Book Extract: Just One Day – Summer by Susan Buchanan

Welcome to Susan Buchanan and the blog tour for her novel, Just One Day – Summer.

List-juggling, business-owner mum-of-three Louisa is reeling after a tragedy, as well as learning how to cope after a life-changing revelation. With oil worker husband Ronnie possibly being able to move onshore, she hopes he can help her manage the burden.

But the secrets she keeps are causing her headaches and she’s unsure if her ability to make good decisions has deserted her. All she seems to do is upset those around her.

With Louisa’s to-do list gathering pace at an incredible speed, will she manage to provide a stable home for them all, embrace her new normal as well as rebuild their life from what’s left?
And if she gets what she has always wanted, will it match up to her expectations?

Susan has shared an extract with us today. Enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

Louisa is furious because Nicky’s ex is trying to keep her from seeing her son whilst she’s in hospital, and she’s not taking it lying down…

‘That’s where you’re wrong, Sebastian. You’re not going to keep Xander from Nicky, and that’s the end of it. Otherwise, I swear to God, I’ll personally see to it that she takes you to court. You were missing from his life for so many years when she had to bring Xander up on her own, whilst you–’ I indicate Brittany ‘–cavorted around behind her back.’

I pause to stop myself losing it with him. ‘Now, you may be making a better job of fatherhood this time around, and certainly I didn’t see you once change Xander’s nappy, but that doesn’t give you the right to give Nicky shit for meeting and moving in with someone else.’

He goes to interrupt, but I hold up a hand. ‘Let’s face it, you were beyond awful to Nicky, and I hope for Brittany’s sake, and your daughter’s, that the leopard really has changed his spots, but you have no right to try to stop Nicky from seeing Xander, or indeed be pissed off at her moving in with Valentin. No right. Do you understand?’

He stares at me, but I clock him keeping an eye on Ronnie out of the corner of his eye.

‘I know you, Sebastian, and I know you can’t bear the thought of Nicky living the high life with Valentin, and Valentin being able to provide everything for her and Xander. On some level, I can understand why that upsets your ego, but you never wanted to give Nicky that. You chose someone else. You have absolutely no justification to withhold her right to see her son.’

He has the decency to look a little shame-faced at this point, but still he remains silent. Ronnie takes my hand discreetly in his.

‘And lastly, how is this benefitting Xander? He’s already been through so much. So, sorry for my bluntness, but do you think that for once in your life, you could put someone else first? Even if you can’t bring yourself to do it for Nicky, do it for your son.’

He finally seems to find his voice and he visibly stretches up to his full height. ‘Thanks for your concern, Louisa, but I think it’s time you left.’

‘Sebastian, I saw a chink of goodness in you the night Nicky nearly died, a humanity I’ve never seen before. I almost liked that person. Do the right thing.’

I turn to Brittany and apologise for interrupting her evening.

‘You’ve nothing to apologise for,’ she says firmly as she sees me out. ‘But I know someone who does. I can’t believe he tried to stop Nicky seeing Xander. Don’t worry, I’ll be having words with him myself.’

I’m having to concentrate on ensuring my jaw doesn’t drop. Brittany is onside. And whilst I don’t consider her an ally, she has certainly shown me a different side of her today. Had I known she’d be so helpful and accommodating, I’d have asked her to reason with Sebastian, instead of going in all guns blazing. Oh well, you live and learn.

It’s only when she goes back inside that I realise Ronnie isn’t with me. I wait, eyebrows furrowing, wondering what he’s up to, what he’s saying, until a few minutes later, he appears.

‘You want me to drive?’ he asks.

As we approach the car, I say, ‘No, but I do want to know what the hell you said to him.’

*****end of extract*****

About Susan Buchanan:

Susan Buchanan lives in Scotland with her husband, their two young children and a crazy Labrador called Benji. She has been reading since the age of four and had to get an adult library pass early as she had read the entire children’s section by the age of ten.

Susan writes contemporary fiction, often set in Scotland, usually featuring travel, food or Christmas. When not working, writing, or caring for her two delightful cherubs, Susan loves reading (obviously), the theatre, quiz shows and eating out – not necessarily in that order!

Say hello via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or website. 

Just One Day – Summer was released on 26th July 2022. Click here to buy

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Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.