I have been a fortunate woman. I was born to a well-to-do family in a pretty little town. I have been blessed with outer beauty, determination, and resourcefulness, all of which I cannot take credit for because these are traits I have inherited from a long line of Newberry women. This letter is about the unfortunate ways I chose to use all these gifts and my tendency to never be satisfied with what I have.
Recently, the man I love with all my heart almost lost his life trying to save mine. It put things in perspective for me. It has made me clear-hearted.
I, Tanyalee Marie Newberry, officially apologize to the residents of the Town of Bigler, the greater Cataloochee County area, and the proprietors with the downtown Asheville shopping district. Here are the things for which I am truly sorry, in no particular order:
– Lying repeatedly to my sister, my family, and the general population
– Stealing from my granddaddy
– Being consumed by jealousy for others, especially my sister
– Refusing to take joy in other people’s happiness
– Shoplifting two blouses, a negligee, and three pairs of thigh-highs from the C’est La Vie Boutique in Asheville
– Using men for the pretty things they could buy me, or because they would cover my rent, pay off my car note, take me shopping in Atlanta, or generally make my life easier (you know who you are)
– Being mean to girls who were not as attractive as myself
– Being mean because I thought I was better than other people
– Taking pleasure in how easily I could manipulate men to do my bidding (see above)
– Not being interested in making friends
– Thinking I was above the law
– Many other miscellaneous things, I am sure.
I am trying hard to live a better life now. I am working, volunteering, and preparing to apply to college so that I can work in a profession that helps others in some way. I plan to continue to make new friends and cherish the ones I now have. I am determined to be a better sister, sister-in-law, niece, granddaughter, mentor, friend, employee, fiancée, and citizen. Someday I may even be blessed with a family of my own.
It was quite kind of you to read all the way to the end. I do appreciate your time.
Thank you so very much,
Tanyalee M. Newberry
P.S.: D.C., I must confess that I have, on occasion, used your razor to shave my legs. Please forgive me.
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“Will keep you reading late into the night and rooting for happy endings all around.”
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“This second in Donovan’s stories of dog-walking friends is a wonderful combination of love and laughter, with serious moments as well as some intrigue. The animal characters are a delightful addition to the story.”
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“Sexy, sweet, and simply delicious contemporary romance.”
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—Publishers Weekly
“A delightful new series.”
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THE GIRL MOST LIKELY TO …
“A wonderfully convoluted tale of love lost and found, secret pregnancies, and spousal abuse, Donovan’s latest shows us the healing power of forgiveness and the strength found in the love of family. It’s peopled with complex characters who learn much about themselves and those they love through the course of this compelling story.”
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THE KEPT WOMAN
A RITA Award finalist
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TAKE A CHANCE ON ME
“Comic sharpness … the humorous interactions among Thomas, Emma, and Emma’s quirky family give the book a golden warmth as earthy as its rural Maryland setting. But there are also enough explicit erotic interludes to please readers who like their romances spicy.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Full of humor, sensuality, and emotion with excellent protagonists and supporting characters … a wonderful tale. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on this one. You’ll love it.”
—Affaire de Coeur
About the Author
Susan Donovan’s novels have won accolades for being witty, sexy, and entertaining. A former newspaper reporter with journalism degrees from Northwestern University, Susan is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller whose novels have been translated into dozens of languages. Susan is a two-time RITA Award finalist, and her novel Take a Chance on Me was named Best Contemporary Romance of 2003 by RT Book Reviews Magazine. She lives in New Mexico with her family and assorted dogs.
Visit her website at: http://susandonovan.com. Or sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Acknowledgments
Epigraph
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
Also by Susan Donovan
Praise for More Novels by Susan Donovan
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
STEALING TAFFY
Copyright © 2016 by Susan
Donovan.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
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eISBN: 9781250103147
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St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / September 2016
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.