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Loving the Best Man: A Christian Romance
This book was previously titled The Jilted Bride's New Groom and was previously part of the Love Confessions series, now the Love & Forgiveness series.Being left at the altar was the worst that ever happened to her—until she opened her heart again and fell for the best man.Winning a contest for Arizona's Cutest Couple gave Samantha Clayton the idea that she and her fiance, Rance, were ready to say "I do." When the fateful day came and he instead said, "I don't," she was completely shell-shocked. Now, six months later, she's finally putting her life back together, this time with a dream to own a bed and breakfast in her hometown of Woodland Crossings. When her plans start to unravel, who should step in but none other than her ex-fiance's best friend, Drake Butler, a man she'd rather not ever speak to again? After all, she's sure that he's the one who convinced Rance to call off the wedding.Drake Butler just wants to help Samantha. He still feels bad over the loss of their friendship and wants to repair it. Stepping in to prevent her from sinking her hard-earned money into a shabby building is what a good friend--and a good Realtor--would do, right? Only Samantha doesn't see it that way. By the time Drake realizes that what he feels for her may be more than "like," a crisis comes up and Rance needs Samantha's help. When all is said and done, can Drake find a way to convince her that he's the right groom for her? And will Samantha see what was there all along and be willing to reach for a new dream?Download your copy of Loving the Best Man is book 2 in Laura L. Walker's faith-filled romance series, Love & Forgiveness today!
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2020
22 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Laura L. Walker
21 books159 followersLaura L. Walker grew up in a large family in the beautiful Gila Valley of southern Arizona. From the time Laura was young, she spent hours drawing characters on paper and fantasizing about their adventures. Life became more serious, however, when Laura met her own hero and they eventually became the parents of six children. In between spurts of grocery shopping, sewing costumes or quilts, transporting kids to practices, and making dinner, Laura still enjoys putting her imagination to good use. She is the author of two contemporary romances. Visit her at http://www.lauralwalker.com for updates and more.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 29, 2020
I really enjoyed getting to know Samantha, Drake, and Dani. Samantha was left at the altar by Drake’s best friend Rance, and instead of being bitter, she picks herself up and is determined to make a go of her new bed and breakfast in the very town where she was jilted. Drake has to slowly understand his true feelings for Samantha. And Dani, Drake’s autistic sister, was a really well-portrayed and realistic character, making my eyes tear up when she made progress in making life goals and meeting them. This was due in part to my having a granddaughter who has non-verbal autism. I loved the way the author included Christianity in the book without being pushy about her beliefs and her characterization of the townspeople. Most of the characters were likable and the book is a must read for those who enjoy quick romances with a touch of Scripture added for good measure. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy Christian fiction, particularly romance that is clean and written with wit and real understanding for how the characters just might be feeling.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
July 9, 2020
I’m always a fan of contemporary romance. This one by Laura Walker just made me happy when I read it. I loved the way she wrote the characters. And her plot was awesome!
Samantha is such a great character. I loved that she’d been through some hard things, but she didn’t let them stop her from going after her dreams. And she didn’t let them stop her from falling in love again, even though she wanted to.
I loved that the reader gets to see things through Drake’s eyes as well. Drake doesn’t want to trust or get married, because of his family situation. I loved that he was able to grow through the book, and realize that he wasn’t his father. He went out of his way to help Samantha do the things she needed to to get her dreams. And to make it through her ex’s wedding.
The plot of this one kept me reading. I wanted to know what the characters were going to do next, and how things were going to work out for them.
I was sent an e-copy of The Jilted Bride’s New Groom as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
Samantha is such a great character. I loved that she’d been through some hard things, but she didn’t let them stop her from going after her dreams. And she didn’t let them stop her from falling in love again, even though she wanted to.
I loved that the reader gets to see things through Drake’s eyes as well. Drake doesn’t want to trust or get married, because of his family situation. I loved that he was able to grow through the book, and realize that he wasn’t his father. He went out of his way to help Samantha do the things she needed to to get her dreams. And to make it through her ex’s wedding.
The plot of this one kept me reading. I wanted to know what the characters were going to do next, and how things were going to work out for them.
I was sent an e-copy of The Jilted Bride’s New Groom as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 5, 2020
Drake & Samantha
Laura Walker book is the first one I've read of hers, but I look forward to others.
Samantha soon to be husband left the church before the wedding. It devastated her that he would do that. Drake the best man and also longtime friends with both of them had to tell Samantha and she her dreams shattered. Drake had loved Samantha for a long time and now that she is available she want return his calls. Samantha had quit her job and decided to open a B&B. Drake sold real estate and he helped her find the right location, which ended up being his second home. The more time they spent together their feeling grew. When her ex wanted to get married at her B&B she was reluctant, but she needed the money. His bride left him at the altar and stormed out saying he still loved Samantha. Then Drake knew he had to tell her that he loved her and wanted to marry her. It was a happy ending.
Laura Walker book is the first one I've read of hers, but I look forward to others.
Samantha soon to be husband left the church before the wedding. It devastated her that he would do that. Drake the best man and also longtime friends with both of them had to tell Samantha and she her dreams shattered. Drake had loved Samantha for a long time and now that she is available she want return his calls. Samantha had quit her job and decided to open a B&B. Drake sold real estate and he helped her find the right location, which ended up being his second home. The more time they spent together their feeling grew. When her ex wanted to get married at her B&B she was reluctant, but she needed the money. His bride left him at the altar and stormed out saying he still loved Samantha. Then Drake knew he had to tell her that he loved her and wanted to marry her. It was a happy ending.
February 27, 2020
Rance, Samantha, and Drake have know each other thru school days. Drake has always had feelings for Samantha, but it was obvious she liked Rance. So, Drake stepped aside, until the day of the wedding. With Drake's encouragement, Rance jilted Samantha at the church. Some time later, Samantha and Drake connect again, and it became obvious they had unwelcome feelings for each other. There are more than one wedding in this story. Was one of them between Samantha and Drake? Read this story to find out. 5 Stars
February 28, 2020
This is a beautiful story of when God has a better plan. Samantha changed who she was to be more appealing to her ex-fiancé, but he ran away on their wedding day. Now she is happy with who she is and is ready to chase her dreams. Drake loved Samantha for the beautiful and kind woman she was but didn't dare say anything for she belonged to his best friend. When his best friend abandoned Samantha he ran too because he thought he wasn't good enough for her. They walked through past hurts and complicated feelings before realizing and grabbing onto the love they always had for each other.
October 23, 2021
Loving the Best Man
Drake and Samantha have a good story. They had been friends for a long time together with her ex fiancé, Rance. Then Rance left her at the altar and Drake had to break the news to Samantha. She left and the friendship between the three was gone. Drake was still best friends with Rance but Samantha was out of the picture until Drake and Samantha literally bump into each other. Read about how their friendship blossoms. But what happens when Rance has a new fiancé and they want to use Samantha’s B & B?
Drake and Samantha have a good story. They had been friends for a long time together with her ex fiancé, Rance. Then Rance left her at the altar and Drake had to break the news to Samantha. She left and the friendship between the three was gone. Drake was still best friends with Rance but Samantha was out of the picture until Drake and Samantha literally bump into each other. Read about how their friendship blossoms. But what happens when Rance has a new fiancé and they want to use Samantha’s B & B?
March 4, 2020
I loved Drake and Samantha’s story! Samantha was left at the altar by Rance and she felt Drake had something to do with it. She decides to pursue her dreams to open a bed and breakfast. She reconnects with Drake as he does things to help her realize her dream. Weddings, a dog, a dream, a great read! I highly recommend this sweet story!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
March 5, 2020
Fiancé and ex-fiancé
I love when the main characters have been friends for a long time. I like how Drake was aware of Samantha and her needs and was willing to help her. I like that Samantha was able to get over her love for her ex-fiancé after being jilted. I like the building romances of minor characters also. The Jilted Bride’s New Groom does a great job of bringing loving couples together in an interesting way with plenty of plot twists.
I love when the main characters have been friends for a long time. I like how Drake was aware of Samantha and her needs and was willing to help her. I like that Samantha was able to get over her love for her ex-fiancé after being jilted. I like the building romances of minor characters also. The Jilted Bride’s New Groom does a great job of bringing loving couples together in an interesting way with plenty of plot twists.
March 6, 2020
I liked the characters in these book. I even liked Rance who was the one who called off the wedding last minute. Drake and Samantha were good friends and there is definitely chemistry between them. Both are held back by fear. I like how they learn to trust. Good story.
June 30, 2020
Fast paced Christian romance
Loved the way the romance unfolded in this Christian story. The added touch of Dani and autism brought some true to life aspect. Loved the scripture that was included without being over powered with it.
Loved the way the romance unfolded in this Christian story. The added touch of Dani and autism brought some true to life aspect. Loved the scripture that was included without being over powered with it.
July 7, 2020
They started off as best of friends when they were all younger, but she got engaged to one of them, the one who jilted her at the altar. Her ex has moved on but their friend remains, ever helpful and friendly as before. Might he want more? Might she? A sweet and wholesome romance.
February 28, 2020
I enjoyed Drake and Samantha's characters and Kipling adds some comedy to their lives. Sweet inspirational romance.
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March 2, 2020Must read!
I Couldnt put the story down, definitely must read for romance lovers!
I Enjoyed all the way to the very end.
I Couldnt put the story down, definitely must read for romance lovers!
I Enjoyed all the way to the very end.
July 19, 2025
A lighthearted friends-to-lovers trope
Samantha & Drake have been friends since high school, but she was with his best friend. Years later, the bestie ends up jilting her at the altar - and with Drake's support.
Not surprisingly, then, they've been avoiding each other ever since. Until they literally run into each other. And then Drake feels compelled to help keep her from making a potentially expensive mistake & their lives become entangled again.
I love the natural way their friendship builds to something more. Drake is a great guy.
It was a little odd that Rance waited till he had almost married Samantha to decide to step aside for Drake. He never really reveals his own feelings for her outside of his wedding day nerves. Drake's ambivalence after all that is frustrating yet also understandable.
The ending is pretty entertaining
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: overtly Christian, with
Samantha & Drake have been friends since high school, but she was with his best friend. Years later, the bestie ends up jilting her at the altar - and with Drake's support.
Not surprisingly, then, they've been avoiding each other ever since. Until they literally run into each other. And then Drake feels compelled to help keep her from making a potentially expensive mistake & their lives become entangled again.
I love the natural way their friendship builds to something more. Drake is a great guy.
It was a little odd that Rance waited till he had almost married Samantha to decide to step aside for Drake. He never really reveals his own feelings for her outside of his wedding day nerves. Drake's ambivalence after all that is frustrating yet also understandable.
The ending is pretty entertaining
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: overtly Christian, with
July 22, 2021
A great story of a second chance at love when finding the right groom. A clean read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews