The Summer of Everything, page 25
The old proverb life’s too short sounded in her head. She and Andre had wasted so much time already, trying to keep everyone happy. And she had cheated death—they both had, so was it fair to ask that they be cheated of love too? It would mean defying Uncle Benito’s wishes, a man she greatly respected, which she was loathed to do.
What she did know was that she couldn’t live without Andre. That days and nights without him hurt too deeply to fathom. And perhaps, once she cleared all the noise, it was as simple as that. I can’t live without you.
‘Belle?’ Andre’s voice pushed through her debate. ‘What do you say?’
She smiled through her tears as the plane pulled away from the terminal and rolled out onto the runway. ‘I’ll see you in Sydney.’
Acknowledgments
When I first began my writing career, I produced a little-known debut called Interwoven, book one in the Belle series. The story was a culmination of all the writing knowledge I’d acquired at the time, which was only minimal. There were several stops and starts, with plenty of learning along the way, and after a year, I reached the finish line and published it.
I went on to write two more books in the Belle series, which I’m extremely proud of, for they signify a journey that was full of first steps and courage. I’ve since written several other stories too, dappling in historical fiction, which I have a deep fondness for.
To some degree, I’ve learnt now how to craft a tale. I’ve learnt how to build it from a few threads of an idea into something polished and (hopefully) worth reading, so I felt it was only fitting that Belle, the character who had held my hand during that first terrifying year of writing and publishing Interwoven, should get a polish too. Several years later, we have The Summer of Everything, a rewritten, rebranded version of Interwoven.
Of course, none of this would ever have been possible without the support of my most favourite people in the world. Brett, Eve, and Connor, you make this journey possible. Thank you for all the love and patience, for the cooking and the cookies and for not being too disappointed when I have to stay in and write.
It’s hard to know who to thank next when there are so many who help to make it all happen. As always, Jo Libreri, Liz Butler, Natasha Booth, Bianca Nash, and Erika Slaby, like the four seasons, you are a constant in my life, always supporting, always unwavering. Thank you for being you and for putting up with me.
Thank you to my parents and in-laws, Carmen Montebello, Joe and Michelle Montebello, Rhonda and Joanie Flynn, Roger Campbell, and Paula Jeff. I love talking books with you. It’s a miracle you aren’t bored by me yet!
My deepest gratitude to my editors, Lynne Stringer and Marcia Batton, who take my novels from their early drafts and mould them into something publishable. I’ve worked with you both a long time now and you are not only an integral part of my writing, but dear friends.
To my cover designer, Kris Dallas, people are drawn to my books first and foremost because of your stunning covers. Thank you for all the designs and for the long hours spent poring over ideas.
Love to my wonder gal, Tanya Nellestein, early-reader, and long-luncher. You are a superstar! Thanks for lending your ear and just being generally awesome. And to Helen Sibbritt, Craig and Phil from HappyValley BooksRead, and the broader literary community, you are always on the sidelines cheering writers on. Your enthusiasm knows no bounds. Thanks for the love and support.
Last but by no means least, to my readers, you make every day bright with your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for reading The Summer of Everything, especially if you have already read Interwoven. I couldn’t ask for more enthusiastic and loyal readers. You are everything about this journey and more. Thank you.
Also by Michelle Montebello
Seasons of Belle
The Summer of Everything
To Autumn, With Love
The Colour of Winter
The Spring Farewell
The Quarantine Station
The Lost Letters of Playfair Street
The Forever Place
Beautiful, Fragile
To Autumn, With Love
SEASONS OF BELLE: BOOK 2
A year on from Paris and Belle Hamilton is still searching for solace after everyone she’s lost.
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When her father falls gravely ill, an astonishing truth is revealed, causing her to question all that she knew about herself.
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Searching for answers, she travels to Scotland with her friend, Riley, and her partner, Andre, determined to discover her lost past.
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Amidst the raw beauty of the Highlands and the stunning Scottish coastlines, Belle pursues a man that holds the key to everything. But finding him is not easy as he eludes her, leaving a trail of questions behind.
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Will Scotland reveal what Belle desperately seeks, or has the past been lost forever to the seasons?
About the Author
Michelle Montebello is a writer from Sydney, Australia where she lives with her family. She is the internationally bestselling author of The Quarantine Station, The Forever Place and The Lost Letters of Playfair Street.
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Her books have won several awards. The Quarantine Station was a finalist in the 2021 International Book Awards for Best Historical Fiction. The Lost Letters of Playfair Street won the 2020 ARRA Awards for Favourite Contemporary Romance and Favourite Australian-Set Romance.
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Michelle has twice been shortlisted for ARRA Australian Author of the Year.
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If you would like to subscribe to her newsletter, visit www.michellemontebello.com.au.
Michelle Montebello, The Summer of Everything
