Five Days in Skye Read online

  Praise for Carla Laureano

  The Saturday Night Supper Club

  “You don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy The Saturday Night Supper Club, but if you are, you’re in for an extra treat. Carla Laureano has written a delicious romance you’ll want to devour in one sitting. Filled with sugar and spice, The Saturday Night Supper Club will leave you hungry for more from this talented author.”

  Irene Hannon, bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner

  “Smart, funny, romantic, hopeful—the perfect starter for Laureano’s scrumptious new series.”

  Candace Calvert, bestselling author of Maybe It’s You and The Recipe

  “The Saturday Night Supper Club is a riveting read, crafted with sophisticated characters, delicious settings, and a satisfying romance that will leave readers breathless and anxious for the next book in the series.”

  Jen Turano, USA Today bestselling author of A Change of Fortune

  Five Days in Skye

  “Sweet and scathing, lush and intimate. . . . This story has guts and heart as well as the depth and heat necessary to satisfy any romance reader’s palate.”

  USA Today

  “From page one, Five Days in Skye captured my imagination and every minute of my pleasure-reading time. With enviable finesse, author Carla Laureano weaves romance, hope, healing, and faith into a spunky and sparkling tale that made me sorry to say good-bye to the characters and the alluring Isle of Skye. I look forward to reading more from this author.”

  Tamara Leigh, author of Splitting Harriet and The Unveiling, book one in the Age of Faith series

  “After reading Five Days in Skye, I wanted to pack my bags and catch the first flight to Scotland to discover Skye for myself. In her debut novel, Carla Laureano brought Skye alive with vivid detail, drew me into the main characters’ budding romance, and kept me turning the pages late into the night. I’m looking forward to more books from Carla!”

  Beth K. Vogt, author of Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here

  “Five Days in Skye swept me away to Scotland! Against the craggy beauty of the Isle of Skye, author Carla Laureano weaves a story . . . of love between an American businesswoman and a Scottish celebrity chef. Fans of the movie The Holiday are sure to enjoy this contemporary romance. Laureano’s voice is deft, seamless, and wonderfully accomplished. An exciting newcomer to the world of Christian fiction!”

  Becky Wade, author of My Stubborn Heart and Undeniably Yours

  London Tides

  “In London Tides, Carla Laureano shows how fear and grief can hold us captive—unable to love ourselves and others. Yes, Laureano has written a beautiful reconciliation romance, but she also delves into deeper themes of identity and acceptance. The character of Grace Brennan, in spite of her unconventional life, speaks to all of us.”

  Beth K. Vogt, author of Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here

  “Achieving an aching depth and a resounding trueness within a heated yet baggage-ridden romance, author Carla Laureano has proven herself a storyteller who is not afraid to take her characters into the darkest regions of their own hearts. An excellent follow-up to Five Days in Skye, London Tides tugs and churns every emotion . . . right up until the lovely, hope-buoying end.”

  Serena Chase, USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog

  “At times lighthearted; at times heart wrenching. Laureano has penned a delightfully romantic tale about the importance of finding home. If readers weren’t already smitten with the MacDonald brothers, they will be after London Tides!”

  Katie Ganshert, award-winning author of The Art of Losing Yourself

  “Another captivating story! London Tides is as compelling and engaging as Laureano’s award-winning Five Days in Skye. It’s deliciously romantic and filled with tension, wonderful characters, and vivid scenery. A must-read this summer!”

  Katherine Reay, author of Lizzy and Jane

  “War photographer Grace Brennan is the kind of character I love to read about—she’s savvy, fearless, and damaged, yet is determined to carry on. Returning to London means making amends with Ian MacDonald, the fiancé she left behind, and author Carla Laureano knows how to make the most of their chemistry. But a chance at love for Grace also means facing the realities of PTSD, a subject Laureano handles with great sensitivity and care. Vividly written and deeply felt, London Tides will sweep readers away.”

  Hillary Manton Lodge, author of A Table by the Window

  Under Scottish Stars

  “In Under Scottish Stars, independent single mother Serena Stewart returns to the beautiful land of Skye, looking for stability for her two small children—not romance with Malcolm Blake, who manages the hotel that Serena owns with her two brothers. Their ‘this can’t be happening’ relationship is engaging, and Carla Laureano reveals both Serena’s and Malcolm’s vulnerabilities as they fall in love when they least expected it. Under Scottish Stars is a satisfying romance that reminds readers that love doesn’t always go according to our agendas—and that can be a very good thing.”

  Beth K. Vogt, author of Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here

  “Under Scottish Stars is a fabulous read, filled with compelling characters, a delicious setting, and a romance that can only be described as . . . swoon-worthy. Carla Laureano’s third and final book in the MacDonald Family Trilogy exceeded all my expectations and truly shouldn’t be missed.”

  Jen Turano, USA Today bestselling author of A Change of Fortune

  “Solid characters, brilliant dialogue, believable conflict, a setting you can taste—and, always, breath-stealing love scenes. No one writes a romantic hero like Laureano! Under Scottish Stars takes us back to Skye to explore poignant truths of single parenthood, family loyalty, the pursuit of dreams—and faith. A satisfying and stellar finish to the MacDonald Family Trilogy.”

  Candace Calvert, bestselling author of Maybe It’s You and The Recipe

  Visit Tyndale online at www.tyndale.com.

  Visit Carla Laureano’s website at www.carlalaureano.com.

  TYNDALE and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

  Five Days in Skye

  Copyright © 2018 by Carla Laureano. All rights reserved.

  Previously published in 2013 by David C Cook under ISBN 978-0-7814-1307-7. First printing by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., in 2018.

  Cover photograph of woman copyright © Erickson Stock/Adobe Stock. All rights reserved.

  Cover photograph of landscape copyright © kevers/Adobe Stock. All rights reserved.

  Cover photograph of light streaks copyright © by SparkleStock/Creative Market. All rights reserved.

  Designed by Mark Anthony Lane II

  Published in association with the literary agency of The Steve Laube Agency.

  Five Days in Skye is a work of fiction. Where real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locales appear, they are used fictitiously. All other elements of the novel are drawn from the author’s imagination.

  For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Tyndale House Publishers at [email protected], or call 1-800-323-9400.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Names: Laureano, Carla, author.

  Title: Five days in Skye / Carla Laureano.

  Description: Carol Stream, Illinois : Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., [2018]

  | Series: The MacDonald family trilogy

  Identifiers: LCCN 2017058763 | ISBN 9781496426215 (softcover)

  Subjects: LCSH: Man-woman relationships--Fiction. | GSAFD: Christian fiction.

  | Love stories.

  Classification: LCC PS3612.A93257 F58 2018 | DDC 813/.6--dc23 LC record available at https
://lccn.loc.gov/2017058763

  ISBN 978-1-4964-2623-9 (ePub); ISBN 978-1-4964-2622-2 (Kindle); ISBN 978-1-4964-2624-6 (Apple)

  Build: 2018-05-09 17:02:44 EPUB 3.0

  For Rey, my hero and best friend. No fictional tale could ever compare to our real-life love story.

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Discussion Questions

  Preview of London Tides

  Preview of The Saturday Night Supper Club

  Preview of Brunch at Bittersweet Café

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  My deepest thanks to:

  Katherine Goodman, Eisley Jacobs, Cindy R. Wilson, and Vicki Severson, my fellow Writing on the Ledge group members, who waded through dozens of incarnations of characters, plots, and openings and told me when I finally got it right. Special thanks to Eisley, who talked me off more than one ledge during the writing process.

  Amy Drown, who helped “Scottish-ize” my dialogue, demanded nightly chapter installments during the revision process to keep me on track, and then read it all over again. I can’t wait to see your name on the front of your own book someday.

  Jill Cooper, James’s biggest fan and my most vocal cheerleader. I promise I’ll do my best to get Gerard if there’s ever a movie version, even though I’m still partial to Henry.

  Lisa Tawn Bergren, for being the voice of reason and experience when I needed it most.

  Alastair Cunningham of Scottish Clans and Castles, whose recommendation sent me to the Isle of Skye years ago and inadvertently started me on my own new adventures. Thank you for helping me with Scottish travel and culture. I hope I got it right!

  The Tyndale House publishing team, who gave this series new life. I’m so grateful to be a Tyndale author.

  My brilliant and exceedingly patient husband, Rey, for not complaining when I work late, melt down, or daydream when I should be listening. Thank you for knowing that the most romantic gestures to a writing mom are washing dishes and taking the kids out for ice cream.

  My two favorite young men for letting Mom “just finish this one paragraph.” May you grow up knowing with God’s help, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

  My mom and dad, who taught me to work hard and follow my dreams. Without your encouragement and countless hours of babysitting, this book would never have been written.

  Last but certainly not least, my loving heavenly Father. Thank You for giving me the desires of my heart. Any good I accomplish is solely because of Your grace and mercy.

  Chapter One

  At least they couldn’t fire her.

  Andrea Sullivan propped her elbows on the bar and buried her head in her hands. How had things gone wrong so quickly? One minute she’d been on the verge of closing a half-million-dollar deal. The next, she’d nearly broken her hand on the jaw of a client who thought her company’s offerings extended to favors she had no intention of delivering. Three years of working her way up the ranks toward VP of Sales all down the tubes because one man couldn’t keep his hands to himself.

  No, her company certainly wouldn’t risk an ugly public legal battle. They didn’t have to. Her boss had other, more subtle means of showing his displeasure.

  As punishments went, Scotland was a big one.

  “What’s so terrible about Scotland?”

  Andrea jerked her head up and met the bartender’s gaze. Had she said that aloud?

  The man’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he ran a towel along the polished mahogany surface of the bar, evidently amused by her slip. Round faced and topped with a thinning mop of dishwater-blond hair, he looked as stereotypically English as the London pub in which he tended bar.

  She let out a long breath, her shoulders slumping. “Scotland’s cold, it’s miserable, and the food is horrible.”

  “Oh, it’s not so bad as all that, is it?” His expression turned from amused to sympathetic. “Take in some countryside, tour a castle or two, maybe some high street shopping . . .”

  “This is a business trip. Trust me. My dream vacation involves sunshine and umbrella drinks on the beach, not rain and fog in some backwater village.”

  If she’d only managed to keep her temper in check, she’d have been spending the next week in the tropics with the promise of a fat commission and a guaranteed promotion, not serving time in Scotland babysitting a celebrity client who suddenly wanted to dabble in the hotel business.

  James MacDonald.

  She’d never heard of the man. Then again, she didn’t own a television. She spent so much time on the road, she wasn’t even sure why she owned an apartment. She seemed to be the only one on the planet, however, who hadn’t heard of the Scottish celebrity chef. Half a dozen restaurants, four cookbooks, his own television show. Even her taxi driver had been able to name MacDonald’s three London restaurants without hesitation.

  Andrea toyed with her half-filled wineglass, watching the golden liquid slosh around the bowl. “I should be on my way to Tahiti right now, not sitting in a pub drinking a rather mediocre glass of wine.”

  “That’s because you go to Paris to drink wine,” a deep male voice said over her shoulder. “You come to London to drink ale.”

  Andrea straightened as a man leaned against the bar beside her. He was tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in a pair of dark slacks and a business shirt, the collar unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up to show off muscular forearms. Dark hair worn a little too long, brilliant blue eyes, handsome face. Handsome enough she took a second look and immediately wished she hadn’t been so obvious about it. His grin made her heart do things it was certainly not intended to do.

  She couldn’t prevent the corners of her mouth from twitching up in a smile. “Now you tell me.”

  He glanced at the bartender. “Get me a 90 Shilling, and whatever light’s on draft for the lady.” He looked back at her. “We can’t have you leaving London thinking that pathetic chardonnay is the best we have to offer.”

  “That’s very thoughtful.” She offered her hand. “I’m Andrea.”

  “Mac.” He held her hand just a moment too long while he studied her face. Her stomach made a peculiar little leap. She quelled it ruthlessly and drew her fingers from his grasp while he slid onto the barstool beside her.

  “Now tell me why you’re sitting here instead of on what sounds like a brilliant holiday in the South Pacific.”

  Because my temper finally got me into more trouble than I could talk my way out of. Aloud she said, “I’m doing research on the owner of this pub.”

  “Ah, the illustrious Mr. MacDonald. Brilliant chef, but not the full quid from what I hear.” The sparkle returned to those devastating blue eyes, and she had the feeling she was the butt of a private joke.

  Andrea couldn’t pass up the opportunity to gather some local gossip. She plowed onward. “You know him?”

  “That depends on why you’re asking. Is it business, or is your enquiry of a pers
onal nature?”

  “Business. I’m supposed to meet him in Inverness tomorrow, and I’m looking for a little background.”

  “Are you always so unprepared for meetings?”

  Andrea bristled. “Of course not. I only got the call from my office a few hours ago. I’m now fortifying myself for a long night of web browsing back at the hotel.”

  “I can see that. Well, I’d say this pub is a pretty good reflection of him. Comfortable, slightly sophisticated. Best selection of locally brewed beers in England and some truly inspired food.”

  Andrea looked around. Typical decor, lots of wood and brass, dim lighting. Stained glass and leather accents. Upscale but not uptight. Welcoming but not sloppy.

  “Middle of the road,” she murmured. “But that still doesn’t tell me much about the man.”

  “And why do you need to know so much about him?”

  The bartender returned with Andrea’s drink and poured Mac’s from the bottle into a glass, watching them as if they were his evening’s entertainment.

  “My job requires rapport,” she said. “I can’t convince someone we’re right for the project if I don’t know what he’s looking for. I can’t win him over if I don’t know which buttons to push.”

  “Hmm.” He sipped his ale, his eyes dancing over the rim of the glass.

  Was he laughing at her? “What?”

  “I’ve just never heard a woman worry about which buttons to push when she’s wearing a skirt that short and heels that high.”

  Heat crept up Andrea’s neck and into her cheeks as she tugged down her suit skirt. It wasn’t as if she were wearing a miniskirt. The length was perfectly modest when she wasn’t sitting on a barstool. The heels were admittedly less conservative, but she wore them for height, not for looks. Then she realized he was watching her with a satisfied smile. She had taken the bait. Who exactly did he think he was?

  She stilled her fidgeting and fixed him with a direct stare. “I could close a deal in jeans and tennis shoes. I just don’t like being unprepared. Besides, I’m used to dealing with hotel groups with hundreds of properties, not celebrities with nothing better to do than play innkeeper.”