Book Hooks: Beneath the Harvest Moon

I’m participating in MFRW Book Hooks—browse the current hop

Coming 18th September 2026

Time and distance may not have diminished their love, but the truth could destroy it forever.

Young widow Blythe Simmonds is stifled by York society and yearns for the life she left behind before her marriage. To achieve her dreams, she must return home, a place where she is far from welcome.

Country physician Gabriel Sharpe has devoted his life to his patients. He does not need a wife and children. His work is enough, and he refuses to risk his heart again.

Blythe’s return sets tongues wagging, and Gabriel knows his childhood sweetheart cannot be trusted. He must be on his guard, but common sense always evaporated when it came to Blythe.

Life in a small country village makes it impossible for Blythe and Gabriel to remain distant, especially at harvest time. Buried feelings become impossible to ignore, and clandestine trysts resume.

If they are to have a second chance at building a life together, Blythe and Gabriel must learn to trust each other again. Blythe can no longer keep her secrets, but Gabriel may never forgive her.

Excerpt

Gabriel stood beside Samson and blinked.

Indeed, Blythe Dixon stood in her garden at Silverdale. Her golden curls gleamed like a halo. Despite her dull brown gown with lumps of soil splattered along the hem of her apron, his chest ached. Why could she not have developed warts?

The rooster fluttered its wings, breaking his dumbstruck awe.

“Gabriel,” she said with little more than a breathless whisper.

He swallowed against his parched throat. “Blythe.”

“What are you doing here?”

The brim of his hat stuck to his sweaty brow. The late morning sunshine must be addling his thought processes. It had nothing to do with the woman before him, the woman who still haunted his dreams — and now his waking moments.

She frowned. Dear God, he had been staring in silence again? Do not let her distract you! He cleared his throat. “I came to see your father.” Why else would he be here? Why indeed?

“Oh.” She brushed at her gown and the stained apron. Her gaze wandered over him from head to toe. “You look well. Being a physician clearly suits you.”

“I find my black attire a little vexing at this time of year.” He cringed. Why did he allow this woman to confound him so?

She nodded.

He fiddled with Samson’s reins. Say something! “We thought you would have visited sooner.” It was a mean blow, but he could not help himself.

“Yes, well…” Her cheeks pinkened. “I brought my children to see their grandparents and learn a little about my life when I was a girl.”

Would her tale include how she had treated him? He snorted. No one would want their children to know they had behaved in such a way. Instead, he said, “The fresh air will do them good, but surely you will not wish to remain here longer than necessary, and your father should be fully recovered within a few weeks.”

Her face crumpled, and her fingers played with the edge of her apron.

You are better than this! Damnation! He should be above such a vindictive response, but his scarred heart demanded retribution.

Another awkward silence passed before she said, “And your family, I trust they are well.”

“Yes, they are in excellent health.”

“Does your mother still practice?”

“Yes, and she has a new apprentice.”

Blythe’s chin dropped to her chest.

His insides squirmed, but why should he hide the truth from her? Gabriel glanced at the maid peeking over her shoulder. The girl’s head shot back around before pegging a shirt on the line.

As though sensing their discomfort, Samson nudged Gabriel’s shoulder. Come now, you are an educated man. Indeed, he should rise above this belittling urge to lash out at her. “How goes the harvest?” he spluttered.

“John says the spring barley has done very well and will bring in a good crop this year.” She re-arranged the dandelions in her hand.

“We will need it to feed the nation since war has resumed.”

“Many are concerned that we may be invaded by the French.”

“The swelling ranks of the militia will stand up to any forces sent by Napoleon.”

“I hope so.” He shuffled his feet on the dry, packed earth. This had been a mistake. He should not have come. You still have no sense when it comes to her.

Beneath the Harvest Moon is part of the A Match Made in Autumn multi-author collaboration series.

ARC requests are now open!

If you sign up for an ARC, it will be delivered to you around the period listed for each novella — roughly 3-4 weeks prior to publication day. You’ll receive an email from the author with a link to download through BookFunnel.

All reviews are greatly appreciated. Plus, a teaser volume containing the opening chapters of each novella will be available on 3rd August.

I’m participating in MFRW Book Hooks—browse the current hop