It’s time for another tantalising treat thanks to Teaser Tuesday, the series where I share snippets from my novels, old, new and in progress, and occasionally let author buddies take over.

This week, a few paragraphs from my rural romance Heartland and the scene when our hero Matt first encounters the book’s heroine Callie, mistaking her for her elder sister Hope. Though they knew one another as young teenagers, it’s been a long time. Both have grown up and changed a lot, and in intriguing ways!

What was wrong with him? So she was a hot-looking blonde. Like he hadn’t come across one of those before.

Rattled by the strength of his attraction, Matt straightened and tilted his head at the exit. ‘I guess I’d best go check on Wal.’

The dullness eased; life returned to her expression. ‘Of course. Will you tell him I’m glad he’s okay and that I’ll visit tomorrow? Oh, and tell him not to worry about Honk. I won’t forget to lock him up.’

‘Will do.’ He paused, hands deep in his pockets, knowing he should walk out right now before he said something else idiotic, but caught by their connection, albeit minor and secret on his part, with Hope. ‘It was good to see you again, Callie.’

‘Good to see you, too, Matt.’ She smiled, and for one incredible moment he was fifteen again, facing Hope in awkward teenage silence while she bounced his lovesick heart with a single look.

‘Maybe I’ll see you around.’

And all Matt could think as he headed back up the hall was that he hoped like hell she did.

©Cathryn Hein

Heartland can be purchased in paperback from Booktopia, Bookdepository or your favourite book retailer. For the ebook, download right now from Amazon, iBooks, Kobo or Google Play. If you’d like to discover more about Heartland, including the inspiration behind the story, check out its page on this website.

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