What do you think?
Willow Valley #4
What Once was Broken
Darling Ranch. It was a family name in this town, a family business and a family way of life.
Over the past year, the place hadn’t felt like family, or home, and I was barely staying in business.
My wife had died from an aneurism while pregnant with our first child. It happened one morning while I was out in the field tending to the animals. The doctors told me it wouldn’t have mattered had I of been by her side, the outcome would have been the same. Still, I beat myself up. My best friend and neighbor, Gabe Bentley knew this. He let me mourn my own way, but now he’s pushing me harder than ever.
“What’s the rush?” I asked him one morning.
“I’m being deployed. I need to know my sister and the farm are taken care of….by the only man I trust in this town…you.”
I’d known the army was recruiting again but I didn’t know he’d been called upon. I also didn’t know Cadence was back in town. I really didn’t know if I could be the man, the friend, the rancher that he needed me to be.
What I did know?
No matter how much it pained me, I’d try to do whatever it took to make sure that I didn’t let Gabe down.
Then I saw Cadence and for the first time since my wife died I actually thought I could heal. She made me feel alive, made the pain go away. So why did I feel so guilty? One minute I was longing to hold her, the next I was pushing her away, until I finally pushed too hard and sent her running.
I didn’t want to fail my best friend, and I didn’t want to fail Cadence. We all needed our Christmas wish and I decided to do whatever it took to make sure we got it.
Over the past year, the place hadn’t felt like family, or home, and I was barely staying in business.
My wife had died from an aneurism while pregnant with our first child. It happened one morning while I was out in the field tending to the animals. The doctors told me it wouldn’t have mattered had I of been by her side, the outcome would have been the same. Still, I beat myself up. My best friend and neighbor, Gabe Bentley knew this. He let me mourn my own way, but now he’s pushing me harder than ever.
“What’s the rush?” I asked him one morning.
“I’m being deployed. I need to know my sister and the farm are taken care of….by the only man I trust in this town…you.”
I’d known the army was recruiting again but I didn’t know he’d been called upon. I also didn’t know Cadence was back in town. I really didn’t know if I could be the man, the friend, the rancher that he needed me to be.
What I did know?
No matter how much it pained me, I’d try to do whatever it took to make sure that I didn’t let Gabe down.
Then I saw Cadence and for the first time since my wife died I actually thought I could heal. She made me feel alive, made the pain go away. So why did I feel so guilty? One minute I was longing to hold her, the next I was pushing her away, until I finally pushed too hard and sent her running.
I didn’t want to fail my best friend, and I didn’t want to fail Cadence. We all needed our Christmas wish and I decided to do whatever it took to make sure we got it.
266 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2024
About the author
S.L. Sterling
94 books3,633 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario.
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
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An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
Amazon: https://geni.us/SterlingAmazon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hearomance
Instagram: https://geni.us/SLSterlingInstagram
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLSterlingTwitter
Bookbub: https://geni.us/SLSterlingBookbub
Sterlings Silver Sapphires: https://geni.us/SapphiresReaderGroup
Newsletter Signup: https://geni.us/GRNewsletterSignUp
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SterlingGoodreads
Tiktok: https://geni.us/slsterlingtiktok
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 13, 2023
What a sad story!! Cadence returns home following the deaths of her grandparents. She fled when Connor, the man she had a crush on, started dating her best friend! The only thing I kept thinking is that Cadence needs new friends!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2023
A very compelling, captivating, and emotionally felt storyline. A friends-to-lovers small town romance about a rancher Connor who grieves his wife Ella’s and unborn child sudden death and who reconnects with the love of his life, Cadence, Ella’s best friend and sister to Gabe, Connor’s best friend. Connor and Cadence have grown up together and their mutual crushes on each other has been kept under-wraps for their entire lives. Gabe was very protective of his sister and therefore, swore off all friends from dating her. Connor stayed away and never divulged his very strong attraction towards her because of it. Ended up married to her best friend but always very deeply in love with Cadence. This time around, when they reconnect at Ella’s funeral, nothing will stop them from being together. With powerful characters and heartfelt emotions, makes this book a very recommended reading!
October 21, 2023
This is another great read in this series! Connor and Cadence have known each other forever, so there's a history there. The story took me on an emotional ride, those feelings are intense, things that twisted my heart, had me fighting tears, and occasionally losing that fight. These two have such a pull to each other, something that they've hidden, and it's worth the journey! Overall, the story is able to pull you in, keep you involved, feeling all the feels, and loving it all!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 8, 2023
Received an ARC for honest review
This book is Hallmark movie to read. It’s the usual miscommunication don’t date my sister trouble that comes full circle.
This book is Hallmark movie to read. It’s the usual miscommunication don’t date my sister trouble that comes full circle.
October 18, 2023
This book is emotional, touching, heartbreaking but full of hope and new beginnings.
Connor is still in mourning and wants to move on but has some fears and things from the past he’s trying to work through. He’s struggling emotionally with interference from others…causing unnecessary guilt and frustration.
Cadence is a tough, hardworking woman who is willing to do anything to help her brother…even coming back to a town she doesn’t love. She is strong but also vulnerable.
Connor and Cadence are two broken souls who need one another more than they know. There is a bit of anger, hurt feelings and things they’ve been hiding from one another that they need to work through.
I love the growth and courage, for both characters, that emerges through the story. This is a lovely book that will take you through all the emotions.
Connor is still in mourning and wants to move on but has some fears and things from the past he’s trying to work through. He’s struggling emotionally with interference from others…causing unnecessary guilt and frustration.
Cadence is a tough, hardworking woman who is willing to do anything to help her brother…even coming back to a town she doesn’t love. She is strong but also vulnerable.
Connor and Cadence are two broken souls who need one another more than they know. There is a bit of anger, hurt feelings and things they’ve been hiding from one another that they need to work through.
I love the growth and courage, for both characters, that emerges through the story. This is a lovely book that will take you through all the emotions.
October 24, 2023
I really liked this holiday book. I fell in love with the cover first. The story was more then I could hope for. So good.
October 18, 2023
This is book four in The Willow Valley series and it is Cadence and Connor’s story. When Conner’s wife and unborn child died he was not only grieving but also felt guilty that he wasn’t there by his wife’s side when everything happened and now his business is is also suffering and a year later he still couldn’t seem to be able to move forward so when his best friend Gabe was being deployed and asked Conner to help and make sure that his sister Cadence and the ranch are being taken care of Conner wasn’t sure that he was the right person but with everything that Gabe has done for him and been there for him at the darkest time in his life he felt like he had to say yes but he was not looking forward to it as years ago he used to have feelings for Cadence but couldn’t tell her because of her brother and he doesn’t know how he is going to react to seeing her again. Cadence left town because she couldn’t see the man that she was in love with get married to her best friend but now she was back in town and grieving the loss of her best friend but when Conner showed up to help her with the ranch they both realised that there feelings for each other were still there after all these years but with Conner still grieving and now feeling guilty for the feelings he has for Cadence will make things even more difficult and complicated but will they eventually be able to move forward and put the past behind them and be together only time will tell what the outcome will be. This book will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, heartbreak and second chances and you will feel all the pain as if you are there living through everything with them and it was so addictive that it had me turning the pages to see what happened next and the outcome was just what i wanted and was hoping for after everything that they had both gone through. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.
October 19, 2023
MY DARLING CHRISTMAS By S.L. Sterling
Darling Ranch. It was a family name in this town, a family business and a family way of life.
Over the past year, the place hadn’t felt like family, or home, and I was barely staying in business.
My wife had died from an aneurysm while pregnant with our first child. It happened one morning while I was out in the field tending to the animals. The doctors told me it wouldn’t have mattered had I been by her side, the outcome would have been the same. Still, I beat myself up. My best friend and neighbor, Gabe Bentley knew this. He let me mourn my own way, but now he’s pushing me harder than ever.
“What’s the rush?” I asked him one morning.
“I’m being deployed. I need to know my sister and the farm are taken care of ... .by the only man I trust in this town…you.”
I’d known the army was recruiting again but I didn’t know he’d been called upon. I also didn’t know Cadence was back in town. I really didn’t know if I could be the man, the friend, the rancher that he needed me to be.
😊What i liked -
✔️ Brother’s Best Friend/Friends To Lovers/Second Chance/Small Town.
✔️ I liked the way the book started off. (even though it was a bit sad)
✔️ Connor and his friendship with Gabe was sweet to read about.
✔️Cadence was sweet and caring but a bit complex.
✔️ It was a nice read with a few heartaches.
😊 What could have been better -
✔️ I did not connect with Cadence and Connor as a couple, as individuals yes but not as a couple. Didn’t feel the spark.
✔️Shouldn’t speak ill of the dead but I did not like the sound of Ella.
😊Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝 Romance Lover
💕Brother’s Best Friend Romance
💞Small Town Romance
📈My Rating : 3/5
Thank you, S.L. Sterling, for a copy.
Darling Ranch. It was a family name in this town, a family business and a family way of life.
Over the past year, the place hadn’t felt like family, or home, and I was barely staying in business.
My wife had died from an aneurysm while pregnant with our first child. It happened one morning while I was out in the field tending to the animals. The doctors told me it wouldn’t have mattered had I been by her side, the outcome would have been the same. Still, I beat myself up. My best friend and neighbor, Gabe Bentley knew this. He let me mourn my own way, but now he’s pushing me harder than ever.
“What’s the rush?” I asked him one morning.
“I’m being deployed. I need to know my sister and the farm are taken care of ... .by the only man I trust in this town…you.”
I’d known the army was recruiting again but I didn’t know he’d been called upon. I also didn’t know Cadence was back in town. I really didn’t know if I could be the man, the friend, the rancher that he needed me to be.
😊What i liked -
✔️ Brother’s Best Friend/Friends To Lovers/Second Chance/Small Town.
✔️ I liked the way the book started off. (even though it was a bit sad)
✔️ Connor and his friendship with Gabe was sweet to read about.
✔️Cadence was sweet and caring but a bit complex.
✔️ It was a nice read with a few heartaches.
😊 What could have been better -
✔️ I did not connect with Cadence and Connor as a couple, as individuals yes but not as a couple. Didn’t feel the spark.
✔️Shouldn’t speak ill of the dead but I did not like the sound of Ella.
😊Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝 Romance Lover
💕Brother’s Best Friend Romance
💞Small Town Romance
📈My Rating : 3/5
Thank you, S.L. Sterling, for a copy.
October 22, 2023
My Darling Christmas is the fourth novella in the Willow Valley series by S.L. Sterling. I have not read the entire series, but I found myself quickly falling in love with the charming small town of Willow Valley again. This second chance romance was short but packed full of emotions.
Cadence had left town after her best friend, Ella, had stabbed her in the back. She couldn’t watch the man she loved marry her best friend. Now years later, her brother needs her to move back to Willow Valley and run the family farm while he is gone. Can she overcome her anger and regret?
Connor had always had a crush on Cadence but since he was her brother’s best friend, he felt he couldn’t ask her out. So, he settled for Ella and eventually fell in love with her. After losing Ella and their unborn child, Connor was devastated. The only person who made him feel like living again was Cadence. But his feelings of betrayal and guilt had him pushing her away.
Cadence’s character was easy to connect with and her pain from Ella’s betrayal was heartbreaking. I was frustrated with Connor because he gave up on Cadence so easily and then started dating her best friend. I was glad to see them finally get their chance together once they overcame all the feelings that were holding them back. I enjoyed this book and look forward to future stories from Willow Valley.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cadence had left town after her best friend, Ella, had stabbed her in the back. She couldn’t watch the man she loved marry her best friend. Now years later, her brother needs her to move back to Willow Valley and run the family farm while he is gone. Can she overcome her anger and regret?
Connor had always had a crush on Cadence but since he was her brother’s best friend, he felt he couldn’t ask her out. So, he settled for Ella and eventually fell in love with her. After losing Ella and their unborn child, Connor was devastated. The only person who made him feel like living again was Cadence. But his feelings of betrayal and guilt had him pushing her away.
Cadence’s character was easy to connect with and her pain from Ella’s betrayal was heartbreaking. I was frustrated with Connor because he gave up on Cadence so easily and then started dating her best friend. I was glad to see them finally get their chance together once they overcame all the feelings that were holding them back. I enjoyed this book and look forward to future stories from Willow Valley.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 19, 2023
With every single book/ series S.L Sterling.writes she has never failed to exceed all my expectations. My Darling Christmas ( the fourth book In The Willow Valley Series) is no different. In fact it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year . A emotional rollercoaster that’s sucks you right in from the very the very first page until the very last . It plays on all your emotions to the point you’ll find yourself utterly speechless one minute and then be yelling outta frustration the next . You’ll be glued to the edge of your seat rooting so freaking hard , you’ll smile , you’ll cry like a baby and you’re definitely going to lose so much sleep. I just adored both Connor and Candance so so much ( no really there aren’t any perfect words to express all the reasons) they’ve known each other since they were teens . Always dancing around the feelings they had for each other and never admitting it . But fate steps in and brings them a second chance at love . Will they finally get a second chance at love and a future together? This was such a beautifully written and extremely emotional love story about love and loss and friendships and second chances . It’s filled with angst , humor , witty banter, tragedy, unexpected surprises, obstacles, drama , off the charts chemistry, family , friendships and so much more .
October 16, 2023
My Darling Christmas is heartbreaking and heartwarming journey, I t’s a story that tears you apart and then puts you back together again and if you love emotional roller coasters look no further than this beautifully written love story. Imagine losing your wife unexpectedly then add in she was eight months pregnant, how do you move on from this ….well that’s what Connor needs to do but how.
Connor does what we would all do in his position he turns to his best friend Gabe for help and support and he in turn brings his sister Cadence home to help with the family farm and his best friend.
Cadence moved away because she couldn’t bear to see her best friend with the man she loved but will coming home to help him grieve be any better than watching him marry her best friend ……….
This is a journey about second chances, love, grieve, guilt and friendships. It’s beautifully written and I was captivated from the first few pages to the last line. My heart broke for Connor and I fell hard and fast for Gabe as i watched him trying to bring the two people he loved most together. The road was rocky and it was never going to be easy for these friends to take the leap to lovers but taking a leap of faith would bring them the happiness they both deserved.
Connor does what we would all do in his position he turns to his best friend Gabe for help and support and he in turn brings his sister Cadence home to help with the family farm and his best friend.
Cadence moved away because she couldn’t bear to see her best friend with the man she loved but will coming home to help him grieve be any better than watching him marry her best friend ……….
This is a journey about second chances, love, grieve, guilt and friendships. It’s beautifully written and I was captivated from the first few pages to the last line. My heart broke for Connor and I fell hard and fast for Gabe as i watched him trying to bring the two people he loved most together. The road was rocky and it was never going to be easy for these friends to take the leap to lovers but taking a leap of faith would bring them the happiness they both deserved.
October 19, 2023
This is the fourth book in the series. While they can be read as standalone books, I think they are better read in order. Connor and Candance have been dancing around each other since their teen years. They liked each other but the other didn’t know. Mix in an over protective older brother and a best friend and things get even more complicated. Candance’s older brother Gabe is also Connor’s best friend. Gabe has reenlisted in the military and is shipping out. He is trying to set them up before he leaves. Connor lost his wife and child just over a year ago. His wife was Candance’s best friend. Will the two finally be able to tell each other how they have always felt? Could this be their chance. Connor is finally starting to feel alive again when he is around Candance. He is realizing that those feelings he had for her never really went away. Sure, he loved his wife but it wasn’t the same as he felt for Candance. How will others who know his wife feel about him moving on and doing so with her best friend? This book was a great slower paced read. Hardly any steamy scenes. There is some angst. I enjoyed this read. Great job S.L. Sterling. I look forward to the next book in this series.
October 25, 2023
My Darling Christmas was a very emotional book in my eyes as our hero, Connor, loses his wife and lives with a lot of guilt about how he wasn't there for her when she needed him. The doctors tried to get him to see the truth that he wouldn't have been able to do anything, but guilt is a funny thing, it can be unreasonable that's for sure. Cadence has known Connor for a long time since he was best friends with her brother, and she's had secret feelings for him for a long time but then he married her best friend, so she stayed away for a cool minute. Her brother has now been deployed so he asks Connor to help Cadence out when she comes to take care of his place, and Connor is definitely conflicted about it which seeped out of my kindle like they were my own feelings. Cadence is conflicted as well to be honest, so they have some stuff to get through, and maybe they'll finally be able to. Of course they should have been the ones together, but it was complicated before he married her best friend, and now it's even more complicated so this journey of healing & second chances isn't exactly the easiest, but it is beautiful. I couldn't get enough of their journey despite the tears along the way, so yeah, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 11, 2023
4 Star Review My Darling Christmas by S L Sterling
S.L. Sterling is a relatively new author to me. My Darling Christmas is an emotional roller coaster of a read that got to me. Imagine the shock, loss and guilt and grief when you find your eight-month pregnant wife dead with no warning. That’s the position Connor find himself in and my heart broke for him. If it wasn’t for his best friend Gabe, I’m not sure he would have survived.
I loved Gabe, he was determined to bring the two people (his sister Cadence and his best friend, Connor) together once and for all. However, Cadence has a tendency to run when life gets hard and as she could not stand seeing the love of her life married to her best friend, she went to life on er grandparents farm to help them.
When Gabe re-joins the military, he asks Cadene to finally return home to look after their farm and she reluctantly agrees, the guilt and grief, was palpable whilst reading. Re connecting with one another Connor and Cadence are tentative, but once they both realise and admit the feelings they have for one another, lines are crossed.
The journey was not easy but as they finally moved from friends to lovers, it was so worth it.
S.L. Sterling is a relatively new author to me. My Darling Christmas is an emotional roller coaster of a read that got to me. Imagine the shock, loss and guilt and grief when you find your eight-month pregnant wife dead with no warning. That’s the position Connor find himself in and my heart broke for him. If it wasn’t for his best friend Gabe, I’m not sure he would have survived.
I loved Gabe, he was determined to bring the two people (his sister Cadence and his best friend, Connor) together once and for all. However, Cadence has a tendency to run when life gets hard and as she could not stand seeing the love of her life married to her best friend, she went to life on er grandparents farm to help them.
When Gabe re-joins the military, he asks Cadene to finally return home to look after their farm and she reluctantly agrees, the guilt and grief, was palpable whilst reading. Re connecting with one another Connor and Cadence are tentative, but once they both realise and admit the feelings they have for one another, lines are crossed.
The journey was not easy but as they finally moved from friends to lovers, it was so worth it.
October 16, 2023
A story of love lost and found. A crush, several years ago, which has always been hidden. An emotion shared but never declared to each other. Cadence was interested in Connor, but it was not reciprocated. Ella, her best friend knew this, but dated, engaged and married him, all reasons as to why Cadence left town with the pretext of caring for grandparents. Connor was interested in Cadence, but because she was his friend's sister stayed clear and Gabe set him up with Ella. Fast forward, lives have changed for all of them. Connor settled for a girl he liked, then eventually feelings developed and they married, but her sudden death brought guilt.
Returning to Willow Valley at Gabe's request and need brings a new beginning for this couple, but not without complications and issues that need to be resolved, especially those which should have been addressed earlier.
This is the second in this series and enjoyed it. Well written and developed, some heat, some remorse associated with second chances and the required happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Returning to Willow Valley at Gabe's request and need brings a new beginning for this couple, but not without complications and issues that need to be resolved, especially those which should have been addressed earlier.
This is the second in this series and enjoyed it. Well written and developed, some heat, some remorse associated with second chances and the required happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2023
Hi Y’all! Come in and grab a cup of cocoa while I tell you about this book I just read.
The title is My Darling Christmas by S.L. Sterling . it is book 4 in Willow Valley series. You don’t have to read in order.
The cover is cute and goes well with the title. Then I read the blurb and it really got my interest because losing his wife and his first love is coming back.
Who’s my favorite main character ? Connor. I’m sorry I just couldn’t relate to Cadence. I really wanted to love her but she just fell flat on me. ( Was there another character I loved and why) Gabe. He is a great friend and awesome brother. I hope to see his story.
The story has 2 main settings. The two farms.
The story is a sweet, clean holiday romance,
There are some twists.
I liked the ending. It was HEA.
How hot was the book? There isn’t much on page sex. It’s rather clean and sweet.
If you like cowboys , a little angst, second Chance, best friend’s sister snd a clean holiday romance you will like this.
October 27, 2023
This story was beautifully written story that was filled with so much emotion and one filled with grief. Love a small-town romance when there all about second chances.
Cadence and Connor have a past and although she brings him back to life when spending time with her it riddles the man with overwhelming guilt as well.
This story is one you will need tissues near bye when reading it is emotionally messy and comes with characters with a history but, a couple who never expressed what they felt for one another circumstances gives this couple a chance to heal and love and explore their feelings. There way to find one another once again that doesn't come easy.
The story will break your heart and have you in tears and is full of a cast of great characters not to be missed. Love it. This author has become one of my favorite authors as she writes stories that wretch so many emotions from the reader love it when a story engages our hearts.
Cadence and Connor have a past and although she brings him back to life when spending time with her it riddles the man with overwhelming guilt as well.
This story is one you will need tissues near bye when reading it is emotionally messy and comes with characters with a history but, a couple who never expressed what they felt for one another circumstances gives this couple a chance to heal and love and explore their feelings. There way to find one another once again that doesn't come easy.
The story will break your heart and have you in tears and is full of a cast of great characters not to be missed. Love it. This author has become one of my favorite authors as she writes stories that wretch so many emotions from the reader love it when a story engages our hearts.
October 20, 2023
Ready for a Second Chance ? . . .
With the loss of his wife and baby due to an aneurism, Connor has no desire to find love again. Despite the fact he could not have saved his wife and child, he still feels guilty over their deaths. Gabe Bentley, his friend and neighbor, let him grieve. But it’s time to move on. Gabe will be deployed soon, so he asks his sister to come back home and help him with the farm and she agrees, despite having reservations. Connor can feel an attraction right away when he sees Candace again. But will he let his guilt make him push her away? Is he ready for a relationship with her? Will Gabe understand that his sister and Connor belong together? Or will things get awkward over this?
With the loss of his wife and baby due to an aneurism, Connor has no desire to find love again. Despite the fact he could not have saved his wife and child, he still feels guilty over their deaths. Gabe Bentley, his friend and neighbor, let him grieve. But it’s time to move on. Gabe will be deployed soon, so he asks his sister to come back home and help him with the farm and she agrees, despite having reservations. Connor can feel an attraction right away when he sees Candace again. But will he let his guilt make him push her away? Is he ready for a relationship with her? Will Gabe understand that his sister and Connor belong together? Or will things get awkward over this?
October 20, 2023
This is the 4th book in the Willow Valley series. This is Candence and Connor's story.
Connor is a widower and still feels guilty a year later that he wasn't there for his wife and unborn child.
When his friend asks him to keep an eye on his sister when he's deployed, Connor agreed but wasn't sure he was the best person for the job, especially when he used to have feelings for her.
Candence left town when the man she loved married her best friend and when he turns up to help, the feelings are still there with both of them.
Will Connor be able to get over his guilt and take a chance to be with Candence.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Connor is a widower and still feels guilty a year later that he wasn't there for his wife and unborn child.
When his friend asks him to keep an eye on his sister when he's deployed, Connor agreed but wasn't sure he was the best person for the job, especially when he used to have feelings for her.
Candence left town when the man she loved married her best friend and when he turns up to help, the feelings are still there with both of them.
Will Connor be able to get over his guilt and take a chance to be with Candence.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2023
Cadence and Connor had crushes on each other while growing up, but he is her brother's best friend so friend-zoned. Years later, his wife and baby die and then his friend is deployed. Cadence comes back home to help with the farm and the two reconnect, but this time - no friend-zone! The sparks can fly unheeded and the feelings are finally relayed. The characters are real in their emotions and situations, grief, secrets and entertaining situations. The storyline is heartwarming as they finally follow a path that brings them closer, even with obstacles they have to overcome. Great ending and great addition to this wonderful series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2023
Connor is Cadence brother’s best friend and owns the ranch next door and she has been in love with him for years but her brother warned him away so he ended up married to her best friend Ella that is when she moved in with her grandparents. Ella dies suddenly and her brother needs her to come help with the ranch and both her grandparents have passed so she puts their farm up for sell and moves back with her brother not knowing that Connor also loved her years before knew it would cause trouble. After all the years and hurt can Connor and Cadence finally find their HEA?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2023
What a beautiful heartwarming and heart wrenching story. Conner lost his wife and child and he can't move forward from the lost. He is suffering, his business is suffering and when his friend Gabe asks him to look after his sister Cadence and his farm while he is deployed he remembers everything. He used to be in love with Cadence but never acted on it because of her brother Gabe. Can these two friends help heal each other from the lost, as Conner's wife was Cadence best friend. Will they be able to find a balance and love again? A beautiful story that will pull you in from the first page to the last.
October 19, 2023
You will fall in love with Connor and Candace.
After losing his wife and baby Connor has given up of love. So when Candace, his best friends little sister comes home to help her brother with their family farm, he realizes that she was always supposed to be his. Only he always thought that his best friend would never let him be with her. But now all his friend wants is for both their happiness and he knows that means them being together forever.
Will Candace give him the time of day to make her realize that he had loved her forever? Can Connor get her to love him and give them the chance they never got.?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After losing his wife and baby Connor has given up of love. So when Candace, his best friends little sister comes home to help her brother with their family farm, he realizes that she was always supposed to be his. Only he always thought that his best friend would never let him be with her. But now all his friend wants is for both their happiness and he knows that means them being together forever.
Will Candace give him the time of day to make her realize that he had loved her forever? Can Connor get her to love him and give them the chance they never got.?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2023
This is the fourth book in this series, and this is Connor and Candence’s story. Connor is grieving and struggling with the loss of his wife who passed from an aneurysm. Candence left town when Connor married her ex-best friend, and has now returned to help her brother Gabe, on his ranch while he is deployed. Gabe is Connor’s best friend and neighbor, and he asks him to keep an eye on his sister and horses.
This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, trust, loss, grief, guilt, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, trust, loss, grief, guilt, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
October 25, 2023
Youthful misunderstandings kept these two apart, but family/friend obligations gave them a second chance. Cadence ran away from Willow Valley after a betrayal and tried to move on. Her loyalty to her brother brought her back. Her heart had never forgotten Connor, but she could not help the pull together. Connor still loved Cadence, though he never knew her true feelings. Grief had him wallowing till his friend and Cadence's brother, Gabe, pushed. I loved how they healed each other and realized their hearts belonged to the other.
I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
October 29, 2023
This is a second chance story the ripped my heart into two pieces - for the love that could have been and for the love that was loss.
Cadence left town after her best friend betrayed her and the man, she loves married another. Cadence only returned home to help her brother and has to decide about the man she loved.
Like my heart, this story has my feeling about Connor split in two. Now that time has passed, those he thought were holding him back were actually the one that wanted to see him happy.
Good Christmas romance with a lot of emotions.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cadence left town after her best friend betrayed her and the man, she loves married another. Cadence only returned home to help her brother and has to decide about the man she loved.
Like my heart, this story has my feeling about Connor split in two. Now that time has passed, those he thought were holding him back were actually the one that wanted to see him happy.
Good Christmas romance with a lot of emotions.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2023
I enjoyed this new "Willow Valley" story. It is a good holiday romance that develops nicely. It is a small-town romance where friends become more and get a second chance at love. The story is emotional and heartwarming. Connor, tragically lost his wife and their unborn child, and does not think he can move forward. That is until Gabe, his best friend and neighbor, needs his help. Gabe has been deployed and needs help with his farm and wants him to look out for his sister, Cadence. When he sees Cadence, for the first time in years, he feels the old pull towards her. I love how this story develops. This is such a beautiful and sweet romance.
October 18, 2023
This story had my emotions all over the place. When Connor loses his wife and unborn child his world is turned inside out. Finding it hard to go on his best friend and neighbor gives him his time to grieve but when he is deployed, he comes to Connor to take care of his sister and farm. When he reconnects with Cadence his is given a new outlook, but memories of his past have him pushing Cadence away. Will he lose his second chance for happiness because he can't let his past go.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2023
When they were younger, he was warned away from her by her brother, and her best friend didn't help. Now years later, the best friend is gone, and the brother has had a change of heart, but can the two main characters finally admit their feelings for each other. There are almost as many people against them being together as there are for them. Read this heartwarming story and see if it is finally the right time for them to be together and have their happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2023
A second chance short read that takes you on a rollercoaster of angst, banter, drama, emotions, heartbreaks, humor, hope, family, romance and strength.
Candance and Connor had feelings for each other, they grew up together but the same thing that binds them, her brother Gabe, is what made them hide their emotions and him turning to her best friend.
Can this reunion whilst her brother is deployed be their chance? Or will his guilt over the loss of his wife break them apart?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Candance and Connor had feelings for each other, they grew up together but the same thing that binds them, her brother Gabe, is what made them hide their emotions and him turning to her best friend.
Can this reunion whilst her brother is deployed be their chance? Or will his guilt over the loss of his wife break them apart?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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