Every Move She Makes by Jannine Gallant

Modern Heroines—Doing It All with Style

A modern heroine doesn’t much resemble her predecessor of a few decades ago—back in the day when bodice-rippers were all the rage… Today’s heroine isn’t a young girl wringing her hands, moaning over her hard luck and waiting for a strong man to save her. Not that she doesn’t appreciate a strong man when one crosses her path! She’s a woman taking control of the situation and finding solutions.  She’s a woman with a career and interests beyond the man with whom she falls in love. 

Today, creating heroines with jobs, kids, and problems to solve while they fall for men as imperfect as they are, is what we do best. The heroine of Every Move She Makes is Rachel Carpenter, ex-soap star, bookstore owner and divorced mother of three with a psychotic stalker on her trail. Maybe most of us don’t have an unbalanced fan following us around (at least not yet!), but I bet you can relate to the frustrations of a mom whose fourteen-year-old daughter dyes her hair pink and gets a tattoo, a woman so busy prioritizing her children and her business she doesn’t have time to date. The mark of a true modern heroine is how she handles herself and her problems. I think Rachel qualifies. In the following excerpt, Rachel is doing her best to cope with her resentful teenage daughter. What do you think? Personally, I’d rather deal with a stalker… 

Lark was bent over wrapping a towel around her wet hair when Rachel reached the shower stalls.

“Does it feel good to be clean again?”

Lark ignored her question. “I saw you talking to Kane.”

“He just got back. His dad’s a lot better.”

“I bet you’re happy to see him.”

Her daughter’s tone set Rachel’s teeth on edge. She put down her clothes and shampoo before turning to face her. “As a matter of fact, I am. What have you got against Kane? He’s really a very nice man.”

“Nothing, I guess.”

“Then what’s with the attitude? I’ve dated men before, and you didn’t seem to mind.”

She shrugged. “I could tell you didn’t like those guys very much. But you smile at Kane the way you used to smile at Dad when I was a little kid. It bugs me.”

“Don’t you want me to be happy?”

Lark sighed. “Sure. Whatever.” When she raised her gaze to meet Rachel’s, her blue eyes clouded. “What I don’t want is some guy thinking he can replace my dad. Jade and Ivy might be dumb enough to fall for it, but I’m not.”

“No one can replace your father, honey, and I wouldn’t want anyone to try. Besides, I think this conversation is a bit premature. I barely know Kane. I don’t think you have to worry about picking out bridesmaid dresses just yet.”

“Funny, but you don’t fool me. You really like him.”

“Yes, I do, and I’m going canoeing with him tonight. I’d appreciate it if you’d be civil.”

Her daughter’s expression reflected pure disgust. “That’s so gross. How am I supposed to sleep knowing you’re making out with Kane in a boat?”

“Try hard. If you’re done here, I’d like you to keep an eye on your sisters. I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

Lark whipped the towel off her head and trudged up the path as the last rays of dying sunlight highlighted the magenta streaks in her hair.

 

Blurb:

No matter where she goes, he knows her every move…

Long ago, Rachel Carpenter was a glamorous soap star. She gave it all up to move to Napa Valley with her daughters to open a bookstore near her family vineyard. Her life is safe and dependable, until she encounters Kane Lafferty at a wilderness camp in the rugged High Sierra. A burned-out police detective struggling with his own demons, Kane is instantly attracted to Rachel. And like Rachel, he isn’t sure if he’s ready to open his heart. But everything is about to change… 

Someone is watching from the darkness. A fanatic obsessed with Rachel for years has decided to claim what he believes is his. It will be up to Kane to not only protect his new love and her family, but to uncover the identity of the stalker before it’s too late for all of them… 

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About the Author:

Write what you know. Jannine Gallant has taken this advice to heart, creating characters from small towns and plots that unfold in the great outdoors. She grew up in a tiny Northern California town and currently lives in beautiful Lake Tahoe with her husband and two daughters. When she isn’t busy writing or being a full time mom, Jannine hikes or snowshoes in the woods around her home. Whether she’s writing contemporary, historical or romantic suspense, Jannine brings the beauty of nature to her stories. To find out more about this author and her books, visit her website at janninegallant.com.

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