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Building Love
Patty McNeal isn't sure of much in life except she wants to help turn the house her mother just bought into a bed and breakfast, and create a happy life for her baby who is due soon.
Theresa Garland is working as a foreman for her father's construction company. He assigns her a job working for Patty McNeal's mother.
The two young women are on different paths that converge. They will have to get over the pain from the past caused by other people, and their fears of the future to build a life together.
Theresa Garland is working as a foreman for her father's construction company. He assigns her a job working for Patty McNeal's mother.
The two young women are on different paths that converge. They will have to get over the pain from the past caused by other people, and their fears of the future to build a life together.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2018
58 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
M.E. Tudor
17 books102 followersM.E. Tudor lives in south central Kentucky with her cute dog, Ruby and cat, Chesher. She has an Associates Degree and Bachelor's Degree from Western Kentucky University and works as a librarian. When not working or writing, M.E. loves to travel, camp and hike.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 16, 2018
This book involves topics that could be triggering to some.
This book is difficult to rate. First off I felt hoodwinked because of the ages of the main characters. Patty is 18(-ish) while Theresa is 20(-ish). I was expecting a book about two adult women. Instead I got a book about two, practically still, teenagers and their single mom (Patty's) and single dad (Theresa's).
The other issue that I had with the book is that although I liked the main parental characters, I didn't particularly care for their story line together. I'd rather the author had spent that time on Patty and Theresa because they really are a super slow burn couple.
Although the book is technically well written and kept me reading, I just didn't feel enough chemistry between Patty and Theresa. The author spent a lot of time on topics like teen pregnancy, drugs and alcohol abuse, bullying and various forms of assault which didn't seem to leave any room for the relationship development between the two main characters. The end therefore felt very rushed and the epilogue didn't offer a lot of closure.
This is definitely not a feel good romance, in fact there's hardly any romance at all. All this book frankly did was remind me of why I don't want kids :)
This book is difficult to rate. First off I felt hoodwinked because of the ages of the main characters. Patty is 18(-ish) while Theresa is 20(-ish). I was expecting a book about two adult women. Instead I got a book about two, practically still, teenagers and their single mom (Patty's) and single dad (Theresa's).
The other issue that I had with the book is that although I liked the main parental characters, I didn't particularly care for their story line together. I'd rather the author had spent that time on Patty and Theresa because they really are a super slow burn couple.
Although the book is technically well written and kept me reading, I just didn't feel enough chemistry between Patty and Theresa. The author spent a lot of time on topics like teen pregnancy, drugs and alcohol abuse, bullying and various forms of assault which didn't seem to leave any room for the relationship development between the two main characters. The end therefore felt very rushed and the epilogue didn't offer a lot of closure.
This is definitely not a feel good romance, in fact there's hardly any romance at all. All this book frankly did was remind me of why I don't want kids :)
February 18, 2018
An excellent lovestory!
This story is not just about a wonderful love and how they reach their happy ending. No, it addresses also a serious topic, bullying. Despite this heavy issue the author kept the story enjoyable, light and entertaining. I can highly recommend it.
This story is not just about a wonderful love and how they reach their happy ending. No, it addresses also a serious topic, bullying. Despite this heavy issue the author kept the story enjoyable, light and entertaining. I can highly recommend it.
Read
February 17, 2018Hard to rate... so I'm not going too.
Teenager goes through a rough patch and deals with it her own way through drink and drugs, ends up pregnant., gets sober...... and then meets Theresa, and that's where this story really begins, dealing with their feelings towards each other and how they both cope with them.
I enjoyed this book... and then I didn't. That's how it left me feeling through out. I think if the book was longer, to me it felt rushed towards the end, this would have been a really really good read. It needed more, to get more out of the story. Hence the reason I'm not going to rate it.
Teenager goes through a rough patch and deals with it her own way through drink and drugs, ends up pregnant., gets sober...... and then meets Theresa, and that's where this story really begins, dealing with their feelings towards each other and how they both cope with them.
I enjoyed this book... and then I didn't. That's how it left me feeling through out. I think if the book was longer, to me it felt rushed towards the end, this would have been a really really good read. It needed more, to get more out of the story. Hence the reason I'm not going to rate it.
April 22, 2018
Hmmm...
You know I finished this book when it first came out and couldn't for the life of me figure out how I felt about it let alone wanted to rate it. So I sat on it (not figuratively cause I'm pretty sure that would have damaged my device lol). I figure I should probably rate it or something because it's sitting in my kindleUnlimited library taking a precious 10 spot.
Anyway, I love contractor/builder reads. There is just something about tool builts and all that jazz that is appealing. This book is more of a young adult read with both characters being under the age of 23. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was well written and the characters acted and spoke how fell people of thay age would speak (not sophisticated but mature). The book deals with a few interesting issues: teen pregnancy, drugs, abuse, among other little things.
Its free on kindleUnlimited and worth a read.
You know I finished this book when it first came out and couldn't for the life of me figure out how I felt about it let alone wanted to rate it. So I sat on it (not figuratively cause I'm pretty sure that would have damaged my device lol). I figure I should probably rate it or something because it's sitting in my kindleUnlimited library taking a precious 10 spot.
Anyway, I love contractor/builder reads. There is just something about tool builts and all that jazz that is appealing. This book is more of a young adult read with both characters being under the age of 23. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was well written and the characters acted and spoke how fell people of thay age would speak (not sophisticated but mature). The book deals with a few interesting issues: teen pregnancy, drugs, abuse, among other little things.
Its free on kindleUnlimited and worth a read.
April 22, 2018
3 stars. Overall I liked it but there's too much telling and not enough showing when it gets to their relationship. Everything else was good but the meat of the book (also known as romance) is lacking. Some tougher topics also kinda get glossed over a bit when you consider how horrific the events actually are.
Still, I don't exactly regret reading this so I'll leave it at three stars. It's a decent read for passing some time.
Still, I don't exactly regret reading this so I'll leave it at three stars. It's a decent read for passing some time.
May 27, 2020
This was a nice fast read. It could trigger some. Reminds me that nothing ever changes in a small town. Money talks no matter what you do.
July 8, 2020
A sweet young adult romance. But don't let that put you off, despite the characters being 18 and 20 they were very mature for their age and tackled the circumstances around them with resilience.
I enjoy the storylines and romance.
No active sex scenes on the page so it was very tame.
I enjoy the storylines and romance.
No active sex scenes on the page so it was very tame.
February 19, 2018
Very good story
This was a very good story. The characters were very well developed. Theresa and Patty’s storyline covered a lot of important issues such bullying at school for Patty and even Theresa when she was in high school as well as teenage use of drug and alcohol which resulted in Patty getting pregnant. These were issues that were addressed in good taste and with positive outcomes. Overall, well done!!!
This was a very good story. The characters were very well developed. Theresa and Patty’s storyline covered a lot of important issues such bullying at school for Patty and even Theresa when she was in high school as well as teenage use of drug and alcohol which resulted in Patty getting pregnant. These were issues that were addressed in good taste and with positive outcomes. Overall, well done!!!
June 21, 2018
Audio book. Good narration and slow build up love story. Was thrown off a little by the young ages of the main characters. They are written much more mature, I had a difficult time with Patty still being in high school. I would have found it a bit more solid if the Patty was graduating college instead of high school. Maybe things are different from when I was in high school, but she’s too mature for it in my opinion. That said, I enjoyed the story.
March 4, 2019
One of my personal favorites.
February 17, 2018
Good read
This book proves that there are good people still in this world. I totally believe in karma you get what you give eventually. I'm glad things work out for Patty and Theresa and Richard and Mandy.
This book proves that there are good people still in this world. I totally believe in karma you get what you give eventually. I'm glad things work out for Patty and Theresa and Richard and Mandy.
February 17, 2018
Loved it
I gave a five-star I read it in one sitting great book love the characters sweet romance for a Saturday afternoon.
I gave a five-star I read it in one sitting great book love the characters sweet romance for a Saturday afternoon.
March 17, 2018
Building Love hits the nail on the head!
Tudor's new novel creates characters and a storyline perfect for romance. Patty McNeal took the death of her father so hard that she let her own life spin out of control. She sought comfort in casual sex, drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, she came away from the experience pregnant and an object of horrific bullying during her last few months before high school graduation. Her mother Mandy decides to purchase and rehab a rundown house to achieve her dream of owning a bed and breakfast. Richard Garland and his daughter Theresa have a construction company. Richard offers Theresa the new job because Mandy's budget for her remodeling project is very tight. Richard and Mandy were high school sweethearts and he wants to accommodate her budget and timeline.
While working on the project Theresa and Patty become friends and develop feelings toward each other. They attended the same small-town high school, but Theresa was a senior when Patty was just starting classes. They crossed paths, but never got close. Patty's sure that her ex, and the town's bad boy, fathered her child during their ill fated fling. He signed away any parental rights, but insists on making Patty's life miserable. Close to graduating, giving birth and falling for Theresa, Patty needs someone besides her mother to depend on. Building Love deals with the good, bad and harsh realities of everyday life. The writing is crisp and clean. Patty and Theresa share the narration of this wonderful lesbian romance. Unlike so much of current lesfic, this book doesn't butch bash or shame. Theresa lives as an out and proud butch identified lesbian, but the character isn't vilified with currently popular negative stereotyping. Overall, I was very impressed by this short and illuminating novel.
Tudor's new novel creates characters and a storyline perfect for romance. Patty McNeal took the death of her father so hard that she let her own life spin out of control. She sought comfort in casual sex, drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, she came away from the experience pregnant and an object of horrific bullying during her last few months before high school graduation. Her mother Mandy decides to purchase and rehab a rundown house to achieve her dream of owning a bed and breakfast. Richard Garland and his daughter Theresa have a construction company. Richard offers Theresa the new job because Mandy's budget for her remodeling project is very tight. Richard and Mandy were high school sweethearts and he wants to accommodate her budget and timeline.
While working on the project Theresa and Patty become friends and develop feelings toward each other. They attended the same small-town high school, but Theresa was a senior when Patty was just starting classes. They crossed paths, but never got close. Patty's sure that her ex, and the town's bad boy, fathered her child during their ill fated fling. He signed away any parental rights, but insists on making Patty's life miserable. Close to graduating, giving birth and falling for Theresa, Patty needs someone besides her mother to depend on. Building Love deals with the good, bad and harsh realities of everyday life. The writing is crisp and clean. Patty and Theresa share the narration of this wonderful lesbian romance. Unlike so much of current lesfic, this book doesn't butch bash or shame. Theresa lives as an out and proud butch identified lesbian, but the character isn't vilified with currently popular negative stereotyping. Overall, I was very impressed by this short and illuminating novel.
May 23, 2018
Wow
This book cover several issues that I thought the author did well with. Bullying in school, drugs, alcohol, and sex. I thought the storyline and the characters were well developed. I liked that each chapter was from each Theresa and Pattys point review. You watched as these two young ladies deal with their past and present to end up with their ending they both deserve. I definitely recommend this book.
This book cover several issues that I thought the author did well with. Bullying in school, drugs, alcohol, and sex. I thought the storyline and the characters were well developed. I liked that each chapter was from each Theresa and Pattys point review. You watched as these two young ladies deal with their past and present to end up with their ending they both deserve. I definitely recommend this book.
March 18, 2018
Great read, I got really angry when the main character's ex tried to rape her because something similar happened to my current girlfriend (a very sexy redhead, who I adore). we started out as friends before starting to date. I was charged with watching her by her father who was keeping me in charge of her safety and long story short I lost track of her through talking to an old wrestling friend and when I asked him where she went he said there's an upstairs too and so we went up there and walked into the first door that was open and it was a very drunk (now ex-friend) friend named Mike and I just was filled with so much anger when I walked in the door and saw her face-down on the bed struggling against a very drunk ex-friend, and ex-boyfriend of hers. I went into a rage, and someone counted 10 punches and 2 kick and another said it was 7 punches and 2 stomps, either way I sent him to the hospital and I'm in no way saying to beat someone up if they rape someone, but definitely act accordingly to what you see and what's happening. Then I carried her out to the car and someone called the cops in the midst of me beating his face in, so as I was saying, I carried her to her fathers truck and we promised her sister not to tell her mother and espeically her father because and I quote "Her father will shoot him and go to prison." So we kept it quiet. I am now so much more in love with her still, and I would take back what I saw that night, but in a way I'm glad I tackled him to the ground punched him however many times i did it and then like a prince in shining armour carried her out to the car and brought her home after the talk with the police (who were amazing and very sweet).
March 29, 2023
This is a very sweet love /coming out story!
M. E. Tudor has a wonderfully encouraging young love and coming out story with strong characters, good supporting characters and one truly evil young man. The story is a tough one in spots where a mother does not support nor even love her daughter, even pushes said daughter away with the trash and favors her momma’s boy son over her daughter and husband. The slime slips off of them both. The story is fraught with the anxiety the daughter carries as a result of this life long treatment. It is wonderfully written and heart warming.
M. E. Tudor has a wonderfully encouraging young love and coming out story with strong characters, good supporting characters and one truly evil young man. The story is a tough one in spots where a mother does not support nor even love her daughter, even pushes said daughter away with the trash and favors her momma’s boy son over her daughter and husband. The slime slips off of them both. The story is fraught with the anxiety the daughter carries as a result of this life long treatment. It is wonderfully written and heart warming.
May 29, 2018
This is a sweet story that also deals with some difficult issues. The main characters were developed and their stories plausible. The fact that both had to deal with bullying from the same family might seem unbelievable to some readers but if you grew up as the poor kid in a small town it is very realistic. I was a bit surprised by the ages of the main characters because just reading the description made it seem they were adults. That said I will read more by Tudor and this is a quick, enjoyable read.
November 27, 2018
So good in so many ways, but...
This is good in so many ways. The ways in which it isn't don't permeate the book, but they're bad enough, I want to mention them. The main characters are okay with the one's mother's mild homophobia. The one refers to her love interest as "acting like a man.". And she feels that small breasts can't adequately feed a baby. Theses are minor parts of the book, but huge errors, so it's hard to ignore them. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This is good in so many ways. The ways in which it isn't don't permeate the book, but they're bad enough, I want to mention them. The main characters are okay with the one's mother's mild homophobia. The one refers to her love interest as "acting like a man.". And she feels that small breasts can't adequately feed a baby. Theses are minor parts of the book, but huge errors, so it's hard to ignore them. I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 6, 2019
Mother and Child
Patty made a bunch of mistakes after her father was killed. The biggest was getting involved with the wrong boy and doing drugs with him all summer. Now pregnant and trying to finish high school and help open a bed and breakfast with her mother, her heart s going in a different direction. Can she find the happiness she desires in the contractor refinishing the house. Wonderful depiction of growing up, facing responsibilities and working to making a new life for yourself and your baby. Recommend.
Patty made a bunch of mistakes after her father was killed. The biggest was getting involved with the wrong boy and doing drugs with him all summer. Now pregnant and trying to finish high school and help open a bed and breakfast with her mother, her heart s going in a different direction. Can she find the happiness she desires in the contractor refinishing the house. Wonderful depiction of growing up, facing responsibilities and working to making a new life for yourself and your baby. Recommend.
June 8, 2019
Lets repair a house.
An interesting story of self discovery, hope and love. Party's mom was fixing her new house for a bed and breakfast at the same time, Patty was rebuilding her life.
Along comes Theresa, the hammer that nails drywall and help Patty rebuild her life..?
M.E. Their has changed her writing style, from Judge Not to this book there is a BIG difference. Kinda miss the old M.E. Tudor. However, her newer stories does not subtract any of her awesome talent of story telling.
An excellent read, recommended for all ages.
An interesting story of self discovery, hope and love. Party's mom was fixing her new house for a bed and breakfast at the same time, Patty was rebuilding her life.
Along comes Theresa, the hammer that nails drywall and help Patty rebuild her life..?
M.E. Their has changed her writing style, from Judge Not to this book there is a BIG difference. Kinda miss the old M.E. Tudor. However, her newer stories does not subtract any of her awesome talent of story telling.
An excellent read, recommended for all ages.
January 2, 2020
This is the first book I read from M.E. Tudor and it was a good one.
It's about Patty and her past rebel side after her dad dies, sending her on the path of alcohol, drugs and sex until she gets pregnant and how she goes thru her life facing the consecuenses of her acts.
I love Theresa, she's caring and good hearted, but I had issues with Mandy, but I can understand her and her concerns.
I like her relationship with Theresa's dad and how they had a past together.
I really enjoy this book and I would like to keep reading more from this author.
It's about Patty and her past rebel side after her dad dies, sending her on the path of alcohol, drugs and sex until she gets pregnant and how she goes thru her life facing the consecuenses of her acts.
I love Theresa, she's caring and good hearted, but I had issues with Mandy, but I can understand her and her concerns.
I like her relationship with Theresa's dad and how they had a past together.
I really enjoy this book and I would like to keep reading more from this author.
March 12, 2018
Marvelous slow burn
This story is one of the best slow burn romances I've read in a while. There is undeniable chemistry between the leading ladies but the path to go from attraction to smoldering romance is filled with obstacles and doubts. Plenty of character development along the way helps round out the story.
This story is one of the best slow burn romances I've read in a while. There is undeniable chemistry between the leading ladies but the path to go from attraction to smoldering romance is filled with obstacles and doubts. Plenty of character development along the way helps round out the story.
April 26, 2018
Cute
Cute story. The main characters were a bit younger than what I usually read about. There were some editing mistakes that should have been caught with a simple proofread, but the storyline was ok. I'm glad it was a Kindle Unlimited offering because I would have been disappointed if it was more expensive.
Cute story. The main characters were a bit younger than what I usually read about. There were some editing mistakes that should have been caught with a simple proofread, but the storyline was ok. I'm glad it was a Kindle Unlimited offering because I would have been disappointed if it was more expensive.
June 7, 2018
GOOD Book
I wish for more from these two characters in the future. Maybe a second book featuring these two characters maybe two wedding. Love how these two found love despite how different they are. One though she was straight but hurt by men and used by them. The other knew she was a lesbian from the start. How will the parents of these two end up.
I wish for more from these two characters in the future. Maybe a second book featuring these two characters maybe two wedding. Love how these two found love despite how different they are. One though she was straight but hurt by men and used by them. The other knew she was a lesbian from the start. How will the parents of these two end up.
May 22, 2020
Sweet story
I really enjoyed the story, it was sweet and a bit different- I haven’t read a teenager pregnancy lesfic before.
There is quite a problem with the tense that the book is written it. Even within a sentence the tense switches between past and present. It really just needs a good editing sweep to get it all into the same tense.
I really enjoyed the story, it was sweet and a bit different- I haven’t read a teenager pregnancy lesfic before.
There is quite a problem with the tense that the book is written it. Even within a sentence the tense switches between past and present. It really just needs a good editing sweep to get it all into the same tense.
March 12, 2018
Really good 👍
This was a well written story with great characters that you get to know and like. There were a few twists and turns that were a surprise and made the book more interesting. I enjoyed this very much would recommend you give it a try .
This was a well written story with great characters that you get to know and like. There were a few twists and turns that were a surprise and made the book more interesting. I enjoyed this very much would recommend you give it a try .
March 18, 2018
Troubled
Waking up to wonder how you got there isn't easy. That was the dilemma Patty found herself in. Then, she meets Theresa. Their journey isn't easy. But struggles never are. Read their story. Enjoy....
Waking up to wonder how you got there isn't easy. That was the dilemma Patty found herself in. Then, she meets Theresa. Their journey isn't easy. But struggles never are. Read their story. Enjoy....
October 15, 2018
Love it
When I first read one of your books I was hooked so far I hope to get all of them u have become one of my favorite authors the way u write is like I'm witnessing moments thank u so much for writing cant wait for the next one 😎
When I first read one of your books I was hooked so far I hope to get all of them u have become one of my favorite authors the way u write is like I'm witnessing moments thank u so much for writing cant wait for the next one 😎
March 22, 2022
Mixed Feelings
I really liked the book and thought the love part of the storyline was great. I also know bullying is a very real thing but that part was troubling to have to read thru as an empath. This book had many facets and I can only imagine that the author had to keep close track of all the characters and everything they had going on from past to present. Very well done!
I really liked the book and thought the love part of the storyline was great. I also know bullying is a very real thing but that part was troubling to have to read thru as an empath. This book had many facets and I can only imagine that the author had to keep close track of all the characters and everything they had going on from past to present. Very well done!
March 4, 2018
I expected to be a bit better when I read the sample before I bought it. The story is ok but leaves some gaps. The characters are nicely described it just i wanted to understand them a bit better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews