient inspiration to little Kayla. Heidi was writing a book about the rich history surrounding the OX Ranch when I was in grade school. Her enthusiasm for the craft and can do attitude filled my impressionable heart with the gumption to never give up on my dream to write books.

To my writing group, beta readers, and topic specialists, you guys are amazing. Thank you for keeping me honest. You all make sure I’m not lazy, sloppy, or inaccurate. I appreciate all the time you take to read my books while they are still raw and answer all of my questions.

As always, I have to thank my husband and daughter for putting up with me while I write. There are days when the process is euphoric, and then there are the ones full of tears and hair pulling. Yet, the two of you continue to love and encourage me. I couldn’t do this without you.
 

A natural storyteller from childhood, Kayla Dawn Thomas, is living her dream as a full-time writer. When she isn’t concocting adventures for her next novel, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and daughter. The Thomas family lives in Eastern Washington State.

Keep up with Kayla’s latest releases and other exciting news by signing up for her monthly newsletter at
www.kayladawnthomas.com
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