The Color of Love (The Color of Heaven Series) (26 page)

Even if you can’t see it today, it might appear for you tomorrow.

What provided that light for me—when I sank very low and came close to giving up—was love.

I wasn’t consciously aware at the time, but my love for Carla and the son I didn’t know I had is what kept me going—though perhaps I did know. Maybe I always sensed Malcolm’s presence in this world, and that’s what I was praying for when the plane crashed into the wilderness: to be reunited with him.

I still don’t know if it was God who answered my prayers. How can a man of science ever be certain of such spiritual things? But there were many moments on the island when I felt an intense need to pray, even when I didn’t think He was listening.

Now here I am with all my prayers answered. Is it possible He delivered my prayers to Carla, like whispers on a breeze? She often says she felt me, the promise of me, sometimes, even before she knew I existed.

We’re married now, Carla and I. Of course, there were a few hurdles to clear before we could pledge our vows. She had to end things with Josh, and I had to confront Meg about our son and establish my rights as a father.

I asked her why she never told me about him. She admitted she didn’t know if Malcolm was mine, and it was shame and remorse that drove her to the life she felt she deserved.

A DNA test has since proved my paternity. Meg has sought treatment for her addictions and is in our prayers every day.

I am pleased to report that Malcolm has become an important part of our lives. He’s currently enrolled in a university music program while minoring in psychology. I am immensely proud of how far he’s come and what he’s accomplished.

Kaleigh is in high school now and plays guitar with me every day. She intends to pursue a career in nursing. She also has a boyfriend, which presents challenges at times, but he’s a decent kid who treats her well. Carla and I often wonder whether or not they’ll still be together five years from now.

In any case, it’s Kaleigh’s life and she will live it her own way. All we want is for her to be happy and do what she loves.

It’s not always easy when you’re young—to know what that is—but with experience comes wisdom, and in time all the puzzle pieces slide into place. Eventually, you know what you are meant for, and you can see clearly what will give your life meaning.

My life is no longer a puzzle. I understand my purpose and my joys.

Do you understand yours?

What a blessing life is. If you don’t believe it, get up and watch the sunrise tomorrow or take time to gaze up at the stars. Listen to the restful sound of a mourning dove in the quiet woods, or the wind whispering through the leaves above you.

Contemplate all that you are grateful for, and never give up on your dreams. Most importantly, give your whole heart to all that you love in this life.

Dear Reader,

Thank you for taking the time to read this book, the sixth installment in my
Color of Heaven
series. I hope you enjoyed Carla and Aaron’s story.

At the time this novel is being published, I am happily at work on book seven, THE COLOR OF THE SEASON, which opens with Carla putting an end to her relationship with Josh. The story then follows the strange and unlikely events in his life from that day forward. It will be released on November 11, 2014. If you would like to have it delivered to you on release day, you can
pre-order
it now.

If this is your first time reading a novel from this series and you enjoyed it, I encourage you to start at the beginning and read the other books in order. (Read on for a complete list of the titles.) There are many recurring characters, and the theme of this book is a constant thread throughout: that real life magic exists and touches us all, and though life is sometimes difficult, there is always a light somewhere ahead of us, or a second wind on the horizon that might turn things around.

If you’re interested in learning more about some of the plot elements in this novel, I invite you to visit my
website book page
and click on THE COLOR OF LOVE. I provide a “Behind the Book” section devoted to my research and inspirations.

And would you like to know when my next book is available? If so, please sign up for my
mailing list
on my website home page so I can keep you informed about upcoming releases. My subscribers are always first to learn about what’s coming next, and they are first to see new cover art which I reveal in my newsletters, delivered straight to their email inboxes. I also offer an autographed print book from my extensive backlist to one lucky entrant each month on my website
contest page
.

You can also like my
Facebook page
or follow me on Twitter at
@JulianneMacLean
.

Thank you again for taking the time to read THE COLOR OF LOVE, and if you enjoyed it, I hope you’ll leave a review at your favorite online retailer or book lovers’ website to help others discover this novel.

Read on for a Book Club Discussion Guide, and as always…

Happy Reading!

Julianne

Questions for Discussion

1. In the first half of the novel, Carla and Aaron have not met. Do you believe that they were connected somehow? Discuss ideas and references that support your opinion.

2. How did you feel about Seth during his time as the protagonist of the novel? Was he likeable? Did you perceive him as heroic? Why or why not?

3. Do you believe Carla made a mistake when she married Seth? Why or why not?

4. In chapter forty-three when Carla believes Seth is alive, she asks: “Is it my duty to stay with him?” If it truly had been Seth who was found on the iceberg, what do you believe would have been the right thing for her to do?

5. Compare and contrast the differences between Carla’s relationship with Aaron, both before and after meeting him in the hospital, and her relationship with Josh.

6. Do you believe Carla was right or wrong about putting her wedding ring back on before flying to Newfoundland to visit Seth? What would you have done in those circumstances?

7. How do you feel about the novel’s conclusion? Was it realistic that Carla would be so ready to leave Josh behind after spending only a few days with Aaron? Would you have preferred to see it play out differently? How?

The Color of Heaven Novels are also available as
audiobooks
.

Other Books in the Color of Heaven Series

THE COLOR OF HEAVEN

A deeply emotional tale about Sophie Duncan, a successful columnist whose world falls apart after her daughter’s unexpected illness and her husband’s shocking affair. When it seems nothing else could possibly go wrong, her car skids off an icy road and plunges into a frozen lake. There, in the cold dark depths of the water, a profound and extraordinary experience unlocks the surprising secrets from Sophie’s past, and teaches her what it means to truly live…and love.

Full of surprising twists and turns and a near-death experience that will leave you breathless, this story is not to be missed.

“A gripping, emotional tale you’ll want to read in one sitting.”

—
New York Times
bestselling author, Julia London

“Brilliantly poignant mainstream tale.”

—4 ½ starred review,
Romantic Times

Includes Bonus Content: A Bookclub Discussion Guide

Purchase THE COLOR OF HEAVEN

THE COLOR OF DESTINY

Eighteen years ago a teenage pregnancy changed Kate Worthington’s life forever. Faced with many difficult decisions, she chose to follow her heart and embrace an uncertain future with the father of her baby—her devoted first love.

At the same time, in another part of the world, sixteen-year-old Ryan Hamilton makes his own share of mistakes, but learns important lessons along the way. Twenty years later, Kate’s and Ryan’s paths cross in a way they could never expect, which makes them question the possibility of destiny. Even when all seems hopeless, could it be that everything happens for a reason, and we end up exactly where we are meant to be?

Includes Bonus Content: A Bookclub Discussion Guide

Purchase THE COLOR OF DESTINY

THE COLOR OF HOPE

Diana Moore has led a charmed life. She is the daughter of a wealthy senator and lives a glamorous city life, confident that her handsome live-in boyfriend Rick is about to propose. But everything is turned upside down when she learns of a mysterious woman who works nearby—a woman who is her identical mirror image.

Diana is compelled to discover the truth about this woman’s identity, but the truth leads her down a path of secrets, betrayals, and shocking discoveries about her past. These discoveries follow her like a shadow.

Then she meets Dr. Jacob Peterson—a brilliant cardiac surgeon with an uncanny ability to heal those who are broken. With his help, Diana embarks upon a journey to restore her belief in the human spirit, and recover a sense of hope—that happiness, and love, may still be within reach for those willing to believe in second chances.

Includes Bonus Content: A Bookclub Discussion Guide

Purchase THE COLOR OF HOPE

THE COLOR OF A DREAM

Nadia Carmichael has had a lifelong run of bad luck. It begins on the day she is born, when she is separated from her identical twin sister and put up for adoption. Twenty-seven years later, not long after she is finally reunited with her twin and is expecting her first child, Nadia falls victim to a mysterious virus and requires a heart transplant.