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One Step Away / Once Upon a Proposal
ONE STEP FORWARD...
In Berry Ridge, Vermont, Beth Callahan had found a place to start over. She'd started a successful real estate and design business in the quaint, picturesque town, and she'd even found her perfect house...where she dreamed of someday living and raising a family. Until a reckless bachelor bought it out from under her.
TWO STEPS BACK
Ken Hutchinson loved the charming Victorian on sight, and once he got the town's best designer to make it his, it would be perfect. But Beth Callahan seemed to disapprove of everything he wanted to do with the house--and of him. Ken wasn't sure why Beth's opinion was suddenly the only thing that mattered, but one thing he was sure of was that only Beth could make the house a home...for both of them.
BONUS BOOK INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!
Once Upon a Proposal by New York Times bestselling author Allison Leigh
Gabriel Gannon only needed Bobbie Fairchild to pretend to be his fiancée...but she certainly wouldn't have to pretend she was attracted to the sexy businessman. And that was the problem...
In Berry Ridge, Vermont, Beth Callahan had found a place to start over. She'd started a successful real estate and design business in the quaint, picturesque town, and she'd even found her perfect house...where she dreamed of someday living and raising a family. Until a reckless bachelor bought it out from under her.
TWO STEPS BACK
Ken Hutchinson loved the charming Victorian on sight, and once he got the town's best designer to make it his, it would be perfect. But Beth Callahan seemed to disapprove of everything he wanted to do with the house--and of him. Ken wasn't sure why Beth's opinion was suddenly the only thing that mattered, but one thing he was sure of was that only Beth could make the house a home...for both of them.
BONUS BOOK INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!
Once Upon a Proposal by New York Times bestselling author Allison Leigh
Gabriel Gannon only needed Bobbie Fairchild to pretend to be his fiancée...but she certainly wouldn't have to pretend she was attracted to the sexy businessman. And that was the problem...
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 24, 2015
138 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
557 books4,521 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 4, 2016
I have finished the first book, One Step Away, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Have started the second story, Once Upon a Proposal, and so far it has been good.
Once Upon a Proposal was an enjoyable story about a puppy raiser and her landlord's grandson. It almost reads like a Hallmark channel movie. Everything works out in the end which is wonderful.
I enjoyed the characters and the story line. What a refreshing story especially with all the civil unrest, and political drama, to be swept away for a short time to a happier place. Give it a try!
Once Upon a Proposal was an enjoyable story about a puppy raiser and her landlord's grandson. It almost reads like a Hallmark channel movie. Everything works out in the end which is wonderful.
I enjoyed the characters and the story line. What a refreshing story especially with all the civil unrest, and political drama, to be swept away for a short time to a happier place. Give it a try!
October 31, 2018
This book has two wonderful stories. Sherryl Woods "One Step Away" is great like all here books. She is a newer author
for me and I have now read half dozen and loved them all. Beth had a hard lesson with love and hurt in her past.
She has finally found what she thinks is her perfect place to start over.
Ken is an ex professional football player and also a new single parent. He is tired of the limelight, and hopes the small
town in Vermont will be a great place to start over for both him and his daughter.
Beth and Ken both want the same house, for different reasons . They both have secrets that get in the way, and
but how love finds a way too each other is the wonderful story. Will keep you reading into the night.. Enjoy
Bonus book by Allison Leigh, is the best .
Who could not love Gabe from the start! The poor man is sweep up from page one by a
cute, sassy, misunderstood cutie named Bobbie. Gabe has lots of problems in his life, a hateful ex wife, who is trying
to take his kids. A family who doesn't understand him, and his choices. The last thing he thinks he needs is a
other women in his life. Bobbie is younger then Gabe also has family problems of her own. She has also been hurt by
someone she thought she loved. When these two find each other, throw in a couple of cute kids with problems, some puppies and also a really neat grandmother. How could the story not be great..
Grab a cup of coffee and get ready to enjoy.
for me and I have now read half dozen and loved them all. Beth had a hard lesson with love and hurt in her past.
She has finally found what she thinks is her perfect place to start over.
Ken is an ex professional football player and also a new single parent. He is tired of the limelight, and hopes the small
town in Vermont will be a great place to start over for both him and his daughter.
Beth and Ken both want the same house, for different reasons . They both have secrets that get in the way, and
but how love finds a way too each other is the wonderful story. Will keep you reading into the night.. Enjoy
Bonus book by Allison Leigh, is the best .
Who could not love Gabe from the start! The poor man is sweep up from page one by a
cute, sassy, misunderstood cutie named Bobbie. Gabe has lots of problems in his life, a hateful ex wife, who is trying
to take his kids. A family who doesn't understand him, and his choices. The last thing he thinks he needs is a
other women in his life. Bobbie is younger then Gabe also has family problems of her own. She has also been hurt by
someone she thought she loved. When these two find each other, throw in a couple of cute kids with problems, some puppies and also a really neat grandmother. How could the story not be great..
Grab a cup of coffee and get ready to enjoy.
June 18, 2022
A friend (MH) sent me this book in a box of books. I'm not sure if she read it or not. I have read Sherryl Woods before but I don't recall reading Alison Leigh prior to this. My biggest issue was I read and enjoyed "One Step Away" and then "Once Upon a Proposal" didn't carry that same cache at the start so it took me a while to get into that story. My other serious issue with both titles is that the characters sleep together outside of marriage with at least one explicit scene in each book.
I can identify with having a dream and then having someone else seemingly snatch it away. Be aware in real life that the other person may not fall in love with you and give you the very thing you wanted in the first place (in this case, the Victorian Home).
I can also identify with taking your own path (against what others think you "should" do). I enjoyed the dogs and assistance dog knowledge from Leigh's novel even though the premise of a needing a fake fiancee is a bit overdone in the genre.
I can identify with having a dream and then having someone else seemingly snatch it away. Be aware in real life that the other person may not fall in love with you and give you the very thing you wanted in the first place (in this case, the Victorian Home).
I can also identify with taking your own path (against what others think you "should" do). I enjoyed the dogs and assistance dog knowledge from Leigh's novel even though the premise of a needing a fake fiancee is a bit overdone in the genre.
August 5, 2021
Two stories in this book. #1 One Step Away by Sherryl Woods & #2 Once Upon a Proposal by Allison Leigh. #1 Ex-football player moves to Vermont to find a place to start over. He turns to a real estate agent to help him find the perfect house. She show him an old Victorian House. It's a charming place. She really doesn't want to sell it to him, but he thought it would be perfect, especially if she was the one to make it into a home for both of them.
#2 Bobbie Fairchild throws herself in the arms of Gabriel Gannon to dissuade an unwanted suitor that was coming up the walk. It turns out to be the turning point in their lives.
They are both good stories.
#2 Bobbie Fairchild throws herself in the arms of Gabriel Gannon to dissuade an unwanted suitor that was coming up the walk. It turns out to be the turning point in their lives.
They are both good stories.
July 27, 2025
I have always been a Sherryl WOODS FAN. love the way she writes, all the books I have read, she never disappoints. I always look for her new ones that I haven’t read. Thank you SHERRYL for another awesome book.
October 31, 2017
Very Hallmark Hall of Fame but a sweet story that made me cry.
February 11, 2020
did not like this at all. Chelsea was a 7 year old brat that needed a good spanking
September 25, 2020
I finished reading "One Step Away" which was alright; however I did not finish reading "Once Upon A Proposal" because it didn't personally interest me enough.
November 11, 2020
enchanting
October 13, 2021
2015-1994-2010 - PB - One Step Away & Once Upon A Proposal by Allison Leigh - date entered
Read
September 2, 2022Enjoyable read! 2 great novels from my favorite romance author!
May 9, 2024
Long with 2 books.
July 20, 2025
Great stories
I loved both these stories that both had realistic problems and solutions. Happy ever afters is always my happy place.
I loved both these stories that both had realistic problems and solutions. Happy ever afters is always my happy place.
December 2, 2025
Loved it.
Read
October 24, 2016One Step Away was a simply an enjoyable story. I liked the small town feel of Berry Ridge and how both Beth and Ken "relocated" to this community to find peace, serenity, and love.
Once Upon A Proposal not unlike the Woods' story, symbolized a break from the "norm". However, this story added in the cliches of "being your own person" and "staying true to yourself."
Both stories detailed lives of people who were either hurt or did not fit someone's expectations. And as a result of the struggles, the characters sought solace in a small community, thus discovering overwhelming love and support.
Once Upon A Proposal not unlike the Woods' story, symbolized a break from the "norm". However, this story added in the cliches of "being your own person" and "staying true to yourself."
Both stories detailed lives of people who were either hurt or did not fit someone's expectations. And as a result of the struggles, the characters sought solace in a small community, thus discovering overwhelming love and support.
December 26, 2015
Moving story that should be ordinary but isn't
At first glance this is the story of an insecure woman who has never found a career, or even long term job, and a man who is looking for someone to pretend to be his fiancé so he can get partial custody of his children. I found myself moved by the story and writing and wanting them to find ways of resolving the problems.
At first glance this is the story of an insecure woman who has never found a career, or even long term job, and a man who is looking for someone to pretend to be his fiancé so he can get partial custody of his children. I found myself moved by the story and writing and wanting them to find ways of resolving the problems.
June 28, 2022
First story 5, bonus story 3
February 24, 2016
Cute story, quick read. stand alone.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews