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The Arctic Cruise
Pack your bags for the adventure of a lifetime…
From the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise, embark on an unforgettable journey and sail through Norway’s winter wonderlands to see the spectacular Northern Lights.
________
Will the Arctic wonderland work its magic this winter?
Joy never imagined stepping aboard a cruise ship without her husband, Tom. Now widowed, Joy wonders what her voyage on the Emerald Dream will hold – and as it glides through breathtaking Norwegian fjords, she longs to believe in happiness again. However, she carries a secret that could unravel her fragile hopes if it ever came to light…
Elsewhere on deck, as the sun dips below the horizon and the polar night sets in, Henry, a lifelong bachelor, is living his dream of seeing the Northern Lights. Having long since given up on love, he now dedicates himself to his passion for photography. But when he meets Joy, is it more than the aurora borealis that catches his eye?
As they embark on a snow-dusted adventure which takes them from bustling ports to reindeer-drawn sleigh rides, will Joy and Henry find the courage to embrace love again? Or will hidden truths sink the possibility of a new beginning?
A heartwarming, feel-good voyage of self-discovery, romance and second chances, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Judy Leigh.
Purchase Link - https://geni.us/TACK1
Author Bio –
Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, and her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, THE CRUISE CLUB, and now: THE ARCTIC CRUISE.
Her best-selling novel ATTICUS ARNOTT’S GREAT ADVENTURE is described as “A heartwarming and uplifting read where the characters shine from the page.”
Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.
When she’s not writing in her cosy writing retreat, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her Westie, and refreshing swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a champion of lifelong creativity.
Social Media Links –
Twitter: @carolinejames12
Facebook: Caroline James Author
Instagram: carolinejamesauthor
Bluesky: @carolinejames1.bsky.social
FROM THE AUTHOR
Thank you so much for hosting me on your fabulous blog. I am delighted
to share an extract from my new novel, The Arctic Cruise.
The Arctic Cruise is a story about two people drawn together aboard a ship, while
the lives of other passengers subtly and unexpectedly intertwine with theirs,
shaping a journey none of them will ever forget. Set in Norway, beyond the
Arctic Circle where snow-capped mountains rise above icy waters and the
atmosphere in winter is simply magical.
In this extract, Henry, a passenger, is in his cabin on the promenade
deck when Jennifer, the Filipino housekeeper makes her morning visit…
The Emerald Dream
glided gracefully into the fjords south of Tromsø,Tromso,
the next port of call, which would be reached by late afternoon. Captain
Lindholm took to the PA and assured passengers of a smooth voyage ahead, adding
that there would be a pause mid-fjord at mid-day, to allow
everyone to soak in the beauty of the Norwegian winter landscape reflected in
the in the mystical blue twilight at that time of day.
On
the promenade deck, the Deck Mile Club were out for their morning routine. Jack
and Judy now took charge together, the pair guiding the group confidently past
early risers who stood by the rails to let them pass. It was clear [DH1] to
all that a closeness had begun between the two that went beyond the daily
exercise.
‘Best foot forward!’ Judy instructed, pausing to gather
any stragglers at the back who’d taken the liberty of pausing during the walk
to catch their breath. ‘Plenty of time for dilly-dallying once your heart rate
recovers. Let’s move!’ She clapped twice, then spun on her heel to power off
again with Jack, leaving no room for resistance.
Henry was in his cabin when the Deck Mile Club appeared
outside. Opening the sliding door, he heard Judy issuing instructions. He waited for the group
to pass, then taking in the icy air, Henry’s breath formed soft clouds as he
exhaled. The fjord was silent save for the low hum of the ship’s engine, and
time seemed to suspend itself, the stillness thrilling as he absorbed the grandeur
of what he imagined beyond the darkness. Henry felt like a mere speck
of humanity in the shadow of something ancient and vast. If the mountains could
speak, what centuries of stories they would whisper to the historian over the
water? Fascinating tales carved out of stone and not written down on parchment.
Henry remembered his elderly neighbour Audrey’s tales of
Norse folklore, and fables of trolls lurking in the mountains. It was easy to
see how such myths took root in such a mysterious landscape. Henry didn’t
believe in trolls, but in that moment, he felt a shiver of wonder and thought
that anything was possible
‘Mr Henry!’ Startled, Henry turned to see Jennifer at the
doorway of his cabin. She held up her hand and waved. ‘You get cold out there,’
Jennifer called out, ‘put coat on!’ She reached into the wardrobe for his
jacket and scarf.
Realising that Jennifer was about to tidy his cabin,
Henry had no wish to get in her way. Nor did he intend to engage in
conversation; their chats were starting to feel a little too familiar.
‘Splendid,’ Henry said and stepped forward to place his
arms in the jacket sleeves as Jennifer tucked the scarf carefully around his
neck.
‘You take pictures?’
‘Er, no . . .,’ Henry was hesitant. , ‘Itit’s
too dark, and I can’t take any photographs for Audrey until there’s some light
at mid-day.’
Jennifer scowled. Before Henry had time to move, she
swivelled around, whipped out a phone from her apron pocket and took a selfie
of them both. ‘You send Miss Audrey our picture,’ she said, ‘better than silly
mountains.’
Jennifer held up her phone, and Henry realised that she
wanted to exchange numbers. Flustered, he patted his pockets. ‘I don’t have my
mobile… . . .
and I should let you get on.’ Before she could respond, he turned on his heel
and, with a vague wave, quickly moved off to hurry along the promenade deck.
‘See you later, Mr Henry,’ Jennifer called after him.
Henry thought he caught a trace of amusement in
Jennifer’s voice. Puzzled, he checked the buttons of his coat, adjusted his
scarf, then ran his fingers through his windblown hair. ‘All in order,’ he
muttered and opened the door to the forward deck where a number of passengers,
including the Deck Mile Club, had begun a floodlit game of shuffleboard.
But the moment he stepped forward, Henry looked down,
then froze and uttered a curse. ‘Hellfire,’ he hissed.
Henry was still wearing his slippers.
Thank
you so much for hosting me and I wish you and your followers many happy reading
hours.
Warmest
wishes
Caroline xx
Books by Caroline James:
Atticus Arnott’s
Great Adventure
Contact:
Twitter: @CarolineJames12
Facebook: Caroline James Author
Insta: Caroline James Author
(note: Helen might not have read the featured title yet)
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