The Shadows Trilogy Box Set: A Christian Romance Read online

  Contents

  BOOK 1 - Lingering Shadows

  Foreward

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  BOOK 2 Facing the Shadows

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  BOOK 3 - Beyond the Shadows

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  BOOK 1 - Lingering Shadows

  Cover Design by http://www.StunningBookCovers.com

  Copyright © 2015 Juliette Duncan

  All rights reserved.

  The books that form the The Shadows Trilogy are all a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination or are used for fictional purposes. Any mentioned brand names, places, and trade marks remain the property of their respective owners, bear no association with the the author, and are used for fictional purposes only.

  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

  Foreward

  Note from the Author:

  Hello! I’m so glad you’ve picked up a copy this Box Set, and I do hope you enjoy it. Just a forewarn - Book One can be quite confronting, but Books 2 and 3 show God in all His glory, so push on! Also, if you haven’t already got my free book, “Hank and Sarah - a Love Story, just Click here to get it for FREE, and to be notified of future releases.

  Chapter One

  North East England 1981

  Marrying Daniel O’Connor was a risk, no two ways about it. Lizzy still didn’t know why she’d agreed to marry him, but tomorrow at midday, come what may, she would be saying “I do”.

  Although impetuous, she was also loyal, and while her actions were highly irregular, she would see it through, and she would be a good wife to Daniel, regardless of what anyone thought. And she’d prove her father wrong.

  She would also ask God to bless their marriage, even though Daniel didn’t yet share her beliefs.

  The past week had been busy, keeping her mind off tomorrow, and now she had to collect Sal, her best and most loyalist of friends, from the station. Lizzy glanced at her watch and tapped her fingers on the steering wheel as the traffic stalled in front of her.

  “Come on, you lot! I don’t want to be late. Move!” She thumped the wheel, and then sped around the car in front that had completely stopped and was going nowhere.

  The train pulled into the station just as she entered the car park. She zipped into a spot someone had just vacated, jumped out of the car, slammed the door, and sprinted to the entrance, taking the stairs two at a time. People of all sizes and shapes were already piling out of the train onto the platform, but Sal’s carrot red hair stood out amongst the crowd, making her easy to spot.

  “Sal!” Lizzy waved and called out, not worried in the slightest what the people around her would think. Running down the stairs against the general flow of traffic, she bumped into anyone who wasn’t fast enough to get out of her way, and almost knocked Sal off her feet when, finally reaching her, she threw her arms around her best friend with uncontrolled abandon.

  “I’m so glad you could make it, Sal. It’s great to see you!” Lizzy whirled her around and hugged her again.

  “Wow Liz! It’s great to see you too, but it’s only been three months!” Sal drew her eyebrows together and tilted her head slightly, curiosity loitering in her smile as she searched Lizzy’s face. “Are you okay?”

  Lizzy pulled back, annoyed at Sal’s perception. “Of course I’m okay. What makes you think I’m not?”

  “Oh, you just seem a little on edge.”

  Lizzy’s eyes narrowed and her lips flattened into a thin line as she picked up Sal’s dark brown carry all.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Okay then.” Sal glanced at Lizzy from the corner of her eye before tucking her arm through the crook of Lizzy’s elbow as they walked back along the platform. “I still can’t believe you moved all the way up here. Couldn’t you have gone somewhere just a little closer?”

  “You know why I did.” Lizzy breathed in deeply. “Oh, but Sal, I do miss home.” Lizzy fought back the sudden tears that pricked her eyes, and then turned her head to Sal, a forced smile planted on her face. “But enough of that. Tell me everything that’s been happening.”

  All the way to the car, the girls chatted like two long lost friends, and Lizzy’s mind was taken off the events of the morrow yet again.

  The traffic hadn’t lessened, and as she pulled out of the car park, Lizzy turned on the wipers. A wet day. Great. That’s all I need.

  She slammed on the brakes as a car pulled out in front of her, and blasted the horn while she shouted at the driver, a futile exercise, but it made her feel better. Her nerves were a little on edge.

  “You haven’t told your parents yet, have you?”

  Lizzy bristled and held the steering wheel a little tighter. Why did Sal have to bring my parents up? She shook her head without looking at Sal.

  “Don’t you think you should?”

  Lizzy clenched her jaw. Why can’t she let things be? Maybe asking her to come was a mistake. But Sal was her best friend.

  She put her foot down to beat the lights that had just changed to amber. “No. And I don’t feel bad about it. They’d never agree to me marrying him, so I’m just going to do it. I know they’ll be angry when they find out, but it’ll be too late to do anything about it then. They shouldn’t have been so horrible to him.”

  “Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Liz? Have you prayed about it?”

  Sal’s eyes bored into her. Lizzy wasn’t game to look. Maybe I should tell her how I’m really feeling. But if she knew the truth, Lizzy was sure that Sal would try her best to stop her from marrying Daniel, and it wasn’t worth the risk. Having set her path, Lizzy was determined to stick to it. She’d actually contemplated calling it off a few times over the past couple of weeks, but the prospect of being alone again made her banish those thoughts immediately. It had to be better to be with someone than to be lonely.

  Lizzy took a deep breath and calmed herself. “Yes, I’ve prayed about it. And yes, I do love him. I know what I’m doing, Sal, even if you think I don’t.” She slowed down to take the next corner. “He’s a bit of a lad, so different to Mat
hew, but I love him. He makes me laugh and smile. I feel happy when I’m with him.” She turned her head and glanced at Sal. “I know what you’re thinking, and you might be right. I probably am marrying him on the rebound, but you know what? I don’t care. I can’t handle being on my own any longer.” She wiped the tears from her eyes and hoped Sal hadn’t seen them.

  Sal looked at her intently. “I hope you’ll be happy, Liz. I really do.”

  They sat quietly the rest of the way to Lizzy’s apartment on the outskirts of town. The street lights had come on early, and the drizzle had increased to light rain. The windscreen wipers were doing their thing, and their squeak reminded Lizzy she needed to get new blades.

  “This is it. Home sweet home.” Lizzy pointed to the block of apartments on the left as she reversed into a small gap on the narrow street lined with cars. Four storeys high, and spanning half a block, the complex’s only redeeming feature was the garden that ran between the brown brick walls and the footpath. “It’s better on the inside,” she said as she saw the look on Sal’s face.

  “I would hope so!” Sal raised her eyebrows. “A bit of a come down, Liz. “Are you going to live here once you’re married?”

  “For a while. It really is much better on the inside.” Lizzy opened the car door and climbed out. She zipped her jacket and covered her head with its hood before grabbing Sal’s bags out of the boot and directing her up the flight of stairs. Opening the door to the apartment, she held her breath as she waited for Sal’s reaction.

  “Wow, Liz! You weren’t wrong! This really is nice!” Sal entered the living room and fell onto the new sofa Lizzy had picked up recently at a sale. “You always did have an eye for nice things.”

  “Thanks Sal.” Lizzy’s face expanded into a broad grin. “I’ll just put these in your room and then make us a drink.”

  Lizzy placed Sal’s bags in the spare room, and then busied herself making a cup of tea. She glanced at the clock. Daniel would be here any minute.

  “Liz! I know you told me he was good looking, but you didn’t tell me how much!”

  “Shh! He’ll hear you!”

  “Okay, I’ll just sit here and drool.”

  “He is pretty cute, I have to agree.” Lizzy laughed and glanced over to where Daniel was standing at the bar, and her heart warmed. Maybe she did love him after all.

  “Here you go, my lovelies! Two shandies with flair!” Daniel placed the glasses on the table and winked at Sal.

  “Daniel! You shouldn’t do that! What will she think!” Lizzy said with a laugh in her voice.

  “Oh, go on,” he said in his best Irish accent. “I was just having a bit o’ fun!”

  “It’s okay, Liz.” Sal patted Lizzy’s leg and then looked up, a warm smile on her face. “Thank you, kind sir.”

  “My pleasure.” He bowed, and then took his seat beside Lizzy. He placed his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close. She didn’t resist, instead, she snuggled closer.

  “Good of you to come up for the wedding, Sal,” Daniel said. “Lizzy’s told me a lot about you.”

  “Has she just?” Sal glanced at Lizzy with a glint of mischief in her eye. “And what exactly has she been saying?”

  “Oh, only good things,” Daniel replied.

  “I’m pleased to hear that!” Sal said.

  “And what has she told you about me?” Daniel raised his eyebrows.

  Sal hesitated and stole a glance at Lizzy before replying. “Only good things!”

  Both girls burst out in laughter at Sal’s attempt to copy his accent. Lizzy sat up and smiled at Daniel. As their eyes met, a tingle of excitement ran through her body. Cheeky he might be, but he was also lovable. And he was going to be her husband.

  “Come on you two! You’ll have enough time for that tomorrow!” Sal said.

  Lizzy turned her head and grinned at Sal. “Yes, you’re right. Let’s order, shall we?”

  As Lizzy laughed and reminisced with Sal over dinner, her heart lightened and her anxiety over her forthcoming wedding lessened. For a while at least.

  When she climbed into bed a few hours later, however, her active mind kept her awake. Did she really know what she was doing?

  Chapter Two

  Lizzy woke early from her restless sleep and peeked out the window. The sun was nowhere to be seen, just thick black cloud hovering in the sky, just like the cloud that hovered in her heart.

  She propped her pillows behind her and sat up. She reached for her Bible, but could only stare at the cover. What if she read something she didn’t want to hear? No, she couldn’t risk that. Closing her eyes, Lizzy tried to pray, but instead, she drifted off to sleep.

  She woke with a start when Sal placed a cup of tea on the dresser beside her bed some time later. Sal sat down and took her hand.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey yourself.” Lizzy looked at her friend and smiled warmly. The knot in her stomach she didn’t know was there loosened. No need for words. They knew each other so well after all they’d been through. Her heart lifted knowing Sal was here to support her on this day. Lizzy wished she could talk honestly, but probably had no need. Sal knew.

  “Come on, kiddo. We need to get you ready for your big day.” Sal stood and opened the curtains. “I think that man of yours is champing at the bit to marry you.”

  Lizzy laughed at the thought. How many times had he suggested they run off and get married at Gretna Green? And how many times had she told him they were almost doing the same thing, anyway?

  She straightened herself and sipped her tea. This was it. She would go ahead with the wedding, right or wrong. She lifted her head and her eyes met Sal’s. “Okay, kiddo, let’s get this show on the road.”

  The hour or so she and Sal spent at the beauty salon having their hair and make-up done had been relaxing, but now they were back at the apartment, and the time had come to get ready.

  “Do you want something to eat before we begin?” Sal called out as she put the kettle on. “I think I’ll have a cup of tea and some toast.”

  “Mmm, maybe not.” Lizzy rubbed her stomach. “I don’t know I could eat anything.”

  Sal looked at her tenderly. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Lizzy paused for a moment and took a breath. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s just hard to believe it’s all happening.” She smiled at Sal and reached for the cross hanging around her neck. “I’ll go fetch my dress.”

  She’d chosen a simple dress to get married in. After all, it was a morning wedding at the Register Office. A full blown wedding gown would have been over the top.

  “Come on, let me do that.” Sal placed her tea and toast on the table and took over from Lizzy.

  Maybe she could have done it herself, but Lizzy’s hands were shaking, and she was having trouble doing up the little buttons on the front of the bodice. As she stood there while Sal battled with each tiny button, she was aware of the clock ticking. Not much longer now…

  “There you go! Let me look at you.” Sal stepped back and Lizzy turned around slowly. “Beautiful!”

  “Thank you, Sal.” Lizzy looked at herself in the mirror. Maybe she did look beautiful today. Well, almost. Beside Sal she often felt very plain, but today, with her hair done nicely and her make-up done properly, and wearing the dress the shop attendant had insisted suited her perfectly, maybe she did look beautiful.

  The taxi arrived and Lizzy and Sal walked carefully down the stairs and climbed into the back seat. The rain that had been threatening still held off, and although the sky was still grey, small patches of blue were visible in the distance. Maybe the sun would beat its way through the clouds and shine down on this day after all. She could always hope.

  “Are you nervous?” Sal asked as the taxi made its way along the streets towards the town centre.

  Lizzy looked down at her hands before replying. “A little.”

  “I’m not surprised. It’s not too late, you know.” Tears formed in Lizzy’s eyes at Sal’s gentle, caring tone. S
al reached out and squeezed Lizzy’s hand. “You don’t have to go through with it, you know.”

  Lizzy looked out the window, forcing her tears to stop. It wouldn’t do to turn up at her wedding with red eyes and mascara blackening her cheeks. She pulled a tissue out of her purse and dabbed her eyes.

  With the flow of tears stopped, she took control of herself, and turned back and looked at Sal. “I’m okay. I know it’s not what I wanted, but Daniel loves me, and I do love him. It’s just last minute nerves, that’s all.”

  “Okay then.” Sal squeezed her hand again. “If ever you need to talk, you know where I am.”

  The taxi pulled up outside the Guildhall. On a sunny day, the dark coloured sandstone building would have looked more appealing, but on this dreary winter’s day, it looked cold and unwelcoming. A sudden gust of wind hit as they alighted from the cab. Lizzy shivered and pulled her coat tighter.

  “This is a beautiful old building, Liz,” Sal said as they entered the foyer. Looking around at the plush furnishings and artwork, Lizzy had to agree it was indeed a much nicer building inside than out.

  Sal’s gaze settled on Lizzy. She stepped closer and tucked a piece of hair that had been blown in the wind back into place. “Are you sure you’re okay, Liz? Last chance.”

  Lizzy stood steadily and reached for Sal’s hand. “Yes, I’m sure. Let’s go find everyone.”

  They found the small room that had been allocated for the ceremony without any problem. Before they entered, Lizzy stopped and inhaled deeply. For a moment, she wanted a crystal ball. Was she doing the right thing? Was she really ready for this? Neither she nor anyone else had one, so she held her head high and entered the room with Sal beside her.

  The first person she saw was Daniel. Always the life of the party, today he was no different. The fears of her heart melted away when he winked at her. She looked into those cheeky blue eyes and saw the man who had swept her off her feet only months before.