THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance
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THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET
A Christian Romance
Juliette Duncan
BOOKS 1 - 4
Cover Design by http://www.StunningBookCovers.com
Copyright © 2016 Juliette Duncan
All rights reserved
The books in THE TRUE LOVE SERIES are works of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination or are used for fictional purposes. Any mentioned brand names, places, and trade marks remain the property of their respective owners, bear no association with the author, and are used for fictional purposes only.
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Contents
Foreword
TENDER LOVE
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
TESTED LOVE
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
TORMENTED LOVE
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
TRIUMPHANT LOVE
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
True Love at Christmas
PROMISES OF LOVE
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Other Books by Juliette Duncan
About the Author
Foreword
Note from the Author:
HELLO! Thank you for choosing to read this Boxset - I hope you enjoy it! As a thank you, I'd like to offer you a FREE GIFT. That's right - my FREE novella, “Hank and Sarah - A Love Story” is available exclusively to my newsletter subscribers. Click here to claim your copy now and to be notified of my future book releases. I hope you enjoy both books! Have a wonderful day!
Juliette
TENDER LOVE
BOOK ONE
Chapter 1
Brisbane, Australia
Early morning sunshine streamed through the white lace curtains of Tessa Scott's pocket-sized bedroom, but inside her heart, it rained. Nearly three months had passed since she had formally ended her relationship with Michael Urbane, and although she firmly believed it had been the right thing to do, pain still squeezed her heart whenever she thought of him.
Some days were easier than others, but the past two days had been especially hard. Yesterday had been Michael's birthday. How tempted she’d been to call him and at least wish him ‘happy birthday’. Last year she’d surprised him with a day trip snorkelling on Moreton Island. They’d had so much fun—they always did, and the very memory of that wonderfully happy, sun-filled day only made it worse. She shouldn’t let her mind go there, but she couldn’t help it, and images of their day snorkelling amongst the coral and the myriads of brightly coloured fish played over and over in her mind.
Burying her head in her pillow, Tessa sobbed silent tears. It hurt so badly. If only the accident at his work hadn’t happened. Or he hadn’t lied about the drugs. She inhaled deeply as a sob escaped, sending another wave of sadness through her body. Why couldn’t she let go? Maybe she should give him another chance? But it would never be the same. She knew that. Their adventure had died, and she needed to accept it.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. The gentle but firm voice of her housemate, Stephanie, sounded on the other side. “Tess, you need to get up.”
Tessa buried her head deeper in the pillows.
The door creaked open and Stephanie tip-toed in, placing a cup of spiced chai tea on Tessa’s nightstand. The aromatic mixture of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and other herbs filled the room, tickling her nose. Steph knew the trick to getting her up.
She gave in and raised her head. “What time is it?”
“Time to get up, that's what.” Dressed in a smart business suit, Stephanie placed her hands on her hips and studied Tessa with an air of disapproval. “Don't tell me you've been crying over Michael again?”
Tessa sat up and took a sip of tea before meeting her friend’s gaze. “Just thinking about him, that’s all.”
Stephanie shook her head and let out a frustrated sigh. “I know you’re grieving, but it's been months since you broke up. Come on. Get out of bed and get ready for work. Your boss called and said she’d place you on unpaid leave if you call in sick one more time. I was tempted to tell her you weren't even sick.”
“But I have been sick.” Tessa leaned back against her bedhead and bit her lip, forcing herself not to cry in front of Stephanie.
“I know.” Sitting on the edge of the bed, Stephanie took hold of Tessa’s free hand. “It’s hard to let go, especially having been together for so long. But breaking up was the only option. You know that.”
“But maybe I was too hard on him.” Tessa grabbed a tissue and wiped her eyes. “Thos
e drugs changed him, Steph. He wasn’t himself.”
“I know. But you did try to help him. For months. I watched you slowly being torn apart. The truth is, you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped.” Stephanie squeezed her hand. “You can't help someone who lies to you about their addiction, even if it is to prescription drugs. And he stole from you. You need honesty in your relationship, and Michael wasn't willing to give that to you. You did the right thing. You’re better off without him.”
“It's just hard not knowing where he is or how he's doing.” Tessa glanced at the photo of him still sitting on her dresser. “It's hard being single again. I feel …” She paused and searched for the right word, as the ache in her chest grew. “Lonely.”
“You poor thing.” Stephanie leaned forward and hugged her tightly. “I’m here for you, Tess. And so’s God, you know that. I understand you feel bad about this whole situation, but God’s with you, and He’ll help you through it. And you never know what, or who, He might have in store for you!” She gently brushed the stray hair from Tessa’s face and gave her another hug.
Tessa nodded reluctantly. Steph was right. She’d made the right decision and knew that God would be with her and would help her through it, but translating that knowledge to her heart was another matter altogether.
“Come on kiddo, breakfast’s ready. Let’s get you up, dressed, and off to work.”
Tessa slid out of bed as Stephanie retreated to the kitchen. As she swallowed down the rest of her tea, Michael's photo caught her attention once again. Grey eyes with a hint of blue in a tanned, chiselled face stared out at her, tugging at her heartstrings. She picked up the photo and flopped back onto her bed, gazing at the face that was so familiar. This torture had to end. She traced the outline of his face with her finger before hugging the photo to her chest. Closing her eyes, she squeezed back hot tears. This was it. The end.
“God, please help me get through this day.” Her body shuddered as she gulped down unbidden sobs. “I’m sorry it’s taken so long, but I’m ready to let go. Please help me.” Tears streamed down her face as she hugged the photo tightly one last time before she opened the bottom drawer of her dresser and stuffed the photo under the pile of chunky knit sweaters she rarely wore.
Time to move on, and with God’s help, she would.
Chapter 2
A short while later, Tessa paused and took a deep breath before poking her head into her boss's office. She should have been more communicative with Fran rather than just providing lame excuses for not being at work for the past two weeks. Too late now. Hopefully she’d be understanding.
Fran, a petite, hazel-eyed ginger, replaced the receiver and looked up in surprise at Tessa. “Good to see you back at last, Tessa. Come in. Are you better?”
“Yes, thank you.” Tessa smiled gratefully at her boss, who, without any more ado, picked up a chart from her desk and handed it to her. Straight back into it… Tessa laughed to herself at the brusque, business-like manner Fran put on whenever she wanted to show who was boss.
“A rabbit, a bull terrier, and a cat all need surgery this morning, so I’m glad you’re back. Not sure the new girl could handle three operations in a row.” Fran peered over the top of her funky green rimmed glasses. “What's that you're carrying?”
Tessa looked down at the skinny, shivering puppy tucked under her arm. How could she have forgotten about him? “Poor little thing. Nearly ran him over in the parking lot. Must have been dumped.” She lifted him up. “Only about three months old. How could anyone not want him?”
The puppy’s sad little eyes pleaded with hers. She pulled him close and hugged him.
Fran shook her head and sighed with exasperation. “We get too many of these. You know that.”
“I'll clean him up, and if no one claims him, I might just keep this one.” Tessa stroked the puppy’s little head and gave a small laugh as he licked her face.
“Well, that’s your decision. but now, off with you. There’s plenty to do.” Fran waved her out of the office, and despite her brusque manner, her face had softened into a friendly grin.
Tessa finished operating on the three animals just before lunch. Later in the day she returned the pets to their owners with several pieces of post-surgery advice. The relief on each of their faces warmed her heart and reminded her just how much she loved this work.
At the end of the day as she headed for the door, Fran called out. “Cathy and I are going for burgers. Would you like to join us?”
“No, but thanks for asking. I’m going to take this little puppy home and clean him up properly.”
Fran gave the pup a tickle behind his ears. “He is a cute one, I’ll give him that.” She looked over her glasses. “It’s good to have you back, Tess.”
“Thanks. It’s good to be back.” Tessa’s voice faltered slightly as she gave her boss a grateful smile.
As she headed for her sky-blue Hatchback in the parking lot across the street from the veterinary clinic, she had a new spring to her step. Yes, it was good to be back. Today had gone better than expected. Michael hadn't come to her mind once, and she'd even gained a new friend. Why hadn’t she come back sooner?
Humming along to the praise music coming from the car radio, she drummed her fingers on the steering wheel and glanced at the puppy in the passenger seat. Despite her intentions, she hadn’t had time to clean him at the clinic. His fur, matted and dirty, should clean to a reddish brown. He seemed more relaxed now as he tugged and chewed at the towel she’d placed on the seat, and she laughed at his antics.
“What are we going to call you? Let's see... Samson?” She studied him carefully as she sat at a red light. “No, you're not big enough for a name like that. Shadow? No. How about Sammy?” Why are all my names starting with an ‘s’? The lights changed and she accelerated quickly to keep up with the traffic. She glanced at him again. “Sparky? Yes, that’s it. Sparky suits you perfectly.”
She laughed as the puppy gave a short, sharp bark as if voicing his agreement.
Arriving at the small, recently renovated worker’s cottage she shared with Stephanie, she changed out of her work clothes and found an old basin. She filled it with warm, soapy water and proceeded to clean the pup. She was drying him when Stephanie returned.
“Where are you, Tess?” The thud of Stephanie’s briefcase landing on the kitchen table reached the bathroom.
“Bathroom. Come and look.”
Stephanie took the few steps from the kitchen and stopped in the doorway, her jaw dropping. “A dog! What’s a dog doing in our bathroom?”
“He’s only a puppy. I found him this morning in the parking lot and hoped you wouldn’t mind.” Tessa gave the pup another rub and lifted him up. “I named him Sparky. He’s so cute. Look at him.”
But Stephanie wasn’t amused.
“Don't worry about dinner, I ordered Chinese takeout.”
Stephanie shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Whatever.” She let out a resigned sigh. “Hope it won’t be long, I'm starving.” Collapsing on the couch, she kicked off her shoes. Sparky immediately made a dash for them, dragging one across the hardwood floor. She pulled it out of his mouth before turning her attention back to Tessa. “Did Fran chew you out?”
“No. Everyone was happy to see me, and I actually had a great day.” Tessa picked Sparky up and sat down beside Stephanie. “You were right. I should’ve gone back earlier.” She patted Sparky on the head as he tried to lick her hand. “How did your day go?”
“Had a pop quiz this morning at college. Piece of cake.” Stephanie sat up and pulled some brightly coloured files from her brief case and flicked through them. “But this afternoon at work…” She sighed heavily and slumped back on the couch.
“What’s up?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Guess I’m just starting to question whether I’m cut out for this type of work or not. I got assigned some new cases last week. One's a teenage girl whose mother's an alcoholic. She’s got a younger brother, and th
ey're both in and out of foster care. I’m supposed to check on them every day. Every day! I feel so sorry for them, but I don’t know what I can do to help them. They’re really messed up, and their current foster family has just about had enough.”