New Release! Buxton Peak: London Bridges

When stars fall, there’s only one way back up.

Buxton Peak’s bassist, Andy Smith isn’t sure he can be the man Vanessa needs. When a chance meeting finds them at a cafe in London, Andy is only four months out of rehab and Vanessa is days away from returning to Nashville. A whirlwind romance ends in tragedy and loss. Can they find a way to patch up a relationship that spans across the Atlantic?

Andy’s best mate, Gary Owens finds sobriety more difficult than he’d hoped. Temptations from a flirtatious American tourist don’t help. But Buxton Peak needs their drummer back, and Gary is the only person who can pull himself back to center stage.

Can the guys reunite with their rock band? Or will their out-of-control behavior be too much for Buxton Peak to accept?

Buxton peak fans will love this little bridge between Book Two and Book Three of the series. Let’s rock!

Buxton Peak: London Bridges Chapter Two: Tulips and Ivy

“I want to know all about Vanessa,” Andy said, taking a sip of his ice water.

He looked across the table to the elegant bar situated in the center of the restaurant. Andy had forgotten how much it dominated the main dining area at The Ivy. Crystal glasses hung from racks, glittering in the soft overhead lighting.

If only one of those crystal glasses could be sitting in front of him filled with a fine wine, or better yet, a nice glass of scotch over ice. Stop it, Andy!

Being a recovering addict was never easy, but sitting at a table overlooking a bar stocked with every imaginable delicacy was almost more than he could bear.

He turned his head and gave Vanessa his full attention. “What do you do when you’re not on holiday in London, toying with the hearts of unsuspecting rock stars?”

“Toying?” Vanessa placed her hand in front of her mouth, feigning shock at his accusation. “You make me sound so vindictive.”

“Well, aren’t you?” Andy leaned closer and lowered his head to look her in the eye. “Toying with me?”

“I’m merely enjoying a lovely day of shopping with a handsome man, and a fine dinner at his favorite restaurant.” She lowered her eyes and pouted in true Southern-belle fashion. “Although, I am disappointed that you never took me to see the garden.”

“The garden?” Andy cocked his head to the side.

“Yes, you said we were going to visit the Covent Garden.”

“We’ve been here all day,” Andy said.

“Where are the flowers?”

“They stopped selling flowers in the 1970s, I think.”

“Then why do they call it a garden?” Vanessa asked.

“Because…” Andy stammered on his words. “I dunno. That’s just what it’s called. This area used to be well-known for its wholesale flowers. Now it’s just a very large shopping area, but it used to supply flowers to the whole country.”

“Well, I’ll expect you to bring me flowers the next time you take me on a date. It’s only fair since you didn’t bring me to a garden.”

“I suppose that can be arranged.” Andy reached over and took her hand, giving it a little squeeze. “But first I need to know about you. For starters, what’s your favorite flower?”

“That is for you to figure out.” Vanessa walked her fingers up his arm and then poked him on his lips. Two lips? Maybe she likes tulips!

“Okay, no more stalling,” Andy scolded her. “Tell me more about Vanessa. Do you have a job?”

“Yes, I do.” Vanessa batted her eyelashes.

“You’re not going to make me guess that too. Are you?” Oh, crap. Another ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question. “Let me rephrase that. What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a hairstylist.” Vanessa reached across and laced her fingers into Andy’s hair. He almost moaned audibly. “And I am dying to get my hands on that mop of yours!”

“Mop?” Andy feigned insult. “I am a rock star. There is nothing wrong with me having long hair.”

“How long has it been since a stylist has gotten her hands on you?” Vanessa raised her eyebrows.

“About fifteen seconds ago, and I wish she’d put her hands right back into my hair.”

“I will not touch your hair again until I have a pair of scissors in my hand,” she said.

Andy looked around as if to find a pair of scissors.

“And before you get any ideas about asking our waiter for a pair of scissors, I’ll add a caveat. I will not cut your hair unless you are sitting in my salon… in Nashville.”

“What time does our flight leave, again?” Andy leaned forward and rested his elbow on the table, staring intently into Vanessa’s eyes.

“My flight leaves in two days, well,” Vanessa looked at her watch, “a day and a half, actually.”

“Well then, you’re going to have to go out with me again tomorrow,” Andy said.

“Why’s that?”

“Because I haven’t had a chance to kiss you yet.”

“Is that so?” Vanessa leaned forward on her elbow opposite him and smirked. Her face was close enough to his that it would have taken little effort to close the distance and connect. But he didn’t. Torturing her was almost as much fun as her torturing him.

“Do you folks need a few more minutes with the menus?” their server interrupted. Andy and Vanessa didn’t flinch.

“I think I’ve decided what I want….” Andy said.

“I’ll bet you have,” Vanessa drawled in her adorable Southern accent. She broke eye contact first and smiled sweetly at the server. “What would you suggest? What’s your favorite thing on the menu?”

“Uh…” The server cleared his throat and gulped, clearly affected by her flirting. Andy almost laughed out loud, glad he wasn’t the only man in the room completely entranced with Vanessa. “Well, we’re famous for our Shepherd’s Pie.”

“I don’t really care what you’re famous for,” Vanessa said, waving her hand dismissively. “I wanna know what’s your favorite.”

“I really love the seared scallops.” The waiter smiled down at Vanessa and then glanced at Andy and looked away.

“Then that is what I’ll have.” Vanessa sat back and crossed her arms, winking over at Andy. He didn’t release her gaze as he gave his request to the server.

“I’d like a steak, medium rare.”

“Ribeye, fillet, or sirloin?”

“Fillet,” Andy said. “No… ribeye. No, fillet. Yeah, I’ll stick with a fillet.”

“I thought you said you already knew what you wanted.” Vanessa raised her eyebrows.

“For dinner, I want a fillet.” Andy felt Vanessa’s foot tickle his calf muscle under the table, and he almost jumped out of his chair. He cleared his throat and looked up at the server. “With heritage potatoes, please.”

“As you wish, sir.” The waiter scribbled on his little pad of paper.

Andy shook his head infinitesimally and smirked at Vanessa.

“Would the two of you like any starters?”

“Want to try the fried duck egg?” Andy asked Vanessa.

“That sounds disgusting.” Vanessa’s sweet tone could have easily substituted ‘delightful’ for ‘disgusting’ and not miss a beat.

“How about a nice spinach salad?” Andy suggested.

“Much better,” she said.

When the server was finished getting all the details for their selections of dressings and sides, he offered them the perfect wine to go with their choices of meals. Andy politely declined, and the man left them alone.

“You are in so much trouble, you little vixen,” Andy murmured, a cheesy grin hovering on his face. “You are going to be the death of me.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want to kill you,” Vanessa said, placing her hands in her lap and sitting up straight. “You haven’t even kissed me yet.”

“I’m afraid to kiss you now.”

Vanessa’s expression shifted from teasing to smoldering. “You won’t be when the time is right.”

This time when Andy fought to stay in his seat, it wasn’t due to shock but pure emotional desire. He knew in that moment he was no longer tempted by anything behind that bar. All he wanted was to see her soft smile across the table for the rest of his life.

Buxton Peak: Silence from Nashville (Excerpt)

“You care more about Ian than you care about me,” India whispered. Her lip trembled and she lowered her chin to hide her face. “What is it about Ian Taylor that makes everyone follow him around like a puppy dog?” It’s not fair.          

“It’s my job to travel with him.” Ed’s British accent reminded India how far he’d travelled to be here with her in Michigan. “I’m Ian’s bodyguard… and I don’t act like a puppy dog.”

His large frame and commanding persona had captured India’s attention from the day they’d met. Anyone who saw Ed Williams could envision him as either a linebacker for a pro-football team, or the bodyguard for a rock band. He fit the cliché perfectly.

Still, Ed shouldn’t have chosen the beginning of their date to tell India about Ian’s request to join him in Nashville. How was she ever going to enjoy dinner and a movie if she couldn’t get that airplane ticket out of her mind?

“You could get a different job here in Michigan.” Here with me, her eyes pleaded.

The waitress interrupted their conversation, straining to lower a skillet of fajitas onto the table. Sizzling chicken and shrimp nestled on a skillet with sautéed mushrooms. The scent of onions filled the air above the table with a heavenly aroma. Forget Ian; pass the guacamole!

“I love my job.” Ed lifted the lid on the tortilla warmer and pulled apart two tortillas that were stuck together, placing one in front of India and the other on his own plate. “You of all people should understand that. You’re so passionate about your job as a teacher. Just like you could never leave those kids, I can’t let Ian move to Nashville without me.”

Take me with you. India felt her throat clench as she stared down at the warm flour tortilla. What had seemed so appetizing just moments before suddenly became an empty shell. I’d leave my teaching job in a heartbeat if you’d just tell me you love me. Is that so much to ask?

But India couldn’t ask. Girls weren’t supposed to be the first in a relationship to admit they were in love. Sure, she enjoyed teaching her little second graders. They were so full of life and willingness to learn and grow. They loved her, and they told her they loved her. Why can’t he?

One blind date had led to a long series of romantic interludes, shopping, out to dinners, sitting together in church. That was her favorite part. Ed devoted his life to God and wasn’t shy about his love for his Savior and the Church. If only he could channel some of that love toward her. Great, now I’m jealous of Ian Taylor and God? I’m pathetic.

“Ian’s a grown man.” India reached for the little tongs and began lifting meat and vegetables off the skillet and onto her steaming tortilla. “He can take care of himself.”

“You don’t understand what’s it like to be a rock star.” Ed’s condescending tone of voice stopped her hand mid-air. “The guys of Buxton Peak would get mauled if their bodyguards weren’t there to hold back the superfans.”

“You make yourself out to be way more important than you really are.” India dropped the tongs onto the skillet and sank back in the booth, folding her arms across her chest. She was tired of hearing about that stupid rock band full of spoiled, rich kids who couldn’t walk down the street without protection. “Ian could replace you in a heartbeat.”

“That’s not true.” Ed’s tone was defensive. “I am way more than just his employee. We’re best mates. We served as missionaries together. We’ve been through some really good times and some really bad times. He’s like a brother to me.”

“And what am I?” India asked. She felt like a silly little teenager passing notes to the boy in the next row. Do you love me? Check ‘yes’ or ‘no’. It was ridiculous.

“You’re… my girlfriend.” Ed gulped.

I should be more than that… India let his declaration hang in the air over the cooling skillet. They’d been exclusively dating for over a year. What was he waiting for? As she contemplated how to respond, India finished spooning guacamole onto her plate. I’m hungry, and you’re aggravating!

“How is everything so far?” the perky waitress asked. India felt her temper snap.

“My boyfriend’s running away to Nashville to be the lapdog for a rock star,” India said with a sarcastic smirk. “Other than that, the chicken looks delicious, thank you.”

“Uhh…” The waitress peeked over at Ed, who lowered his head into his hands, face and neck turning red. Good, let him squirm. India narrowed her eyes, even though neither of them would notice. India realized she was being discourteous to their server.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s not your fault. Could I get some more ice water?” India asked sweetly, holding up her half-empty glass.

“Sh… sure,” the waitress stammered. She hastily left the table, and Ed finally looked up at India.

“What was that for?” Ed’s eyebrows creased. India couldn’t tell if he was angry or hurt.

“Well… aren’t you?” India continued her snippy attitude. “…running off with Ian?” I’m done trying to be nice about this situation. Either ask me to marry you and come with you to Nashville, or… leave me alone.

“India, be reasonable.” Ed reached across the table and tried to take her hand.

“Be reasonable?” India’s voice carried through the dining room as she stood up from her seat. “You think I’m the one being unreasonable?”

The startled waitress beside India knocked the now full glass of ice water off her tray and down the front of Ed’s lap. He nearly dislodged the table from the wall, jumping off his seat in an attempt to brush the ice cubes off his clothes and pull the cold fabric away from his skin.

“Have a nice flight to Nashville,” India said. She started to walk away, but turned back, flipping her long black hair over her shoulder. “You might want to change your pants before you board the private jet Ian sent for you. Goodbye, Ed.”

To read more of India's story, check out Buxton Peak: Silence from Nashville, featured in the anthology collection, Unspoken Words by the creative writers at LDS Beta Readers.

Check out the rest of the Buxton Peak series!

Other books by Julie L. Spencer

Conservation District Administrator by Day, Author by Moonlight

Julie Spencer has a very full life managing the Gratiot Conservation District, writing grant proposals, newsletters, articles, and watershed management plans. In the evenings she goes home and writes stories. She has now published her sixth book with more on the way.

Julie has been writing since she was in junior high, but prior to publishing her first novel, The Cove, her only published work was her master’s thesis, titled GIS Approach to Identifying Areas for Preservation in the Chippewa River Watershed.

The science Julie Spencer embraces so much in her job as the Administrator for the Gratiot Conservation District is a far cry from the rock stars and love stories she writes about in her books.

“I have a lot of stories in my head and characters who talk to me,” Julie said. “Some say I’m crazy, but people still love my books.”

Amazon reviewers agree… for the most part.

“I got my first one-star review after publishing my book, The Man in the Yellow Jaguar. It’s about a 25-year-old woman who falls in love with a man twice her age. The reviewer called it ‘awkward’. Oh well, can’t win ‘em all.”

Julie’s books mostly earn four and five-star reviews and most reviewers seem to love that her stories usually contain a big twist they didn’t see coming. That, Julie says, is the best compliment she can get.

Writing has always been a passion, but Julie didn’t really take it seriously until people starting reading her stories and asking where they could purchase her books. Seeing no local bookstores within an hour drive, Julie made her stories available on Amazon as paperbacks and Kindle versions. She always carries a box of paperbacks in her car in case someone wants a signed copy.

The genre of Julie’s stories is a little unconventional and barely exists. She writes mostly New Adult Clean Contemporary fiction, but has several non-fiction projects in the works.

“Almost all my stories contain some sort of Christian slant, although they don’t fall into the traditional Christian fiction market. I don’t shy away from controversial topics like drug abuse and the sanctity of marital relationships. I write about rock stars touring the world, returned veterans struggling with PTSD, and a youth minister in an inner-city church in Nashville who also happens to play drums in a rock band. I’m a bit of a square peg in a round-hole publishing market.”

None of her fiction writing has anything to do with soil and water conservation. Julie’s education is in geography, environmental analysis, map making, earth science and land use planning. She has a Master’s of Science in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and loves writing grant proposals almost as much as writing stories.

Julie has also been doing some public speaking about her work here in central Michigan. She shared results of the Pine River septic study from last year at the State of the Bay Conference in Bay City in September, serves on an invasive species task force with the Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), and was chosen to serve on an advisory council for a two year grant project in partnerships with the Great Lakes Commission (GLC), Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), Institute for Water Research (IWR), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Michigan State University.

“How I was selected to be on an advisory council for a project called Researching Effectiveness of Agricultural Programs (REAP), I have no idea. I think it all stems back to the pilot program we conducted over the past four years called the Bad River Watershed Sedimentation Reduction Program funded by GLC. I guess we were successful in our project if they are now implementing it at the regional level. The Great Lakes Basin is a pretty big watershed! I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve.”

What’s Julie’s favorite book? The prequel to her Buxton Peak trilogy, appropriately titled Buxton Peak: The Early Years.

“Most of the Buxton Peak series takes place when my rock stars are adults, but The Early Years starts when my main character, Ian Taylor, is only eight years old. He is identified as a child prodigy who can play any instrument and goes on to start a rock band at the age of fourteen with his three best friends. By the end of the series, they’ve traversed a lot of challenges. A recovering addict, a Mormon rock star, an atheist and an inner-city youth pastor… what could possibly go wrong?”

If you’d like to reach Julie Spencer for Gratiot Conservation District business, her email is Julie.Spencer@macd.org and check out their website at www.GratiotConservationDistrict.org

Want more information about her books, go to www.AuthorJulieSpencer.com or JulieSpencer1998@gmail.com