Slow Trek to Triumph: A Mature-Age Christian Romance (A Sunburned Land Series Book 5) eBook edition
Slow Trek to Triumph: A Mature-Age Christian Romance (A Sunburned Land Series Book 5) eBook edition
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SYNOPSIS
SYNOPSIS
A road trip, a new romance, and a new start…
Frank and Maggie have finally set off on their much awaited and longed for road trip. They relish the time together, exploring new places, meeting new people.
But their trip is interrupted when Frank grows ill.
How could this have happened? He was the epitome of health. Will he survive? Will they need to return home? What are God’s plans?
Meanwhile, more changes are underfoot at Goddard Downs.
Sean has returned and has his eyes on Elizabeth, but does Elizabeth have her eyes on him?
Can he truly give up his wild ways like Joshua did?
Is David’s suggestion of building a bridge really a possibility? Or is it a pipe dream?
And can Janella leave Goddard Downs and embrace a new career and a new home?
A road trip, a new romance, and a new start…
Frank and Maggie have finally set off on their much awaited and longed for road trip. They relish the time together, exploring new places, meeting new people.
But their trip is interrupted when Frank grows ill.
How could this have happened? He was the epitome of health. Will he survive? Will they need to return home? What are God’s plans?
Meanwhile, more changes are underfoot at Goddard Downs.
Sean has returned and has his eyes on Elizabeth, but does Elizabeth have her eyes on him?
Can he truly give up his wild ways like Joshua did?
Is David’s suggestion of building a bridge really a possibility? Or is it a pipe dream?
And can Janella leave Goddard Downs and embrace a new career and a new home?
Slow Trek to Triumph is Book Five in the Sunburned Land Series, a contemporary Christian romance set in the beautiful, rugged and remote Kimberley area of northern Australia. Grab your copy now and be blessed.
WHAT READERS SAY:
"I just loved this Aussie family story. The characters are real with their faults and fears yet there is an underlying trust in God that isn't preachy. While this book tied up the loose ends from the saga, it was done with enough unexpected twists to make you want to keep reading to the end. The descriptions of Frank & Maggie's road trip added some places to my bucket list." Keralyn
"One of the best books I have read in a very long time! A book full of love and Christian values!" Stamper 82
"This last book was exhilarating, nail biting and I just didn’t want to stop reading. A fantastic read. I wish it wasn’t the final book but all good things must come to an end. I felt like I knew the Goddard family. What a faithful family." Delores
Chapter One - Look Inside
Chapter One - Look Inside
CHAPTER ONE
Frank could hardly keep track of the changes occurring in his life and that of his family, but this latest change brought a smile to his lips every time he thought of it. His youngest son, Joshua, had married Stella and they were now living at Indigo Downs, the cattle station Stella’s family had owned and lost, and which Joshua had purchased back for her as a wedding gift.
The couple had left for their honeymoon right after the wedding, and since then, Frank had resumed the role of managing Goddard Downs, a role he was more than familiar with. He was, however, finding it difficult to rouse himself each morning, something he’d never had a problem with before. Perhaps it was the lingering heartburn that had been troubling him in recent times, but more likely, it was simply that he didn’t want to leave Maggie. Whenever his gaze settled on his beautiful wife’s sleeping form, he was tempted to stay with her and not go to work. He was getting soft in his old age.
In the short time Joshua had been running things, Frank and Maggie had settled into a routine of long breakfasts on their deck, followed by a Bible reading and a prayer time. Returning to the helm had all but ended that. Maggie had been more than understanding and never grumbled or complained, but he knew she was missing their time together as much as he was.
But that morning, as he sat down for a quick breakfast, he made a decision. He took her hand across the table and rubbed it gently with his thumb.
She lifted her gaze and gave a bemused smile.
“My love,” he said, “I think we should take that trip.”
Her eyes shot open. “Now?”
“Yes.” He looked deep into her eyes that flickered with confusion.
“What about the station? All the work that has to be done? We still haven’t found a vet to replace Stella, nor an extra hand to help with the drives.”
He lifted a finger to her lips and hushed her. “Shhh, my love. All those things can be figured out. We need to take time for each other while we can. The station will survive without me for a while.” He squeezed her hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing it gently. “I want us to spend time together, Maggie. Just you and me, before we get too old. What do you say?”
She stared at him for a long moment, their gazes locked, before she replied, “I’d love to, Frank, so long as you truly think you can afford the time.”
“I’ll make sure I can.” He smiled, the delight in her expression warming his heart. “Broome it is, then?”
She nodded eagerly. “Why don’t we make a road trip of it? I’d love to be able to take our time and enjoy all the sights along the way.”
“Funny you should say that. I just happen to have been working on the perfect rig.”
“Oh?” she said, her brows furrowing.
He chuckled. “Come down to the workshop later and I’ll show you.”
“Okay.” She leaned forward and searched his eyes as her own danced with merriment. “How long have you been planning this, Frank?”
He grinned. “Since the day we met.”
“Oh, go on with you, Frank Goddard. Seriously. How long?”
He leaned back in his chair and sipped his chamomile tea. He’d gone off coffee recently after finding that Maggie’s herbal teas soothed him better. He’d even started enjoying the flavour. He stared out across the lagoon where a family of ducks was enjoying an early morning paddle.
When had he started planning this? Good question. Julian’s sudden death had made him realise once again that no one, other than God, knew how many days they had left on this earth. That day as they lowered his eldest son’s body into the ground, he’d made a decision to cherish every day, to take pleasure in life, and to spend as much time with Maggie and his family as he possibly could. He didn’t want to live his life with regret.
He faced her and drew a slow breath. “Since Julian’s funeral.”
Her expression sobered and an understanding passed between them. Words weren’t needed. She knew how much Julian’s death had affected him, but God was gracious, and although he’d never fully get over his son’s death, he, along with the rest of the family, was learning to live without him.
“I’ll make some more tea,” she said.
He smiled. “Thank you, my love. That would be great, and then maybe we can do a bit of planning before I head off. I told Liv I’d be in late this morning.”
“Okay. I’ll grab my notebook and laptop.” Maggie returned a few seconds later with both items and sat beside him. He could hardly get a word in as she began to explore the possible routes, expounding on the pros and cons of each. She was so meticulous, and she had the best photo spots and attractions brought up within minutes, suggesting the places they could stop on their way to and from Broome, the seaside town where they’d honeymooned three years before.
“But when we get there, we’ll have to stay in the same hotel we did for our honeymoon.” She lifted her gaze from her screen and met his. Unspoken words passed between them.
Recalling those magical days and nights, their first as husband and wife, brought a smile to his lips. With its long sandy beaches and laidback lifestyle, Broome was the absolute best place for a honeymoon. But it was also a great place to camp. He made circles on her hand with his thumb. “Oh, I thought we’d camp.”
Her eyes widened and disappointment flashed across her face until he chuckled. “I’m only kidding, my love. The hotel it is.”
Her face broke into a relieved smile as she swatted him gently on the arm. “Frank. You do like to tease, don’t you?”
He reached out and curled a loose tendril of hair around his finger before slipping his hand behind her head and drawing her face close to brush his lips across hers. “But I like this more.”
Laughing, she returned his kiss before pushing to her feet. “You’ll be fired if you don’t get to work soon.”
He grinned. “Bring it on!”
“You don’t mean that, Frank.”
“No, but I’m looking forward to taking some time off.”
“So am I. It’ll be wonderful.” She wrapped her arms around his neck from behind and kissed his cheek. “Now, off you go.”
He squeezed her hands and angled his head to smile at her. “Come down later and we’ll tell the family.”
“But we haven’t decided anything definite yet.”
“We’ve decided we’re going. That’s enough. And they’ll need time to prepare for when we’re gone.”
She nodded. “You’re right. I’ll pop down a little later and you can show me the rig as well.”
“You’re going to love it.” A grin grew on his face as he imagined her reaction when she saw the camper he’d been secretly working on for weeks.
She chuckled and ruffled his hair. “I’m sure I will.”
* * *
After Frank left, Maggie tidied away the dishes and made another cup of tea. Her mind was awhirl. She needed a few quiet moments to process what had just happened. With Julian’s passing and Joshua moving to Indigo Downs, she’d assumed the trip she and Frank had been talking about since their wedding would be put off indefinitely. While she was okay with that, because Goddard Downs was his life after all, it had also saddened her. Spending time together, just the two of them, exploring new places, was something she’d looked forward to, but she was wise enough to know that best made plans often didn’t happen. So Frank’s announcement that he wanted to go anyway filled her with excitement and gratitude.
She carried her tea to the deck, and after easing into her chair, she opened her Bible to do her morning reading. Although she was studying the book of Hebrews, she opened it at her favourite Psalm, Psalm 100, and read it aloud, softly.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Like the psalmist, Maggie’s heart overflowed with gratitude for the many blessings God had bestowed on her. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Lord, I give You thanks for Your goodness. For bringing me to this place where I know beyond a shadow of a doubt You want me to be, but I also give You praise that Frank and I can spend quality time together while experiencing Your amazing creation. Go before us and prepare the way for Goddard Downs to run without Frank. Bless the family and raise them up to be the people You want them to be. I pray these things in Your Son’s precious name. Amen.
An hour later, she wandered down to the workshop. It was that time of year when the ground was beginning to cry out for rain, and she had to be careful where she walked as deep ruts had started to appear in the track. Once the rains came and the dirt became soft and pliable, the boys would grade the tracks, levelling them out and making them easier to traverse, although she wasn’t sure which she preferred. Dirt or mud. She chuckled. How her thoughts had changed in the three years she’d lived here. She’d loved city life, but there was something special about living on the land. God seemed closer somehow. She knew that wasn’t the case since God was everywhere, so she guessed the change was in her. She had more time to appreciate His goodness, to see His hand at work, and choosing to walk instead of driving the short distance gave her that extra time.
Her heart was light by the time she reached the large workshop where all the vehicle maintenance was carried out. By necessity, Frank had learned to change an engine, fix a gearbox, and he could troubleshoot almost any mechanical fault a vehicle might have. Julian had never learned those skills. He’d preferred someone else look after that messy part of the business. Joshua had taken an interest, but preferred looking after the horses. Nate, Olivia’s husband, being city born and bred, was not mechanically inclined at all, and Sean, Frank’s nephew, wasn’t reliable enough. But David, Serena’s husband, was a firefighter who didn’t mind getting his hands dirty and was still trying to find his place at Goddard Downs. Frank had told Maggie that he hoped he might pass his knowledge onto David over time, but it was looking more and more likely they’d have to employ a mechanic from outside the family. And sooner than later, if she and Frank were to take this trip. Another thing to hand over to God.
She poked her head into the workshop and frowned. Frank didn’t seem to be there. In fact, it was so quiet she could hear the ticking of the clock on the far wall. She took a breath and a swig of water and was turning to walk up to the main house when her gaze caught sight of the rig. Her eyes widened, and then she laughed. She’d assumed Frank had fixed the old caravan they’d bought not long after they married, but this wasn’t the caravan. It was a camper that fitted onto the back of a small truck, much like a tortoise carrying its home with it wherever it went. She’d seen them on the road, of course. Tourists travelled through the Kimberley in the dry season sporting all sorts of rigs, and she’d always thought a camper like this would be fun. And now, as she stepped closer and studied it, she thought it was the perfect setup for her and Frank. It wasn’t large by any means, but it would give them the best of both worlds. Indoor sleeping and outdoor living, and they wouldn’t have to drag a van over those corrugated dirt roads. She was investigating the slide out stove when footsteps sounded from behind. Turning, she came face to face with Frank.
His eyes danced as he searched hers. “What do you think, my love?”
“I think it’s perfect.” Smiling, she walked into his embrace and leaned against his strong chest.
He kissed the top of her head. “I think so, too. Let me show you inside.”
“Frank.” She chuckled at the suggestive tone of his voice. “I’ve already looked, and it’s very cosy. I might even pass on the hotel, but right now, don’t we have a family meeting to get to?”
He released a heavy sigh. “Yes, we do.” He slipped an arm around her shoulders. “So, you like it?”
She looked into his eyes. “I love it. And I love that you want to do this trip. I can’t wait to be travelling the open road with you.”
He rubbed her arm. “We’d better go and break the news.”
“Yes, we should.”
They strolled the half kilometre to the homestead, chatting about where they would head to first, and what they’d need to take to last several weeks on the road before reaching any shops where they could restock. While joy bubbled through her, Maggie’s mind whirled. There was so much to think about. How could they carry enough food to last three weeks? What about cooking utensils? And what clothes should they take?
“It’s all in hand, my love. I asked Janella to order extra supplies this month. We’re ready to go as soon as we tell the family.”
“Oh Frank. I can’t believe you kept this from me.”
He chuckled. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
She laughed as she leaned into him. “You definitely succeeded.”
***
The family was gathered in the main house. Everyone, including Joshua and Stella, was present, and it was a welcome sight to Frank’s eyes. Although the couple now lived four hours’ drive away, they’d agreed to attend the monthly family business meetings, and this was the first since their wedding.
“Good morning,” Frank said brightly, looking at each face around the table. Maggie sat to his right, Serena and David were beside her, Olivia and Nate sat opposite, Joshua and Stella were at the other end, Sean sat beside Joshua, and Janella was to Frank’s left. Sasha was minding the younger children who were playing quietly in the adjoining room. His granddaughter possessed a natural maternal instinct that her cousins responded to. They were always happy to have her look after them.
“First, I’d like to thank you all for being here, and a big welcome back to Joshua and Stella.” As he gave the newlyweds a nod, a wave of pride swept through him. The change in Joshua since Julian’s death was nothing less than remarkable, and although they all missed Julian greatly, God had used his death to work in Joshua’s life, changing him from a troubled young man who had little idea of what he wanted, to a responsible, mature husband and leader.
“We have a lot of business to cover this morning, but before we begin, let’s start with a word of prayer.”
They joined hands and bowed their heads as Frank committed their time to the Lord. “Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, Thank You for Joshua’s and Stella’s safe return. We ask that You bless our time together and guide us as we make decisions that will affect us all. In Your precious Son’s name. Amen.”
After taking a sip of tea, Frank turned to Joshua. “How are things at Indigo? Settling in okay?”
Joshua crossed his arms. “Yes, but we need to find some hands before we get the new herd. We’ve put the word out but haven’t advertised yet. We’d rather try for hands we’ve at least heard of before looking for new ones.”
Frank nodded approvingly. “Good idea.”
“Less time training, too,” Stella chimed in. “We want to get the new herd settled well before the next rainy season.”
“Indeed,” Frank agreed. “Speaking of which,” he squeezed Maggie’s hand, “we have an announcement.”
As expected, all eyes turned to him.
“What is it, Dad?” Olivia folded her arms and studied him with narrowed eyes, her gaze darting between him and Maggie. He’d known that his daughter would have the most issue with them disappearing for a few weeks, so he replied to her.
“Maggie and I have decided to take a trip.”
Olivia frowned. “Now? With everything that needs to be done?”
He nodded. “Yes. I’ve thought and prayed long and hard about this. Maggie and I need some time alone, and I’m sure you’ll survive without us for a while.” Breaking his gaze with Olivia, he looked around the table, his gaze taking in each of the other family members in turn. “We’d love you all to work together to ensure everything runs smoothly while we’re gone.”
“How long are you going for?” Olivia barked.
“We haven’t fully decided, but perhaps a month. Once we have a better idea, we’ll let you know. We just wanted to give you a heads-up so we can start getting things ready to leave.”
“But we still have to find a vet to replace Stella, and some new hands…” she continued.
“You’re more than capable of handling all of that, Olivia.” He raised a brow and gave a pointed look.
She huffed out a breath and shook her head but remained silent.
Usually, he would never have contemplated taking an extended trip with so many tasks outstanding, but things had changed. He cast his gaze around the table. “This will be a time for you all to step up. To learn some new skills. To work together. I have confidence in you all, and I know you’ll be fine.” He placed his hands on the table. “That’s all I have to share on my end other than saying I expect to have an update from Mr. Tamala sometime soon, but Joshua and Stella will be handling that arrangement going forward since the new herd will be under their supervision.”
He didn’t miss how his statement caused the corners of Joshua’s lips to rise in a half-grin, half-smile. His son needed his space, an opportunity to shine, not only as a man, but as a husband and as head of his own house. Frank was glad they’d finally come to a place where they could each be the men they were meant to be. It was long in coming. Julian would have been proud to see how his younger brother had stepped up already. That thought caused Frank’s heart to feel heavy. It wasn’t that long ago Julian was chairing these family meetings, eager to show himself as responsible. He never had anything to prove in Frank’s eyes, but he didn’t seem to understand that.
Frank handed the floor to Joshua who proceeded to explain the process they were undertaking to select the new herd. Stella added her points on the selection process and stated that she would be personally choosing the new cattle, especially the studs, whose breeding prowess would improve the herd’s quality for years to come.
Finally, once those matters were settled and everyone’s questions answered, Frank opened the floor to any other business. “Does anyone else have anything to say?”
“I do,” David said quickly, sitting straighter and clearing his throat.
Silence fell on the room before Frank nodded. “Good. The floor’s yours. Over to you.”
“Thanks.” David smiled as his gaze swept around the table. “Good morning to everyone. As newcomers, Serena and I don’t have much to contribute normally, but there’s a matter which I believe affects us all and is about to directly impact Serena.”
Leaning forward, Frank crossed his arms on the table and pinned David with his gaze. “Newcomers or not, you’re family, and that gives you a right to speak.”
David gave an appreciative, and a relieved, smile. “Thank you.”
“So, what seems to be the trouble?” Frank asked.
David released a heavy sigh. “It’s the rains. We’ve only had one Christmas here, but in that time, we got to see how isolated Goddard Downs becomes during the wet season, and how dangerous it can be. Serena’s programme with the children is doing well, and this place is a sanctuary for them, but if they can’t come during the rainy season because it’s not safe to travel, everything she’s been trying to do with them could be derailed. Months without being able to come could do more harm than good.”
“What do you have in mind?” Frank asked.
“A bridge.”
Everyone’s eyes widened and an audible gasp rounded the table.
David continued quickly. “I’m suggesting we build a bridge to provide safe passage to and from Goddard Downs, eliminating its isolation during the wet season. Having a bridge will also help in an emergency.”
“And it would mean the children can come here safely all year round,” Serena added. “They already experience so many disappointments, I don’t want to add to them.”
Frank took a slow breath. He’d raised the idea of a bridge years before when his father still held the reins, but the idea had been vetoed because of the cost. Now, however, the station was in a much better financial position. He glanced at Maggie. She’d been silently listening and met his gaze, hope filling her eyes. The project with the children had helped Serena overcome her own issues, and Maggie would welcome the idea of a bridge if it would help both her daughter and the children.
He faced David and gave a nod. “I like the idea.”
“A bridge, Dad? Really?” Olivia protested, leaning forward. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for anything that would make the station safer and enable Serena to carry on her programme, but we're talking about building something that none of us have any idea how to do, nor of the costs involved. It could cost more than it’s worth.” She folded her arms and sat back in her chair with a stony expression on her face.
Of course, Olivia would be negative. “We won’t know that until we investigate,” Frank replied, trying not to be too condescending. “How do the rest of you feel?”
Janella spoke first. “I think it’s a great suggestion. I’ve always thought something needed to be done. I think we all have at one point or another, but no one ever said anything.”
“It’s because we’re used to it,” Frank said. “We’ve grown up with the rains and the flooding, and we’ve just accepted that’s the way it is. David and Serena haven’t.” He nodded at the pair. “Sometimes new eyes are all that’s needed to find a solution. Sean, what do you think?”
Blinking, his nephew straightened and ran his hand across his shaggy hair. “Ah… I...I think it’s about time. I could help.”
“How are you going to help with that broken arm?” Olivia asked almost derisively before turning her gaze to Frank. “I think we should stick a pin in the entire thing until we have more information to base a decision on.”
“We aren’t deciding now, Liv,” Frank said, holding her gaze. “But yes, we need information. David, can I entrust you to undertake some research?”
“Certainly. I’ll make a few calls and see what the process would be.”
Olivia drew a long breath and blew it out. She sat forward in her chair. “Okay. I’ll get some quotes and see just how much this idea will cost, although I think it’s going to be more than we can afford. We’d have to engage engineers and get the land surveyed, and then we’d have to find a construction company who could build it, plus pay for all the materials, and it wouldn’t be a small bridge.”
Frank smiled. His daughter would do a thorough job of gathering details, even if she didn’t support the idea. “Perhaps you and David can work together and report back at the next meeting. I’m thinking we should call an interim one before Maggie and I leave. Five days to put everything together?”
Olivia’s eyes shot open. “Five days? That’s not long enough.”
“We need things to move quickly. I want to have this matter tabled or actioned before Maggie and I leave. A week from today should be enough time.”
“At least that’s better than five days,” Olivia said, rolling her eyes. “Are we done?”
“I think so, unless anyone else has something they want to raise?” Frank waited a moment, and when no one responded, he called the meeting to an end.
Maggie returned to the cottage to start planning their trip while Frank settled into his office for the day. He was pleased with how things had gone at the meeting, although there’d been little to debate other than the bridge. David’s idea was a good one and worth investigating. If it proceeded, it would be another change, but one that Frank would welcome. He was more than used to the access issues the station experienced during the wet season, but having vehicular access all year round had to be beneficial.
Main Tropes
- Mature-age/seasoned Christian Romance
- Heartwarming
- Inspiring
What Readers Say About A Sunburned Land Series....
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"There is nothing to dislike, your books are uplifting and informative.
You capture me from the moment I first started reading your books, I am emotionally moved by them." Julia B -
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"This novel draws the reader into the story of a family so real that I couldn't help but be drawn into their tragedies and triumphs. These characters are not stereotypes. Rather they live true life with their faith and love for each other.They are dynamically as vibrant as the setting described throughout the telling of their story." utgrandma
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"No matter what, through the trials and tribulations, this family went through, they stuck together as a family. They kept focused on God and leaned on one another. You can’t go wrong with the series so give it a shot." Karen