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Fortune Bay #3
Home for Christmas: A Fortune Bay Romance
b> Welcome to Christmas in Fortune Bay.
Blue’s carried a torch for Louise his entire life, always stepping in when she needs him most.
Now Louise is back, spending December in the Murphy cabin in Fortune Bay, in the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. But it’s just for Christmas. She's just finished pastry school and plans to spend the month catching up with friends and spending time with her ill father. Then she'll return to Seattle to find her dream job.
As the Christmas festivities swirl around them drawing Louise and Blue closer together, fate steps in again and Louise’s plans for a new life begin to crumble. But will it be Blue who pulls her through this time?
She has another new boyfriend, but Blue knows it probably won’t last very long, and that although it will be his broad shoulders she cries on when it ends, she'll never see how much he loves her.
But how long should a guy have to wait? He understands better than anyone that her leaning toward short-term relationships is to protect her heart from more loss and pain. It’s been her MO in affairs of the heart ever since the horrible accident years ago that, following close on the heels on the death of her mother, left Louise convinced she would never have a family of her own.
But Blue is determined not to get sucked into her drama. To get on with his own life--with or without her.
Then a life-changing development throws Louise’s plans into confusing disarray. Can the new boyfriend take care of her as Blue always has? He has his doubts, but can he wait around to pick up the pieces again?
The Fortune Bay series is set in .
Blue’s carried a torch for Louise his entire life, always stepping in when she needs him most.
Now Louise is back, spending December in the Murphy cabin in Fortune Bay, in the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. But it’s just for Christmas. She's just finished pastry school and plans to spend the month catching up with friends and spending time with her ill father. Then she'll return to Seattle to find her dream job.
As the Christmas festivities swirl around them drawing Louise and Blue closer together, fate steps in again and Louise’s plans for a new life begin to crumble. But will it be Blue who pulls her through this time?
She has another new boyfriend, but Blue knows it probably won’t last very long, and that although it will be his broad shoulders she cries on when it ends, she'll never see how much he loves her.
But how long should a guy have to wait? He understands better than anyone that her leaning toward short-term relationships is to protect her heart from more loss and pain. It’s been her MO in affairs of the heart ever since the horrible accident years ago that, following close on the heels on the death of her mother, left Louise convinced she would never have a family of her own.
But Blue is determined not to get sucked into her drama. To get on with his own life--with or without her.
Then a life-changing development throws Louise’s plans into confusing disarray. Can the new boyfriend take care of her as Blue always has? He has his doubts, but can he wait around to pick up the pieces again?
The Fortune Bay series is set in .
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2020
141 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Judith Hudson
10 books279 followersJudith writes romantic women's fiction, women's fiction and mystery under the name of J.M. Hudson.
Her latest book came out in October 2024, Italian Murder Mystery , the second Rocky and Bernadette travel mystery.
This time, Rocky and Bernadette are in Cremona Italy the violin capital of the world. It should be a fun week full of scrumptious Italian food, beautiful medieval architecture and wonderful music, Until Rocky's old friend Hamish turns up dead in the Piazza. Rocky owes Hamish his life, so he has to step in.
The Secret of Elk Horn Lodge , is women's fiction rich with family mystery beginning decades ago.
Holly thought she was alone in the world since the recent death of her mother, but then she receives a curious letter from the lawyers of a Grandfather she didn't know she had. It requests her attendance at the reading of his will in the town of Skookum on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. What she discovers here will change her life forever - a new family who wants to claim her inheritance, an abandoned but quite wonderful hunting lodge, and a half-sister she has never known.
Grandad has given her three months to find her sister, the co-inheritor of the lodge, or the whole thing goes to the grasping cousins with their unscrupulous plans.
Judith's romantic women's fiction series, the seven Fortune Bay books , is set on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. In each book, someone at a crossroads of their life moves into a ramshackle cabin on Majestic Lake. While there, they work through their problems with the help of friends and family, and with the occasional nudge from the friendly spirit of Aunt Augusta, the cabin's previous owner. If a romance grows in the process, and it always does, well, so much the better.
Judith grew up in Toronto Canada, went to high school in St. Louis MO, then moved to the Pacific Northwest where she now lives on beautiful Vancouver Island.
As an landscape artist and photographer, the setting of the story is very important to Judy. "I've painted in the area for many years and I think it helps me make the setting real for the reader. Helps draw them into the story. My characters are often artists, like Maddie, the darkroom photographer in Summer of Fortune who is at Fortune Bay for the summer to work on her first professional show, and Stephanie, the widowed matriarch of the clan who is finding a new life as a painter." She has also done some work as a travel writer and photographer.
All books are available in paperback and eBook formats, and the Fortune Bay books Temple of the Jaguar are available in audio as well.
Her latest book came out in October 2024, Italian Murder Mystery , the second Rocky and Bernadette travel mystery.
This time, Rocky and Bernadette are in Cremona Italy the violin capital of the world. It should be a fun week full of scrumptious Italian food, beautiful medieval architecture and wonderful music, Until Rocky's old friend Hamish turns up dead in the Piazza. Rocky owes Hamish his life, so he has to step in.
The Secret of Elk Horn Lodge , is women's fiction rich with family mystery beginning decades ago.
Holly thought she was alone in the world since the recent death of her mother, but then she receives a curious letter from the lawyers of a Grandfather she didn't know she had. It requests her attendance at the reading of his will in the town of Skookum on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. What she discovers here will change her life forever - a new family who wants to claim her inheritance, an abandoned but quite wonderful hunting lodge, and a half-sister she has never known.
Grandad has given her three months to find her sister, the co-inheritor of the lodge, or the whole thing goes to the grasping cousins with their unscrupulous plans.
Judith's romantic women's fiction series, the seven Fortune Bay books , is set on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. In each book, someone at a crossroads of their life moves into a ramshackle cabin on Majestic Lake. While there, they work through their problems with the help of friends and family, and with the occasional nudge from the friendly spirit of Aunt Augusta, the cabin's previous owner. If a romance grows in the process, and it always does, well, so much the better.
Judith grew up in Toronto Canada, went to high school in St. Louis MO, then moved to the Pacific Northwest where she now lives on beautiful Vancouver Island.
As an landscape artist and photographer, the setting of the story is very important to Judy. "I've painted in the area for many years and I think it helps me make the setting real for the reader. Helps draw them into the story. My characters are often artists, like Maddie, the darkroom photographer in Summer of Fortune who is at Fortune Bay for the summer to work on her first professional show, and Stephanie, the widowed matriarch of the clan who is finding a new life as a painter." She has also done some work as a travel writer and photographer.
All books are available in paperback and eBook formats, and the Fortune Bay books Temple of the Jaguar are available in audio as well.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 11, 2021
I loved the story. I thought the Author did a good job of telling the story of Blue and Louise. The book is labeled as a Christmas story. There really wasn’t much Christmas about the story except that Louise was visiting during that time and at the end Blue was playing Santa. I thought the characters were very well developed. I liked the story. I liked that there wasn’t much profanity if any during the telling of the story. One thing I disagree with is contributing the blessings of heaven that Louise is experiencing as “universe” telling her. I also believe the Tarot Card reading was unnecessary to the telling of the story especially since this is suppose to be a “Christmas” volume in this Fortune Bay series.
I thought the book ended well.
I thought the book ended well.
December 20, 2019
A future without fear!
Louise Ingstrom left Fortune Bay to find a new future in the city as a chef. Winning the coveted Golden Pretzel was more than she had hoped for and now she is back in Fortune Bay for Christmas with her family and friends. Louise has rented Aunt Augusta’s cabin, ghosts and all, and will take the time she needs to find a job in the city and a future that will include her boyfriend, Marco. She has a poor track record in picking relationships but she is sure this time will be different, until she sees Blue, her best friend growing up. Just like Fortune Bay, Blue has changed. The chubby, shy teen is now a handsome, quiet man with a drool-worthy body that stops her in her tracks.
Blue has loved Louise ever since they were awkward teens but he has never had the courage to tell her after she rebuffed his first and only advance so many years ago. He can’t keep torturing himself anymore by being there every time she has a relationship crisis but when he sees tears in her eyes he is lost. I love how Judith Hudson incorporates Aunt Augusta into the storyline and how her cabin always plays a big part in the characters lives. This is a beautiful Christmas romance that I really enjoyed!
Louise Ingstrom left Fortune Bay to find a new future in the city as a chef. Winning the coveted Golden Pretzel was more than she had hoped for and now she is back in Fortune Bay for Christmas with her family and friends. Louise has rented Aunt Augusta’s cabin, ghosts and all, and will take the time she needs to find a job in the city and a future that will include her boyfriend, Marco. She has a poor track record in picking relationships but she is sure this time will be different, until she sees Blue, her best friend growing up. Just like Fortune Bay, Blue has changed. The chubby, shy teen is now a handsome, quiet man with a drool-worthy body that stops her in her tracks.
Blue has loved Louise ever since they were awkward teens but he has never had the courage to tell her after she rebuffed his first and only advance so many years ago. He can’t keep torturing himself anymore by being there every time she has a relationship crisis but when he sees tears in her eyes he is lost. I love how Judith Hudson incorporates Aunt Augusta into the storyline and how her cabin always plays a big part in the characters lives. This is a beautiful Christmas romance that I really enjoyed!
April 17, 2020
This is her best story yet. It is in the Fortune Bay Series. This would be great as a stand alone book. There is minimal swearing and no graphic sex scenes, this makes me happy as it can be a family book. She won the golden pretzil award and came back to Fortune Bay for Christmas with her family. The storyline is well described with believable and interesting characters. I enjoyed this book.
September 12, 2024
What the foreworks
Louise and Blue have been best buds forever. She has lived in Fortune Bay her whole life until she goes to pastry school and comes home for Christmas and she starts to see Blue in anew way. Blue finally got tired of waiting in the background.
Louise and Blue have been best buds forever. She has lived in Fortune Bay her whole life until she goes to pastry school and comes home for Christmas and she starts to see Blue in anew way. Blue finally got tired of waiting in the background.
December 21, 2022
All of these are pleasant books revolving around a group of friends in a small picturesque town.
May 26, 2017
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
This book is part of the Fortune Bay series, but it can be read as a standalone. There is minimal cursing (no f-bombs) and although there are a few hot kisses and a vaguely described (not graphic) sex scene. There is one scene that could possibly be seen as cheating of a sort. It's tenuous, but if you're sensitive to that, this might not be the book for you.
I love this series, but I have to admit that Louise was not my favorite Fortune Bay character. I loved all of the side-stories involving her, the way that she connected with Amber and Brandy, and her changing relationships with her friends, her father and Belinda, the Murphys, and even her relationship with Max. All of that was wonderful. Unfortunately, she jerked Blue around so much that I wish he'd made her work harder for his forgiveness at the end because I have to admit that I still wasn't sold that she deserved or appreciated him. *SPOILER ALERT to end of paragraph* I also have to say that I hated that they slept together while she was still in some ambiguous kind-of relationship with Marco. She used Blue for comfort, then the sheets were barely cooled off before she started talking about how she had to give her maybe-boyfriend-maybe-just-a-hookup “a chance”? Totally off-putting. I was pleased by her choices at the end of the book but after reading her plea to Blue at the end, I'm wasn't convinced that she didn't just choose Blue because he was a good guy who would take care of her and the baby. I very much hope that the next story in this series finds them happy and so sweetly in love that my teeth will ache.
Blue's only flaw was that he was too nice. That might be the first time I have ever written that sentence in a review. In this era of romance novels that have swaggering jerks labeled “alpha heroes” as their main male character, Blue (and all of the men of Fortune Bay) was a breath of fresh air. He was a bear of a man, but there was nothing rough or angry or cocky about him, he was just a seriously good, hard-working man and I loved that. He was a little gruff, a little anti-social, but he would literally have given the shirt off of his back to anyone who needed it.
Despite the things I didn't enjoy about this story, this book is a SOLID four star book because Ms. Hudson has a way of writing that always keeps me interested (even when I'm frustrated), and because the side characters and the town of Fortune Bay are so wonderful. I will be sad when this series ends because I am so very fond of all of the characters. Yes, even Louise.
I am very grateful that I got to read this story, and would recommend it to anyone who likes a long-suffering-friends-to-lovers story, and who enjoys a book hero that you can't help but love because Blue is absolutely fantastic.
I was gifted a copy of this book and wrote the review not out of obligation, but because I enjoyed the story and the trip back to Fortune Bay.
This book is part of the Fortune Bay series, but it can be read as a standalone. There is minimal cursing (no f-bombs) and although there are a few hot kisses and a vaguely described (not graphic) sex scene. There is one scene that could possibly be seen as cheating of a sort. It's tenuous, but if you're sensitive to that, this might not be the book for you.
I love this series, but I have to admit that Louise was not my favorite Fortune Bay character. I loved all of the side-stories involving her, the way that she connected with Amber and Brandy, and her changing relationships with her friends, her father and Belinda, the Murphys, and even her relationship with Max. All of that was wonderful. Unfortunately, she jerked Blue around so much that I wish he'd made her work harder for his forgiveness at the end because I have to admit that I still wasn't sold that she deserved or appreciated him. *SPOILER ALERT to end of paragraph* I also have to say that I hated that they slept together while she was still in some ambiguous kind-of relationship with Marco. She used Blue for comfort, then the sheets were barely cooled off before she started talking about how she had to give her maybe-boyfriend-maybe-just-a-hookup “a chance”? Totally off-putting. I was pleased by her choices at the end of the book but after reading her plea to Blue at the end, I'm wasn't convinced that she didn't just choose Blue because he was a good guy who would take care of her and the baby. I very much hope that the next story in this series finds them happy and so sweetly in love that my teeth will ache.
Blue's only flaw was that he was too nice. That might be the first time I have ever written that sentence in a review. In this era of romance novels that have swaggering jerks labeled “alpha heroes” as their main male character, Blue (and all of the men of Fortune Bay) was a breath of fresh air. He was a bear of a man, but there was nothing rough or angry or cocky about him, he was just a seriously good, hard-working man and I loved that. He was a little gruff, a little anti-social, but he would literally have given the shirt off of his back to anyone who needed it.
Despite the things I didn't enjoy about this story, this book is a SOLID four star book because Ms. Hudson has a way of writing that always keeps me interested (even when I'm frustrated), and because the side characters and the town of Fortune Bay are so wonderful. I will be sad when this series ends because I am so very fond of all of the characters. Yes, even Louise.
I am very grateful that I got to read this story, and would recommend it to anyone who likes a long-suffering-friends-to-lovers story, and who enjoys a book hero that you can't help but love because Blue is absolutely fantastic.
I was gifted a copy of this book and wrote the review not out of obligation, but because I enjoyed the story and the trip back to Fortune Bay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2016
Home for Christmas
Louise returns home to Fortune Bay after winning the prestigious Golden Pretzel award at her pastry chef course in Seattle. She plans to recharge her batteries and spend time with her ailing father over Christmas, but then she’s going back to the city and the career she has worked so hard to prepare for. To be hired as a pastry chef in a prestigious hotel and to live with her new boyfriend, Marco, would be the fulfillment of her dreams. But Marco proves elusive and her childhood friend, Blue, awakens feelings that surprise her. The new resort in Fortune Bay needs a chef and Louise could have the job, but does she want it? An unexpected dilemma and her on-going fear of commitment threatens to sabotage her hopes for happiness. Then Aunt Augusta steps in. She haunts the cabin that Louise is staying in and nudges her to re-evaluate her decisions. At times the story flows like poetry. My favorite line was, ‘The rain fell soft as cat’s paws on the tin roof over the porch...’ This book is a perfect Christmas story with well-developed characters working hard for their happy ending.
Louise returns home to Fortune Bay after winning the prestigious Golden Pretzel award at her pastry chef course in Seattle. She plans to recharge her batteries and spend time with her ailing father over Christmas, but then she’s going back to the city and the career she has worked so hard to prepare for. To be hired as a pastry chef in a prestigious hotel and to live with her new boyfriend, Marco, would be the fulfillment of her dreams. But Marco proves elusive and her childhood friend, Blue, awakens feelings that surprise her. The new resort in Fortune Bay needs a chef and Louise could have the job, but does she want it? An unexpected dilemma and her on-going fear of commitment threatens to sabotage her hopes for happiness. Then Aunt Augusta steps in. She haunts the cabin that Louise is staying in and nudges her to re-evaluate her decisions. At times the story flows like poetry. My favorite line was, ‘The rain fell soft as cat’s paws on the tin roof over the porch...’ This book is a perfect Christmas story with well-developed characters working hard for their happy ending.
November 2, 2016
I read Lake of Dreams (the prequel to the Fortune Bay Series) but have not yet read any of the other books in this series. Overall, I would say that this is mostly a standalone story. It is definitely about Louise and Blue. He has stayed around Fortune Bay all his life. Louise has always felt like she had to get out and has just returned from being gone a couple months. Due to those things I don’t really feel like I missed much about their history that wasn’t covered in this book. I will be going back and reading book one and book two though. The couples from those two books showed up a lot throughout this one and I want to see how they came to be. I loved Blue and think I just found my new book boyfriend. There were times I wanted him to put himself first and stick to telling Louise that he wouldn’t wait anymore. But that’s one of the things that makes him so great. He never gave up on her or their love.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.*
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.*
November 4, 2016
I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily writing an honest review.
I have fallen in love with Fortune Bay and the characters who live there! Louise let Fortune Bay to attend pastry school and plans to start her new life in Seattle. Returning home for the holidays gives her a chance to reconnect with her family and friends. Blue has had a crush on Louise since they were children and hopes they can finally become more than friends. Louise has no intention of staying in Fortune Bay but will unforeseen circumstances force her to rethink her future plans? The characters in this book are realistic and likeable although I found myself disliking Louise at one point. A heartwarming story just in time for the holidays!
I have fallen in love with Fortune Bay and the characters who live there! Louise let Fortune Bay to attend pastry school and plans to start her new life in Seattle. Returning home for the holidays gives her a chance to reconnect with her family and friends. Blue has had a crush on Louise since they were children and hopes they can finally become more than friends. Louise has no intention of staying in Fortune Bay but will unforeseen circumstances force her to rethink her future plans? The characters in this book are realistic and likeable although I found myself disliking Louise at one point. A heartwarming story just in time for the holidays!
September 18, 2017
Louise is back in Fortune Bay after finishing her culinary course in Seattle only for Christmas, or so she says. Coming back is hard, her father is still recovering from a heart attack, Blue, her friends are moving with their lives, his best friend forever Blue is acting weird and she discover is pregnant from Marco, a friend with benefits from Seattle. Blue is been in love with Louise forever, but she sees him only as his best friend, but he is done waiting for her. Demons from the past are keeping Louise shut from love since the lost of her mother. Can she overcome her past and give it a try and be happy?
A very true tough and tender love story. Fortune Bay show us what really matters in life, love, friendship and family.
A very true tough and tender love story. Fortune Bay show us what really matters in life, love, friendship and family.
September 21, 2018
This is a very realistic & entertaining story. These two are definitely an example of opposites attract and true love. I love Blue, he loves Louise. Louise, engaged my emotions as well...she got on my last nerve :). She was a little indecisive and I really want to describe her as leading Blue on but I think she is a female version of a "player". Blue has a whole lot of patience. Louise obviously has some issues that she is allowing to control her instead of her handling them. I did feel sorry for her but most of her decision making came across as immature. I love how this community rallies together, she had so much support but she is scarred, emotionally. Rejection is a powerful eye-opener, when you really love someone.....you will work for the relationship.
September 21, 2018
This is a very realistic & entertaining story. These two are definitely an example of opposites attract and true love. I love Blue, he loves Louise. Louise, engaged my emotions as well...she got on my last nerve :). She was a little indecisive and I really want to describe her as leading Blue on but I think she is a female version of a "player". Blue has a whole lot of patience. Louise obviously has some issues that she is allowing to control her instead of her handling them. I did feel sorry for her but most of her decision making came across as immature. I love how this community rallies together, she had so much support but she is scarred, emotionally. Rejection is a powerful eye-opener, when you really love someone.....you will work for the relationship.
November 26, 2018
A second chance for Louise and Blue?
I loved reading about Fortune Bay again. Louise has finally finished her studies and has won the coveted prize, The Pretzel. She's returned home for a short time as she job hunts, never meaning to stay in Fortune Bay. Blue is quietly waiting for Louise to recognize his feelings for her. And then there's Marco, one of the instructors at Louise's school. Although they've been sleeping together, they never were together in public. When Louise realizes that she's pregnant with Marco's baby, chaos reigns as Louise tries to decide what her best option will be.
I loved reading about Fortune Bay again. Louise has finally finished her studies and has won the coveted prize, The Pretzel. She's returned home for a short time as she job hunts, never meaning to stay in Fortune Bay. Blue is quietly waiting for Louise to recognize his feelings for her. And then there's Marco, one of the instructors at Louise's school. Although they've been sleeping together, they never were together in public. When Louise realizes that she's pregnant with Marco's baby, chaos reigns as Louise tries to decide what her best option will be.
November 1, 2016
I received this book as an advanced read for an honest opinion and I am so glad that I did. This is the first time that I have read this author. I was so taken by the characters in this book, that I really didn't want it to end. It is the story of Louise, who goes home to help her step-mother (who she dislikes)with her estranged father when he becomes ill. In the process she learns the meaning of family.
I highly recommend it.
I highly recommend it.
December 21, 2018
Great Christmas Love Story
Louise has had her share of tragedy, the death of her mom and boyfriend and also a miscarriage. Blue has been her best friend since they were kids and in love with her just a long. Can she overcome her depression and fear long enough to see the true love right in front of her? I highly recommend you read this book and find out! You won't be disappointed.
Louise has had her share of tragedy, the death of her mom and boyfriend and also a miscarriage. Blue has been her best friend since they were kids and in love with her just a long. Can she overcome her depression and fear long enough to see the true love right in front of her? I highly recommend you read this book and find out! You won't be disappointed.
July 15, 2018
Pregnant, alone and back in Fortune Bay after she had sworn to find her future in the city!
Her mother's death followed by her boyfriend's death and a miscarriage had triggered the chaos of her life and once again promise to take happiness and forever with it!
Can she trust enough to overcome her fear?
A well written story line
Her mother's death followed by her boyfriend's death and a miscarriage had triggered the chaos of her life and once again promise to take happiness and forever with it!
Can she trust enough to overcome her fear?
A well written story line
August 6, 2018
Oh wow! I adored this book. Beautifully written, of course, and with so many beautiful moments. The relationships that are explored in this story are poignant and powerful, the romance is so real, and the strength that the characters possess is glorious, particularly as we see the heroine blossom and find her true self. A wonderful and creative story that filled my heart with happiness.
November 3, 2016
A lovely Christmas Story. Enjoyed it very much.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews