Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 89183 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89183 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
“Fascinating,” Penny said. “You must really get to know your retreat participants.”
Josie nodded. “That’s exactly right. It can be a lot of work sometimes, particularly as the list of reading retreats I’ve set up has grown, but I really love that one-on-one time with people who love books. And even people who don’t, but decide that they want to give a reading retreat a try.”
“I was wondering about that,” Simon said. “If anybody ever signs up for a reading retreat who isn’t a big reader.”
“It happens more often than you might think,” Josie said with a smile. “There have been a few instances of a married couple coming, where one of them is a big reader, and the other isn’t, but they want to take a vacation together. I always tell people the point isn’t for it to feel like you’re in school again and you have to be reading from nine to three with no breaks, or you have to check off a certain number of pages. It’s much more that you should feel there’s nothing else you have to do. That if you want to sit on a chair beneath an apple tree and read for a while and then doze for a while and then pick up where you left off when you wake up forty-five minutes later, that’s absolutely perfect. And if something you read inspires you to write or run or sing, then that’s perfect too.”
“You do put in a lot of hours,” Malcolm said, “emailing and speaking to clients, but I have to say, you’re always smiling when you’re working.”
She nodded. “I’ve been really lucky that I’ve always loved my work. I was a freelance editor before,” she explained to his parents, “and to be able to transition into a new career where I help people take the time to read books and also get to find them those books—it’s truly the best job in the world.”
“Apart from mine,” a voice said.
Josie turned to see Mathilda Westcott standing beside them.
“Oh, hello!” She was so pleased when Mathilda embraced her with a kiss on each cheek.
“Oh good,” Mathilda said, “you’ve met my daughter and son-in-law. Isn’t Josie absolutely delightful?” she said to Simon and Penny. “Owen’s been telling me how brilliantly she and Malcolm are getting on with the cottages,” she said with a bland smile.
It seemed as though all of them shot surreptitious glances between her and Malcolm before nodding. If Josie wasn’t mistaken, they were matchmaking. And it was very flattering that they seemed to think the idea of her and Malcolm pairing up wasn’t a bad one. But again, she was surprised that they would think she was his type. Although, given the fireworks in bed, she was his type in one way, if not the supermodel they were used to seeing with him.
At last, they made it inside. The bookshop was filled with people, and Mari came by to say hello, looking excited but a little nervous too.
“It’s going to go beautifully,” Josie said after giving her a hug. “Remember, I’ve already read Mars at the Beach and read it again with Aria, who loved the book.” She scanned the room. “Look at this crowd.”
Mari swallowed hard. “I have never spoken in front of so many people before.”
“Just speak from the heart, as you always do. You’re going to be great,” Josie promised her new friend.
Malcolm looked at the stacks of books near the register, Owen standing proudly beside them. “Do you think you have enough books?”
Mari shook her head. “I was sure we had way too many, but now I don’t know.”
“Well, the publisher will be extremely pleased if you sell out, I’m sure,” Penny said. “I’m hoping to buy a few to give as gifts to parents of young children.” Then she gave Mari a hug. “I’m so proud of you, my dear.”
Malcolm knew a number of people there, but even Josie recognized a few. All the Sullivans, of course, and the man from the bakery with his partner. She recognized a few faces that she must have passed on the island.
A photographer from a local paper was even present.
“Come and meet my mother and brother,” Mari said, pulling Josie toward a woman who was an older version of Mari, and an attractive man who looked almost as proud as Owen did.
“You must be very proud,” Josie said to Mari’s mom, who nodded.
“It wasn’t easy when my baby moved to the other side of the world, but seeing her so happy makes it all worthwhile.” Then she looked sad. “Her father was a complicated man who made some mistakes, but I’m pleased that he left all the evidence Mari could have wanted that he loved her very much.”
“I had a wonderful stepfather,” Mari said to her mom. “And you, so I always knew I was loved.”