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Holidays in Hallbrook #1
Love & Order
A powerful attorney, a woman with a heart too big for her own good, and an instant family neither was prepared for...
Garrett Bradley commands the attention of some of the most influential clients in the country as one of the leading corporate attorneys in New York City, but one phone call changes everything. He must return home to Hallbrook, NH, where he soon discovers he’s responsible for three young kids and one monster-size Saint Bernard.
April St. James, the social worker assistant assigned to the children’s case before Garrett’s mother adopted them, was staying with the children until Sarah Bradley’s prodigal son returns home to take up his responsibilities. Unfortunately, it puts her own job in jeopardy.
A powerhouse in the business world but clueless when it comes to children, Garrett turns to April with an offer she can’t refuse, enticing her to come to the city as a temporary nanny. The deal will allow her to finally pursue her dreams once the job is done. But three kids, a dog, a nanny, and an uptight attorney don’t mix well in a fancy NYC penthouse. And when Garrett makes a mistake at work, he realizes somethings got to give before the situation destroys his reputation, the company, and most importantly—his new family.
Find out if Rufus can help this mismatched pair realize their love is the perfect glue to hold their newfound family together! This sweet tale of family, trust, and total chaos is one you won't want to miss. Order your copy and start reading today!
Garrett Bradley commands the attention of some of the most influential clients in the country as one of the leading corporate attorneys in New York City, but one phone call changes everything. He must return home to Hallbrook, NH, where he soon discovers he’s responsible for three young kids and one monster-size Saint Bernard.
April St. James, the social worker assistant assigned to the children’s case before Garrett’s mother adopted them, was staying with the children until Sarah Bradley’s prodigal son returns home to take up his responsibilities. Unfortunately, it puts her own job in jeopardy.
A powerhouse in the business world but clueless when it comes to children, Garrett turns to April with an offer she can’t refuse, enticing her to come to the city as a temporary nanny. The deal will allow her to finally pursue her dreams once the job is done. But three kids, a dog, a nanny, and an uptight attorney don’t mix well in a fancy NYC penthouse. And when Garrett makes a mistake at work, he realizes somethings got to give before the situation destroys his reputation, the company, and most importantly—his new family.
Find out if Rufus can help this mismatched pair realize their love is the perfect glue to hold their newfound family together! This sweet tale of family, trust, and total chaos is one you won't want to miss. Order your copy and start reading today!
360 pages, ebook
First published August 28, 2019
721 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Elsie Davis
42 books272 followersElsie Davis is a USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of over 25 novels. She writes sweet, clean & wholesome contemporary romance and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writer's association. At the age of twelve, Elsie discovered the world of Happily-Ever-After romance when she began avidly reading Barbara Cartland, the Queen of Romance, and has been hooked ever since. After building her dream log home on top of a small mountain, she turned her attention to do what she loves most...writing.
Three daughters, five grandchildren, and her own hero husband, keep her extremely busy. When Elsie's not glued to the keyboard, she loves boating, birding, camping, fishing, wildlife, disc golf and nature walks. Basically, all things outdoors, EXCEPT cold weather. Her and her husband love Caribbean cruises, but Elsie’s favorite vacation was their cruise to Alaska. (In spite of the cold!)
Indoors, she enjoys a toasty fire, a glass of red wine, and of course, a great romance (Hallmark-Style) with a guaranteed Happily-Ever-After.
Three daughters, five grandchildren, and her own hero husband, keep her extremely busy. When Elsie's not glued to the keyboard, she loves boating, birding, camping, fishing, wildlife, disc golf and nature walks. Basically, all things outdoors, EXCEPT cold weather. Her and her husband love Caribbean cruises, but Elsie’s favorite vacation was their cruise to Alaska. (In spite of the cold!)
Indoors, she enjoys a toasty fire, a glass of red wine, and of course, a great romance (Hallmark-Style) with a guaranteed Happily-Ever-After.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 23, 2019
Love and Order by Elsie Davis is the first Holidays in Hallbrook series. Garrett Bradley is shocked when he receives the news that his mother has passed away. He is a corporate attorney in New York City with a busy practice and regrets not getting home to visit his mother while he had the opportunity. Garrett heads home to Hallbrook, New Hampshire to deal with his mother’s estate. He is surprised to find that he has inherited a home, three children and a large Saint Bernard. It seems his mother failed to mention that she had adopted three kids. April St. James, the social worker, can handle the children, the dog and the house with aplomb while Garrett soon finds himself in over his head. He offers April a sweet deal to be the children’s nanny in New York until she can find a suitable replacement. Two adults, three kids and one overgrown puppy are not meant to fit into Garrett’s penthouse apartment. Garrett is soon forced to make some tough decisions. Love and Order is an entertaining story. I liked the authors engaging writing style that drew me right into this amusing tale. I liked the characters especially the kids. Their antics certainly kept Garrett and April on their toes. I felt so bad for these children who had gone through so much in their short lives. I enjoyed watching Garrett grow as an individual. Love and Order is a heartwarming and witty story. I look forward to reading more books in the Holidays in Hallbrook series.
July 1, 2020
This was so much fun to read. I love the characters. I really enjoy children in romances. They are challenging but bring so much life in. In this book, the children had a lot of heartache to work through. So did Garrett. Haha. I love April. She had things to work out, too. I love that she had personal experience that gave her a unique connection to the children. Love & Order was a great escape for me. It really helped me with getting away from the stress of everything that has been happening in real life. If you enjoy children this romance is for you!
September 1, 2019
This story may make you think what you would do if you found yourself in Garrett Bradley's position. He likes everything to have an order to it and that does not include kids or a wife. He is fine with just working 80 hour weeks until his mom suddenly dies and his world changes.
The characters in this story are great and they just pull you right into the story and grab onto your heart. I fell in love with the three children and all that they had been through in their short lives. I liked that Garrett's heart was able to grow. Maybe unknowingly his mom knew what was best after all.
I also liked April St. James, the social worker, who knew what she wanted to do and put herself first to achieve her dreams. What a great role model for the children.
I am so glad this is the first book in this series because I cannot wait to return to Hallbrook, New Hampshire and see what the other books in the series bring to the reader. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
The characters in this story are great and they just pull you right into the story and grab onto your heart. I fell in love with the three children and all that they had been through in their short lives. I liked that Garrett's heart was able to grow. Maybe unknowingly his mom knew what was best after all.
I also liked April St. James, the social worker, who knew what she wanted to do and put herself first to achieve her dreams. What a great role model for the children.
I am so glad this is the first book in this series because I cannot wait to return to Hallbrook, New Hampshire and see what the other books in the series bring to the reader. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
March 30, 2021
What a fun read! This is a cute story with well developed characters. I can't imagine what it would be like to suddenly find yourself as a guardian to 3 children... especially for a single man. While Garrett made a tremendous effort, with the help of April he rose to the occasion and rocked it. While parts of it may tug at the heartstrings, other parts will have you laughing out loud.
The narration was well done.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
The narration was well done.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 12, 2020
Refreshing, straight up sweet romance and a ready-made family
Love and Order (Holidays in Hallbrook Book 1) by Elsie Davis’s a sweet romance with subtle, underlying tensions. Garrett and April are an unlikely pair who find a natural rhythm in family life. While Garrett has been adamantly opposed to marriage and children, while that’s exactly what April longs for.
This book is wonderfully refreshing, with great characters through and through. The children in this ready-made family are entertaining and even Rufus is full of personality. As Garrett struggles to adjust, his heart opens but his mind is another matter altogether.
Overall, this sweet romance is an enjoyable, entertaining read with sweet moments mixed in with romantic longing, love and laughter leading to a family-size HEA.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Love and Order (Holidays in Hallbrook Book 1) by Elsie Davis’s a sweet romance with subtle, underlying tensions. Garrett and April are an unlikely pair who find a natural rhythm in family life. While Garrett has been adamantly opposed to marriage and children, while that’s exactly what April longs for.
This book is wonderfully refreshing, with great characters through and through. The children in this ready-made family are entertaining and even Rufus is full of personality. As Garrett struggles to adjust, his heart opens but his mind is another matter altogether.
Overall, this sweet romance is an enjoyable, entertaining read with sweet moments mixed in with romantic longing, love and laughter leading to a family-size HEA.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
September 3, 2019
I had a difficult time with how Sarah went about everything with Bryan, Melanie, & cute Sandy, in regards to Garrett, but as the saying goes...Mother knows best.
The time in New York proved a successful although stressful adventure, getting to know Jim and his wife Bev as well as Ted, not to mention the helicopter ride there and other sight seeing trips including school shopping. We'll place Brooke in the stressful section WOW, what a (fill in your own word after reading the story).
Hallbrook is home, with all the help from neighbors, friends, school, marriage, new family, updated job, and so much more.
So I have to ask Vanilla or Mint Chocolate Chip? It's your choice?
Grab this book today!
The time in New York proved a successful although stressful adventure, getting to know Jim and his wife Bev as well as Ted, not to mention the helicopter ride there and other sight seeing trips including school shopping. We'll place Brooke in the stressful section WOW, what a (fill in your own word after reading the story).
Hallbrook is home, with all the help from neighbors, friends, school, marriage, new family, updated job, and so much more.
So I have to ask Vanilla or Mint Chocolate Chip? It's your choice?
Grab this book today!
September 19, 2019
In Love and Order by Elsie Davis we find a high-power bachelor attorney who becomes an unexpected becoming a father of 3, plus a big dog and a social worker assistant who works to help the transition into a family. Moving the kids to a penthouse in New York, learning how to deal with a 9, 7 and a 3-year-old that doesn’t talk, a stressful workload and the former social worker assistant makes life interesting. The feelings run from frustration, anger, sadness, acceptance and finally, love. Can the kids adjust to a new environment? Will the situation between Garrett and the kids improve and what will happen when April leaves? I loved this story! It made me feel like I was there with them and wanted to help.
September 29, 2019
Love and Order by Elsie Davis is the first book in the Holidays in Hallbrook series. Garrett is a high powered attorney who thrives in New York City. He returns for his mother’s funeral only to find she has adopted 3 children and their dog and she has named him as their guardian. They were being taken care of by the social worker, April. A move to New York to his pristine apartment with the kids, the dog and April leads to some stressful and some funny times. Kids and penthouse apartments don’t mix. Brooke, his assistant, decides she needs to find a boarding school for the children. Can Garrett find a way to make it all work with the kids? With April? This is a wonderful story with a happily ever after.
November 6, 2020
The adult characters were well done, both in town and in the city.
I like that the locations weren't personified as good or evil, just busy and laid-back.
There were some teary moments in the story including the "I love you" scene at the end. (I'm sure that's no spoiler. It's a romance.)
There were also a couple of places that could've turned slapstick-worthy funny, but were kept realistic. I really appreciate that!
It's interesting that two kids can grow up in broken homes and have it color their views into adulthood so differently. Garrett wants to avoid family and marriage, afraid he'll screw it up like his dad did.
April just wants to protect kids from the bad side of foster care.
I like that the locations weren't personified as good or evil, just busy and laid-back.
There were some teary moments in the story including the "I love you" scene at the end. (I'm sure that's no spoiler. It's a romance.)
There were also a couple of places that could've turned slapstick-worthy funny, but were kept realistic. I really appreciate that!
It's interesting that two kids can grow up in broken homes and have it color their views into adulthood so differently. Garrett wants to avoid family and marriage, afraid he'll screw it up like his dad did.
April just wants to protect kids from the bad side of foster care.
November 15, 2020
Everything about this story was ‘opposites attract’. Garrett, the perpetual bachelor and driven attorney, is metropolitan all the way. From his designer suits to his spotless home, he is in no way prepared for what’s about to hit him. April, the children, and the dog are pure chaos and country. And they’re about to turn his world upside down in all the best of ways. There were definitely moments in this book that made me think of the movie Beethoven. With a big, drooly Saint Bernard who thinks he’s a lap dog and just wants to be in the middle of everything, I wonder how I could possibly find the similarities? I felt sorry for Garrett in all his struggles to learn how to be an instant dad. But in the end, this cast of characters prove that family is all a matter of heart.
August 31, 2019
I thought that there was a lot of charm and humor in this enjoyable book that brought to my mind the old movie, Baby Boom. A cute plot is the basis for this heartwarming story. Drama, emotional turmoil, sweetness and the type of hijinx that can only be caused be children and a big dog are cleverly woven throughout the fun storyline. I liked both April and Garrett and I felt they made a good couple. Bryan, Melanie and Sandy were a perfect blend of adorable and heart aching. Rufus the saint bernard was simply a loveable, lumbering sweetheart. A very pleasurable read. This is my honest, voluntary review.
September 10, 2019
Sweet Heartfelt Story
I loved this story. It was well written and full of sweet heartfelt moments. I loved how you could see the male protagonist's growth and how he came to love the children and see that there is more to life than work.
One small criticism is that the kids did not seem to "speak" their ages. They seemed to be much more aware of the world and human interactions considering that they only recently lost their parents. Their words would have made more sense had they spent considerable time in the foster care system.
Other than that, I thought the story was practically perfect. I look forward to reading more by this author!
---Kindle Unlimited Reader
I loved this story. It was well written and full of sweet heartfelt moments. I loved how you could see the male protagonist's growth and how he came to love the children and see that there is more to life than work.
One small criticism is that the kids did not seem to "speak" their ages. They seemed to be much more aware of the world and human interactions considering that they only recently lost their parents. Their words would have made more sense had they spent considerable time in the foster care system.
Other than that, I thought the story was practically perfect. I look forward to reading more by this author!
---Kindle Unlimited Reader
February 26, 2020
Love % Order
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Garrett a successful lawyer was a confirmed bachelor. His parents had had a strong marriage which ended in divorce while he was still young. His father had been.a strict disciplinarian, so Garrent kept everything neat and organized was shocked when returning home for his mother's service, that not only had she adopted 3 children plus a largex.dog, but that her will named him as their legal guardian on her dearh. April agreed to stay in as a nanny for 2 weeks and to find him a permanent nany/housekeeper A lot of adjustments followed. A good story which kept me engaged to the end. I have it 5stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Garrett a successful lawyer was a confirmed bachelor. His parents had had a strong marriage which ended in divorce while he was still young. His father had been.a strict disciplinarian, so Garrent kept everything neat and organized was shocked when returning home for his mother's service, that not only had she adopted 3 children plus a largex.dog, but that her will named him as their legal guardian on her dearh. April agreed to stay in as a nanny for 2 weeks and to find him a permanent nany/housekeeper A lot of adjustments followed. A good story which kept me engaged to the end. I have it 5stars
December 8, 2019
I am so excited to see this new series coming our way and what a great beginning to it. To return home and become an instant dad to three young children and a goofy dog the size of a house. Garrett's neat and organized life will no longer be there. April has been staying with the kids and gets the offer to go with them to be there nanny until he can figure all of this out. This story is filled with laughter, fun times, craziness and learning what love is all about. Dont miss out on this new series and grab your copy today. Cant wait to read the next one!!!!
October 24, 2020
Love & Order was such fun to read. It is an amazing, fun, heart warming romance. Garrett and April made a wonderful couple. The three children plus one huge dog made for some interesting moments. All these characters just pulled me into the story and left me there until I got to the end. There is so much to love - personable characters; well written story; 3 kids. a large dog; a powerful attorney with no parenting skills, a social worker with a heart of gold. If you enjoy clean romance with all the messes, do not miss this book!
September 2, 2019
“Love & Order” by Elsie Davis
A wonderful sweet clean romance story.. A story filled with characters dealing with life-changing events… and the choices required to best face the future. A perfect story to engage your heart and mind and fill you with hope for the future. I received a free copy via BookFunnel from the publisher for an honest opinion. This story is well worth the read. Happy Reading !!
A wonderful sweet clean romance story.. A story filled with characters dealing with life-changing events… and the choices required to best face the future. A perfect story to engage your heart and mind and fill you with hope for the future. I received a free copy via BookFunnel from the publisher for an honest opinion. This story is well worth the read. Happy Reading !!
September 5, 2019
Love and Order
By Elsie Davis
I truly enjoyed this story about Garret, April, Bryon, Melanie, Sandy and Rufus. Entertaining to see how they learn how to become a family. Garret is plunged from bachelorhood into an instant family with three kids and a St. Bernard with lots of mishaps along the way and lots of tender moments too. It’s a story that is a sweet read but has moments where it can be emotional. Enjoyed immensely.
By Elsie Davis
I truly enjoyed this story about Garret, April, Bryon, Melanie, Sandy and Rufus. Entertaining to see how they learn how to become a family. Garret is plunged from bachelorhood into an instant family with three kids and a St. Bernard with lots of mishaps along the way and lots of tender moments too. It’s a story that is a sweet read but has moments where it can be emotional. Enjoyed immensely.
September 13, 2019
Lovely story! About the businessman having to learn that there is more to life than just business. About three young children having to adjust to all the changes in their lives. Not all fun. And about the former foster-care child, now a young woman, making a fresh start.
Oh, and of course there still is Rufus, who just is who he is: a very sweet and very, very large dog.
I really enjoyed this story!
Oh, and of course there still is Rufus, who just is who he is: a very sweet and very, very large dog.
I really enjoyed this story!
November 11, 2020
What a delightful read! Elsie Davis gifts us with a terrific tale of three adorable children and a big ole dog named Rufus. How can you NOT live a story with those elements? Love and Order has a great storyline; wonderful characters; interesting plot twists and turns; and a marvelous HEA. It belongs on your TBR list for sure. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it!) ❤️❤️
December 7, 2020
Garrett is a single, big city lawyer. His existence revolves around work and a quiet and clean penthouse. When his mother passes away, he's left with more than he bargained for in three adopted siblings he didn't know he had. April is the case worker that has been staying with the kids until Garrett showed up. Garrett makes April an offer she can't refuse and both of them end up with more than they thought possible. Sweet, feel good story that will steal your heart.
September 1, 2019
Gareth’s mother has just died and hi is back in Hallbrook to sort things out. To his surprise he has now three children and a big dog to take care. April I send been helping with the kids and Gareth offer her to com backs to New York with him an de help him find a full tome nanny for the kids. But will Gareth realise that family is the most important thing in life and that he has one already?
December 25, 2019
A great book!! Loved everything about it. I needed a book that warmed my heart and this book did just that and more. I got this book through Kindle Unlimited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
March 16, 2020
This provides such a great balance between kids, a dog and unprepared adults. There is sweetness and chaos, stubbornness and manipulation, angst and joy all wrapped up in a terrific love story.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and am pleased to provide my honest review. If you are looking for a really good romance, this could be the book for you!
I received a free advanced copy of this book and am pleased to provide my honest review. If you are looking for a really good romance, this could be the book for you!
November 11, 2020
This is a great story. Garrett is a super focused guy. April is a sweet and determined young lady. The story is filled with fun filled moments involving the three children and the dog. As everyone tries to figure out how they fit into this new normal. It is a story about making family from what you are given. Love worms it’s way into everyone’s heart and binds them all together.
November 18, 2020
A lovely story about love and family. What happens when a single bachelor from Manhattan inherits 3 children and a giant dog? Read this to find out! It is a very interesting story that includes character that are all too realistic and a plot that will tug at your heart.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review.
September 19, 2019
I liked the concept of this book but it just didn't click for me the way I wanted it to. This seems to be a promising series, just because this book did not work for me doesn't mean the others won't. Definitely willing to give them a try.
February 22, 2020
Wonderful story
I loved all the characters. Garret took to fatherhood really well. I was surprised that the kids all handled the death of their parents and grms so well. Glad it worked out for everyone.
I loved all the characters. Garret took to fatherhood really well. I was surprised that the kids all handled the death of their parents and grms so well. Glad it worked out for everyone.
March 9, 2020
This book was so cute, gosh. Like everything, the couple, the kids, the dog, the scenario, all of it.
The only thing I didn't like was when April ran away without saying anything or trying to have a conversation like an adult person.
I'm going to read this series, I really liked this one.
The only thing I didn't like was when April ran away without saying anything or trying to have a conversation like an adult person.
I'm going to read this series, I really liked this one.
April 11, 2020
Cute light romance
An airy, super positive romance. Sweet characters, a dog, and a happy ending. Total fluff, but sometimes rather mindless reading is exactly what is needed to escape coronavirus stress.
An airy, super positive romance. Sweet characters, a dog, and a happy ending. Total fluff, but sometimes rather mindless reading is exactly what is needed to escape coronavirus stress.
September 14, 2019
This is a light, easy read. I liked the concept and believe it could be even better with some editing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews