Beneath The Mossy Oaks – Flash Fiction Mystery Quilt 2023 Book

By Lynda Smith

Love and war don’t go together, or do they? Jessica is sure she has found the love of her life. Just before they are to marry, the Civil War comes. 

Daniel can’t ignore the call to serve.

Follow Jess and Daniel as they navigate all the trials of wartime romance in this once in a lifetime love story, set in the deep south.

Beneath the Mossy Oaks – Chapter 1

The early morning sun broke through the misty fog with a few sunbeams breaking the haze, landing on the moss-covered oak trees in the front yard. Jessica stretched sleepily in her goose-down bed. She didn’t really want to get up, but outside she could hear the sounds of the day getting started. Jess was fifteen years old and quite the princess of the big house her father had built for her mother years ago. It wasn’t that she was spoiled. It was more that she was an absolute beauty.  Not that Jess felt that way. Her mother told her that she was like every other teenager but Jess saw only her flaws, which was a shame. Jess had clear pale skin, and her hair was a golden blond falling below her waist. It was her shocking emerald green eyes that captured every man’s attention.

            Jess rolled out of bed and walked to the tall window looking outside. Those huge oak trees in all their glory were one of her favorite things about living near the coast of South Carolina. The sunbeams danced on the moss, dangling among the branches. It was almost magical. Just as she was about to turn away from the view outside, her bedroom door swung open and Lattie bustled in. “Little Miss, it’s time to get you dressed for the day. Remember your Pa said you’uns is having company this afternoon.” She said as she scurried around the room. Jess hated when they had company because she had to dress up. Her favorite attire was not socially acceptable. Jess was a horse lover and all she ever wanted was to wear pants like the men wore. Most of all she wanted to ride all day, every day.

            Lattie was over at the large wardrobe pulling out a new dress that had just arrived from the seamstress last week. “It was actually pretty,” Jess thought to herself. The dress was a robin’s egg blue with white lace trim around the bodice. If it weren’t for the tight and uncomfortable corset, as well as the ridiculous hoop skirt that she had to wear underneath, she might enjoy wearing it. Lattie called out to her, “Miss Jessica! Quit your daydreaming and get over here.” Dutifully, Jess walked back to where Lattie had everything laid neatly out on the big four-poster mahogany bed.  Over an hour later Jess walked out of her room and down the winding staircase to the main level of the plantation house.

*** This book does not come with the quilt pattern. You can purchase your copy separately on Amazon by clicking here.