Jackie Marilla

Kristin moves to Mercy Ridge for a fresh start as the new third grade teacher. Chad’s girlfriend broke up with him the day before but he instantly gets over her as soon as he sees Kristin. She moves into a small cabin on Chad’s parents’ property and she lets him know right away that she just wants to be friends (that she can’t be in a relationship but she secretly wants him anyway) after he hits on her. Everyone keeps telling him she’s a keeper and Chad pursues her even though he thinks she’s not interested. When he finds out her secret, he’s devastated and believes she lied to him. Although I’d already guessed what her secret was, I didn’t expect him to act so callous and childish. She tried to explain even though she did nothing wrong but he wouldn’t act like a mature adult and listen to her until days later after his mom talked to him. Then they finally hash it out.
This sweet, clean romance is definitely very clean—meaning the couple doesn’t even kiss until the last scene of the book. The writing flowed smoothly and I enjoyed the story for the most part, except for Chad’s reaction to a mistake Kristin made a year ago.
I look forward to reading more books in the series (all books are standalones).
4 Stars

Disclaimer - Thank you, Jackie Marilla, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason.… (altro)

Emma and her daughter Ally move to Hawaii after Emma inherited an old cabin in her mother’s will. Emma struggles for everything she has—she doesn’t like to accept help—but help comes anyway in the form of her sexy new neighbor Hank. Her daughter is instantly crazy about him but Emma pushes him away because she doesn’t want anyone to help her through rough times.
Although I respect her pride and independence streak, I think Emma made a foolish choice which nearly cost her and Ally their lives. Then Hank to the rescue.
The story is well written and flowed smoothly. I love the scenery descriptions and wish the book would’ve been longer. Hank and Emma make a wonderful couple, Ally is just precious and the ending scene is sooooo sweet.
4 Stars

Disclaimer - Thank you, Jackie Marilla, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason.… (altro)

Sadie wants nothing more than to get her daughter, Maria, back from Social Services and provide a nice, safe home for both of them. Her ex, Don, has already tried to kill her so she has to stay low and stay away from Maria to keep the baby safe. As an intern for Forever Christmas, an organization that helps battered women get their lives back on track, she hopes for a stable job with the company and finally settle down.
Gus is a reporter, initially upset that his boss assigned him a fluff piece about a Christmas tree farm, but he’s smitten with Sadie. He knows she’s keeping secrets and the reporter in him won’t let him not investigate her. When things come to a head, he could end up losing everything that’s become dear to him. But Christmas is always full of miracles.
This is a super sweet story about love, moving on from past pain and hurt, and learning to live again. Kudos to the author for a heartwarming tale.
4 Stars

Disclaimer – Thank you, Jackie Marilla, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
… (altro)