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Dixon Brothers #1
Courting Calla
Can Ian and Calla find love together, or will the secret she is keeping rip them apart?
CALLA VAUGHN has spent the last three years desperately trying to get her life in order so that she can go back to culinary school. No matter how hard she works, though, she feels like she is just treading water and can't see any way out of the hole dug for her by a con artist who stole her identity.
When flowers she sends to her best friend with a dinner invitation accidentally get delivered to IAN JONES, she decides to cook him the best meal he's ever had. By the time she admits that the flowers were never for him, he is as convinced as she is that God orchestrated the mistake in the first place.
All that's left is to tell him the dark secret about her father's widow. She waits a little too long, though, and is carted off to jail for questioning on felony charges before she gets a chance.
Will Ian understand her situation, or will the deception surrounding Calla destroy any trust he has in her?
CALLA VAUGHN has spent the last three years desperately trying to get her life in order so that she can go back to culinary school. No matter how hard she works, though, she feels like she is just treading water and can't see any way out of the hole dug for her by a con artist who stole her identity.
When flowers she sends to her best friend with a dinner invitation accidentally get delivered to IAN JONES, she decides to cook him the best meal he's ever had. By the time she admits that the flowers were never for him, he is as convinced as she is that God orchestrated the mistake in the first place.
All that's left is to tell him the dark secret about her father's widow. She waits a little too long, though, and is carted off to jail for questioning on felony charges before she gets a chance.
Will Ian understand her situation, or will the deception surrounding Calla destroy any trust he has in her?
124 pages, ebook
Published February 14, 2019
199 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Hallee Bridgeman
66 books1,016 followersWith nearly a million book sales, USA Today bestselling author Hallee Bridgeman writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real-world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy.
An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee and her husband finally settled in central Kentucky so they could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. Hallee’s oldest daughter is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, her middle son struggles as a hexagonal “autism spectrum” peg in this round world, and her youngest son fills the house with wooshes and bangs as he fights imaginary bad guys while wearing a Spiderman costume and wielding a Ninja sword.
When she’s not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the ‘heart of the home’. Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture.
Hallee has served as the Director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, President of the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of the Romance Writers of America, is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the American Christian Writers (ACW), and Novelists, Inc. (NINC). An accomplished speaker, Hallee has taught and inspired writers around the globe, from Sydney, Australia, to Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., and all places in between.
Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you. You can reach Hallee at hallee@halleebridgeman.com
An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee and her husband finally settled in central Kentucky so they could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. Hallee’s oldest daughter is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, her middle son struggles as a hexagonal “autism spectrum” peg in this round world, and her youngest son fills the house with wooshes and bangs as he fights imaginary bad guys while wearing a Spiderman costume and wielding a Ninja sword.
When she’s not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the ‘heart of the home’. Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture.
Hallee has served as the Director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, President of the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of the Romance Writers of America, is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the American Christian Writers (ACW), and Novelists, Inc. (NINC). An accomplished speaker, Hallee has taught and inspired writers around the globe, from Sydney, Australia, to Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., and all places in between.
Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you. You can reach Hallee at hallee@halleebridgeman.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 11, 2019
Still not quite sure what I think about this story.
I liked Calla at the start, but grew frustrated by her apparent willingness to . I was glad she did come clean about the flowers though. Her delight in cooking was fun to read about even though I stay out of the kitchen.
Ian started out good, but somewhere along the line I lost respect for him. Yes, I understood that he had been hurt by Calla not trusting him with her "secret" but hey, they'd only known each other for six week! His reaction (and hers) both seemed a little unreasonable to me. Maybe it's my personality.
The story was well written for the most part though it did suddenly begin to feel a bit rushed and forced near the end, and I didn't feel as connected. Perhaps it was because the author was covering a large span of time in a short amount of space.
The other thing that bugged me was the descriptions of what Calla and Ian were wearing. There were several times where you were told exactly what colors and styles they were wearing and it pulled me out of the story. Perhaps that's because I don't notice things like that. I mean I can spend a couple hours enjoying lunch with a person and afterwards have no clue what they were wearing. If you notice clothes, it probably won't be a problem for you.
There was some kissing, but nothing really detailed. No interactions that made me cringe or blush. This was a christian book, which I appreciated.
I liked Calla at the start, but grew frustrated by her apparent willingness to . I was glad she did come clean about the flowers though. Her delight in cooking was fun to read about even though I stay out of the kitchen.
Ian started out good, but somewhere along the line I lost respect for him. Yes, I understood that he had been hurt by Calla not trusting him with her "secret" but hey, they'd only known each other for six week! His reaction (and hers) both seemed a little unreasonable to me. Maybe it's my personality.
The story was well written for the most part though it did suddenly begin to feel a bit rushed and forced near the end, and I didn't feel as connected. Perhaps it was because the author was covering a large span of time in a short amount of space.
The other thing that bugged me was the descriptions of what Calla and Ian were wearing. There were several times where you were told exactly what colors and styles they were wearing and it pulled me out of the story. Perhaps that's because I don't notice things like that. I mean I can spend a couple hours enjoying lunch with a person and afterwards have no clue what they were wearing. If you notice clothes, it probably won't be a problem for you.
There was some kissing, but nothing really detailed. No interactions that made me cringe or blush. This was a christian book, which I appreciated.
May 5, 2020
This was an enjoyable story. I listened to the audio version and I liked the male narrator. He did a good job with the narration for the voices, both male and female.
I liked these characters for the most part. Both Ian and Calla reacted to things in ways that were strange to me, so I had to step back and just realize that everyone reacts differently to things and view them as the individuals they were written to be.
Calla had to figure out who she was and learn to stand up for herself as the story progressed. She had allowed someone to manipulate her for years without taking a stand, which ended up impacting everything about her.
Ian had to work on forgiving and letting go of his anger about the secrets Calla kept regarding her situation. He had to wait a very long time for a resolution with Calla and the hurt and anger simmered during that time. I would have loved the end of the book to have been longer, maybe with another chapter or two, so we could see these two characters live out their new beginning a bit.
I received a complimentary audio copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.
I liked these characters for the most part. Both Ian and Calla reacted to things in ways that were strange to me, so I had to step back and just realize that everyone reacts differently to things and view them as the individuals they were written to be.
Calla had to figure out who she was and learn to stand up for herself as the story progressed. She had allowed someone to manipulate her for years without taking a stand, which ended up impacting everything about her.
Ian had to work on forgiving and letting go of his anger about the secrets Calla kept regarding her situation. He had to wait a very long time for a resolution with Calla and the hurt and anger simmered during that time. I would have loved the end of the book to have been longer, maybe with another chapter or two, so we could see these two characters live out their new beginning a bit.
I received a complimentary audio copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.
April 21, 2018
COURTING CALLA is an interesting story. Very implausible, but interesting. If someone was stealing your identity would you just sit back and let it happen if you knew who it was? Would you let it go on for years? For some reason, Calla did--until she ended up in jail.
And if you sent flowers to your bestie and they are delivered to the wrong person, would you just sit back and let it happen? Okay, maybe, depending on your personality.
It is written okay, and the author did a good job on details (what you see, smell, hear) and the dialog was good. I enjoyed the faith message.
If you are willing to suspend reality, this is a quick book to read. You might enjoy it. I had a hard time wrapping my mind around Calla's inability to act or speak up for herself, but like I said it could be due to personality.
I was gifted a copy free (not from the publisher and not from the author). All opinions are my own.
And if you sent flowers to your bestie and they are delivered to the wrong person, would you just sit back and let it happen? Okay, maybe, depending on your personality.
It is written okay, and the author did a good job on details (what you see, smell, hear) and the dialog was good. I enjoyed the faith message.
If you are willing to suspend reality, this is a quick book to read. You might enjoy it. I had a hard time wrapping my mind around Calla's inability to act or speak up for herself, but like I said it could be due to personality.
I was gifted a copy free (not from the publisher and not from the author). All opinions are my own.
September 28, 2022
A sweet, straightforward, delightful, easy novella with honest characters.
As I do not appreciate euphemisms of any sort, I wanted to give the story three-and-a-half stars. I did not expect Ian with his super Christian background to insert one into his speech, nor did I forsee him to be so cold, sarcastic, and unforgiving toward the end.
But.
Calla, on the other hand, was a breath of fresh air. I liked her tremendously. It was a pleasure to see her become a confident woman. Her faith and how she acknowledges God in everything, especially in hardships, was refreshing.
Another thing I found interesting in this novella was the description of missionary work in Haiti.
The whole story is really well-paced for a novella. I never felt like things were rushed or did not add up. It is a truly delightful and uplifting short story.
As I do not appreciate euphemisms of any sort, I wanted to give the story three-and-a-half stars. I did not expect Ian with his super Christian background to insert one into his speech, nor did I forsee him to be so cold, sarcastic, and unforgiving toward the end.
But.
Calla, on the other hand, was a breath of fresh air. I liked her tremendously. It was a pleasure to see her become a confident woman. Her faith and how she acknowledges God in everything, especially in hardships, was refreshing.
Another thing I found interesting in this novella was the description of missionary work in Haiti.
The whole story is really well-paced for a novella. I never felt like things were rushed or did not add up. It is a truly delightful and uplifting short story.
February 3, 2022
The first Of Hallee's books that I've read, but it won't be the last. I enjoyed the sweet romance and the development of the characters' relationships. Hallee's excellent description helped me picture not only the characters and their characteristics, clothing, etc. but I also liked the food descriptions. A story with takeaway lessons on honesty and forgiveness.
January 17, 2021
Great as always!
Hallee's books never cease to amaze me! The only problem with this one is it was to short. I loved the story.
Hallee's books never cease to amaze me! The only problem with this one is it was to short. I loved the story.
November 17, 2018
First Line…“Calla Vaughn felt that tell tale shudder of the car through her seat just as she started to pull through the gate. “No, no, no,” she said out loud, as if the machine might actually hear and decide not to die in the middle of the post-lunch rush to the parking deck.”
Ian saves the day by pushing her car to safety. This is a guy she’s liked for three years from afar. This is the first time they’ve met. She couldn’t believe it had to be like this. I instantly connected with Calla. She’s friendly and loyal and mixed up in something too big for her to handle by herself.
I enjoyed this sweet, clean fun romance story with important things to think about. Calla has special culinary gifts when it comes to making most anything, but she had no super powers when it came in dealing with her step-mother. Calla doesn’t know how to stand up for herself and how to stop playing the victim. I respected and appreciated how this author dealt with recognizing broken things in our heart, recognizing and taking the time for healing; finding out who you are; then proceeding with personal relationships. I liked how she handled the themes of forgiveness, and redemption during all that.
This author includes five recipes you can enjoy Chicken Florentine, French Bread, Sautéed Green Beans, Wild Rice, and Basil Infused Whipped Cream. There are twelve discussion questions to help generate lively discussion at your book club meeting.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Book Fun site www.bookfun.org . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://tinyurl.com/y9lwbfrs
SVP Promotion
Ian saves the day by pushing her car to safety. This is a guy she’s liked for three years from afar. This is the first time they’ve met. She couldn’t believe it had to be like this. I instantly connected with Calla. She’s friendly and loyal and mixed up in something too big for her to handle by herself.
I enjoyed this sweet, clean fun romance story with important things to think about. Calla has special culinary gifts when it comes to making most anything, but she had no super powers when it came in dealing with her step-mother. Calla doesn’t know how to stand up for herself and how to stop playing the victim. I respected and appreciated how this author dealt with recognizing broken things in our heart, recognizing and taking the time for healing; finding out who you are; then proceeding with personal relationships. I liked how she handled the themes of forgiveness, and redemption during all that.
This author includes five recipes you can enjoy Chicken Florentine, French Bread, Sautéed Green Beans, Wild Rice, and Basil Infused Whipped Cream. There are twelve discussion questions to help generate lively discussion at your book club meeting.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Book Fun site www.bookfun.org . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://tinyurl.com/y9lwbfrs
SVP Promotion
March 13, 2018
Courting Calla by Hallee Bridgeman
This book starts out with Calla and her car on the way to work has stopped working at the gate to the parking lot.
Others help her move the car and she really appreciates it. While filing-her job at The Dixon Brother Designs Company she calls and wins a flower arrangement so she sends it to her friend Sammy who helped her get it towed away.
Problem is the flowers are delivered to Ian Sam Dixon instead and the note states he has to show up Saturday night for dinner and he does. She doesn't divluge the mixup til later. He loves her culinary skills as he enter her apartment where herbs are growing.
Thanksgiving plans are changed and she ends up at his grandmother's and she brings some food that they love. Their meal starts out with prayer and she's more inspired to like him even more.
She had dropped out of culinary school due to identity theft.
Story follows as Ian and Calla have made the yearly mission trip to Haiti and all that occurs there.
Upon their return she is handcuffed and taken away-her stepmom is the problem again because of all the bad debt. Probably the best thing for her but Ian is slighted and thinks she only wants him to spend money to bail her out.
With the lawyers help she can get a second chance but she's broken inside and she asks God for guidance. He sends her a verse from the Bible and she has to go with it and make it right.
Excerpts and summaries of the other works in this series is included.
Love charity work they are able to perform and praying at meals-something that is not openly done any longer is so many instinces.
Readers guide at the end and also a bonus in this book are the recipes at the end.
More books by the author are highlighted at the end along with a personal note from the author..
Received this review copy from the author via The Book Club Network at BookFun.ORG and this is my honest opinion.
This book starts out with Calla and her car on the way to work has stopped working at the gate to the parking lot.
Others help her move the car and she really appreciates it. While filing-her job at The Dixon Brother Designs Company she calls and wins a flower arrangement so she sends it to her friend Sammy who helped her get it towed away.
Problem is the flowers are delivered to Ian Sam Dixon instead and the note states he has to show up Saturday night for dinner and he does. She doesn't divluge the mixup til later. He loves her culinary skills as he enter her apartment where herbs are growing.
Thanksgiving plans are changed and she ends up at his grandmother's and she brings some food that they love. Their meal starts out with prayer and she's more inspired to like him even more.
She had dropped out of culinary school due to identity theft.
Story follows as Ian and Calla have made the yearly mission trip to Haiti and all that occurs there.
Upon their return she is handcuffed and taken away-her stepmom is the problem again because of all the bad debt. Probably the best thing for her but Ian is slighted and thinks she only wants him to spend money to bail her out.
With the lawyers help she can get a second chance but she's broken inside and she asks God for guidance. He sends her a verse from the Bible and she has to go with it and make it right.
Excerpts and summaries of the other works in this series is included.
Love charity work they are able to perform and praying at meals-something that is not openly done any longer is so many instinces.
Readers guide at the end and also a bonus in this book are the recipes at the end.
More books by the author are highlighted at the end along with a personal note from the author..
Received this review copy from the author via The Book Club Network at BookFun.ORG and this is my honest opinion.
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December 13, 2020Courting Calla by Hallee Bridgeman
This book starts out with Calla and her car on the way to work has stopped working at the gate to the parking lot.
Others help her move the car and she really appreciates it. While filing-her job at The Dixon Brother Designs Company she calls and wins a flower arrangement so she sends it to her friend Sammy who helped her get it towed away.
Problem is the flowers are delivered to Ian Sam Dixon instead and the note states he has to show up Saturday night for dinner and he does. She doesn't divulge the mixup til later. He loves her culinary skills as he enter her apartment where herbs are growing.
Thanksgiving plans are changed and she ends up at his grandmother's and she brings some food that they love. Their meal starts out with prayer and she's more inspired to like him even more.
She had dropped out of culinary school due to identity theft.
Story follows as Ian and Calla have made the yearly mission trip to Haiti and all that occurs there.
Upon their return she is handcuffed and taken away-her stepmom is the problem again because of all the bad debt. Probably the best thing for her but Ian is slighted and thinks she only wants him to spend money to bail her out.
With the lawyers help she can get a second chance but she's broken inside and she asks God for guidance. He sends her a verse from the Bible and she has to go with it and make it right.
Excerpts and summaries of the other works in this series is included.
Love charity work they are able to perform and praying at meals-something that is not openly done any longer is so many instances.
Readers guide at the end and also a bonus in this book are the recipes at the end.
More books by the author are highlighted at the end along with a personal note from the author..
Received this review copy from the author via The Book Club Network at BookFun.ORG and this is my honest opinion.
This book starts out with Calla and her car on the way to work has stopped working at the gate to the parking lot.
Others help her move the car and she really appreciates it. While filing-her job at The Dixon Brother Designs Company she calls and wins a flower arrangement so she sends it to her friend Sammy who helped her get it towed away.
Problem is the flowers are delivered to Ian Sam Dixon instead and the note states he has to show up Saturday night for dinner and he does. She doesn't divulge the mixup til later. He loves her culinary skills as he enter her apartment where herbs are growing.
Thanksgiving plans are changed and she ends up at his grandmother's and she brings some food that they love. Their meal starts out with prayer and she's more inspired to like him even more.
She had dropped out of culinary school due to identity theft.
Story follows as Ian and Calla have made the yearly mission trip to Haiti and all that occurs there.
Upon their return she is handcuffed and taken away-her stepmom is the problem again because of all the bad debt. Probably the best thing for her but Ian is slighted and thinks she only wants him to spend money to bail her out.
With the lawyers help she can get a second chance but she's broken inside and she asks God for guidance. He sends her a verse from the Bible and she has to go with it and make it right.
Excerpts and summaries of the other works in this series is included.
Love charity work they are able to perform and praying at meals-something that is not openly done any longer is so many instances.
Readers guide at the end and also a bonus in this book are the recipes at the end.
More books by the author are highlighted at the end along with a personal note from the author..
Received this review copy from the author via The Book Club Network at BookFun.ORG and this is my honest opinion.
October 22, 2019
The beginning of something awesome
Although this book is supposed to be one hour and 28 minutes long, I got so engrossed it felt like 30 minutes and it was over. This is a great book! It’s about a young girl girl triplets she thinks it’s Jean AN Ian Jones help put her car out of the line of traffic. Then one day she sent flowers and a note to her best friend whose name is Alex, but unbeknownst to her that is Ian‘s real name as well. And you guess what happened he got the flowers in the invitation to dinner. After they become involved she wants to tell him about the scammer and about the situation with her stepmom. She waits too long though. Or did she?
This is a great beginning to a great new series. I have read book 2 in the Dixon brothers Siri’s, Valerie‘s verdict and I loved it. These books are about strong women with Christian values and wants of a normal girl to be loved,be respected and to have a man who also loves and worships God. Although Christianity is it a humongous part of the book it is enough to let you know that these people love God. I loved it!who is having financial troubles and just wants to get her life straight to go back to culinary school. When her car breaks down the one of mr. Dixon’s
Although this book is supposed to be one hour and 28 minutes long, I got so engrossed it felt like 30 minutes and it was over. This is a great book! It’s about a young girl girl triplets she thinks it’s Jean AN Ian Jones help put her car out of the line of traffic. Then one day she sent flowers and a note to her best friend whose name is Alex, but unbeknownst to her that is Ian‘s real name as well. And you guess what happened he got the flowers in the invitation to dinner. After they become involved she wants to tell him about the scammer and about the situation with her stepmom. She waits too long though. Or did she?
This is a great beginning to a great new series. I have read book 2 in the Dixon brothers Siri’s, Valerie‘s verdict and I loved it. These books are about strong women with Christian values and wants of a normal girl to be loved,be respected and to have a man who also loves and worships God. Although Christianity is it a humongous part of the book it is enough to let you know that these people love God. I loved it!who is having financial troubles and just wants to get her life straight to go back to culinary school. When her car breaks down the one of mr. Dixon’s
July 26, 2021
Here’s another book where many of the reviewers want to take the heroine to task. Sometimes a person is in a situation that demands they take action, but it seems too impossible and heartbreaking to do what is necessary. Embarrassment can lead to covering up and trying to fix the problem without revealing it. It’s easy when looking in from the outside to know what needs to be done and have the courage to do it; it’s not so easy when you’re the one stuck. Calla Vaughn finds herself in that kind of unfair circumstance. We all wish she would just own up to it and reveal it, and when she doesn’t, she makes more trouble for herself.
After finally seeing some good come from her long-time work crush on Ian Jones, Calla’s inability to make good choices regarding her secret problem looks like she’s sabotaging her own happiness. Both Calla and Ian have a lot of good qualities. Will they be enough to weather through the truth?
With a lot of sweet moments, mouth-watering cooking, concern and help for Haiti, and also some tough decisions, Courting Calla is thought-provoking and entertaining.
After finally seeing some good come from her long-time work crush on Ian Jones, Calla’s inability to make good choices regarding her secret problem looks like she’s sabotaging her own happiness. Both Calla and Ian have a lot of good qualities. Will they be enough to weather through the truth?
With a lot of sweet moments, mouth-watering cooking, concern and help for Haiti, and also some tough decisions, Courting Calla is thought-provoking and entertaining.
March 30, 2018
At just 178 pages, this is a quick read novella that starts with a damsel in distress rescued by a knight in shining armor - okay, Calla's car breaks down as she's about to leave a parking garage and Ian saves the day by pushing it out of the way! It is funny and sweet and sad and happy! I loved reading about the trials Calla and Ian go through before the end of the book as they learn who they are and who God wants them to be. Although, at times it was really hard reading because I am trying to lose weight and Calla is quite the cook: “At the first bite, the tartness of apples warred with the sweetness of the caramel sauce, accentuated by the spices and his tongue could barely keep up with the amazing experience of the taste. He closed his eyes and slowly chewed, wanting to savor every bite.” Descriptions like these made me want to go eat! I loved the book and highly recommend it! I was so fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the author. I am freely writing a review - all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 12, 2018
Courting Calla is a sweet romance written by Hallee Bridgeman. I have read many of this author’s series and stand-alone titles. All are exceptional and very entertaining. Courting Calla is a sweet story about file clerk, Calla Vaughn, and mechanical engineer for the Dixon Contracting firm, Samuel Ian Jones. Calla’s financial woes causes her to drive a rattle-trap car which one morning strands her in the entrance to the firm, with Ian Jones stuck behind her. As he graciously pushes her car out of the way, their official meeting takes place. From there a mistaken floral delivery from Calla arrives addressed to Ian, not to her best friend Sami, and then one thing leads to another. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to all who like lighthearted, romantic tales. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2018
I started out really enjoying this book. I liked both Calla and Ian at first. As to book progressed, I got quite frustrated with Calla. I couldn't understand why she sat back and let her stepmother continue to put her in the position she was in. It just didn't make sense to me why she didn't report what was happening to the authorities or something, at least try to get help somehow. I also felt like she kept running from Ian. It felt a little like her trip to the orphanage was less about her figuring out who she was and more about running away from her situation. I just didn't care for how she treated Ian toward the end. Obviously, they work things out, but I felt like she owed him more of an apology and I think I would have appreciated more acknowledgment from her that she had been running from things.
December 2, 2021
Courting Calla, the first book in the Dixon Brothers series, is a sweet contemporary romance set in Atlanta. The characters are well-developed and memorable. I love Calla and Ian as individuals and as a couple. Wonderful characters who capture your heart, a smoothly flowing plot that holds your interest, a strong faith element that flows naturally throughout the story, sweet romance with its ups and downs, and themes of trust and forgiveness combine to create a touching, inspiring novella. The recipes at the end are a delightful bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 4, 2021
A wonderful story !
This story touches on how someone in your family can be cruel with no concerns for what it will do to you. To lose your mother and your father by the time you are 20 years old is difficult. You may think you are an adult but not really. I feel sad for what this situation did to her self .confidence. I think she was right in trying to find herself. I am glad they are taking a chance to start over. This was a wonderful journey and I am looking forward to more books. This author has never disappointed me because her stories touch he heart.
This story touches on how someone in your family can be cruel with no concerns for what it will do to you. To lose your mother and your father by the time you are 20 years old is difficult. You may think you are an adult but not really. I feel sad for what this situation did to her self .confidence. I think she was right in trying to find herself. I am glad they are taking a chance to start over. This was a wonderful journey and I am looking forward to more books. This author has never disappointed me because her stories touch he heart.
September 24, 2019
I LOVED this book!!! I always love Hallee's books, and this was no exception. I love how she has strong Christian men in her books, and that the women they fall in love with are also strong. Love that this books has both of them growing, especially Calla, and finding that she can overcome and have good things happen to her. Can't wait to see how things continue to happen between them in the coming books.
October 8, 2019
This is not my story, but it hits pretty close to home. I can empathize with Calla and the situation she found herself in, which wasn't of her own making. Calla learned that there's having faith in God and then there's putting your faith in God, seeking his guidance and will. I so loved Calla's friendship with Sami, a true friend that stuck by her thru her situation and hitting rock bottom. Great characters. A believable story.
October 24, 2019
Calla & Ian
Calla's identity was stolen by her stepmother and she has been paying off the debt for years. She meets Ian and circumstances happen that gives her a chance to cook for him. The relationship progresses, and they are falling for each other. Then she gets arrested for her stepmother writing bad checks. She devotes time to legally clear herself from her
stepmother's debts. She gets back into culinary schools and gets back with Ian. A Christian Romance.
Calla's identity was stolen by her stepmother and she has been paying off the debt for years. She meets Ian and circumstances happen that gives her a chance to cook for him. The relationship progresses, and they are falling for each other. Then she gets arrested for her stepmother writing bad checks. She devotes time to legally clear herself from her
stepmother's debts. She gets back into culinary schools and gets back with Ian. A Christian Romance.
October 27, 2019
Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
Calla's love story is cute -- something every girl with an out-of-reach crush fantasizes about. I was a little annoyed by the sudden time skips that would come between chapters with no indication that a time jump was going to occur or how much time had passed. But that is my only complaint. This is a sweet Christian romance with a happily ever after, no more and no less.
Calla's love story is cute -- something every girl with an out-of-reach crush fantasizes about. I was a little annoyed by the sudden time skips that would come between chapters with no indication that a time jump was going to occur or how much time had passed. But that is my only complaint. This is a sweet Christian romance with a happily ever after, no more and no less.
January 27, 2021
An enjoyable story where Calla keeps a secret from her new friend, Ian and this causes a rift between them when it is revealed in a most dramatic fashion. I liked the way the story unfolded and Calla followed her desire to develop her 'new' self. Ian experienced frustration during this period but stayed true to his promise to give Calla time. A well written story that inspires honesty in relationships. Well done Hallee Bridgeman.
April 8, 2022
I loved this story all the way through until the end—because I wanted more! My only hope is that we get to meet these characters again in a future book.
Bridgeman has a talent for using the most mundane or dire circumstances into a love story. The heroine is a filing clerk, and the hero is an architect, so how thrilling can that be? But it helps us realize God can use anyone and turn the most common situation into a heart-throbbing story. I can’t say much without giving it away.
Bridgeman has a talent for using the most mundane or dire circumstances into a love story. The heroine is a filing clerk, and the hero is an architect, so how thrilling can that be? But it helps us realize God can use anyone and turn the most common situation into a heart-throbbing story. I can’t say much without giving it away.
February 14, 2023
I didn’t know this was a novella when I started it. While it feels unfinished, I imagine that we get more story in the actual series.
Calla and Ian were amazing. I felt very connected to Calla and found myself feeling along with her. I loved Sami and Al and who they were for Calla and Ian.
The challenges were very real. Trust and fear and forgiveness. It was very human and relatable. It was quite good and I just wish it wasn’t a novella.
Calla and Ian were amazing. I felt very connected to Calla and found myself feeling along with her. I loved Sami and Al and who they were for Calla and Ian.
The challenges were very real. Trust and fear and forgiveness. It was very human and relatable. It was quite good and I just wish it wasn’t a novella.
May 2, 2018
This book started out fine as a sort of predictable romance, but then when the girl's problem came out, the first thing I thought was that the problem was not feasible. I don't want to give it away but it just wasn't realistic that a person wouldn't not report this issue, victim or not. Plus the story just didn't develop enough, but of course it's a short novella. Hope Volume 2 + are better.
October 10, 2019
Hallee Bridgeman develops wonderful characters and story lines and this book is no exception. I will admit to being very frustrated with Calla and at the same time understanding where she was mentally. I love that she relied on God to lead her even when she didn't understand where he was leading her. I look forward to the next book.
September 26, 2020
Courting Calla is an excellent beginning to the Dixon Brothers series. It leaves you with a deeper understanding on how a person is victomized, and points out important psychological truths of what it takes to get your life back. NOT a spoiler, but the most important truth is your identity and worth in Christ! Lovely slightly suspenceful romance that is definitely a book that will be reread!
December 16, 2020
Very interesting book
I chose this rating because I enjoyed reading this book. I felt drawn into the story as the 2 hitched up and started dating. I couldn't put this book down or stop reading it until I knew what was going to be expected at the end. Can't wait to read the second book.
I chose this rating because I enjoyed reading this book. I felt drawn into the story as the 2 hitched up and started dating. I couldn't put this book down or stop reading it until I knew what was going to be expected at the end. Can't wait to read the second book.
January 5, 2021
Calla has had a hard life losing her mother at a young age, a stepmother that is very bad & then losing her dad. Her life could become wonderful except she waits a little too long to tell Ian about her financial secret. Does Ian come to understand & forgive her? This is an emotional book that I enjoyed very much.
October 19, 2021
ebook
Her car dies at the entrance of the building and one of the bosses pushes it out of the way. He’s the boss she’s had a crush on for years. A flower delivery with a dinner invitation delivered to him by mistake leads to a romance but she’s got a huge secret that destroys the budding relationship. With Gods help will they find the path to each other
Her car dies at the entrance of the building and one of the bosses pushes it out of the way. He’s the boss she’s had a crush on for years. A flower delivery with a dinner invitation delivered to him by mistake leads to a romance but she’s got a huge secret that destroys the budding relationship. With Gods help will they find the path to each other
March 31, 2022
Fantastic book
A fast moving love story. It has unexpected turns to both of the main characters. I felt the fear and shame of keeping a secret. Also the pain of being a victim. Yet the joy of being able to make the changes in life to move on with God's help. A clean wonderful story.
A fast moving love story. It has unexpected turns to both of the main characters. I felt the fear and shame of keeping a secret. Also the pain of being a victim. Yet the joy of being able to make the changes in life to move on with God's help. A clean wonderful story.
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