Enchantment: A Christian Romance Novel (The Lewis Legacy Series Book 6) Read online

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

  Enchantment is © 2015 by JoAnn Durgin. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in whole or in part in any form or medium.

  All Scripture contained within is from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

  By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the author.

  Cover Design: Dino Piccinini (Original Design)

  Lynnette Bonner/Indie Cover Design (Design Modifications)

  About the Author

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  In addition to Enchantment, JoAnn Durgin is the author of the prior adventures in The Lewis Legacy Series: Awakening, Second Time Around, Twin Hearts, Daydreams, and Moonbeams, as well as Prelude, the prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series. Her standalone novels include Catching Serenity and Heart’s Design, as well as novellas and short novels including Love So Amazing (The Wondrous Love Series, Book 1), Echoes of Edinburgh, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series: Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, Starlight, Star Bright, and Sleigh Ride Together with You.

  A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn now writes full-time and lives with her husband, Jim, their three children, and new grandbaby Amelia Grace, in her native southern Indiana.

  JoAnn loves to hear from her readers! Please feel free to contact her:

  Website:

  www.joanndurgin.com

  Facebook:

  www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin

  You can find all of JoAnn Durgin’s books at www.amazon.com. By clicking on the yellow “Favorite” button on her Amazon author page, you will receive an e-mail from Amazon notifying you of her newest releases.

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  If you enjoy Enchantment, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations truly honor an author and are an effective way to help others find quality Christian fiction. Thank you!

  Author’s Note

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  Dear Readers,

  Of the twelve total novels planned for The Lewis Legacy Series (including Prelude, the prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series), Enchantment is the one installment where I strongly advise you first read at least one (and preferably more) of the preceding books in the series. While this book can be read on its own, each previously featured TeamWork couple, the TeamWork kids, the single volunteers, and one new recurring character, all make appearances in Enchantment.

  As such, an awareness and familiarity with the characters, events, and earlier stories will greatly benefit the reader’s enjoyment. On the following pages, you’ll find a listing of all the currently published and upcoming novels in The Lewis Legacy Series. You’ll also find a list of the TeamWork crew (including the book in which their love story is featured or in which they were introduced) to help refresh your memory.

  In essence, this is a “bridge” book in the middle of the series. Enchantment is a love letter to my readers, if you will, and an opportunity to revisit with old friends, meet new ones, and fall in love all over again. Rest assured, my signature humor, romance, drama, and adventure await you within the pages of this novel.

  Please note the events in this book take place in early October 2005, only a few weeks after the TeamWork men’s trip to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (at the end of Moonbeams, Book 5). I felt it was important for the crew to get back to the basics of TeamWork Missions in serving alongside one another as they strive to live their faith by example. One romance hinted at in previous books blossoms in Enchantment, and two other romances begin to bloom during their two-week mission in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

  Special thanks to Elaine Holt and author Norma Gail for providing information relative to the Albuquerque, New Mexico, area; Randy Myklebust, Pilot Coordinator for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; Beverly Lytle and Karen Richardson for their medical expertise; Muriel Hernando for French translation assistance; and Marina Neubauer-Perkins (with Dawn Steadham), and Kevin O’Teter (with Cammi O’Teter) for German translation assistance. To all of you—your kindness and generosity in answering my questions is sincerely appreciated.

  With all that said, this book is dedicated to you, my faithful readers. You have helped to make my writing journey a true joy and blessing. It’s my prayer that you will enjoy Enchantment as much as I love bringing this important installment of the series to you!

  Blessings,

  JoAnn Durgin

  Matthew 5:16

  Books currently available in The Lewis Legacy Series:

  (All available on Amazon)

  Prelude (Prequel)

  Awakening

  Second Time Around

  Twin Hearts

  Daydreams

  Moonbeams

  Enchantment

  More adventures to come!

  Abide

  Pursuit

  Roundabout

  Underground

  Assurance

  Enchantment

  Book Description

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  Sam and Lexa Lewis and their TeamWork Missions volunteers are together again! A two-week mission brings them to New Mexico—the Land of Enchantment—as they work on a church building alongside their new friends in the One Nation under God congregation of Native American Christians. Outside forces, both unseen and overt, impede and threaten their efforts. But with faith to guide them, and the strong bonds of friendship to sustain them, the crew faces the challenges together as they persevere for the Lord’s glory.

  Eliot Marchand hopes the mission in Albuquerque will finally give him the opportunity to pursue a relationship with the beautiful Marta Holcomb. With his dangerous assignments around the globe, and little time to spend with her, is a relationship worth the risk to both their hearts?

  Successful business owner Dean Costas wants to get to know the lovely Sheila Morris better, but his court-appointed charge, Felipe Hernandez, might cause trouble after he takes a liking to Sheila’s pretty 14-year-old daughter, Angelina. Will Dean have time to romance the shy widow or will they need to focus their energies on chaperoning the teenagers?

  Bringing together every couple and familiar characters from the previous books in The Lewis Legacy Series—including the TeamWork children—Enchantment will sweep you away! Love is in the air, so join the fun with the crew for Albuquerque’s International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, a one-of-a-kind TeamWork Talent Show, revelations and updates in the lives of the close-knit crew, the introduction of one new TeamWork volunteer, and even a surprise visit from two beloved characters.

  Enchantment. Visit with old friends, make new ones, and fall in love all over again!

  Enchantment

  The TeamWork Crew in New Mexico

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  Samuel J. Lewis, Jr. (“Sam”) and Alexis Clarke Lewis (“Lexa”)

  City of Residence: Houston, Texas

  Children: Joseph (“Joe”), twins Hannah and Leah

  Sam—Domes
tic Missions Director for TeamWork Missions, a worldwide Christian missions organization; Author of Christian marriage and family life books

  Lexa—Co-Founder and Partner of Doyle-Clarke Catering

  ♥Love story featured in Awakening, Book 1

  Sheila Morris, Widowed, Social Worker

  City of Residence: San Antonio, Texas

  Daughter: Angelina Morris

  ♥Introduced in Awakening, Book 1

  Marcus A. Thompson (“Marc”) and Natalie Combs Thompson

  City of Residence: Wellesley, Massachusetts

  Children: Grace (“Gracie”)

  Natalie is expecting their second child

  Marc—Founder and CEO of Thompson Sports Advertising (Boston)

  Natalie—Kindergarten Teacher

  ♥Love story featured in Second Time Around, Book 2

  Dean Costas, Single, Founder and Owner of Leather, a chain of retail stores in Texas and Louisiana

  Court-appointed guardian of Felipe Hernandez (introduced in this book)

  City of Residence: Leon Valley, Texas

  ♥Introduced in Second Time Around, Book 2

  Eliot Marchand, Single, Profession: Classified

  State of Residence: Texas

  ♥Introduced in Second Time Around, Book 2

  Joshua A. Grant (“Josh”) and Winifred Doyle Grant (“Winnie”)

  City of Residence: Houston, Texas

  Children: Chloe, Lucas (“Luke”), Emily

  Josh—Attorney and General Counsel for TeamWork Missions

  (twin of Rebekah Moore)

  Winnie—Co-Founder and Partner of Doyle-Clarke Catering

  ♥Love story featured in Twin Hearts, Book 3

  Kevin C. Moore and Rebekah Grant Moore (“Beck”)

  City of Residence: Houston, Texas

  Kevin—Co-Owner and Manager of Moore Lumber, Houston, Texas

  Rebekah—School Operations Director, TeamWork Missions

  (twin of Josh Grant)

  ♥Love story featured in Twin Hearts, Book 3

  Gayle Ferrari, Single, Employed by Doyle-Clarke Catering

  City of Residence: Houston, Texas

  ♥Introduced in Twin Hearts, Book 3

  Marta Holcomb, Single, Employed by Doyle-Clarke Catering

  City of Residence: Houston, Texas

  ♥Introduced in Twin Hearts, Book 3

  Landon C. J. Warnick and Amelia Jacobsen Warnick (“Amy”)

  City of Residence: New York City, New York

  Landon—Publisher and Senior Editor, LCJW Publishing

  Amy—Acquisitions Editor, LCJW Publishing; Editor at Habits Magazine

  (younger sister of Mitch Jacobsen)

  ♥Love story featured in Daydreams, Book 4

  Mitchell A. Jacobsen (“Mitch”) and Cassandra Thorenson Jacobsen (“Cassie”)

  City of Residence: New York City, New York

  Mitch—Independent Stockbroker and Financial Analyst

  (older brother of Amy Warnick)

  Cassie—Enrolled as a Full-Time Student (upon return to New York)

  ♥Love story featured in Moonbeams, Book 5

  ♥Plus two special surprise guests join the crew in New Mexico!

  Theme Scripture Verses

  in Enchantment

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  2 Samuel 22:31

  As for God, His way is blameless;

  The word of the Lord is tested;

  He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

  Psalm 28:7

  The Lord is my strength and my shield;

  My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;

  Therefore my heart exults,

  And with my song I shall thank Him.

  Psalm 91:5-10

  You will not be afraid of the terror by night,

  Or of the arrow that flies by day;

  Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

  Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

  A thousand may fall at your side

  And ten thousand at your right hand,

  But it shall not approach you.

  You will only look on with your eyes

  And see the recompense of the wicked.

  For you have made the Lord my refuge,

  Even the Most High, your dwelling place.

  No evil will befall you,

  Nor will any plague come near your tent.

  Proverbs 29:25

  The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts

  in the Lord will be exalted.

  I Corinthians 12:12

  For even as the body is one and yet has many members,

  and all the members of the body, though they are many,

  are one body, so also is Christ.

  Chapter 1

  Early October 2005

  Day 1, Monday

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  Together again.

  Dragging fresh air into his lungs, Sam Lewis lifted his gaze to the Sandia Mountains and then to the cloudless blue sky. “Bring it on, Lord. Remind us why we’re here and what you want us to do.”

  “I’m sure He will.” Beside him, Lexa scooted closer and nudged his arm. “It’s so beautiful here. After your tough mission with the guys in New Orleans last month, it’ll be great to reconnect in a more relaxed, fun atmosphere.”

  “Agreed.” Taking her cue, Sam draped his arm around his petite wife and tucked her close to his side. Surveying the expanse of open field before him, his heart was full. Soon this space would be filled with vehicles bringing his faithful TeamWork Missions volunteers to the campsite in the outer reaches of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Two weeks in Tierra del Encanto, The Land of Enchantment, named for its scenic beauty and rich history. A time to work alongside their new friends in the One Nation under God congregation of Native American believers to help finish their new church building.

  “Excited to see Sheila and Angelina?”

  “Sure am.” Sam could hear the excitement in Lexa’s voice. “I’m glad Dean’s bringing Felipe, too.”

  Ah yes, Felipe, the 15-year-old juvenile delinquent, as Dean referred to his charge.

  Kissing the top of Lexa’s blonde head, Sam gently tugged on the long braid that reached halfway down her back. “Want a little history lesson while we wait?”

  “Always. It’ll help pass the time.”

  “Sandia means watermelon in Spanish, and it’s a reference to the reddish color of the mountains at sunset.” Sam pointed to the mountain range in the near distance. “We’re seeing the range from the east, but on the west side—the steeper, rugged side—there’s a long ridge with a thin layer of green conifers near the top that supposedly suggests the rind of a watermelon. Then, you have the other story. According to the Sandia Indians, the Spaniards got it all wrong and it was actually squash growing on the mountains, not watermelon.”

  Lexa smiled. “However they got their name, the mountains are beautiful.”

  “That they are.” Stubbing the toe of his work boot against the ground, Sam frowned. Hard as a rock after an extended drought. In the early afternoon sun, he was warm in his jeans and T-shirt. Removing his black Stetson, Sam ran the back of his hand over his forehead.

  Lexa tugged the hat out of his hand and perched it playfully on her head. In her jeans and white cotton top, she was lovelier now—after seven years of marriage and three children together—than the first time he’d spied her outside the San Antonio bus station. Suitcase in hand, she’d been ready to take on the world. And just like that, she’d fascinated him. Still did. Always would.

  “Break it up, you two. I’ve come to join the welcoming committee. Time to behave yourselves.” Marta Holcomb strolled toward them. Brushing aside a shoulder-length blonde curl, she gave them a bright smile.

  “We’re just keeping things lively for you until Eliot gets here.” Reclaiming his hat, Sam tipped the Stetson to Marta before settling it in its proper position.

  “Who said I’m here to greet our globe-trotting TeamWork volunteer?”
Marta’s question sounded much too casual. Surely she knew she wasn’t fooling them.

  “I think you just did.” Lexa squeezed Sam’s hand.

  Based on past behavior, Eliot wouldn’t be adverse to spending time with Marta. Not at all. Likeminded and close in age, they’d been flirting and skirting—Lexa’s terminology—around one another for the past couple of years. Until now, Eliot had never stayed in one place long enough for a romance to take root. If they wanted, the next couple of weeks would give his two TeamWork volunteers the opportunity to explore the possibilities.

  With her strong, independent spirit, Marta would be a good match for Eliot in terms of the rigors and absences of his job if something were to develop between them. They’d be plenty interesting to watch during this work camp.

  Marta crossed her arms. “Well, would you look at that? Mr. Marchand has finally decided to grace us with his presence.”

  A white Hummer spewed dust and gravel as it made its way toward them. Sam had never seen Eliot in a Hummer, but as the vehicle came to a stop a few hundred yards away, he studied the personalized Texas license plate. WNDRLST. Wanderlust? Yep, that seemed appropriate.

  “I suppose that small tank fits Eliot’s international man of mystery image,” Marta said.

  “Landon’s bringing his jet. Whatever it takes to get us all here.”

  Marta laughed under her breath. “Point taken, Mrs. Lewis.”

  A taxi came into view while they waited for Eliot to climb out of the Hummer. “That must be the San Antonio group.” Lexa released his hand and hurried in the direction of the car.