Buckler's Hard

 

 

 

Sahara Kelly

 

 

 

Smashwords Edition

 

 

 

Copyright 2012 SK Private Label Publications

Cover Art Copyright 2012 by Sahara Kelly for

P and N Graphics, LLC.

 

 

 

Discover other titles by Sahara Kelly at Smashwords

 

 

 

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

 

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

 

 

 

 

Acknowledgements

 

This story is based in a place where I grew up and is dedicated to the friends still enjoying the wonderful history and scenery that is Hampshire. To one special guy who took the time to drive me around and reacquaint me with so much of my childhood, especially Buckler's Hard, my thanks. Nigel, you're a sweetheart—I had so much fun that day in spite of the rain!

 

 

Author's Note

 

 

There really is a village called Buckler's Hard on the south coast of Hampshire in England. A "hard" was the old word for landing place—somewhere vessels of all kinds could dock safely. Set on the banks of the Beaulieu River as it meets the sea, Buckler's Hard has been in existence for centuries and remains a popular spot for visitors to this day. It's the home of the smallest church in England (it's adorable, seats about ten people squished together on the pews and the ancient wooden door squeaks dramatically when you go in), and boasts a very nice pub.

 

Two centuries ago, some of Britain's most famous sailing ships were built there, among them vessels for the famous British Naval hero Lord Horatio Nelson's fleet—notably the HMS Agamemnon, one of Nelson's favorite ships. In later times, Buckler's Hard served as one of the staging areas for the World War II Normandy invasion. Nowadays, most of the boats you'll see there are recreational, a mixture of sleek fiberglass, sails and wooden oars—the weekend adventures of nearby residents.

 

I have taken liberties with the actual layout and settings in and around this delightful village—simply for the sake of my story. Any descriptions that are inaccurate are solely my responsibility.

 

This book was originally published elsewhere and has been re-edited and slightly revised for this edition.