Saturday's Excerpt from By Hearts and Compass by Danielle Thorne

When Lacey Whitman buys a restored Victorian home, she never dreams discovering an antique diary will lead her back to sea and into the arms of the dive bum she’d rather forget. Her habit of living in the past comes to a screeching halt as diver Max Bertrand and the diary of his ancestor take Lacey on the quest of a lifetime: To discover and raise the privateer ship, Specter, and bring the treasure and legacy of a true hero home again. But will finding it cost her heart?




EXCERPT:

Sitting outside, one of the divers looked busy replacing the o-ring on a scuba tank.



"I'm looking for Max?"



The long haired employee didn't bother to stand, much less look up.



"So?"



"I'm Lacey Whitman, and I'm looking for the Max that owns the museum."



"You call that worthless shack a museum?"



Dumbfounded, Lacey couldn't think of any reply.



"What do you want?"



"I'm looking for Max," she repeated, feeling a flash of impatience. "I have some papers for him."



"Warrant, restraining order, or paternity test?"



After a pause in which she realized he was serious, she replied in frustration, "I have some research for the Bertrand family and someone at the museum told me to come down here."



Lacey caught herself biting her lip.



Finally, the man of absolutely no assistance put down the tank and stood up. Short and compact, he had amazing turquoise eyes that glowed from a dark, tanned complexion. Loose strands of sun-kissed brown hair blew about his face in the breeze.



"Max doesn't need anymore paperwork. He doesn't want to see your research, and he is not giving dive lessons."



"I didn't ask for a dive lesson."



The diver sat back down again, crossing thick tattooed arms over himself. They stared one another down until he won. It was cheating to look her over as if she was a sweet little morsel, but it worked.



"I just want to talk to Max," she demanded.



He stared back with no expression. "You just did. Now get off my beach."



Lacey's cheeks were already flushed from getting the once over by this beach bum. His insult made her red all over.



"I'll be sure to let them know at the Bertrand Museum," she threatened, as if it mattered.



She turned on her heel and stalked off but he called after her, "Lady, I am the Bertrand Museum!"



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Author Bio:

Danielle Thorne writes from south of Atlanta, Georgia. She is the author of sweet romantic adventure books, both historical and contemporary. Danielle has published poetry and short fiction as well as novels. Her popular blog, The Balanced Writer, focuses on life and the pursuit of peace and happiness.

Ms. Thorne has four sons with her husband, Rob. Together they enjoy travel and the outdoors, Marching Band competition and BSA Scouting.



Back List:

The Privateer

By Heart and Compass

Josette

Turtle Soup

Death Cheater