Something Old,
Something New,
Something Borrowed,
Something Blue,
And a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe
Four women in Aspen Grove, Colorado will discover the extra blessing this old tradition brings when a silver sixpence appears to change each of their lives. Find out how each of them finds this special good luck promise of love.
“Something Old” by Lorna Collins When Lexie Thomas returns to Aspen Grove, Colorado to visit her grandmother, she never expects to find an old wedding gown, and she could never imagine the journey she’ll begin. But will it lead to love?
“Something New” by Sherry Derr-Wille Dana Mathews thinks she’s too old for love. That is until Sean Peters becomes her neighbor. Can this old gal learn a few new tricks?
“Something Borrowed” by Cheryl Gardarian Carrie Roberts borrows her friend’s heirloom diamond earrings for a special performance, but when one disappears, she finds herself accused of theft. In the process of clearing her name, can she also find love?
“Something Blue” by Luanna Rugh When Shannon Delaney inherits her mother’s house, she decides to repaint, and she definitely wants something blue for her bedroom. Will her painter turn out to be something more than just another tradesman?
Excerpt
“Home,” I whispered as I stopped my car in front of the white clapboard two-story house in Aspen Grove, Colorado. Although I didn’t grow up there, it’s the one place I think of when I hear the word.
Dad was in the Air Force, so we lived all over the world, but my brother, Nick, and I spent nearly every summer of our childhood with our grandparents here. It was one of the few constants in our otherwise crazy existence.
Gran opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. Although she was in her seventies, her energetic movement belied her age. When she was younger, her hair was the same strawberry blonde as mine, but it had turned almost completely white over the years. She hurried down the front steps with her usual smile.
I met her on the sidewalk.
“Lexie, I’m so glad you made it. I prayed for you.” She hugged me. The comfort of her embrace and the familiar words took me back. “I have a project for you.”
Gran always had a project for us. Each summer, after she told us she’d prayed for our safe arrival, she announced her plans for our stay.
When Gramps was still alive, Nick sometimes helped him in the workshop while I assisted Gran with her current activity. I could have done the woodworking with Gramps, too, but I preferred to spend time with my grandmother.
We often helped harvest the summer fruit and vegetables for canning. We were also roped into cleaning the garage or stacking and bundling newspapers for recycling.
Of course, there was always lots of time to play. Our favorite place was the attic. The space seemed custom made for small children. Our imaginations created pirate ships and caves and other magic locations from the old furniture and possessions of the four previous generations who’d lived there.
Looking back, I realize how patient Nick was with me. I was four years younger, yet he never objected to my tagging along with him or directing our play. I confess I was the bossy one. But Nicky never complained.
I opened the trunk of the car and hoisted out my suitcase. Then I threw the strap of my laptop case over my shoulder.
“Let me help.” Gran grabbed the handle on the big bag. Even though it had wheels, I knew it was still heavy, and we had steps to climb.
“Here, take this instead.” I took possession of the rolling bag and handed her my purse. “I can manage the rest. These two weigh a ton.”
She took it, but her blue eyes glinted her annoyance. “Do you mean to tell me you don’t think I can handle a couple of suitcases, young lady?”
I laughed but started walking toward the house. “Nope. But I am a little younger and taller, too.”
“Only by three inches. Five foot five isn’t too short, you know.”
“It means I can probably beat you if we came to blows.”
Then we both laughed.
Gran held the door open so I could get my luggage inside. I left it in the front hall.
Professional Reviews
Sweet Memories
A delightful collection of short stories based on the folk tale of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, etc. We used to sing this as children and we just knew that when we got married we would work the jingle into our wedding, although I don't think I ever found a "silver sixpence" to put in my shoe. This was fun to read and would make a nice gift for an engagement party. Or even as a Christmas gift.
Sweet, inspirational romance
This was a delightful group of four novellas, all tied together by a silver sixpence. Sweet inspirational romance at its best. While each story is different, all are set in the town of Aspen Grove, Colorado, a fictional small town which this group of authors has used as a setting before. If you like short fiction with sweet romances, this is for you.
