Julia Hill Book Novels & Stories

VOLUME TEN: A HEAVEN HILL CHRISTMAS Author's Note: These Christmas Novella's are in no particular order – they aren't even in chronological order of the series. It's just one Christmas I picked out of every couple's lives and wrote about it. JESSICA & LAYNE

Clara was gone. But she hadn't been erased. In the center of the pier, resting on the weathered wood, were Two Copper Rings. They weren't charred. They were polished, shining in the first light of a new, terrestrial dawn. And beside the rings was a single, physical book. The one from the London library. Hope picked it up, her fingers trembling as she opened the cover. Inside, in Julian’s sharp, executive hand and Clara’s flowing, teacher’s script, was a single note:

Julie entered the bathroom in a hurry. She didn’t want to miss anything. Julie wanted Hugh Dawson, the artist, to see her as acceptable. Who’d been sweet enough to do her book covers for nothing but only for her mention that he’d created them for her? She mentioned every time he made the covers for her. With three books published, his name appeared on each cover as the cover’s creator, beneath her name as the author. Tonight, Hugh wanted to unveil publicly the cover of her fourth book for her to thank her for the exposure of her books gave his work. Rising Tides and Passions Voyage, was her latest novel, a second chance romance of two single people on a couple’s cruise. Julie was nervous he’

I bet she’s the one who told Julia. “I know it sounds crazy,” Julia rambles when I don’t respond. “But I’ve seen things there in the marsh. A man that’s not a man. And I’ve heard things. There were footsteps upstairs and children laughing. And then Tanner showed up, but I don’t think it was actually him. I think it just looked like him…” “How much did Helen tell you?” I ask, interrupting her stream of consciousness. “About this land? About the swamp?” Julia eyes me anxiously. I can tell she doesn’t know whether I believe her or not. Finally, she says, “I know about the murders, if that’s what you mean.”

“Even if she has Shaun Hill behind her, I suspect that Shaun won’t stay alive for long.” “Dad, Hugh Jewell has arrived in Melbourne.” Rebecca smiled strangely. “Ever since his sister’s death, he hates Shaun Hill so much that he won’t stop until he kills him. His entire purpose of living is to kill Shaun Hill.” “Well done.” Jeffery gave her a praising look. “As expected of my daughter.” Rebecca could not hide her happiness. Tomorrow, she would be the number one socialite in Melbourne. She no longer had to endure others looking down on her ever again.

He bent over closer to her and added, “Let me take you to dinner. Send those documents to your personal email and finish the work once you get home. I have to make sure my secretary doesn’t report the cooperation for overworking its employees to the point of making them neglect their basic needs. “ She did as was told and wore her coat and purse but refused Levi’s offer of a meal and left the building for home. The chilling wind passed through her red ears as she moved through the crowded boisterous streets for home. The events of what happened were still fresh and recurred in her mind. She could still remember how every part of her skin vibrated when he whispered into his ear, how his arms

Would she wilt in the burning heat of familial persecution and societal isolation, which seemed to always strike anyone who stood up to Willow Creek's established culture of injustice? But Julia never once flinched or stumbled - only increasing her determination with each attempt by Caleb and his cohorts to conquer her obedience. Lila couldn't explain why, but there was something almost primal blazing beneath Julia's civilized exterior during those clashes. An animalistic indignation and unwavering belief that could not be discussed or persuaded by intimidation alone. Despite her best efforts to cement her cynicism, Lila saw it crumbling as their plans solidified from whispered whispers into

she answered. "Then what is Julia?" "I think Julia is a… snake demon." My eyes widened. "I heard that your mom found Julia in the hills and that she was injured when she was brought back. Kate, think about it. How could a grown woman be found in those hills where wild animals are everywhere? "Julia is a snake demon in disguise. Their kind is naturally lustful. Your mom putting her to work only played into that. Just you wait. It won't be long before she reveals her true nature. When that happens, things are going to get very ugly."

I stare out the window of my study to the cliffs beyond. Early evening has turned the sky into an orange fire bomb, gulls swooping and calling to each other, their silhouettes outlined by the fading sun. but I'm seeing none of it. No, I'm captivated by Julia's reflection. She sits behind me, sprawled out in a mountain of pillows in front of a roaring fire, reading to her brother. Every minute or so, she yawns adorably and loses her place. It's no wonder the girl is exhausted. I've gone down on her five glorious times today.

The present interacts with the past, seeking to avoid mistakes. “I’ll run into the Central Library to see people today, I need to find out something. The librarian thought, not looking up from the monitor. Julia looked at the sleeping Alud. She sat timidly on the edge of the bed, afraid to disturb the wounded man. Her light beige dress pressed into the soft bed, creating clear folds at the hips, smoothly turning into a thin waist. Her crossed legs in black shoes were hidden under the fabric of the dress, just above the knees. Dark, shiny hair, like a monk's hood, fell over her shoulders, reaching a little to her shoulder blades, revealing only small areas between thick strands. A thin, delic