Title: A Blue Bird On His Shoulder
Author: Romona Hilliger
Published in December 2006 by Romance At Heart Publications
Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: N/A
Other Books by Romona: A Shadow From His Past Come, Love Me Again
Wanda’s father loved the rugged isolation of Tasmania, so upon his death Wanda inherits his small stoned cabin. After discovering her fiancée in the arms of her best friend the cabin’s usefulness becomes quite clear; a quiet, peaceful place to mend her heart and compose her novels. Wanda’s seclusion is interrupted when returning from town she encounters a strange man on her veranda.
Obviously ill, he only asks for water and food. Wanda’s hesitant to let him inside, but her compassionate nature wins out. Helping him to her kitchen table so she can assess his condition, Wanda recalls the store clerk’s rambling about the prison escapees. She also remembers the store clerk describing one of the inmates being twenty-nine years-old with blonde hair, whose name was Mark. So far he fits the description; however the clerk did mention a blue bird tattoo on his right shoulder. Wanda wonders how to get the man out of his shirt without raising his suspicions. Well, he’s wet, cold and needing a shower to warm up – this should be easy.
Escaping prison with two other inmates, Mark stumbles upon the secluded dwelling; hoping the denizen offers shelter and food. Three days on the run with bitter cold Antarctic winds making the trek harder, his thirst and hunger weaken him. Accepting Wanda’s cautious hospitality Mark makes his way to her table, welcoming the warmth. Mark’s reluctant to remove his wet clothing but gives in. Once wrapped in clean towels Mark’s fatigue is apparent and weighty. The hot soup fuels his tiredness while his right shoulder wound aches from his running through thorn bushes. Seeing him favoring his right arm Wanda reaches for Mark making him jerk away; causing the towel to drop off his shoulder. There, in company with the wound, is the blue bird tattoo.
Mark fears Wanda will turn him in but she quickly dispels his concerns. Wanda’s compassionate nature shines at this moment while she ponders the gravity her actions. She won’t turn this man away when he apparently needs help, even while carrying the knowledge he’s an escaped convict doesn’t deter her from sheltering Mark, as he heals.
I am captivated by Ms. Hilliger’s tender romance, moreover how she creates engaging but appealing characters. Wanda’s compassion precedes her own safety and harboring a criminal can, at best, be dangerous, but the man’s need for food and safety takes precedence. Mark is not unappreciative as he notices Wanda’s natural beauty – inside and out. Mark is attracted to her “angelic” features, which aptly describes Wanda’s actions as well. However, as Mark heals the attraction turns to longing; encouraged, too, by Wanda’s gentle kindness.
Their union is gentle but hungry. Wanda’s libido awakens when Mark strips of his wet clothing, but she stamps it down. However, her yearnings linger as Mark heals from his ordeal, while living in close proximity only furthers her desire. Mark makes the first move surrendering to his carnal need. As gentle kisses and knowing caresses ignite their passion Mark and Wanda merge to appease their cravings; bringing them both to a satisfying climax.
A Blue Bird On His Shoulder is a delightful Christmas short story, published by Romance At Heart Publishing. Ms. Hilliger pens a genuine plot that brings together two strangers whose paths would never have crossed if events never unfolded as they did. Can the miracles of Christmas keep these two together forever? Read the story to find out.
From a dedicated reader,
Pamela
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