{"product_id":"2940148798033","title":"Summer's Growth","description":"In the spirit-haunted Winston estate in Ohio, rooted in time and occupied by the lingering ghosts of a great family, the torch is about to pass...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMattie Winston, sober, sensible, and steady, has served as Keeper to the family for decades. Amber Harrison, hovering on the edge of flunking out of college, unsure what she wants out of life, has barely even heard of the Winston estate. The family, however, has decided that it's time for the changing of the guard. These two exceptional women soon find themselves dealing with violence, murder attempts, and old family mysteries while each finding the love of her life. Two romances and a growing friendship, all twined around a brooding family tragedy, make for an outstanding paranormal mystery offering depth and charm beyond the commonplace. The growing love of Amber and Carter and of Mattie and Quincy offer readers a tender and engaging first novel in a winning new paranormal series.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExcerpt:\u003cbr\u003eAdrenaline pumped through Mattie Winston's veins. Her feet pounded the treadmill. The resounding thud of her sneakers rang through the room. Under her black spandex, her breasts tingled with sweat that trickled between them. She loved to run, but for the last few days her pace was off, her stride stuck in an awkward beat. \u003cbr\u003e\"We've found a new keeper.\" The family council's declaration rocked Mattie's world. \u003cbr\u003eShe balked at the changes the decision would create. No longer could she hide behind the walls of Winston Manor. Her solitude for the last twenty-eight years shattered by the threat of someone else ruling her domain. \u003cbr\u003eMattie caught a brief glimpse of Beth's iridescent figure. \u003cbr\u003e\"Jonathan wants to see you in the basement right now.\" Her words floated through the air moments before the spirit disappeared. \u003cbr\u003eMattie slapped her hand against the stop button and hurried to the door. She hated it when Jonathan altered her morning routine. At the main staircase she paused and forced her breathing into a steady rhythm.\u003cbr\u003eThe soft red carpet absorbed her footsteps as she descended the stairs. Her hand caressed the elegant oak curved railing. \u003cbr\u003eIn the entryway, the crystal chandelier reflected a rainbow of light off the white marble floor. Painful spears shot through Mattie's heart at the idea of losing her home. \u003cbr\u003eShe rounded the corner and rushed to the basement door. Her habit of adjusting the ugly landscape hanging on the wall stopped her for a second. The painting, her aunt's favorite, was estimated to be worth a fortune someday. \u003cbr\u003eHer aunt had enjoyed decorating her home. The thrill of picking out carpet and selecting colors had excited her for months. Even after twenty plus years, Mattie hadn't altered the main design of the house. \u003cbr\u003eWhat kind of changes would the new keeper make?\u003cbr\u003eThe narrow steps which led to the basement slowed her pace. Jonathan, the head of the family, hated to wait. His plans always overruled hers, regardless of what she might have scheduled. \u003cbr\u003eFrustrated, she grumbled. For heaven sakes, I'm still in my workout clothes. Why can't he plan ahead for these meetings, or at least give me some warning?\u003cbr\u003eNot dressed in her usual professional attire, she felt out of sync with her role as the Winston's family keeper. The façade provided her with the appearance of having some control. Her job, after all, included handling the business concerns for the family. \u003cbr\u003eInhaling several deep breaths, Mattie prepared herself for the meeting. Jonathan liked to assign chores. Without a doubt, he'd dictate a long list for the next few weeks.\u003cbr\u003eNothing new, I can handle this.\u003cbr\u003eAn extra part of her job stemmed from the various requests from the other council members. No matter what, they were never satisfied.\u003cbr\u003eWhy did she continually try to please them? \u003cbr\u003eStifling humidity greeted her when she opened the door to the main section of the basement. She eyed the man seated behind a long oak table. The air conditioner hummed. The soothing whine didn't calm her fears or cool the subterranean room. \u003cbr\u003eDressed in an eighteenth century colonial suit and stuck at the perpetual age of thirty, Jonathan resembled George Washington ready to command his troops. His eagle-eye glare nailed her. \u003cbr\u003eA drop of sweat trickled down her back. Apprehension raised goose bumps. She shivered.\u003cbr\u003e\"I press earnestly for you to take a seat, Mattie, so we can start.\" In a regal colonial voice, Jonathan's words thundered off the walls.\u003cbr\u003eMattie walked to the end of the table and sat across from him. Dread threatened like a storm on the horizon. She surveyed both sides of the table. None of the other council members were in attendance. \u003cbr\u003eMattie wiped her sweaty palms along the length of her thighs. What did he want?","brand":"Author Tina Gayle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47084363677936,"sku":"2940148798033","price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940148798033_p0.jpg?v=1763708448","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940148798033","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}