Anna had faced just about every dangerous wild animal in Kenya.
And yet sheâd never been as horrified as she was now, facing Jack and hearing what he had to say to her. This was exactly what sheâd been afraid of, what she had known would happen if he found out about Pippa⦠.
He couldnât take Pippa away from her. No. Way.
âJack. Donât talk like that. You donât take a baby from its mother. You canât.â Her hands felt numb and she flexed her fingers.
âIâm not leaving her here. My name is on that birth certificate. I have rights.â
âThe right to what? Uproot her? Scare her? Take her from the only family sheâs ever known? You want to take her screaming and kicking, Jack? Is that what your father-daughter bonding experience is going to be about?â
Jack climbed back into the Jeep.
âLetâs go,â he said.
âIâm not going anywhere until you agree not to do anything crazy.â
Dear Reader,
Iâve always been fascinated by elephants. Such majestic and powerful creatures, yet under an elephantâs thick skin is a nurturing, soulful heart and mind that values family, community and love. Yes, love. Theyâre emotional creatures who mourn the loss of loved ones, protect and care for both their own young as well as orphans, and unfortunately, due to brutal poaching, know firsthand that some wounds never heal. And though they march on to the next watering hole, they remember. Behavioral researchers have observed them holding grudges and reacting to the mere scent of someone who has caused them pain in the past.
Memories and experiences shape us, often in good ways, but sometimes they prevent us from embracing life. Fear of abandonment, trust and self-worth are a few of the themes in my debut novel, The Promise of Rain. Although both my hero and heroine have marched on with their livesâon opposite sides of the world from each otherâneither one realizes just how much theyâve allowed their past wounds to erode their self-worth and ability to trust in unconditional love.
We all express love differently. Some show ⦠some tell ⦠and others silently ache for love. Sometimes all it takes is one drop to spring a heart to life, so give without expectations, because every living thing has a unique way of reciprocating love.
I hope you enjoy The Promise of Rain, the first in a three-book series for the Heartwarming line. I love hearing from readers, so send me a note at [email protected] or pop by my website at www.rulasinara.com or blog at www.awritersrush.blogspot.com.
Wishing you love and acceptance,
Rula Sinara
After a childhood enriched with exotic travels and adventures (both in books and real life), Rula Sinara is now settled in rural Virginia with her husband, three boys and crazy but endearing pets. When sheâs not writing, sheâs busy attracting wildlife to her yard, watching romantic movies (despite male protests), or researching trees on her garden wish list. According to her kids, sheâs obsessed with anything that grows, including the seed of a story idea and the love between unlikely characters.
Acknowledgments
Iâd like to thank every writer, reader and blogger who, knowingly or unknowingly, taught, encouraged and inspired me. Iâve made so many dear friends, writers and industry professionals alike, who selflessly helped propel my writing dream forward and have stuck by my side along the way. You know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for every opportunity youâve given me.
Thank you to Mills & Boon and everyone who is a part of their family for being there from the start. The invaluable educational and writing opportunities, community support and guidance for unpublished writers you provide made all the difference.
Also, a heartfelt thanks to animal charities and wildlife organizations who strive to stop both animal cruelty and the endangerment of species.
Dedication
To Stephanie, because sometimes friends know us better than we know ourselves. Iâll never forget the day we were having a heart-to-heart while washing dishes, and you turned to me and said that I should write a romance. Here it is, my friend.
To Kaily, whose fated friendship has meant the world to me. Thanks for sharing the writing journey with me, for all your advice and for being my rock along the way. Thank you for everything. There are no words â¦
To Jeannie, for taking me under her wing. I canât thank you enough for your friendship, advice and constant support. This story would have never come to life if it werenât for your caring nudge and belief in me. You opened the door for this book. I canât thank you enough.
To Victoria, my extraordinary, gifted editor, for seeing something worth nurturing in my writing, from the first manuscript I ever penned, to the story between these covers. Your guidance, advice and faith in me have made this book so much stronger. Youâve been there from the start and youâve made me a better writer. Iâm forever grateful.