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Angel Ridge #5
Unforgettable: An Angel Ridge Novel
Patrick Houston has worked hard to make changes in his life so he can be someone his children and Angel Ridge will be proud of. But Frannie Thompson is back in town reminding him of a time when he'd been out of control and failing the people in his life. Can love and loyalty grow from such a rocky start?
Was Mayor Patrick Houston actually going to pretend he didn't know her?
"What can I do for you, Ms. Thompson?" he repeated.
Frannie looked at the file in her lap, resting on top of her briefcase. She had moved to Angel Ridge to open a non-profit business that would help people struggling to find jobs and housing. She couldn't just walk away. But this encounter with Houston was unbelievable.
"Ms. Thompson?"
He was in for a shock if he thought she would play along to make this more comfortable for him. "I had no idea you were the mayor. Your first name isn't on any of the information I've seen. Just your initials."
He absently rubbed his chin, which made her notice he hadn't bothered to shave.
"Yes, well, the only thing anyone around here cares about is that my last name is 'Houston'." He actually smiled then and added, "A Houston has been the mayor of Angel Ridge for more than a hundred years."
"How nice for you." She stood. "However, it's your first name that would have mattered to me, since that was all you cared to share. It would have also been nice if you'd included that you're married."
Was Mayor Patrick Houston actually going to pretend he didn't know her?
"What can I do for you, Ms. Thompson?" he repeated.
Frannie looked at the file in her lap, resting on top of her briefcase. She had moved to Angel Ridge to open a non-profit business that would help people struggling to find jobs and housing. She couldn't just walk away. But this encounter with Houston was unbelievable.
"Ms. Thompson?"
He was in for a shock if he thought she would play along to make this more comfortable for him. "I had no idea you were the mayor. Your first name isn't on any of the information I've seen. Just your initials."
He absently rubbed his chin, which made her notice he hadn't bothered to shave.
"Yes, well, the only thing anyone around here cares about is that my last name is 'Houston'." He actually smiled then and added, "A Houston has been the mayor of Angel Ridge for more than a hundred years."
"How nice for you." She stood. "However, it's your first name that would have mattered to me, since that was all you cared to share. It would have also been nice if you'd included that you're married."
- GenresContemporaryRomance
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2012
About the author
Deborah Grace Staley
25 books49 followersDeborah Grace Staley is an Amazon and Barnes & Noble #1 best-selling author and winner of the HOLT Medallion. Her novels have been published worldwide in a variety of formats. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing, teaches, and is a freelance editor. Originally from East Tennessee, she makes her home in South Florida with her husband and two adorable rescued dachshunds. She loves to connected with readers on Facebook and Instagram @deborahgracestaley.com. Sign up for her newsletter for exclusive giveaways and first looks at new work at www.deborahgracestaley.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 4, 2018
It’s been six years since Frannie Thompson was last in Angel’s Ridge, Tennessee, but she’s back now, this time to stay. She’s all set to set up a non-profit with the primary focus of job rehabilitation. It’s an ambitious project and a big change for Frannie. It’s also a big change for Angel Ridge, and not all of the small town’s citizens are eager to see change come to their home. Frannie is surprised by the opposition, but she’s even more surprised when she discovers that the mayor whose support she wants for her project is the man with whom she shared an unforgettable moment in a bar outside town six years ago when she was at her most vulnerable.
Patrick Houston belongs to a long line of Houstons who have served Angel Ridge as mayor. He’s committed to his town and to his two children for whom he feels particularly responsible, in part because their mother is dead and in part because he let them down so many times when his alcoholism was controlling his life. Frannie Thompson becomes another in a long line of people whose forgiveness he needs when he somewhat belatedly recognizes her as the woman with whom he shared a spectacular if drunken series of kisses six years ago.
Frannie and Patrick have more in common that Frannie is at first willing to admit. They are both dealing with losses: Patrick is a widower; Frannie’s sister Jenny, a journalist and the town’s newspaper publisher who is forced to enter a witness protection program when she tangles with organized crime, may be alive, but she’s no longer part of Frannie’s life. They are both also living with regrets—Patrick for all he did that hurt others and Frannie for all that she never experienced. Theirs is a love story that plays out amid all these complications and the attention, mostly benign, of the citizens of the town. But old secrets must be revealed and dealt with before new beginnings can start.
Unforgettable is the fifth book in Staley’s Angel Ridge series, following Only You and A Home for Christmas, both in 2009, and What the Heart Wants (2010) and I’ll be There (2011). “Small” is literal in this case; the population of Angel Ridge numbers in the 400s, with many of the characters descendants of the town’s original families and the strangers who wander into town usually having some connection with a citizen. Readers familiar with the series will be happy to see favorite characters make an appearance, but new readers may have a hard time keeping track of everyone. But this story, like the others, is sweet and heartwarming, and the characters have enough flaws and problems to keep things from getting too treacley. Bad things happen to good people even with angels watching over the town.
There’s at least one more book remaining in the series. Dixie, the on-going narrator, will be the focal character. Part of her story is revealed in Unforgettable. I’m eager to know the rest of it.
Patrick Houston belongs to a long line of Houstons who have served Angel Ridge as mayor. He’s committed to his town and to his two children for whom he feels particularly responsible, in part because their mother is dead and in part because he let them down so many times when his alcoholism was controlling his life. Frannie Thompson becomes another in a long line of people whose forgiveness he needs when he somewhat belatedly recognizes her as the woman with whom he shared a spectacular if drunken series of kisses six years ago.
Frannie and Patrick have more in common that Frannie is at first willing to admit. They are both dealing with losses: Patrick is a widower; Frannie’s sister Jenny, a journalist and the town’s newspaper publisher who is forced to enter a witness protection program when she tangles with organized crime, may be alive, but she’s no longer part of Frannie’s life. They are both also living with regrets—Patrick for all he did that hurt others and Frannie for all that she never experienced. Theirs is a love story that plays out amid all these complications and the attention, mostly benign, of the citizens of the town. But old secrets must be revealed and dealt with before new beginnings can start.
Unforgettable is the fifth book in Staley’s Angel Ridge series, following Only You and A Home for Christmas, both in 2009, and What the Heart Wants (2010) and I’ll be There (2011). “Small” is literal in this case; the population of Angel Ridge numbers in the 400s, with many of the characters descendants of the town’s original families and the strangers who wander into town usually having some connection with a citizen. Readers familiar with the series will be happy to see favorite characters make an appearance, but new readers may have a hard time keeping track of everyone. But this story, like the others, is sweet and heartwarming, and the characters have enough flaws and problems to keep things from getting too treacley. Bad things happen to good people even with angels watching over the town.
There’s at least one more book remaining in the series. Dixie, the on-going narrator, will be the focal character. Part of her story is revealed in Unforgettable. I’m eager to know the rest of it.
November 30, 2012
Even out of the darkest times, love can emerge. This is Book 5 of the Angel Ridge series. There is romance that comes into real life. The characters and the plot make you feel like you are there.
Angel Ridge's Mayor Patrick Houston wanted to be the person his children and the town could be proud of. He's worked hard and made changes. There had been a time in his past when he was a failure, spiraling out of control.
Ms. Fannie Thompson came back to Angel Ridge to start a non-profit business. The business was to help struggling people find work and places to live. She had no idea Patrick Houston was mayor. All she ever saw was his initials and last name. She sat and waited. As the receptionist told her the mayor would see her, she rose. She needed to meet with the Town Council to have her project approved.
As she entered his office, she expected an older man with graying hair. He had dark hair and was much younger than she expected. Frannie remained standing. When he finally turned his swiveled chair around, Frannie stepped back. She was facing a man that had kissed her, but that wasn't all her body felt. She couldn't forget or was it that she didn't want to forget?
This man had been with her during an all out blizzard. Just a make-out, that's all it was. Or was it? At least she kept telling herself that. That was the awful winter she had lost her sister. What they shared that night was way more than a simple kiss. She never wanted to see him again. He had never shared his last name or the fact that he was married.
You can quickly become hooked on Ms. Staley's books. You can't wait to turn the page and read what is next. This book is definitely a page turner. You can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary e-copy of 'Unforgettable' to read from Net Galley on behalf of Belle Bridge Books for this review.
You can visit the author at www.deborahgracestaley.com
The review is also on http://bemiown.blogspot.com
Angel Ridge's Mayor Patrick Houston wanted to be the person his children and the town could be proud of. He's worked hard and made changes. There had been a time in his past when he was a failure, spiraling out of control.
Ms. Fannie Thompson came back to Angel Ridge to start a non-profit business. The business was to help struggling people find work and places to live. She had no idea Patrick Houston was mayor. All she ever saw was his initials and last name. She sat and waited. As the receptionist told her the mayor would see her, she rose. She needed to meet with the Town Council to have her project approved.
As she entered his office, she expected an older man with graying hair. He had dark hair and was much younger than she expected. Frannie remained standing. When he finally turned his swiveled chair around, Frannie stepped back. She was facing a man that had kissed her, but that wasn't all her body felt. She couldn't forget or was it that she didn't want to forget?
This man had been with her during an all out blizzard. Just a make-out, that's all it was. Or was it? At least she kept telling herself that. That was the awful winter she had lost her sister. What they shared that night was way more than a simple kiss. She never wanted to see him again. He had never shared his last name or the fact that he was married.
You can quickly become hooked on Ms. Staley's books. You can't wait to turn the page and read what is next. This book is definitely a page turner. You can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary e-copy of 'Unforgettable' to read from Net Galley on behalf of Belle Bridge Books for this review.
You can visit the author at www.deborahgracestaley.com
The review is also on http://bemiown.blogspot.com
January 25, 2013
This is the first book of this series that I have had the pleasure of reading. While I do realize that this was not the first book in the series, I was thrilled to see that this book can stand alone as well. The author did a wonderful job of catching up any potential new reader with what is happening in her fictional town. I loved that she gave a quick preface for those of us who were new to the series.
What I liked about this book the most, was that even though I was a newcomer, so to speak; I felt comfortable with the characters and the setting right away. Much like the Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber, once you find yourself in Angel Ridge, You really don't want to leave. This author has a brilliant grasp on how to write a love story. There is heat, but not too much, there is tension between the characters that is both believable and exciting. There is even a bit of mystery thrown in.
I somehow felt saddened when I reached the end of this book. I really didn't want to leave! I will definitely look for more of this series. I would highly recommend it to those who are looking for a romance series.
What I liked about this book the most, was that even though I was a newcomer, so to speak; I felt comfortable with the characters and the setting right away. Much like the Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber, once you find yourself in Angel Ridge, You really don't want to leave. This author has a brilliant grasp on how to write a love story. There is heat, but not too much, there is tension between the characters that is both believable and exciting. There is even a bit of mystery thrown in.
I somehow felt saddened when I reached the end of this book. I really didn't want to leave! I will definitely look for more of this series. I would highly recommend it to those who are looking for a romance series.
January 12, 2013
I’m hooked!!! One of the best “clean” romance books I’ve read. Although there are other books in the Angel Ridge series, this is the first book I have read. I can’t wait to read the others. This is a heartwarming story with a small town setting, a flowing plot and all the different personalities that make up every small town. All the characters and settings were depicted vividly. I felt like I was there and that I was one of them feeling all the emotions they were feeling. I’ll admit…….I had to get a Kleenex a few times.
April 6, 2013
Hope there is more in this series. Would love Dixie's story
April 26, 2025
This book was written in 2012 and my first work by this author even though its book five in the Angel Ridge series set in Tennessee.
It’s a second chance love story set in a small town where everyone knows each other.
A chance meeting during a snow blizzard six years earlier in a neighboring town bar where the two characters meet for the first time with their own secrets.
A kiss is shared and never forgotten by them and it all comes rushing back when a meeting between the mayor and a sister of a local townsman who is trying to improve unemployed workers with training and job skills.
The self appointed church lady is opposed and uses harsh words to condemn the young woman.
A touch of magic and romance .
It’s a second chance love story set in a small town where everyone knows each other.
A chance meeting during a snow blizzard six years earlier in a neighboring town bar where the two characters meet for the first time with their own secrets.
A kiss is shared and never forgotten by them and it all comes rushing back when a meeting between the mayor and a sister of a local townsman who is trying to improve unemployed workers with training and job skills.
The self appointed church lady is opposed and uses harsh words to condemn the young woman.
A touch of magic and romance .
September 15, 2017
5 Stars, tears and a million wows
What a fitting end to this series and Ms Estelle is just the most fascinating character. I lost it when she spoke to Fannie in front of the angel after the storm. Fully developed characters, detailed and interesting plots, woven for her readers' pleasure by a master wordsmith. Truly Unforgettable. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I would love to know how Dixie and Jonathan's story played out.
What a fitting end to this series and Ms Estelle is just the most fascinating character. I lost it when she spoke to Fannie in front of the angel after the storm. Fully developed characters, detailed and interesting plots, woven for her readers' pleasure by a master wordsmith. Truly Unforgettable. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I would love to know how Dixie and Jonathan's story played out.
September 18, 2020
Frannie is back in town and reminding Patrick when he as out of control.
She wants to set up a a non-profit business to aid community people out of work because of poor economy. Patrick wants to help, but, Mrs. McKay, the ol' battle-ax, is always negative.
Nevertheless, Patrick is trying his best to help Frannie, and whoo her at the same time. She constantly rejects him and his apology. But, sometimes, love just sneaks up on a person.
An interesting and well-written story with multiple twists and sub plots.
She wants to set up a a non-profit business to aid community people out of work because of poor economy. Patrick wants to help, but, Mrs. McKay, the ol' battle-ax, is always negative.
Nevertheless, Patrick is trying his best to help Frannie, and whoo her at the same time. She constantly rejects him and his apology. But, sometimes, love just sneaks up on a person.
An interesting and well-written story with multiple twists and sub plots.
December 5, 2012
I like Unforgettable by Deborah Grace Staley well enough although it wasn't quite what I was expecting. The novel is about Frannie Thompson and Patrick Houston fighting their demons, trying to reach their goals, and eventually finding love in one another all while living in a small community with some people open to change and others who aren't. Based on the summary I read I assumed the romance between Frannie and Patrick would be the main point of the novel, while the small town thoughts and other struggles would be secondary…I was wrong. Personally, I found this novel focused more on lessons about morals and acceptance, as well as religious aspects, instead of the budding romance.
I also had a hard time connecting to the characters in this novel…I felt more like I was just a semi-interested observer to the story then actually being deeply involved in the characters' lives. Although this may be due to the fact that I did not read the other novels in the series (Unforgettable being the fifth). I figured that I could get away with it since the other novels were just about how the other couples found in the town got together, unfortunately I was wrong. I didn't really feel any connection to the main or secondary characters, and maybe if I had read the previous books I would have at least been invested in the secondary characters and the town life.
Anyways, this is just my personal opinion. The novel was still a well written, contains a good story, and many life lessons that others would like. I'd recommend reading a few reviews before you decide to read the novel, although if you have read the previous novels in this series you will probably enjoy Unforgettable.
A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I also had a hard time connecting to the characters in this novel…I felt more like I was just a semi-interested observer to the story then actually being deeply involved in the characters' lives. Although this may be due to the fact that I did not read the other novels in the series (Unforgettable being the fifth). I figured that I could get away with it since the other novels were just about how the other couples found in the town got together, unfortunately I was wrong. I didn't really feel any connection to the main or secondary characters, and maybe if I had read the previous books I would have at least been invested in the secondary characters and the town life.
Anyways, this is just my personal opinion. The novel was still a well written, contains a good story, and many life lessons that others would like. I'd recommend reading a few reviews before you decide to read the novel, although if you have read the previous novels in this series you will probably enjoy Unforgettable.
A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 1, 2016
Frannie, Jenny's sister, has moved to Angel Ridge to start a non-profit business to benefit the community and unemployed people because of the poor economy. Of course, Harriet McKay, the ol' battle ax, objects to everything. The last person Frannie expects to meet in the town is Patrick Houston because of a prior incident. But, he is sure more than willing to help her in way way he can.
This is a delightfully clean romance with plenty of twists and good characters to keep the reader interested.
I hope that there will be a book #6 as I have thoroughly the series.
This is a delightfully clean romance with plenty of twists and good characters to keep the reader interested.
I hope that there will be a book #6 as I have thoroughly the series.
March 23, 2016
only one left is Dixie
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews