Eddie and the Show Queen

Can Levenham’s biggest ladies’ man make good – and recapture the heart of the girl he’s always loved?

When horticulturalist Alice Lindner goads her ex-boyfriend Eddie Argyle into a fundraising contest, she doesn’t expect him to take it seriously. Winning small-town Levenham’s inaugural Wine Show crown will take dedication and hard work, and all Eddie cares about is chasing skirt. Besides, a win will be Alice’s tribute to her late mum. No way is Eddie getting his hands on the crown.

Big-hearted farmer Eddie never understood why love-of-his-life Alice dumped him. Yeah, it’d been a difficult time with her mum’s illness, but he’d loved her the best he could and losing her left him adrift. Now he has the opportunity to prove himself by winning not only the crown but maybe Alice’s heart in the process.

Will Eddie’s enthusiasm ruin Alice’s tribute and with it all hope of a second chance? Or will Alice realise that the real prize isn’t in the past but with the man who wants to be her future?

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon UK  |  Apple Books  |  Kobo  |  Google Play | Barnes & Noble  |  Booktopia | Angus & Robertson | Dymocks

Or purchase a personally signed copy from my online store (Australian postal addresses only).

“I finished this on Friday night and it was an utter dream of a story. I loved Eddie so hard, wanted to be best friends with Alice (and Paige), the opening made me laugh, and the ending made me swoon. Just…perfect. Highly recommended!”

– RITA® nominated author Michelle Douglas

“This is just a super feel good book that will give you happy feels.”

– Bree at 1 girl….2 many books

Go Behind the Scenes…

In Country Shows and Title Woes, the story behind Eddie and the Show Queen.

Excerpt

Eddie appears at his first Show Queen meeting…

‘I had hoped to introduce our new entrant,’ said Sarah, ‘but it appears he’s been waylaid.’

‘Nah, I’m here,’ said Eddie, tipping his wide-brimmed hat as he strode in. His colossal size made the high-ceilinged institute feel small. ‘G’day,’ he drawled, sounding like an Aussie tourism advert.

Margot Shulte, who seemed to be more in the Show Queen for the attention than any urge to help the community, tittered. Alice felt an overwhelming desire to shoot daggers at her. She hadn’t liked Margot much at school and her laziness so far in the competition had done nothing to change that opinion.

Even Alice had to admit that, with his broad smile and undeniable rugged handsomeness, Eddie was a total country-boy hottie. That he’d clearly come straight from farm work only added to his appeal. He wore jeans tucked into a pair of calf-high heavy-duty leather boots, a checked flannelette shirt with the cuffs folded up one turn, and a sheepskin-lined oilskin vest with a thread of blue baler twine dangling from one of its pockets. Eddie looked capable, trustworthy, fit and more than a bit sexy.

‘Eddie Argyle. Sorry I’m late. We’re still calving at home and the little sods have no respect for meetings. Or dinnertime.’ His gaze connected with Alice’s. He waved his hat her way. ‘You can blame Alice here for me joining in the fun.’

Several whispers sounded. Steph regarded Alice with a furrowed brow. Alice glared at him, her cheeks on fire, but unlike every other recent encounter Eddie’s grin didn’t falter.

‘Granny B!’ he said, spotting Audrey Wallace.

Alice wondered how he was familiar enough to use her nickname, then remembered that Eddie and his brother, Harry, played football with Mrs Wallace’s grandson-in-law, Josh Sinclair. Harry had even been groomsman at Josh’s and Emily Wallace-Jones’s wedding.

Mrs Wallace lifted her cheek and Eddie dutifully planted a kiss on it. ‘Looking flash as always. Hey, Tiff, how’s things? Great dress. Another of your own creations?’

To Alice’s annoyance, he kissed her, too, then Sarah. Mrs Wallace was the only one who didn’t blush like a schoolgirl.

He took the seat next to Alice, scraping the chair over a fraction when his bulk overflowed into her space.

‘Sorry,’ he said, not sounding even remotely apologetic.

He leaned forward, his focus on Sarah and twirling his hat in his hands, oozing eager energy, like a giant sheepdog puppy.

Alice wanted to hiss at him, but she couldn’t. Especially after his announcement that his involvement was her fault. What was the story with that?

What was the story with Eddie altogether?

I hope you enjoyed reading this excerpt from Eddie and the Show Queen. To purchase your copy simply choose from the bookshops below:

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon UK  |  Apple Books  |  Kobo  |  Google Play | Barnes & Noble  |  Booktopia | Angus & Robertson | Dymocks

Never miss a new release by joining my newsletter team. You’ll also receive exclusive access to some gorgeous free stories to enjoy over a cuppa or two.