Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.The biggest disaster of her life or the beginning of something wonderful?Growing up, Kristina Vela never imagined she'd meet her fortieth birthday divorced by her cheating, manipulative husband, and without a house, degree, or career. Back in her hometown, Chapel Cove, to start anew, she's given up on men. Then she meets grieving widower Greg Matthews and his adorable five-year-old daughter and helps them renovate a house. Just when Kristina feels she can love again, her ex gives her an ultimatum. Can she choose between her own happiness and Greg's?Former snowboarder Greg Matthews is moving to Chapel Cove so his daughter can be close to her grandparents. After his wife died, his heart closed to romance. As caring and compassionate Kristina helps him repair his house and his life, he might be falling for her. But if she decides to leave, will he survive a second heartbreak?

228 pages, Paperback

Published April 20, 2019

602 people are currently reading
186 people want to read

About the author

Alexa Verde

120 books317 followers
Alexa Verde writes feel-good small-town romances with a smile. She'd love it if you subscribed to her newsletter https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gitieu15ex. Every subscriber gets a free Christian romance after confirming the subscription as a thank-you gift.
She penned her first literary "masterpiece" (a rhymed poem) at the ripe age of eight, and since has had over forty books and 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. Over 60 million pages of her books have been read worldwide. She has bachelor's degrees in English and Spanish, a master's in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters from diverse cultures. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, assistant, model (even one day counts!), and caretaker, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best. She hopes and prays that her stories will bring joy to her readers. Heartfelt thanks for your interest in her books!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
397 (63%)
4 stars
153 (24%)
3 stars
66 (10%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews22 followers
April 9, 2019
A Beautiful Romance

This beautiful romance is about God's love,protection,redemption and second chances.
I loved the story filled with multifaceted characters.
The most adorable was Chelsea.
There was laughter,crying,some suspense with twists and turns.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romance.
Profile Image for Paula Marie.
173 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2019
This is the second installment of the series. We first met Kristina in Remember Me by Marion Ueckermann, but she has the starring role in Love Me. I could so identify with Kristina as she married young believing in the fairytale, and ends up being married to a man who is emotionally controlling. This book is bittersweet in some areas and incredibly joyful in others. I fell in love with Chelsea immediately - who can resist a precious, motherless five year old?

I am a sucker for second chance at love and children in the story, so you had me from the get go! But I would have to say, my favorite part was when Kristina finally finds her way back to her true self - thanks to God - and is able to stand up for herself, I practically shouted out loud I was so thrilled! I don't want to give to much of it away, because you all really need to read this book for yourself, lol!!
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,350 reviews17 followers
November 3, 2019
This was my first time reading this author, so I was a bit glad to do so with characters and in a setting that I was already familiar with! This story was much more engaging than the previous one in the series! I was able to easily connect with Kristina and found her relationship with Greg to be quite believable! I also loved the little insights we got into Reese and Naomi! The one thing I didn't like was Kristina's deception, and the fact that she didn't really come clean about it either, but that was the only thing that marred the book for me. All things considered, it was an enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to fitting the next book into my reading schedule!
1,084 reviews24 followers
April 8, 2019
Love Me was a joy to read because of the great characters: Kristina, Greg, and Greg's daughter Chelsea. Kristina, quickly approaching her 40th birthday finds herself divorced from her cheating husband and estranged from one of her twin daughters through no fault of her own. Greg and Chelsea are still mourning for his wife and her mother. Alexa Verde makes me feel right along with her characters--those dizzying feelings of attraction, the comfort obtained from good friends, the sheer terror and desperation when facing the loss of a child, and the relief and thankfulness when the ones you love are safe. The plot has twists and turns and moves along quickly. Ms. Verde adds an element of humor in a situation with Kristina and her twin brother Roman. The faith of the main characters is displayed naturally in the story, not in a preachy way. I highly recommend Love Me to readers of clean/wholesome romance and to Christian romance readers. I obtained a copy through KU.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,336 reviews44 followers
April 8, 2019
This is the second book in the Chapel Cove Romance Series. Three friends who make a pledge as young girls to see what their life will be like when they turn forty. The last book Remember Me, by Marion Ueckermann introduced us to Reese. This book by Alexa Verde introduces us to Kristina and all that life has thrown at her.
We see just how damaged she is after being married to a man who controlled and manipulated her for twenty-two years. As her fortieth birthday draws near, she starts to question what her life now will be like. Will she ever find love?
Greg Matthews and Chelsea, his sweet daughter have moved to town after his wife died, so Chelsea can be close to his in-laws. With this whole setup there comes lots of struggles and Greg realizes he needs to provide a stable home for his daughter.
Things happen and these three get close only to have outside forces create a big challenge that might just drive them apart forever.
Will they allow these challenges draw them closer to God, knowing He has something wonderful for them? Or will they let fear take over?
I loved this book. First, because the setting is in my beautiful state of Oregon. Then second, because it shows how we never should let our fears rule over us.
The characters in this story are real and wonderfully written. During my reading of this book, I was ready to storm over to Mrs. Ronfrey’s house and tell her a thing or two! I really didn’t like her! Oh, and don’t get me started on Cullen! Evil, evil man! Well, each of them just might need God’s love and grace. I just know I would have a hard time if I met them on the streets of Portland!
All I can say is, I highly recommend you pick this book up, also look for the next book in this series. If you love the coast and Oregon, and you enjoy reading about finding love after forty then this is the series for you!
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Linda Klager.
1,049 reviews48 followers
July 17, 2019
I loved this romantic story. Kristina married a man who verbally abused her. When Kristina was single, she was a very confident girl and had big dreams. Her husband ruined her life - she became like a doormat. She had twin daughters and did not want to divorce her husband because she wanted her daughters to have a mother and father. When she was about to turn 40, her husband divorced her. He had been having affairs the whole time they were married. Kristina was soured on men because of the abusive marriage that ended. She did not think she was worthy of love.

Greg Matthews was a happily married man. He and his lovely wife had a precious daughter. Unfortunately, his wife died unexpectedly and Greg blamed himself for her death. It did not help that his wife's parents hated him because they lost their only child. They wanted to take Greg's daughter away from Greg and raise her themselves. Greg misses his wife so very much and does not think about remarrying.

Kristina is wondering what she will do now that she is divorced. She has 2 very dear childhood friends and a twin brother that encourage her to live her life.

There is romance, drama and a bit of danger involved in this book. I like wholesome stories that mention the love of God. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
April 13, 2019
Love Me ( Chapel Cove Romance Book 2 )
By: Alexa Verde
Love Me is book two in Chapel Cove Romance Series. Ms. Verde has penned a clean, sweet, faith-filled small town romance, where life begins at forty. I really liked this story . The story is well written and the character are so real. The author grabbed me at the start andI was hooked. I was not disappointed. Kristin is about to turn forty has just come out of a bad marriage.She comes back to her hometown, Chapel Cove to start over. Grey , a single parent of a little girl after the death of his wife also moved to Chapel Cove to start over. I fell in love with his little girl right at the start. She is a charmer and stole my heart. Can there be a new start after you reach forty? This is a beautiful romance about God, and second chances.
I was given a complimentary copy off this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Louise Pledge.
1,292 reviews28 followers
April 11, 2019
Such a fun read! I could hardly get enough of it. I was a little pleasantly surprised, as it was different from what I'm used to from Alexa and her Rios Azules Christian suspense. Widower Greg Matthews moves to his in-laws' home town in order for his adorable young daughter to have a relationship with them. There he meets a multi-talented and personable new divorcee with a disgusting ex who is still hassling her. As he starts to fall in love again, his in-laws object and try to obtain custody of little Chelsea. There are all kinds of little sub-stories going on which makes it hard to put the book down! Always love the Christian, spiritual touch, too!
Profile Image for Ann.
2,659 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2019
This is an awesome book! If you like a good, clean christian book that grabs you at the very beginning and doesn't let go grab this book. I loved how the author made you feel like you was there, feeling all of the emotions and seeing the scenery. I loved the reminder she put into the story "God can turn the biggest disasters in our lives into the best opportunities if we open ourselves to the possibilities". This book will make you laugh, cry and cheer. I wish I could give it a higher rating than 5 stars.
Profile Image for Andrea Byers.
471 reviews11 followers
April 9, 2019
Kristina is back in Chapel Cove a week before her divorce is final. Looking to find herself, a job and reconnect with her friends and home town she’s got negative self talk trying to take over, courtesy of her ex. Greg has moved to Chapel Cove so his daughter can be close to her grandparents. His late wife’s parents still blame him for her death. When Kristina and Greg meet they are drawn to each other, but neither is thinking of a relationship for different reasons. Love the characters and can’t wait to see what’s ahead in this delightful series.
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,430 reviews
April 8, 2019
Love Me is an inspiring romance of a second chance at love in the community of Chapel Cove, Oregon. Alexa Verde seamlessly weaves in contemporary issues of severe food allergies, loss of a spouse, divorce, interfering in laws, a verbal abusive ex husband, twins, and a 13 year old bucket list. As a reader I applauded Krista Vela's spirit, identified with her angst, and hated her ex-husband. Greg Matthews received my sympathies in raising a child with severe food allergies on his own and dealing with an evil mother-in-law. "God can turn the biggest disasters in our lives into the best opportunities if we open ourselves to the possibilities."
1,410 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2019

When Greg and Chelsea moved to Chapel Cove there lives will change. Greg only wants to find a home for him and Chelsea he doesn’t want to have another woman in his life. Kristina is trying to get her life back together after separating from her husband. When Greg and Kristina meet they are surprised by the feelings they are feeling. The way Kristina helps with Chelsea makes Greg start have feelings again. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful book. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
113 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2019
A beautiful story about someone over forty getting a second chance at life. I could relate to a lot of the characters' fears and joys. It is always great to read about a hero or heroine who is older and to see that life doesn't end when you leave your twenties.
512 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2019
Solid

This was pretty good. It was a well-written and engaging book. I enjoyed reading it. The characters were believable for the most part, as was the plot. Overall a solid read.
1,855 reviews26 followers
May 6, 2019
Kristina's journey

It's amazing how people can make us think things about ourselves that are not true. Praise God that He sees us as beloved treasures. Also, it can be so hard to let go of a dear loved one, but it is possible that God might have someone new waiting to be loved. As they learned to love and trust again, and to see each other through eyes of love, God blesses them. Praise God! This was very good, as always.
Profile Image for Lillie.
Author 22 books45 followers
June 12, 2023
Romance, faith, and an adorable little cherub

Little Chelsea is absolutely adorable. Her father overcomes his grief, and the woman the little girl chooses as her new mommy gets a second chance at love at age 40. I really Like the faith of all the characters.
Profile Image for Mandy Boerma.
Author 8 books56 followers
April 9, 2019
Amazing story of a second chance. The characters in this story were fun and personable. An excellent story of love, forgiveness and kindness. It’s never too late to dream big.
Profile Image for Paty.
421 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2019
I totally loved this Sweet Small Town Second Chance at Love romance!
I’m loving this new series of Chapel Cove Romances, where life begins at forty. I don’t know if being 43 years old has anything to do with it, but I’m loving each book in the series. And I think they are right, sometimes life has some changes at our age and we need to adapt and realize that it’s never to late to love. Not only on a romantic way, but to love every person God puts in your way! God always has a purpose with everything that happens in your life, and this book proves it.
I totally loved the premise about the three bff’s at age 13 burying their dreams and goals to achieve before they reach 40 in a tin can, only to forget about it years later when their lives take different routes. It’s totally unique, and it piqued my interest.
Kristina Vela and Greg Matthews return to Chapel Cove after many years to restart their lives.
Kristina has just gone through a sad divorce from her verbal abusing and manipulative husband of 22 years. She has no idea what life has in store for her but she knows she needs family and friends close to gather strength to recommence.
Greg just wants to start anew and raise his daughter close to his parents after being widowed. He’s not interested in marrying again. He just a homier place to raise his daughter in. But he never expects to feel anything again until he connects with Kristina again and she agrees to help him renovate his home. Kristina is so sweet and his daughter Chelsea quickly grows attached to her. But is the Daddy growing attached as well? Is there a future for them to start a new life together? Or will their fears and insecurities separate them. Not only that, but also a selfish ex-husband can make this frail new bond break before it’s strong enough?
I loved this story! Alexa writes in such manner that I’m always immersed in the story and related with the characters as if it were my own life. I ached for Kristina and all the difficult things she had to endure. But I think it was wonderful how she grew through out the story and how she discovered that true love meant sacrificing yourself for the one you love. She was strong and kind and compassionate. Greg was an awesome character too. And he too grew through out the story, closer to God, and by letting Him guide his decisions and trust Him with what the future holds.
I just hated Cullen and all the damage he did to Kristina. But God used him to make Kristina a stronger woman, and to bring the best of her character later.
This is a beautiful faith inspired story that I highly recommend! Sweet and clean romance and endearing characters! Chelsea was one of my favorite ones, she was such a sweet child! And the plot twists will keep you captivated from page one until the end!
Don’t miss this book, and even though it can be perfectly read as a standalone, I vividly recommend to read the whole series! A must read!
Profile Image for Sandra Lopez.
Author 3 books347 followers
December 5, 2021
“Some people said life started at forty.”

Kristina was divorced and returning home to tend to her failures and broken heart; then she meets a widowed father.

This was a nice story, but it’s kind of slow and a little too religious. I thought the list of “things to do before 40” aspect was pretty interesting and wish it would’ve been played up as that was the whole reason I got this book.

This was very sappy and sentimental. An okay read.
7,795 reviews51 followers
June 20, 2021
Kristina, ones heart goes out to her, she deserves so much more than what she has gotten. Even to coming back home, and a mother was more concern about the monthly check now gone.She had the clothes on her back, and zero in the bank and zero for self esteem.
Falling for a little girl Chelsea was easy, not so for Kristina and Greg.
A good Christian story of second chances.
118 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2019
Small town life

I absolutely adore small town life and this is another great book about it! The author gas done a tremendous job on pulling in characters from the series while drawing your focus to this story. I was very sad for it to end...
823 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2022
Well written. Interesting, but somethings were just to unbelievable for me to really enjoy the book.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books22 followers
July 8, 2020
My review today is on the Christian Romance, Love Me. This is book two in the Chapel Cove Romance Series. I really enjoy Alexa's work and this is no exception. This story is well written and heartwarming. You will laugh and you will cry but you are going to love it.

Kristina Vela Langley has returned home after her divorce. Her husband, a divorce lawyer, walked out on her taking everything of value. She has no choice but to come home to start over. She is helping her twin brother with his home repair business as he is on crutches. Twenty-seven years ago she and her friends had made a list of things they were going to do before they were forty. Now she is almost forty and everything is over for her until she meets a man with an adorable five year old daughter, Chelsea. They turn her life upside down.

Greg Matthews is a grieving widower with a five year old daughter. He has had to give up his former life of extreme sports and has moved to Chapel Cove so that his daughter could be close to her maternal grandparents. They go house shopping but can't seem to find anything his daughter likes. She finally finds a home she likes but it needs a lot of work. Can he find someone to help fix it up.

A journey to fix up a home but not fall for each other. Chelsea has other plans for the two of them. God has a plan for these three, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan and not for evil. Even though the world has become one evil force after another if you give Him your heart he will protect you. The Bible says the the battle is not yours but His. He is so good.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,197 reviews48 followers
April 19, 2019
This book was so good! It's book two in the Chapel Cove Romance series and focuses on Kristina. I really enjoyed getting Kristina's story, watching her come into her own, stand up for herself, and to see her confidence bloom. It was a moving story filled with a lot of heart, some laughter, a few tears, and a great spiritual message.

I want to mention one of the things that I really appreciated about this book. The way that Chelsea's food allergy was handled. It was dealt with in a really authentic way that showcased the seriousness of it. I have severe food allergies and have to be extra careful, so I can relate to the situation. I have to thank the author for accurately portraying it.

I'm really loving this series. Chapel Cove is a special place and I'm very eager to visit it again in the next book!
146 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2019
Unexpected gifts

What an amazing story of friendship and finding yourself after losing yourself and your voice in a stiffling marriage. Finding hope again and being able to finally work toward being who God meant you to be. Fighting for those you love not giving in to what some else tries to make be.

I love so many of the characters in this series. You feel connected to them like you are right there with them.

One of the that stuck out in this story that I want to share and is so true is - 'God could often give unexpected gifts, even in the midst of suffering and turmoil.' Even in this midst of all the hard and difficult times, God is right there in the middle seeing you through and sending His blessing when we look for them and lean on Him.

Great series. I highly recommend it. Love all the authors Alexa, Marion, and Autumn. They have out done themselves again.
1,943 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2019
Love Me

Great book, so very well written it keeps your attention in the book and you want to read it all. The fact that Kristina was abused by her ex husband to the point that she had lost all of her self esteem and did not know how to go on with her life. Once she met Greg things changed a lot ,and with his daughter along as well, she comes alive again and makes some life changing things take place so she can help them with their new home. This was another Christian book that I have read and loved, please keep up the good work. I have read a few of your other books and look forward to reading more. This is my review and mine alone and in my words only. Norma Gorrill
Profile Image for Debra.
3,469 reviews13 followers
May 21, 2020
Love Me

This is the first book in this series that I have read. But I will get the rest very soon. She was kicked out of her marriage and home due to cheating ex husband. And estranged from her daughters. As a divorce lawyer he got everything. But did he really? She moves back to her home town. Where she is able to regroup with living friends and family. She meets a sad man who is trying to survive the death of his wife. He has his own daughter to help. Will they be able to work through the angst of outsiders trying to year them apart even before they get their own happy ending?
Profile Image for Robin.
Author 3 books30 followers
October 31, 2021
Enjoyable, Moving Story

This was a moving story...brought me to tears at one point and had me rooting for this couple from the start. I did think the little girl made a few statements which seemed too mature for such a young child. There were also a few words which didn't seem to be quite right, but nothing which spoiled the story.
I loved how the heroine grew and gained confidence throughout the story and appreciated her unwavering faith. I was also happy with the way the conflict was resolved at the end.
Overall, I feel like this was a good inspirational romance and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys that genre.
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,888 reviews44 followers
October 16, 2025
And book one of the series we made three friends who at the right age of 13 each make a list of what they want to accomplish before their 40 and then they put them together and bury them like a time capsule.

Book one was Clarise’s story. This is Book two, Kristina’s story and what a story it is!

Kristina finds herself about to be 40, divorced from a cheating and manipulative husband with nothing to show for the last 20+ years. He took it all. She’s determined no more men… No more romance… And then she meets Greg Matthews and his adorable five-year-old daughter. Greg has bought a home in need of renovation and his hired Kristina‘s brother. But when Roman can’t fulfill the contract, Kristina steps in.

More is renovated in the story than just a house. Hearts and lives find new beginnings.
1,498 reviews13 followers
May 3, 2021
In this book, Kristina, who had been in an abusive marriage for many years, was divorced by her husband and returns to Chapel Cove to start fresh. She decides to help her brother who was injured in an accident with his repair business, and to do some interior decorating. In so doing, she meets a widower and his young daughter and they fight their attraction for each other. Both have issues with previous marriages to work through, and his in-laws get involved to complicate matters. This series is inspirational and Alexa Verde did a great job writing this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews