Katy Lee - Permanent Vacancy

BUYER BEWARE

When Gretchen Bauer begins renovating an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she barely escapes several dangerous “accidents” at her home. Colm McCrae, host of the home improvement TV show helping her renovate, refuses to believe these aren’t on purpose. Could this be a harmful ploy by his boss to boost ratings? Yet with Colm’s Irish brogue and handsome face, Gretchen wonders whether he could be involved. But with a whole town full of neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of more likely suspects. Now she must trust Colm if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap.

Gretchen reached her hand out to grab the pipe.

But just as the tips of her fingers brushed against it, a spark zapped her and sent her flying back onto the floor with a thud.

Shocked silence descended upon the room, everyone trying to comprehend what had just happened.

Gretchen had dropped the pliers somewhere along her flight and lay still against the tub. She held her injured hand close to her body, shaking and remaining dulled and speechless.

“Gretchen?” Colm dropped to his knees, grabbing her hand. He looked up at her pained expression, eyes tightly sealed. “Goldie, look at me.”

He reached for her face with his free hand, shaking her cheek to get her attention. He needed to know if she could comprehend what happened. Her eyes opened but looked so stunned, he didn’t think she did.

Which could only mean this shouldn’t have happened.

KATY LEEwrites suspenseful romances that thrill and inspire. She believes every story should stir and satisfy the reader—from the edge of their seat. A native New Englander, Katy loves to knit warm wooly things. She enjoys traveling the side roads and exploring the locals’ hideaways. A homeschooling mom of three competitive swimmers, Katy often writes from the stands while cheering them on.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

—Proverbs 28:26

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

—2 Corinthians 13:11

To my husband, Bill. I love you and I thank God for you.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN EPILOGUE Dear Reader Extract Copyright

I am a great believer that it takes a village to publish a book. First and foremost, it takes readers. I’m so grateful to you all. Thank you for picking my book up and not putting it down. Thank you for your dedication to the Love Inspired series. I write for you.

I’d also like to thank David Bond, electrician and author, for helping me put a little zap in the book. I’m usually a safety-first kind of gal, so thank you for the help with deadly hazards.

I’m so blessed to have a family that cheers me on. Not a word would be written without your support and help. Thank you, guys, for understanding a closed door doesn’t mean I don’t love you. It means I love you enough to show you what going after your dreams looks like. And that it’s worth it.

And finally, thank you, Emily Rodmell. With you as my editor, my writing has your special touch that makes it shine.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text BUYER BEWARE When Gretchen Bauer begins renovating an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she barely escapes several dangerous “accidents” at her home. Colm McCrae, host of the home improvement TV show helping her renovate, refuses to believe these aren’t on purpose. Could this be a harmful ploy by his boss to boost ratings? Yet with Colm’s Irish brogue and handsome face, Gretchen wonders whether he could be involved. But with a whole town full of neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of more likely suspects. Now she must trust Colm if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap.

Introduction Gretchen reached her hand out to grab the pipe. But just as the tips of her fingers brushed against it, a spark zapped her and sent her flying back onto the floor with a thud. Shocked silence descended upon the room, everyone trying to comprehend what had just happened. Gretchen had dropped the pliers somewhere along her flight and lay still against the tub. She held her injured hand close to her body, shaking and remaining dulled and speechless. “Gretchen?” Colm dropped to his knees, grabbing her hand. He looked up at her pained expression, eyes tightly sealed. “Goldie, look at me.” He reached for her face with his free hand, shaking her cheek to get her attention. He needed to know if she could comprehend what happened. Her eyes opened but looked so stunned, he didn’t think she did. Which could only mean this shouldn’t have happened.

About the Author KATY LEE writes suspenseful romances that thrill and inspire. She believes every story should stir and satisfy the reader—from the edge of their seat. A native New Englander, Katy loves to knit warm wooly things. She enjoys traveling the side roads and exploring the locals’ hideaways. A homeschooling mom of three competitive swimmers, Katy often writes from the stands while cheering them on.

Title Page Permanent Vacancy Katy Lee www.millsandboon.co.uk

Epigraph Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. —Proverbs 28:26 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. —2 Corinthians 13:11

Dedication To my husband, Bill. I love you and I thank God for you.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN EPILOGUE Dear Reader Extract Copyright I am a great believer that it takes a village to publish a book. First and foremost, it takes readers. I’m so grateful to you all. Thank you for picking my book up and not putting it down. Thank you for your dedication to the Love Inspired series. I write for you. I’d also like to thank David Bond, electrician and author, for helping me put a little zap in the book. I’m usually a safety-first kind of gal, so thank you for the help with deadly hazards. I’m so blessed to have a family that cheers me on. Not a word would be written without your support and help. Thank you, guys, for understanding a closed door doesn’t mean I don’t love you. It means I love you enough to show you what going after your dreams looks like. And that it’s worth it. And finally, thank you, Emily Rodmell. With you as my editor, my writing has your special touch that makes it shine.