If You Keep Me

Book excerpt: An ex-soldier and a wife grieving for a child looking for a second chance at life, love, and happiness. The world may be celebrating the end of WWII in 1945, but that doesn’t mean everything is merry and bright. Many are healing from their physical wounds as well as the unseen emotional devastation. Rosie Bessler works all hours to fill holiday orders while navigating life with her ex-soldier husband -- turned stranger. With life’s realities and their ongoing debate over having children, keeping their woodworking business afloat, and finding financial security their marriage is anything but bliss. Wounded warrior, Victor Bessler longs for a new beginning so he can forget his past. He returns to Rosie and the once peaceful Sugar Maple only to find that the effects of war have reached far beyond Europe. . His search for peace and love seems unattainable until an orphaned boy and his wife show him the true meaning of Christmas.