The Valley of Flowers Read online

Reader Comments and Reviews for Jack Dey's Books

  "Mahina is a fantastic tale involving multiple storylines from both historical times and the present… beautiful and complex, like the threads of fine tapestry… a memorable and well told story, full of adventure and romance… Someone should turn this book into a motion picture. You should read the book." Kathy Olson

  "Paradise Warrior is an amazing book. It makes you laugh, cry and reflect. It is a book that when you finish you wonder about life around you. God’s plan in our life... amazing gift…" Fernando M.

  “…I cry & I laugh & I don’t want to put my book down… I loved reading “Mahina” on my iPad…. BUT…. I absolutely LOVE having it in BOOK FORM now…. to have & to hold…. forever mine!" Gwennie Simpson

  “I've finished THAT BOOK and will now have to do something constructive!!!... if book number three is as riveting as the other two, I will need pulse-reducing medication. I can't believe the depth of all that he was able to bring in to that story!!! (I'm thinking that I will have to stick to “Little Women” and “Heidi” in future.)” Maureen

  "Paradise Warrior... You certainly know how to keep the reader hanging for more! Great work! I’m going to read it again!" Corinne

  “… how much I enjoyed reading Aunt Tabbie's Wings. I laughed, cried, and just kept reading, reading and reading. Couldn't put it down...” Becky and David Poole

  “...Mahina... Finished!!!!!! Loved it!!!!!” Marie

  “...Aunt Tabbie’s Wings... How can you not thoroughly immerse yourself in the warmth of the Savior’s love demonstrated through real-life characters? I was touched by the storyline, the surprises and the figurative language, “…as the sun yawned away the darkness…” January 1, 2015—the day I read a page-turner from cover to cover. Thanks Jack.” Suz

  "Paradise Warrior... thrilling fiction. It’s quite impossible to close the book before the end. And when I finished reading it, I’ve read it a second time to enjoy even more all its subtleties, this for the first time in my life…!" Dominique

  [Nanuq] “...very engaging story. Awesome job!… Really enjoying… exciting… incredible. A NY times best selling author couldn’t do it better. It is real. It is engaging. It is captivating... just comes off the page… and it will keep you guessing until the end when he skillfully ties all the lo[o]se ends into a satisfying knot. Don’t miss this exciting adventure.” Kathy

  "...Mahina. The story draws you in chapter by chapter. Thoroughly enjoyed it..." Craig

  "...amazing, delightful, absolutely intriguing, WONDERFUL book... PARADISE WARRIOR!!! I can't put it down..." Gwennie Simpson

  "Jack Dey… writes a rollicking good yarn, that man..." Shelley

  "MAHiNA... engaging and informative. It is hard to put down... characters are intriguing... Aunty Rosa was the one character that I was especially drawn to; her wisdom and sensitivity were authentic and endearing... And the ending was superbly done; tying in each of the real life issues in a clever and perceptive way." Susan

  “Love The secrets of Black Dean Lighthouse!... a book that’s hard to put down with a twist...! Keep them coming!” CJ

  [Nanuq] "...grips you until you can’t put it down and just have to keep reading, ignoring everything until the story is finished! A great read to recommend!" Dominique

  [Nanuq] “...gripped me right to the end… fabulous job.” Phil 

  "...Aunt Tabbie’s Wings... once you start, you won’t want to put it down." Elspeth

  "...Aunt Tabbie's Wings… loved it so much... I could not put it down..." Trudy R.

  [Mahina] “I was up reading half the night last night…” Kathy

  *~*~*~*

  THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS

  by

  JACK DEY

  *~*~*~*

  PUBLISHED BY:

  COPYRIGHT 2015 C.D. & A.R. Day

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means–electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or otherwise–except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the owner of the copyright.

  Original Cover Design: C.D. & A.R. Day

  Cover images: pixabay.com

  This book is also available in print.

  (paperback)

  For further information please contact:

  URL: jackdey.com

  Email: [email protected]

  *~*~*~*

  Dedicated to: Papa

  For Your Honour and Your Glory

  *~*~*~*

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 40

  Author's Note

  About the Author

  Connect with Jack

  Discover Other Books by Jack Dey

  Exclusive Preview – Mahina by Jack Dey

  Exclusive Preview – Paradise Warrior by Jack Dey

  Exclusive Preview – Aunt Tabbie's Wings by Jack Dey

  Exclusive Preview – The Secrets of Black Dean Lighthouse by Jack Dey

  Exclusive Preview – The Legend of Ataneq Nanuq by Jack Dey

  Exclusive Preview – La Belle Suisse by Dodie La Mirounette and Jack Dey

  *~*~*~*

  Note from Jack

  The Valley of Flowers is a gentle read, full of intrigue, fun and romance. It will capture your heart from the very start, leading you through strange but Biblically purposeful places and challenging you to recognise the stage and intent of its theme. For those readers who are familiar with my style, The Valley of Flowers is a break from the usual hectic pace of cryptic mysteries. But be warned, when you think you have it worked out, it will sneak around behind you and pull your chair out from under you.

  This novel is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons or people groups, living or dead, incidences, places or events, past or present, unless otherwise stated, is purely coincidental. Poetic licence has been taken in writing this fiction.

  I hope you will enjoy reading it, as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

  Jack Dey

  *~*~*~*

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank the following for their tireless support in bringing The Valley of Flowers from a thought to a finished work.

  Papa God, for allowing me to be a pencil in His hand.

  My wife, the Editor, for turning my full stops into commas, encouraging me to keep going and using words like 'disturbing' to keep me on track. Constantly filling my cup with tea and love.

  My Assistant Editor, the very charismatic Phil Hollett, for never letting me get away with anything.

  The ever vigilant prayer team.

  Finally, you, the reader. We pray for you as you take Papa’s hand and sojourn through this story. May you never forget the journey you are about to take and judge everything against what Papa tells you.

  Jack

  *~*~*~*

  THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS

  Out of your heart the tears I keep and when I am no longer, your knowledge is complete.

  *~*~*~*

  Chapter 1

  June 6

  Dear Diary,

  Today was the worst day of my life. Mum dropped by to see Dad but I was hoping she’d come over to patch things up and
move back in with us. My hopes evaporated when I peered through the curtains in my room and saw ‘him’ sitting in the driver seat of her car, waiting for her to finish talking with Dad. Turns out she’d only dropped by to deliver the divorce papers and she didn’t even take the time to stop by my room and talk with me.

  I feel really hurt!

  Things have been tense around Dad since she dropped her bombshell and moved out. The walls are so thin in this house and sometimes I hear him crying late at night in his room, although around me he tries to maintain his composure, but I can’t help thinking their breaking up is somehow my fault. Maybe if I had been a better daughter, not so moody or so fat, maybe if I was prettier or helped her more around here... IDK!

  I ‘HATE’ coming home to an empty house after school too. It freaks me out and I check behind each door and in every cupboard, then lock myself inside my room once I feel kinda safe. Scaredy cat, maybe... I guess; I should stop watching horror movies before bed. It’s pretty late when Dad finally walks in from work and I’m sure I can smell alcohol on his breath. I try my best to take the load off him and I know I can’t cook to save myself, but he usually doesn’t want any dinner anyway – don’t blame him really. So I end up eating in my room... I feel so empty and alone!

  Sorry, Diary, I smudged your beautiful pink pages with my useless tears. Don’t go away, Diary, I need to blow my nose... I’m back; did you miss me?

  Tina knows something’s up, but I feel too embarrassed to tell her. She keeps asking me if I’m alright and I keep telling her I’m fine, but I know she knows something’s wrong and she won’t give up until she’s got the ‘gos’. She’s spending a lot of time with Danny Dickson lately, too. Yuk...! I can’t stand the guy, but Tina likes him and I think she’s intending to go all the way with him. I hope she thinks about it a lot before and isn’t making a big mistake. I don’t know what I would do without my BFF!

  I just don’t get life and what it’s all about. It all seems so pointless and sometimes I feel like the world would be a better place if I just died! No one would even realise I was gone or miss me once they found out, I’m sure. Although! Mr Bryce stopped again to have a chat in the hallway at school; he’s always so positive and encouraging and I always enjoy talking to him. Wonder if he wants a daughter? No, I guess not! He reminds me a lot of Grandpa Dan; I wish he wasn’t so sick and we could spend time together again.

  Why does everyone want to leave or get sick when I’m around?!

  I should finish now, Diary; I still have some homework to do but I feel too depressed and can’t be bothered. It’s only maths and I can’t stand maths!

  *~*~*~*

  Elly Parker’s finger hovered over the start button on her small laptop, contemplating watching another horror movie before turning out the light and trying to sleep. The movies seemed to resonate with the horror of her short teenage life and in some strange way, the images on her screen shocked her into a fantasy world, leaving her own desperate world far behind and in the shadows. She drew in a long breath, holding it trapped in her lungs while she studied the outline of her pink laptop.

  In a moment of decision she released her breath, closed the screen with a click and checked the bedside clock. It was just after midnight and the passageway light was on, signifying her father was still up. She combed out the length of her long blonde hair, the hairbrush crackling with static electricity at each deliberate stroke. When she had finished preparing for bed, she reached for the bedroom door handle and cracked it open. In a raised voice she called to her father, “Goodnight, Dad!”... No answer.

  She sighed and closed the door again then made her way to her bed and climbed in, pulling the blankets up to her eyes. Soon after making a mental check of her surrounds, Elly disturbed the neat blankets partially covering her face and reached for the bedside table, extinguishing the light and reducing her room into a confusion of darkness and shadows. With a sharp motion, she pulled her arm back into the safety of the blankets, her eyes slowly closing and soon she drifted into another world.

  *~*~*~*

  A distant rumble echoed up and down the steep green valley walls. Then a gentle breeze rippled across the valley floor stirring a patchwork of yellow, pink and blue, making the colourful tall stems of happy flowers seem to giggle softly and sway gently in the giddying silence. Patches of blue sky peered around the tall cliffs, partially obscured by lazy clouds hanging deftly and close to the rocky peaks. A monolithic giant, draped in the royal green velvet of deep rainforest, towered high above the trail and stood guard over the entrance to the enchanting scene, making sure only the invited found the secret, narrow breach.

  Something was beckoning, tugging at her heart strings and drawing her onto the path, urging her to keep walking. Step by step the trail led her deeper into the valley, tantalising her senses with each guarded step and piquing her curiosity.

  Where was she?

  Suddenly, the valley erupted into whispered laughter, adorable impish laughter echoing across the valley floor and entangled among the swaying flowers. She searched around trying to identify the voices, but they remained shy and hidden from her view.

  Then the sky opened and a warm, gentle shower drizzled over her, flooding her mind with childish delight as she tasted drops of water sweeter than honey.

  The rain began to teem down on her and as it did, the impish laughter increased; she heard a giggle trickle over her tonsils and then an echoing laugh bubbled up from deep inside her and spilled out into the rain. In a moment of ecstasy, she peered up at the sky and the mountains surrounding her and twirled on the spot, pirouetting like a ballet dancer, lost in excited elation and sending her long white gown whirling around her.

  As suddenly as it came, the rain stopped and a gentle breeze caressed her face, dancing with her, calling to her in a loving whisper, “Elly... Elly... come to me, pretty lady,” enticing her down into the valley while its call halted her ecstatic dance.

  The voice made her heart burn within her and she searched among the flowers until she saw a beautiful young man standing on the path, beckoning to her with an outstretched arm. She gazed at the gesture for a moment, hesitating and a little confused, but then his haunting green eyes peered into the depths of her heart and overpowered her emotions, gently pulling her towards him, desperate to experience the love he was offering.

  A rasping clamour broke into her fantasy and before Elly knew what was happening, the scene had evaporated like a steamy breath into a cold atmosphere, sending her into a tailspin and searching frantically about the sunlit room for evidence of her intrigue and the green-eyed young man. She sighed, slapping the alarm clock into silence with an agitated hand and fell back to her pillow, exasperated and grieving for the lost opportunity for romance. It took her moments to realise she’d been dreaming, but the ecstasy she’d felt and the beauty of the young man haunted her.

  If only she hadn’t hesitated...!

  Even as she peered around her empty room, the emotional depths of her encounter still remained and she longed to return to the gentle, enchanting world in her dream.

  *~*~*~*

  Chapter 2

  Replaying the fading emotion and frustrated by her hesitation, the green-eyed apparition captivated her heart, entangling her desires in a unknown world of enchantment and leaving her desperately pining for the romance of her dream.

  She dragged her distraught outline from her bed, quickly dressed and critically assessed her appearance in the reflection of the full-length mirror covering the doors of her built-in robe. The reflected image of her seventeen-year-old figure described the features of a mature young woman, but held captive in the final year of her childhood by the less than flattering high school uniform. She teased the idea of applying a light shade of makeup to help her feel more appealing, however the school rules forbade any such attempts, even for seniors and were staunchly policed.

  As she stood examining her reflection, an electric tingle sparked through her senses, reawaken
ing the memory of the romantic close encounter, stealing the focus from the image reflected in the mirror and back to the ethereal dream man once again. A pleasing sigh escaped her lips, remembering how the young man made her feel, while a haunting desire to search the back roads of her imagination and reconnect with her apparition overtook her. However the romantic memory was waning fast and she tried desperately to hold on to the fading image of another world, a world where love existed, while she attempted to make sense of her own desolate world, a place without love.

  Her thoughts suddenly jolted out of the fantasy and her attention fixed on her reflected impression once again. Unimpressed with the gawky uniform and yearning to break free of the bonds of childhood and launch into womanhood, she sighed heavily. “I feel like a frump in a bag.” She teased her thoughts again and wondered what her dream man would think of her offering, imagining his thoughts while her blue eyes did a final critique from every angle, twisting her body in front of the mirror.

  Elly was a senior at Armadale’s exclusive Don Patton Senior High, nestled in the foothills of the Darling Range and overlooking the vast tracks of Perth’s distant and smoggy sprawling skyline. The school was designed to cater for the elite of Armadale’s hillslope families, but Elly’s dad was struggling to keep up with the ever expanding fees and assure her continued presence at the exclusive school. She’d be happy to leave and get a job, however her parvenu mother had other ideas and now that her mother had left, maybe her dad might reconsider.

  A quick glance at the bedside clock alarmed her and she broke from the mirror, making a sudden grasp at a nearby pile of books needed for the day’s tuition. She seized the bedroom door handle and twisted it, unlocking the access into the passageway, intent on making her way to the kitchen and grabbing a quick bite before catching the bus to school.