The Summer Springsteen’s Songs Saved Me
Coming home to catch her husband with his face between the long, silky legs of another woman is the last thing Sofia expects—and on today of all days. So, after scratching an expletive into his Porsche and setting the cheating bastard’s clothes on fire, she cranks up her beloved Bruce and flees, vowing never to look back.
Seeking solace in the peaceful beachside town of Bradley Beach, NJ, Sof is determined to start over. And, with the help of best friends, new acquaintances, a sexy neighbor, and the powerful songs of Springsteen, this may be the place where her wounds can heal. But, as if she hasn’t faced her share of life’s challenges, a final flurry of obstacles awaits.
In order to head courageously toward the future, Sofia must first let go of her past, find freedom, and mend her broken soul.
I delighted to welcome author Barbara Quinn to booksaremycwtches with an extract from her book The Summer Springsteen’s Songs Saved Me.
Extract
Sitting still becomes impossible. I jump up and stride rapidly towards the water. On the boardwalk I sit on one of the benches that line the ocean front and work hard to catch my breath, hoping the sounds of the sea might calm me. Instead apprehension takes root. The waves crash and gulls caw overhead. I grip the wooden slats beneath my thighs until my fingers grow numb.
My thoughts spin wildly. What folly it was to stay with Jerome and his cheating ass for so many years. The signs of his dalliance pass through my brain. At the gym Christmas party, Jerome left to get me an Irish whiskey and when he failed to return I searched and found him at the bar chatting with Mandy. I ordered my own glass of Jameson and joined them. Agonizing awareness gripped me as Jerome’s eyes strayed and lingered on the swell that rose from Mandy’s holiday red T-shirt. Ho, ho, ho.
The gulls laugh, and I turn up the music. Running from Jerome isn’t the best of ideas. But staying with him is worse.
The strains of “Dancing in the Dark” fill my head again. The lyrics offer no solace. I lean back, allowing sadness to grow. A dark curtain lowers, and chilling grief covers me.
You can purchase this book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Waterstones.
About the author
Barbara Quinn is an award-winning short story writer and author of a variety of novels.
Her travels have taken her to forty-seven states and five continents where she’s encountered fascinating settings and inspiring people that populate her work.
Her many past jobs include lawyer, record shop owner, reporter, process server, lingerie sales clerk, waitress, and postal worker. She’s a native New Yorker with roots in the Bronx, Long Island, and Westchester. She currently resides with her husband in Bradley Beach, NJ and Holmes Beach, FL. She enjoys spending time with her son and his family and planning her next adventure. She wants to remind everyone that when you meet her, SHE’S NOT SHOUTING, SHE’S ITALIAN.
You can follow the author on her Website, Twitter and Facebook.
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