The Magic of Rainbows

Fans of Pamela Kelley and Robyn Carr will love this small-town, feel-good romance!

Eden adores teaching but, after a terrifying incident, she moves to Sapphire Bay, looking for a new beginning and the sense of security she’s lost. Surrounded by stunning scenery and charming locals, she finds herself drawn to Steve, a former soldier grappling with the haunting memories of war, and his adorable puppy, Rex.

Together, they navigate the turbulent journey of healing, discovering that some wounds run deeper than they appear. Can their newfound connection withstand the weight of their personal struggles? And will Eden and Steve find the strength to rebuild their lives and embrace a future that's better than they imagined?

THE MAGIC OF RAINBOWS is the third novel in the Love on Anchor Lane series and can easily be read as a stand-alone. Each of Leeanna's series is linked. If you find a character you like, they might be in another novel. Happy reading!

Eden’s heart pounded as she pulled up to the beautiful home she’d heard so much about. Sapphire Bay was everything her friend, Shelley, had described in Eden’s long, often tear-filled phone calls. Tranquil streets lined with pretty gardens, locals greeting each other with warm smiles, and the endless stretch of serene water that gave the bay its name. 

As she stepped out of her rental car with one of her suitcases, the tight coil of tension in her chest began to unwind.

A very pregnant Shelley was already on the veranda, her face breaking into a broad grin as she came down the steps. “Eden!” she called out, her arms open wide.

Eden managed a wobbly smile and allowed herself to be swept into Shelley’s embrace. “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”

“You’re going to love it,” Shelley reassured her as she stepped back, her hands gripping Eden’s. “Come on in. Let’s get you settled.”

As they walked into the living room, Shelley’s husband, John, rose from an armchair. “We’re so glad you’re here, Eden.” 

She gave John a hug. He had a way of making you feel like everything would be all right. Whether that was a skill he’d learned as the pastor of the local church or if he’d always been like that, she didn’t know.

“Thanks for having me,” Eden replied, her voice stronger than she felt. 

John nodded and sent her an understanding smile. “Is there anything else you’d like me to bring inside?”

Eden’s grip tightened on her suitcase. “There are two more suitcases on the back seat of my rental, but I can bring them inside later.”

“Let me help,” John said. “If I don’t, Shelley will get them. And given that she can’t see over her baby bump, it wouldn’t be a good idea.”

Shelley grinned. “That’s one of the perks of being pregnant. John’s doing all the heavy lifting. Come on, Eden. I’ll show you to your room.”

Eden handed John her keys. “Thank you. The blue suitcase is extra heavy.”

Shelley wrapped her hand around Eden’s arm as she led her down the hallway. “You’ll love your bedroom. We painted it last summer and it always makes me feel happy.”

Eden enjoyed seeing the quirky knickknacks on the narrow hall table, the framed photographs on the walls. Everything about Shelley and John’s house reminded her of what a home should be like.

She stopped in front of a dried flower wreath hanging from a hook. “This is gorgeous.”

Shelley smiled. “My friend, Kylie, made the wreath for John and I last Christmas. She owns Blooming Lovely, a flower shop in town. Here’s your room.” 

Eden stepped into a small but sunny bedroom painted a cheerful shade of yellow. A vase of fresh wildflowers sat on the bedside table, and a cozy armchair was beside the window. 

“It’s perfect. The wall color reminds me of daffodils.” Leaving her suitcase beside the bed, Eden took a deep breath. It’d taken nine hours to get here, but every minute spent in airports and driving was worth it. 

Shelley opened a drawer and handed her a set of towels. “I thought you’d like this room. You told me once that yellow was your favorite color.”

“It still is,” Eden said, feeling a pang of nostalgia for simpler times. She wandered over to the window and looked outside at the quiet street. There were no honking horns, impatient drivers, or crowds jostling for position on busy sidewalks. This was the small Montana town that had changed her friend’s life and, Eden hoped, hers.

“Dinner will be ready in about an hour,” Shelley said, her tone casual but her eyes scanning Eden’s face with concern. “Why don’t you unpack, take a shower, or just rest.”

Eden nodded, turning to face her friend. “Thanks for everything, Shelley. This means …” She paused, her throat tight with emotion. “It means a lot.”

Shelley hugged her again, this time with a gentle squeeze. “You’re my friend. We’ll get through this together, you’ll see.”

As Shelley left the room, Eden felt the first real sense of peace wash over her since she’d left Campden Elementary School. 

In this small, close-knit community, she wouldn’t have to worry about students bringing guns to school; the chaos that had ended the life of a little girl, or the fear that kept her awake at night.

Here, in this little sanctuary, she prayed she could finally start to heal.