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Vacation Romance #1
Island Dreams
A free trip leads to island romance. It was a miracle. I never won anything. But here I was, boarding a plane for an all-expenses paid trip to Makani Island. Alone. I wasn’t expecting anything more than a soul-soothing vacation.
Then I met him. A total grouch, or so I thought. A guy I wouldn’t want to see again. Ever. But somehow, he convinced me to take a walk on the beach. The walk turned into an all-night conversation. A once in a lifetime connection. We both knew it, but his mega-wealthy parents had wedding plans set out for him already.
He said he was his own man, but I refused to be a wedge between them. Could I really give him up? The bigger question was…would he let me?
Island Dreams is a clean short read, and the first in a vacation romance series.
Then I met him. A total grouch, or so I thought. A guy I wouldn’t want to see again. Ever. But somehow, he convinced me to take a walk on the beach. The walk turned into an all-night conversation. A once in a lifetime connection. We both knew it, but his mega-wealthy parents had wedding plans set out for him already.
He said he was his own man, but I refused to be a wedge between them. Could I really give him up? The bigger question was…would he let me?
Island Dreams is a clean short read, and the first in a vacation romance series.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2020
124 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Evangeline Kelly
44 books211 followersEvangeline Kelly is the pen name I use to write contemporary Christian romance books. When I was a kid, I had two dreams. One was to work with at risk youth and the other was to write books. After pursuing my passion of working with foster children for over twenty years, I finally decided to pursue my childhood dream of writing.
I love a good book that draws you in and takes hold of your heart. When I write, I hope to show real life situations people go through and how God uses those situations to draw us closer to Himself.
I’ve witnessed suffering in my line of work, but I’ve also witnessed God’s redeeming love. A good Christian romance features both hardship and delight. My hope is that my stories not only entertain, but encourage, and most of all, that they bring glory and honor to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Visit my Amazon Author Page!
https://www.amazon.com/Evangeline-Kel...
Sign-up for my newsletter and receive my book, Matchmaker for free.
http://eepurl.com/cQsCTb
Visit my Author Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/EvangelineKe...
I love a good book that draws you in and takes hold of your heart. When I write, I hope to show real life situations people go through and how God uses those situations to draw us closer to Himself.
I’ve witnessed suffering in my line of work, but I’ve also witnessed God’s redeeming love. A good Christian romance features both hardship and delight. My hope is that my stories not only entertain, but encourage, and most of all, that they bring glory and honor to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Visit my Amazon Author Page!
https://www.amazon.com/Evangeline-Kel...
Sign-up for my newsletter and receive my book, Matchmaker for free.
http://eepurl.com/cQsCTb
Visit my Author Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/EvangelineKe...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 13, 2020
Snack-sized happily-ever-after (with a parental caveat)
This is a 10 chapter novella, so it's not surprising that there's not a whole lot of depth to it. Nevertheless, it's well done within its size limitations.
Tara is our Cinderella - an orphan working 3 jobs trying to put herself thru college who unexpectedly wins a tropical vacation. She has a meet-awkward with a guy who she later meets again at a party.
They end up connecting strongly, but see no future for their relationship since all their circumstances seem to be against them.
The resolution to their problems is really sweet & delivers a very satisfying happy ending for such a quick read.
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*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Parents: this is suitable for teens content-wise, but I kept thinking about Natalie Holloway's murder as I was initially reading about Tara's vacation.
Make sure your teens know that in real life, the heroine made several dangerous decisions. Remind them of some safety basics: Always keep an eye on your drinks. Don't go to parties with virtual strangers. Don't let a stranger take you home from a party. (Heck, even guys they know but not well enough to trust with their lives)
This is a 10 chapter novella, so it's not surprising that there's not a whole lot of depth to it. Nevertheless, it's well done within its size limitations.
Tara is our Cinderella - an orphan working 3 jobs trying to put herself thru college who unexpectedly wins a tropical vacation. She has a meet-awkward with a guy who she later meets again at a party.
They end up connecting strongly, but see no future for their relationship since all their circumstances seem to be against them.
The resolution to their problems is really sweet & delivers a very satisfying happy ending for such a quick read.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Parents: this is suitable for teens content-wise, but I kept thinking about Natalie Holloway's murder as I was initially reading about Tara's vacation.
Make sure your teens know that in real life, the heroine made several dangerous decisions. Remind them of some safety basics: Always keep an eye on your drinks. Don't go to parties with virtual strangers. Don't let a stranger take you home from a party. (Heck, even guys they know but not well enough to trust with their lives)
August 10, 2020
Short, sweet and to the point. Tara has won a vacation to Makani Island in the Pacific Ocean. It's for two, so she has invited a girlfriend to join. The girlfriend gets sick and back out of going. So Tara goes on her own. Once on the island Tara meets Joey who invites her to a party being thrown by a wealthy family. After getting to the party, Tara and Joey separate. Now Tara meets Ean, the son of the wealty parents and they connect. The problem is that Ean's parents expect to become engaged to Prissy who is a childhood friend, who does want to marry Ean. But Ean doesn't have any romantic feeings for Prissy. As Ean spends more time with Tara, he gets the feeling she's the one. The only problem is that Ean's parents object to him marrying Tara and show their displeasure to the point of threating to cut him out of the family business and their lives. Needless to say who does he choose and what happens between Tara and Ean. The story concludes satisfactorily for all the parties involved. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 10, 2020
A quick and intriguing read about balancing loss, love, values, goals and possibilities
Tara lost her parents in an accident just after turning 18 leaving her to survive on her own. Going to college and working 3 part time jobs leaves no time for relaxation or romance. When she wins an island vacation in a sweepstakes, she knows this will be her only chance to relax. The day she arrives she meets Ean, a man from a wealthy family as well as wealthy in his own right. Ean and Tara are drawn together but Ean’s parents are determined that he marry for wealth and status. If he goes against his parents’ wishes he faces their anger and possibly being disowned. Tara knows how painful losing your family can be. Their choices will have impact. A great read about values, choices that need to be made and possibilities. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tara lost her parents in an accident just after turning 18 leaving her to survive on her own. Going to college and working 3 part time jobs leaves no time for relaxation or romance. When she wins an island vacation in a sweepstakes, she knows this will be her only chance to relax. The day she arrives she meets Ean, a man from a wealthy family as well as wealthy in his own right. Ean and Tara are drawn together but Ean’s parents are determined that he marry for wealth and status. If he goes against his parents’ wishes he faces their anger and possibly being disowned. Tara knows how painful losing your family can be. Their choices will have impact. A great read about values, choices that need to be made and possibilities. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2020
This novelette was a pleasant surprise; usually I don’t enjoy a shorter story as much because the storyline and the characters do not seem well-developed but that was not the case in this book. Tara and Ean come from two different worlds and they met when Tara won a two week trip to a tropical island where Ean’s family owned a vacation home. The whirlwind romance between the unlikely couple portrayed their strong soul connection and eventually their true love for one another. The storyline took some unexpected turns but it resulted in a conclusion that was very satisfying. Island Dreams is the perfect choice for a vacation read when you want something happy while you’re on the beach or relaxing at night. Highly recommend! I was entrusted with a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 11, 2020
A wonderful happy love story
Tara who is trying to finish her college education works three jobs in order to live her life. But one day she enters a contest for a two week vacation and she actually won it all expenses paid. She really likes where it was and had gone for a treat, which after getting it a great she backed into a young man and he and the girl who was with him gave her irritated reaction. In her mind she calls him Mr arrogant. So the next day or so she meets a young man who finally talks her into going to a large party with him. Well, guess who she meets there Ean, her Mr Arrogant. Turns out he is attracted to her and they spent those 2 week vacation days and falling in love. His parents are not thrilled and you must read this great tale to see how it all turns out to a happy ever after.
Well written story and very happy. Well worth your time.
Tara who is trying to finish her college education works three jobs in order to live her life. But one day she enters a contest for a two week vacation and she actually won it all expenses paid. She really likes where it was and had gone for a treat, which after getting it a great she backed into a young man and he and the girl who was with him gave her irritated reaction. In her mind she calls him Mr arrogant. So the next day or so she meets a young man who finally talks her into going to a large party with him. Well, guess who she meets there Ean, her Mr Arrogant. Turns out he is attracted to her and they spent those 2 week vacation days and falling in love. His parents are not thrilled and you must read this great tale to see how it all turns out to a happy ever after.
Well written story and very happy. Well worth your time.
August 15, 2022
Island Dreams is a cute short story about first impressions being wrong and finding the man of your dreams while on vacation. I really liked going on vacation with Tara and Ean, and exploring all the beautiful vistas the island had to offer. The parents' drama is pretty predictable (I mean, it's in the blurb), but I also think that's why I liked his sister all the more. The whirlwind romance felt both kinda believable and rushed to me, all at the same time. I'm not sure what all the "forces seem to bring us together - forces like God?" conversation was all about, since it actually felt forced, and it seemed more like an "excuse" to call this story a "Christian" romance. Still, this is a sweet story that comes with the perfectly wrapped-up HEA for these characters.
I'll be picking up the next one in the series since it has a couple of tropes I'm interested in. ~ 4 stars
I'll be picking up the next one in the series since it has a couple of tropes I'm interested in. ~ 4 stars
August 13, 2020
At the beginning I thought this book was just the stereotypical rich guy falls instantly in love with poor girl, they get married after only knowing each other a few days and they all live happily ever after... end of story – but it became much more than that. When Ean’s family threaten to disown him if he went ahead with the marriage, Tara didn’t want to destroy his relationship with his family so sacrificially gave him up. Ean decided that even though he wasn’t marrying Tara, he wanted control over his own life and moved closer to Tara and they decided to get to know each other better rather than rush into marriage. The epilogue was particularly satisfying. I was given an ARC, but this review is entirely my own.
October 3, 2020
Ean Falls Hard
When Tara won the 2 week vacation, she originally planned to take her friend Cassidy with her, but her friend got sick. She had no expectations of romance while there, but then she met Ean. Her family had been killed in an accident when she was eighteen. She values family highly. Ean's family has great expectations for him to marry Prissy, a family friend. He isn't willing to marry anyone he doesn't love. He quickly falls hard for Tara, but his parents not at all. That's the beginning of this book. If you're looking for a short, interesting read with a minor faith element, this story is for you.
When Tara won the 2 week vacation, she originally planned to take her friend Cassidy with her, but her friend got sick. She had no expectations of romance while there, but then she met Ean. Her family had been killed in an accident when she was eighteen. She values family highly. Ean's family has great expectations for him to marry Prissy, a family friend. He isn't willing to marry anyone he doesn't love. He quickly falls hard for Tara, but his parents not at all. That's the beginning of this book. If you're looking for a short, interesting read with a minor faith element, this story is for you.
August 22, 2020
A very cute story of guy meets girl, while he is out with someone else and there is an unexpected spark and neither can quit thinking of each other, while she is vacationing on an island resort, and he is there vacationing with his family at their island mansion. She then shows up at a party his sister is hosting where he meets up with her and they start talking and the attraction for one another intensifies. Will they continue to see each other, fall in love, get or will they go their separate after she leaves the island after her two week vacation ends.
August 12, 2020
This was a short romance about two very unlikely people that fell in love on an island. I loved the way the author developed the characters. The main characters are so different, but they do manage to become a couple. They are from two entirely different types of families, one very wealthy and the other a very hard working college student. It's a very quick read, but very enjoyable. It's a clean romance, which I like. I think anyone that enjoy clean romance stories, will like this one.
August 30, 2020
I loved this story! The heroine is a workaholic. She wins a vacation. She's going to go with a good friend, who has to cancel last minute. She decides to go even if it's just by herself. Can she reach outside of her comfort zone and maybe take a chance on love? This story takes place in a beautiful location where dreams can come true. Come along for the ride and maybe you'll fall in love too:) Fabulous characters and plot! It's a sweet romance waiting to happen. Happy Reading!
September 1, 2020
Such a sweet touching romance. I love both characters and their situation is a tear-jerker but I also think their insta-love challenges them to live life, nothing wrong with goals but when loves calls happiness deserves a chance. It is short but author doesn’t cut any corners with this engaging new love interest, keep me glued to my tablet from the jump. I received an advance reader copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
October 5, 2020
What an enjoyable read. I enjoy Evangeline's stories. Normally she writes with a strong Christian message, but this one is more clean than anything else. There are mentions of God, however. The main character lives a hard life, has to work 3 jobs to make ends meet. She wins a trip to an island in the Pacific. A dream come true. She has quite an adventure. A must read. Very sweet story. Quick read.
February 3, 2023
Enjoyable quick read
Needed a good lighthearted quick read and this book fit the bill to a tee. The romance was just the right touch and nice to see a rich "boy" be able to see that money and a cushy job isn't enough to allow parents to make a love decision for you, and the girl was still right to believe family is important. I loved how Evangeline was able to make both sides to be right. Great job!
Needed a good lighthearted quick read and this book fit the bill to a tee. The romance was just the right touch and nice to see a rich "boy" be able to see that money and a cushy job isn't enough to allow parents to make a love decision for you, and the girl was still right to believe family is important. I loved how Evangeline was able to make both sides to be right. Great job!
August 9, 2020
Loved it! Tara and Ean's love story was so good. Tara had won a trip to an island. Ean' s family owed a vacation home on that island. I read this in a day, I had to see if everything worked out. If you like clean sweet romances, you will enjoy, 'Island Dreams'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
August 15, 2020
A good read.
I enjoyed the H and h. Tara had a good heart & soul even though she's been through some really tough years. I'm glad Prissy grew up to realize what is right. I won't say too much more but I enjoy Ms. Kelly's books & have read a number of them & will definitely read more. Yes, I recommend this author & book.
I enjoyed the H and h. Tara had a good heart & soul even though she's been through some really tough years. I'm glad Prissy grew up to realize what is right. I won't say too much more but I enjoy Ms. Kelly's books & have read a number of them & will definitely read more. Yes, I recommend this author & book.
August 16, 2020
This is a short sweet romance with Ean and Tara who meet on a trip to a island vacation. They do not have much in common other than the attraction they have for each other. She is working her way through school and he is the son of wealthy parents who have his life planned for him. Will he follow his parents plan or make one for himself?
August 17, 2020
Short, sweet, and to the point
As it tends to be with novellas.
Just the right amount of sweet, fluffy, and some angst thrown in the mix.
I was glad to see Ean stand up to his parents and recognize they were the issue, not him. (So glad Tara eventually saw that too.)
Tara and Ean will have a beautiful story to tell their kids and grandkids one day!
As it tends to be with novellas.
Just the right amount of sweet, fluffy, and some angst thrown in the mix.
I was glad to see Ean stand up to his parents and recognize they were the issue, not him. (So glad Tara eventually saw that too.)
Tara and Ean will have a beautiful story to tell their kids and grandkids one day!
October 2, 2020
Sweet, clean roamance about a poor girl that wins an island vacation. Of course there just happens to be a guy there she meets. Lucky for her, he isn't poor. A cute short story with a happy ending. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really liked that the young man knew what he wanted.
February 7, 2023
Love Will Find a Way
You can't stop what the heart wants. You meet someone that matches everything you're looking for and do you take the risk in love and win the grand prize.
A nice story about people thinking they know what's best for you and then your heart steps in and leads you in another direction.
You can't stop what the heart wants. You meet someone that matches everything you're looking for and do you take the risk in love and win the grand prize.
A nice story about people thinking they know what's best for you and then your heart steps in and leads you in another direction.
August 30, 2023
Awesome amazing storyline!
I loved this story. These characters, and everything about this book. If you have never read anything by Evangeline Kelly, this is a great short story to start with. It's not only short but truly endearing! Take a look, but don't be surprised if you start looking up more and more of Evangelines books!! Great work, Evangeline. Keep those books coming!!
I loved this story. These characters, and everything about this book. If you have never read anything by Evangeline Kelly, this is a great short story to start with. It's not only short but truly endearing! Take a look, but don't be surprised if you start looking up more and more of Evangelines books!! Great work, Evangeline. Keep those books coming!!
August 9, 2020
Loved the characters! This was a fantastic short read, pulled me in right away. A sweet clean romance that was fabulous between two people that knew what they wanted. I enjoyed this short story and loved how it ended.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2020
A quick beach read.
Tara and Mr. Arrogant have a not meet cute that ends with them connecting in a hurry.
But he’s very much under his parents thumb and he’s pretty passive about all their machinations.
Tara and Mr. Arrogant have a not meet cute that ends with them connecting in a hurry.
But he’s very much under his parents thumb and he’s pretty passive about all their machinations.
August 10, 2020
I love short reads especially if they are well developed. Can instant love turn into forever love? Throw in meddling parents and miles apart and it looks like a no. Gotta read to find out. Loved the ending, ending.
August 11, 2020
Awesome-sauce! 😉😂
Another sweet read from Evangeline Kelly. This island-themed novella is about how Tara and Ean met whilst vacationing on Makani Island, their whirlwind romance and the many roadblocks along the way.
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
Another sweet read from Evangeline Kelly. This island-themed novella is about how Tara and Ean met whilst vacationing on Makani Island, their whirlwind romance and the many roadblocks along the way.
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
August 12, 2020
Can Tara and Ean fall in love in less than one week? Will Ean fight his family fir a chance to be with Tara? The magic of the Island is what bring them together, can they have their happily ever after? A sweet love story
August 12, 2020
This was a fantastic, insta-love short story with an added bonus of family drama thrown in. One awesome whirlwind romance for Tara & Ean. I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
August 12, 2020
Cute short story that I enjoyed reading. Tara and Ean have a whirlwind romance. Ean’s parents are controlling and against them. Ean follows Tara to pursue their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
August 13, 2020
I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. A great short read with interesting characters. Evangeline Kelly knows how to weave a story and keep your interest. I would recommend reading this book.
August 27, 2020
I have to admit that when I first heard it was going to be such a short novella I had my doubts. But the minute I started the story all doubts fell away for as always, Evangeline Kelly brings us a great romance story.
I received a free advanced copy but this review is my own honest opinion.
I received a free advanced copy but this review is my own honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews