#MFRWHooks for ~~I think I love you~~ 16/09/15 #amreading #Reading

 

 Happy "Book Hook" Day

May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"

my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series? 

 

 

 

 

"I think I love you" is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.    

 

   

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.

When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.

But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.

Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?

   

 

Today's hook

He took her hand and excused himself while getting through the crowd. No way was the party

nearly over. Rather the opposite, she thought. This party was about to warm up.
Without her.
She couldn’t believe it. Her chance to meet someone from the football scene, and she was
leaving because of a stinking headache. She was cursed to end up old and on her own.

And that thought hurt.

It was a short walk to his car. Sarah relished the feel of fresh air against her face. A breeze off the

ocean sent a sudden chill down her back. Sensing it, Markus put an arm around her shoulder.
An hour and a little snooze in a car later, they arrived in front of her place. Her little house which
she was so proud of. At least something that she had achieved in life. Fair enough, Markus had helped her when she’d hit financial problems, but it was a success that nobody in her family had been able to accomplish.
At least if she’d grow old alone, she’d do it owning a house. A smile lingered on her lips.
Markus got out of the car and opened the passenger door for her.
“Thank you,” she whispered. Then she leaned forward, quickly slipped into her shoes, before she got out and walked to the front door. The sound of Markus’ steps told her that he was following. Half of her appreciated his thought of making sure she was safe, the other half was too tired to care or think. She rubbed her eyes with the ball of her hand before she turned and met Markus’ eyes.“Thank you, Marky,” she said softly. “Thanks for taking me home.”

Nodding, he came closer, took the key from her, and unlocked the door. “Have a good snooze, baby.
And call me in the morning.”
She bit her lip and took the keys. “I will,” she replied.
Sarah had to close her eyes for a moment. The situation was so unfamiliar to her that she needed a second to refocus. It wasn’t unusual for Markus to give her a lift home and drop her off at the door, but it was unusual for her to have every nerve in her body responding to his nearness. Somehow, his
familiar scent affected her tonight, and she had no idea why. She even had to lock her knees to

withstand the look in his eyes.

And before she knew it, her mouth was on his.

 ☆ new release ☆

5 Stars 

Book #3 of the Australian Sport Series - also the one I enjoyed the most :)
Their love story is not your regular "thrills" one - you know, the one with shivers top to bottom and bottom to top - at the first sight :) It's a beautiful story about the friendship, strong and true, turning slowly into some profound feelings. They do not realize it at first, then they do not want to realize that, finally they are too scared to admit it... :) But it gets them anyways :D

#MFRWHooks for ~~I think I love you~~ 09/09/15 #amreading #Reading

 

 Happy "Book Hook" Day

May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"

my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series? 

 

 

 

 

"I think I love you" is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.    

 

   

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.

When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.

But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.

Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?

   

 

Today's hook
She stood and saw Oliver come over. “Please don’t tell him,” she whispered.
“What’s up?” Oliver asked.
“Saz drowned her sorrow in some red last night after finding out Timmy cheated on her,” Markus explained.
Sarah slapped him against his chest. “I asked you not to say anything,” she said through gritted teeth.
Markus cocked an eyebrow. “I thought you meant the chocolate.”
Oliver laughed and pulled Sarah into a hug. “I told you—”
“Don’t say it,” she mumbled against his chest.
“You should try—”
Sarah placed a finger on his lips. “Just tell the happy couple congratulations, and I’ll catch up with them when they get back from their honeymoon.”
“You really are out of it, sweet pea. They left about half an hour ago.”
She sighed again. “Even better. I don’t have to feel guilty.”
Oliver placed a kiss on Sarah’s forehead.
“Honey, you’d better go and have a dance with Tamara,” she whispered. “I know you two have issues, but try to put it aside. She seems a bit lonely.”
He followed her gaze before he said, “Hope you feel better soon.”
She nodded and then followed Markus towards the doors. Again, she noticed how sensational he looked in that tuxedo, the white shirt, and the dark grey tie. His blond hair was cut short and the usual slight wave was gone. She liked it when his hair was a bit longer. It gave him that mischievous look that she’d known since childhood. That same look in his blue eyes that had radiated trouble fifteen years ago, when he’d taken her hand and led her to the top of a diving board with the words Let’s go flying.

 ☆ new release ☆

5 Stars 

Book #3 of the Australian Sport Series - also the one I enjoyed the most :)
Their love story is not your regular "thrills" one - you know, the one with shivers top to bottom and bottom to top - at the first sight :) It's a beautiful story about the friendship, strong and true, turning slowly into some profound feelings. They do not realize it at first, then they do not want to realize that, finally they are too scared to admit it... :) But it gets them anyways :D

#MFRWHook for ~~I think I love you~~ 02/09/15 #amreading #mustread

 

 Happy "Book Hook" Day

May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"

my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series? 

 

 

 

 

"I think I love you" is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.    

 

   

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.

When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.

But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.

Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?

   

 

Today's hook
Sarah let out another long breath before she decided what to tell him, if anything at all. Markus had always been a very good friend. More than that. He’d always been there for her, during good and bad times. Especially during bad times.
“I walked in on Timmy with another woman yesterday afternoon,” she said, barely audible, more embarrassed than hurt.
Markus leaned back and met her gaze. Like so often, his beautiful blue eyes conveyed such warmth and understanding.
“Ouch!” he whispered.
“C’mon, say it,” she coaxed.
“Say what?”
“You know what. The I told you so.”
The words stung like acid in her stomach. Yes, he had told her more than a couple of times that there was something iffy about Timmy. Even Ty and Oliver had noticed the vibes, but she’d been happy the last four months. She hadn’t expected that one. Not at all.
So last night she’d drowned her sorrow in that one glass of red wine too many and was paying for it now.
Markus gently pulled her a little bit closer. “I’m not saying any such thing.”
“I deserve it, though.”
A smile tugged at his lips. “Baby, no you don’t. The only person deserving something is Timmy. And that’s a big fist connecting with his face.”
Sarah laughed, but regretted it straight away. “Oh my God, Marky. Don’t make me laugh, please. I’ve got the worst hangover ever. The last glass of the red wine last night didn’t agree with me.”

 ☆ new release ☆

5 Stars 

Book #3 of the Australian Sport Series - also the one I enjoyed the most :)
Their love story is not your regular "thrills" one - you know, the one with shivers top to bottom and bottom to top - at the first sight :) It's a beautiful story about the friendship, strong and true, turning slowly into some profound feelings. They do not realize it at first, then they do not want to realize that, finally they are too scared to admit it... :) But it gets them anyways :D

#MFRWHook for ~~I think I love you~~ 26/08/15 #amreading #mustread

 

 Happy "Book Hook" Day

May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"

my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series? 

 

 

 

 

"I think I love you" is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.    

 

   

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.

When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.

But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.

Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?

   

 

Today's hook
Jealous?
Couldn’t be. She’d never been jealous of Markus’ girlfriends before, so why would she be today? Damn, she wished that girl would leave him be.
A long sigh escaped her.
Tired, she squeezed another little bit of lemon into her tea as she watched all the couples on the dance floor.
“Aww, baby, that’s your second cup of tea now. What’s the matter?” Markus asked as he sat next to her.
Startled, Sarah nearly spilled the tea. Yet, the few simple words and his presence made her feel better already.
As long as she was able to remember, Markus had called her baby. Initially, it had annoyed her, because she’d been so proud of having finally reached teenage years, but nowadays…nowadays she reeled in the comfort of their closeness. Tilting her head slightly to look at him, she let out a little sigh. He laughed and placed his arm around her for a little hug.
“Want to dance?”
His mouth was so close to her ear, she could feel his breath on her skin as he spoke. A little shiver went down her spine, and it took her by surprise. She’d known Markus for almost twenty years, and she couldn’t remember her body responding to him like this. It was a bit eerie. The combination of red wine, hangover, and the Panadol was obviously too much for her. After all, they’d shared lunches together at school, went together to movies or concerts, shared heartaches, and even their first kiss celebrating Mark’s thirteen’s birthday. Both decided then and there that it wasn’t for them. In all fairness, it’d been their third kiss, but they were about five years old when their mouths had accidentally met for the first time, and Markus had given her a wet, sloppy kiss in Kindergarten as well when she’d fallen off the slide.
So why was her body betraying her today?

 ☆ new release ☆

5 Stars 

Book #3 of the Australian Sport Series - also the one I enjoyed the most :)
Their love story is not your regular "thrills" one - you know, the one with shivers top to bottom and bottom to top - at the first sight :) It's a beautiful story about the friendship, strong and true, turning slowly into some profound feelings. They do not realize it at first, then they do not want to realize that, finally they are too scared to admit it... :) But it gets them anyways :D

#MFRWHook for ~~I think I love you~~ 19/08/15 #amreading #mustread

 

 Happy "Book Hook" Day

May I 'hook' you on "I think I love you"

my latest release in the Australian Sport Stars series? 

 

 

 

 

"I think I love you" is set in Melbourne, in the wonderful country of Australia.    

 

   

 

I hope you get hooked by this Snippet

 

Blurb:
Markus DeLeon and Sarah Winter’s lives couldn’t be more different… After three years away as the goalkeeper for an English soccer club, Markus has been happy to be back in Australia. He’d missed his family and friends, including Sarah. He’s known her since childhood, and often protected her from the teasing of other children and the troubling consequences of a broken home.

When they attend their friends’ wedding, a new light is cast on their friendship… Sarah is fresh out of a bad relationship, and Markus has always been the one she can confide in. Maybe it’s the magic of the wedding—or how stunning he looks in a tux—but the attraction between them intensifies in ways they’d never imagined.

But sometimes when risking what you have, you might lose everything… Following a passionate encounter, Markus isn’t sure how to handle this new aspect of his relationship with Sarah, and literally flees the scene for the coast. Sarah is unsure how to react to his sudden departure, but is soon knocked off course by misunderstandings and a frightening family emergency.

Markus realises his mistake and wants to make things right, but he also faces obstacles. He’s been offered an exciting new job, and an attractive newcomer to the neighbourhood is eager to claim his attention, though the last thing Markus needs is another confusing relationship.
Can Sarah and Markus face the fear and doubt—and the potential loss of their lifelong friendship—to give their love a chance?

   

 

Today's hook

As Sarah Winter walked down the aisle, she was too worried to look around, too frightened to miss or lose the rhythm of her step. She’d practiced this more than she liked to remember; the last thing she wanted was to get it wrong. Only she’d practiced without this darn headache. And without her heart aching.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to relax and followed her instincts. It couldn’t be that hard, after all.
When she arrived at the front, she moved to the side and finally dared to steal a glance at the guys. She almost needed a second look to take in how good Markus looked that day. As much as she tried, she came up with a blank when it came to seeing him in a tux. Not even for his sister’s wedding had he dressed up so nicely. Not in a tux, anyway.
Oh my Lord.
The two shared a quick smile before the minister started, and she tried her best to focus on the service.

 ☆ new release ☆

 

Snippet Sunday - Little Beginnings 15/03/2015 #Reading #WIP

 

 

~~~

LITTLE BEGINNINGS

 

Jeri lives in Hobart where she owns a gallery. Since her divorce, many years ago, she's finally ready to "be" with a man again. But finding the right one seems to be harder than she thought.

 

~~~

 

Scott looked down at Jeri through eyes the colour of chocolate brown. She stared at him. He was about the same height as Ely, his hair was a dirty blond rather than dark and the ends curled up like fish hooks around the edge of the hat.

She thought, Ely had been the highlight of her day, but Scott evidently came from the same gene pool.

Or at least similar.

Jeri was still unable to speak but when she noticed him raising his eyebrow, she forced herself to shake his hand.

“Thank God, you’re here,” she said with a croaky voice.

He smiled again, and she nearly had to hold on to something or at least lock her knees.

She continued to stare at him as he took in the situation.

“Any major damage?” he asked

And that’s when she stopped comparing him to her carpenter. Her stare turned into a glare and with hands on hips she said, “Not at all. I simply wanted to meet you.”

 
 

 Thank you all for your support and kind comments.

I do appreciate each single one of them!

And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

          

OUT NOW

 

 

Check out my books on Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

Did you get an e-reader for Christmas? Like Australian Stories? ~~ #kindle #Australia #Football #MFRWAuthor

 

 Blurb:
 

Can their new love survive the scrutiny of the public eye?

After his father’s heart attack, Australian Football League player Tyson Gaspaldi takes his parents on holiday to a small place at the New South Wales coast.

One morning, following a surfing session, he comes across a crying woman on the beach. Everything about her intrigues him, and he can’t walk away. She’s not only sexy and humble, but, as he soon finds out, vulnerable as well.

It’s only been a few months since Katie Cassidy lost her sister in a car accident.

Still overwhelmed by the loss, a chance encounter on the beach with an attractive stranger awakens unexpected emotions inside her. She’s instantly drawn to his caring nature, but also his looks.

However, Tyson’s past quickly catches up with them, causing Katie’s childhood demons to return, and the road to romance becomes anything but smooth.

 

Buy Links:

Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/Love-Will-Find-Australian-Sports-ebook/dp/B00NMYIVDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412333131&sr=8-1&keywords=love+will+find+you%2C+iris+blobel

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Will-Find-Australian-Sports-ebook/dp/B00NMYIVDE/ref=la_B00KCJOA28_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412331685&sr=1-2

Kobo Books: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/love-will-find-you

Barnes & Noble:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-will-find-you-iris-blobel/1120428127?ean=9781500920227

 

 

 Reviews

 

 

Excerpt:

Over an hour later, Tyson took the next wave back to shore. He shook the water out of his hair and wiped his face before he walked back towards his car. As he struggled with his surfing board against the gentle breeze, he saw a woman sitting only a few feet away from him. Her body shook from her sobs as she wiped away her tears. It was none of his business, yet he stopped. He disliked the feeling of pity and helplessness creeping up on him. Inhaling a deep breath, he turned and walked towards her.

“Hi there,” he said quietly so as not to startle her.

She quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and turned to him. Shading her eyes with the other hand, she echoed his greeting, “Hi.”

Ty’s gaze went out over the ocean before looking back at her. The thin long-sleeved shirt which hugged her curves nicely, and the cargo pants she wore, gave her a very casual, but sexy look. She smoothed a loose strand of her curly light brown hair behind her ear and met his gaze. Although teary and red, the beautiful green colour of her eyes shone through brightly. He knew he couldn’t walk away. He looked at her for a second or two, noticing the tight lines of her lips. Still, she had a beautiful mouth. Even though her lips were slightly swollen from crying, there was an urge inside him to touch them and find out what they felt or tasted like. He sighed. Not that long ago he’d burnt his hands with a girl in his life and had sworn off the opposite sex, but there was something about the woman in front of him that drew him in and intrigued him. He’d always been a sucker for a lady in distress.

“Are you okay?” he asked, scratching his head.

Her mouth curved into a tentative smile. “Yes, I am.”

He frowned. “Was that sarcasm in response to a stupid question?”

“Yes, it was.”

Damn, she had a gorgeous smile that made his stomach tighten. She didn’t offer more.

After a brief, but silent moment, he offered her his hand. “Tyson.”

She ignored his hand. “Nice meeting you, Tyson.”

He chuckled. “This is where you tell me your name.”

She let out a sigh as she looked away from him. It was a fine line he was walking. He was well aware of it. More than anything else, he wanted to help her. It was in his nature. She was hurt, and it seemed she was alone as well.

“Apologies, I didn’t mean to come on to you. But I’ve never been good with going past a girl who cries.”

“Does that happen often?” she asked as she turned back to him.

“Actually, no.” He laughed. “Only with my little niece.”

A tiny smile appeared on her face. “How old is she?”

Raising an eyebrow, he asked, “My niece? Turned four just a few days ago.”

She stared at him as he waited for her next question. Yet, it never came.

“I’m kinda getting cold here,” he said after a long moment. “Could I invite you for a coffee or tea?”

“No, but thank you for the offer. And thank you for caring.”

“Will you be here again tomorrow?”

A small sigh escaped her lips, and she shrugged slightly. “Not sure.”

He nodded and stood.

“It’s Katie,” she said as she stood as well.

Ty’s heart skipped a beat. “Nice meeting you, Katie.”

 

***

 

Katie stared after Tyson. She couldn’t believe how fast her heart was still beating. It’d been a short conversation, but his smile and his touch had done all sorts of crazy things to her insides. With one final hiccupping sob, she picked up her jacket from the sand and walked across the dunes towards the parking lot. For the first time since Paige’s death, she experienced a sense of joy. It had only been a couple of minutes that she’d talked to Ty, a stranger, but she liked him. Wiping the last tears from her face, she walked to her car, recalling those chocolate brown eyes beneath his black lashes and the straight line of brow. But it’d been his smile that’d been so contagious. His teeth were even and white, in a nice contrast with his olive skin. Anticipation rushed through her as she contemplated returning the next day. In her mind, she imagined touching his body. He’d looked so damn sexy in his wet suit, unzipped down to just below the navel, revealing a muscular chest and powerful shoulders. She’d certainly been attracted to his tall, athletic physique. And she liked the way his dark, damp hair had started to curl slightly around his face.

Katie walked towards her car across the street when she heard her mother’s voice. “Here you are, love.”

Katie turned and smiled. “Mum? What are you doing here?”

Her mother placed her hand on Katie’s shoulder. “Caring for my little girl.”

A smile tugged at Katie’s lips, appreciating her mum’s words. “I needed a little time out, I

suppose.”

“I had a feeling you’d be coming down to the beach,” her mum said before placing a kiss on her daughter’s forehead.

Taking a deep breath, she leaned into her mother’s embrace, enjoying the comfort of a parent. “I miss her so much, Mum,” she said, her voice nearly breaking. The tears streamed down her face once more as her chest tightened again. Grieving was so painful, emotionally and physically. Yet, for the first time since her sister’s death, Katie felt something other than mourning. Something different. Sadness had suffocated all other emotions, but today something had surfaced. She wasn’t sure whether it was good or whether she was ready for it, but she’d never believed there was a timeline to grieving a person.

“We all miss her, darling, but she wouldn’t want us to stop living. Her life’s come to an end, you will need to live your life with twice as much enthusiasm, with four eyes, with two hearts and—”

“Without her,” she finished her mother’s sentence.

Her mother gave a slow nod. “Have you been working this week?”

Katie drew in her lips before she answered. “Yes, I have, but I took today off. Only today.”

“You need to keep this job, love.”

She inhaled deeply. “I know.”

Her job in the administration at the local shopping centre was nothing much on the career ladder, but it paid the rent and the groceries every week. Her boss had been very considerate since her sister’s sudden death, and helped her juggle her time off as well as catching up with her night classes in marketing.

Her mother turned Katie in her arms. “How about a little walk along the beach?”

“I’d like that.”

As they headed towards the dunes, her mum said, “You two loved the beach. Some weekends, you’d snuck out of the house and come here in the early hours. I was always worried, but your dad would say —” She imitated her husband’s deep voice. “They’ll be all right. The girls have the sea in their blood.”

She laughed. “But I always saw that tiny little bit of relief on his face when you two came back. You can’t be too careful near the water.”

Katie joined her mother in her laughter. “We’d watch the boys surf.”

“I liked my idea of you two building little sandcastles better.”

“Mum, we were teenagers.”

Her mother shrugged. “I was in denial. Sue me.”

Side by side, they walked along the shore, both comfortable with the silence, enjoying the fresh breeze off the water.

“I feel close to her when I’m here,” Katie said as they stopped to watch a few dolphins swim past.