Today I'm thrilled to welcome back a dear friend and awesome author, Susan G. Mathis, as she shares her latest release, Rachel's Reunion. In fact, this is the first in a series of posts where we'll learn more about Susan, her books, her characters, and history.

Did you know that those yummy, creamy root beer floats we love were invented in Cripple Creek, CO? As I research history for my novels, I often come across fun little surprises I just have to add to my stories. Here’s an excerpt about it from my latest story, Rachel’s Reunion:

Mitch? He caught her eye and grinned, and before she could turn away, he jumped up from his seat, a root beer float in hand, and hurried to her side. “Aye, top of the morning to you, darlin’. Want a sip?” He thrust the drink toward her, but she waved it away. Which part of no didn’t he understand? “Come on. Try it.” He stirred the concoction with the paper straw and held it to her lips. “It’s dandy.”

Oh, why not?

Rachel smiled and took a sip, the cool mixture delightfully refreshing. “Yum. I’ve never tasted anything like this before.”

Mitch chuckled. “In some parts, it’s called a black cow or a brown cow, but I like my float best when it’s made with birch beer. Some fellow in Cripple Creek, Colorado, invented it a decade ago, and it’s been a favorite here and everywhere since. I’m surprised you never sampled one.”

Mitch’s dark lashes fluttered as he spoke. She recalled how they felt on her cheek after he’d kissed her. She remembered every inch of his face, every crinkle of his nose, and the faint lines etched around his eyes and mouth. Those memories had haunted her for the past two years. A wave of longing fluttered through her, but she pushed it away.

She shrugged and stared at him. The added weathering of his face bore testimony to his voyages, not all smooth sailing, she imagined.

He brushed her forearm with his fingertips, setting her heart aflame. “Have another taste.”

She swallowed a laugh and grinned. “Thank you. I think I will. You’re very kind.”

Mitch held the straw to her lips as she took another sip. “Are you flirting with me, miss? Because if you are, I’ll give you all of my root beer float or anything else your little heart desires.” 

Wait. She must remain impenetrable to his roguish charms, now and forever.

In a huff, she backed away. “Why do you always have to challenge me, Mitch? I must be off.”

There. That should remind him of his place. And that she wasn’t the wee lass he recalled. She’d grown beyond her years since he abandoned her.

And they’d both best not forget.

About Rachel’s Reunion

Summer 1904

Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.

Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?

About Susan:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has nine in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, and Rachel’s Reunion. She just finished writing book ten, Mary’s Moment. She is also a published author of two premarital books, two children's picture books, seven stories in compilation books, and hundreds of published articles. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com.

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