New Year's Resolution: One To Keep

River's Sigh B&B #7

by Ev Bishop

It’s been two years since Sophie was dumped at the altar, and she’s scarred, but wiser. She has a career she loves, good friends, and a caring family. It should be more than enough, and she wants to vanquish the part of her that still craves something more.This year, unable to bear one more “festive” get together where everyone gives her sad eyes and asks how she’s doing, she heads to River’s Sigh B & B, a picturesque spot she discovered online. It will be a New Year’s celebration for one, a place to unwind and kick off her new to embrace single life as a permanent choice.Jesse Ales has found the perfect way to avoid the world this holiday season. He’ll be the caretaker at River’s Sigh B & B and enjoy a break from well-meaning friends who think he should be over his ex-wife. The whole place will be deserted, except for some eccentric old woman holidaying alone in the wilderness. Even after making her breakfast every day, he’ll have plenty of time to plan his new committed bachelorhood. When chance throws Sophie and Jesse together in a pub, a night of alcohol, food, and laughter-infused lunacy almost leads to a one-night stand. They’re both shaken, but doubly resolved to remain single. And then they meet again at River's Sigh and realize they’re about to spend a week alone together—twenty miles from their nearest neighbor. They’ll each have to face their worst their own unacknowledged yearnings for a love that lasts. Can love tempt them to commitment a second time around? Maybe. If they’re brave enough . . .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Christmas

186 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2015

About the author

Ev Bishop is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author, who believes in the power of fiction to transform lives, knowing we both lose ourselves—and find ourselves!—in good stories.

Best known for her small-town contemporary romance series, River’s Sigh B & B, readers describe her books as “full of humor, love and wisdom,” set in places “where breathtaking scenery and the magic of love are the best medicine for the soul.”

In addition to writing novels—her favorite length of story because she always has so much she wants to fit in!—Ev was a columnist with the Terrace Standard for almost twenty years and is a prolific scribbler of . . . other things. Her articles, essays, short stories, and poems appear in a variety of publications, and she also writes under the pen name Toni Sheridan.

When Ev’s nose isn’t in a book or her fingers aren’t on her keyboard, you’ll find her with her family and dogs or playing outside, usually at the lake or in the middle of a forest somewhere.

She loves any and all garden-related talk and work, cooking (and eating!), and making all sorts of random things—especially out of upcycled or reclaimed items.

For more information, visit Ev’s website at https://evbishop.com. You can also connect with Ev on Twitter @Ev_Bishop, or follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEvBishop, but the best way to keep in the loop re: current works, upcoming books and events, and other fun tidbits is to subscribe to her newsletter at: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

She looks forward to hearing from you!

Fall in love with books by Ev Bishop today:

RIVER’S SIGH B & B SERIES
Wedding Bands
Hooked
Spoons
Hook, Line & Sinker
Silver Bells
Reeling
One to Keep
The Catch

SOUL SISTERS AT CEDAR MOUNTAIN LODGE
Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson

STANDALONES
Bigger Things
A Sharla Brown Christmas

WRITING AS TONI SHERIDAN
The Present
Drummer Boy

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Love Beat Fear? Enter Ev Bishop's 4th week of giveaways and find out! 3 eCopies of One to Keep are up for grabs!

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Don't miss Week 3 of Ev Bishop's Giveaway Series! Enter to win 1 of 3 ecopies of HOOKED

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Two people turned off, turned down and cut loose from their forever romances have no plans of ever being trapped by the “L” word, again. Sophie was dumped at the altar and is currently in the process of making herself the most=self-sufficient, independent woman ever, so a Christmas/New Years vacation at a secluded Bed and Breakfast sounded delightful. Guess where she chose? River’s Sigh B&B, where only the caretaker was on staff during her visit.

Jesse was glad for the solitude of River’s Sigh, no meddling family matchmakers, just peace and quiet, one guest, easy stuff. Well, melt my snowman, the heat and teasing is just getting warmed up between these two when their own fears, pasts and misunderstandings pull the brakes on what could have been a great, stress relieving fling. Who knew two people who were cast off by others finally become The One to Keep?

Ev Bishop is back, flooding her pages with more humor, heart and sweet romance! To watch one adult woman just going for what makes her happy, from building snowmen to wanting the hot caretaker to warm her bed is priceless and will make you smile! And Jesse? Imagine that bumbling guy who is trying so hard to be a gentleman, while messing it up so badly that he becomes the most adorable hunk around! Follow the town gossip, the budding romance between two people in total denial and the magical power of the River’s Sigh bring one more couple t their knees, but will they make it to the altar? Marriage isn’t for everyone…

Grin-worthy reading that flows along over the bumps and dips of romance, only a record-setting snowstorm could make this even better!

Series: River's Sigh B&B Novella
Publisher: Winding Path Books
Publication Date: December 13, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 128 pages
Available from: Amazon.com ~ Amazon.ca ~ Amazon.co.uk ~ Amazon.com.au ~ KOBO ~ Barnes & Noble (NOOK) ~ Apple/iBooks
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Cassey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, short read.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful tale about taking a second chance on love after being badly burned. The characters were fun and realistic. I haven't read a book by this author that I haven't loved!

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I read by Ev Bishop. I liked this book's story line. I liked Sophie's character. I liked Jesse's character. I liked the ending.

[fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly lovely series

I have been totally emersed in this series of feel good romances. Each has its own couples story but the characters crossover in the different books. In this time of lockdown I have loved escaping to River's Sigh B & B. By the end of each book I feel like I'm saying goodbye to a friend.
I would happily recommend these well crafted romances!! Give them a go!!

[Joy]

This one didn't quite do it for me. I'm just not into stories with that much language, on top of not being the biggest fan of romances. I did like the plot, about second chances at love after being hurt by past relationships. That part was sweet.

[Kat]

Got annoyed at what seemed to be the "conflict" between the two love interests. She was embarrassed that they almost had a one night stand and then had to be around each other. That and they both felt so much for each other after one night in a pub.

[Marcia]

A fun light read. I enjoy Ev Bishop

[Kathy Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I really liked the way portrayed the characters. Th
The happy ending was the best part. I loved the personalities of the characters.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I loved this story which takes place at Rivers Sigh. I have read every book in this series so far and they are all great.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't a huge fan of the 2 main characters. An ok cute short story but nothing special

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this romance story.

[Natalie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had some cute little moments. Two that don’t want a relationship yet can’t help themselves. I liked the normal/simple desire theme. Short, sweet and cosy barring outside interference. First one in the series so may have to go back and read the rest.

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "New Year's Resolution: One To Keep" is the perfect Holidays themed read! Funny, quirky with a lot of humor and drama. Can love heal old burns? Definitely, even if you don't believe in second chance.
Loved both outstanding main Characters Sophie and Jesse and everything they went through towards their second chance HEA. Just fantastic story!

[Charity Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced with lots of laughs Ha! I love a romance that's filled with humor. We start off with Sophie and Jesse in the same bar sitting alone and toasting themselves for deciding to be single forever. They've both had too much too drink, and even though neither of them are casual one night stand kind of people they try. And they both chicken out. I really liked that. 
 
They spend the next few days getting to know each other, riding quite the roller coaster of attraction and irritation with each other. There's a lot of baggage for them to work through, but I felt the story line flowed smoothly and believably. 
 
You'll find Sophie refreshingly honest, even when she's confused about her own emotions. Jesse is alternately sweet and frustratingly "man" when he's trying to figure out his own deal. 
 
The only character that confused me in this story was Stella. She started off nice and then had a night of total witchery if you know what I mean. It was the classic "I like him so I'm going to sabotage you" routine and it was so obvious I don't think Sophie should have fallen for it. 
 
Anyway, I'd give this a movie rating between PG-13. They don't, but there's foreplay that's more than PG. The story itself gets a solid 4 from me. 
 
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
 
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no sex on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, sex is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to sex), more talk about sex, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but sex is closed door. 
R--swearing (can be related to sex), feels like the whole story is about the sex and not the relationship or some other plot

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella, set in the River’s Sigh B&B series, is about Sophie, a self proclaimed -don’t need a man to be happy- woman. After being dumped at the alter because she was happy with who she was and didn’t want to change, Sophie decides that she just isn’t made for a relationship. She likes food, and is happy being a little plump. She is honest, states what she feels and doesn’t play any games. Hmmmm, she sounds pretty familiar to me! This was a lady that I think a lot of women would identify with! Not waiting to be a couple, Sophie goes on vacation by herself to a secluded B&B that is actually closed for the holidays, with the exception of a care-taker. You got it! Her love interest Jesse.

Jesse was not without his own foibles. Divorced and still carrying that baggage around. When they meet, they have an instant connection, but don’t trust their feelings as they’ve both been burned. This novel is about two pretty ordinary people who have to decide to take that leap back into love. It’s a novella, so it all does happen pretty fast, and I did have an instant of annoyance that they just didn’t understand that they were supposed to be together. But, as I said, it’s a short story, so they (and I) got over it pretty quickly and got my happily ever after that both I, and they, were looking for.

This was a sweet story, and a perfect one day read for those of you looking for a quick getaway. Ev Bishop gave Sophie and Jesse a lot of back story, and it wasn’t hard to care for these characters quickly and enjoy watching them fall for each other. Just what I wanted for my weekend read. I am also intrigued enough with the setting to check out one of the other full length novels in this series! ❤❤❤❣

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me laugh, brought a few tears - a great read.

Although this is the 3rd book in the River’s Sigh series it stands alone and you won’t feel you’ve missed anything if you haven’t read the others. However, you really should read them because they are great books.

Sophie has always felt like she’s the odd girl out. Her tastes can be a bit quirky and she loves food and cooking. She’s healthy and fit so she doesn’t mind being a bit curvy.

Jesse is still recovering from his divorce and he’s surprised to figure out that he actually had a good time with his family on Christmas day. He still has no interest in a long term relationship but when he sees Sophie across the room at the pub he frequents he is drawn to her.

This story captivated me from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. Ev Bishop writes characters that are interesting believable. Sophie and Jesse have to get through a bunch of misunderstandings, and a meddler that caught me by surprise, before they get to their HEA but reading this story was pure enjoyment.

I wish I could be better at writing reviews of books I really like; for some reason books I love are much harder to review than ones I don’t enjoy. I never feel like my reviews do the book justice and this book is one I really enjoyed. Ev Bishop writes fantastic stories and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie booked a vacation at Christmas time at River's Sigh B & B. This vacation was her way of celebrating her New Year's resolution to stay single for the rest of her life.The night before her reservation she stayed at a local hotel and went to a pub where she met Jessie. They went off for a one-night-stand but it didn't work out for them.

Even though the B & B wasn't open the owners said she could stay there if she didn't mind being the only guest and said they would arrange for a caretaker to look after her and the place. The caretaker turned out to be Jessie.

Jessie didn't want a relationship either thanks to his ex-wife but things heat up for Sophie and Jessie as they spend the week together. I loved these two characters and the emotional connection that slowly grew between them. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. Their plight is similar to those suffered by oh so many others that you can’t help but identify with them. The realities are absolutely unforgettable. Not to mention the fact that they are very well developed and likable individuals in their own right.

I love Ev Bishop’s detailed writing style. It also brings her characters’ emotions to the forefront of the story. She wrote an incredible series, and the characters have brought each of the books to life.

I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this novel from Ev Bishop. I'm so glad I won it in a Tome Tender Book Blog's giveaway.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of One To Keep by Ev Bishop and this review was given freely.
Jesse and Sophie's story is both sweet and steamy with a little irony, jealousy,and a couple healing hearts thrown in. One To Keep is a nice holiday romance loosely connecting us to the original characters in the River Sigh saga featuring Callum's brother Brian's sister in law kindergarten teacher Sophie and Greenridge resident Jesse. Focused mainly on Sophie and Jesse alone at River Sigh the novel reminded me that playing in the snow can be fun at any age and that beautiful things can happen when you open yourself up to the unexpected.


Merged review:

4 stars
I received a free copy of New Year's Resolution :One To Keep: River's Sigh B & B : Book 7 by Ev Bishop and this review was given freely.
Jesse and Sophie's story is both sweet and steamy with a little irony, jealousy,and a couple healing hearts thrown in. One To Keep is a nice holiday romance loosely connecting us to the original characters in the River Sigh saga featuring Callum's brother Brian's sister in law kindergarten teacher Sophie and Greenridge resident Jesse. Focused mainly on Sophie and Jesse alone at River Sigh the novel reminded me that playing in the snow can be fun at any age and that beautiful things can happen when you open yourself up to the unexpected.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a fabulous addition to Wedding Bands and Hooked, which are the first two books in this charming new series that are well written, with well developed characters and a story line that will pull you into Sophie and Jesse's story from the very first chapter. Sophie is a beautiful and unique soul who is starting the new year with a vacation to a B&B to celebrate her resolution to be true to herself by staying single for the rest of her life. Jesse is a local guy who has been reeling from the pain of a lying ex-wife who really did a number on him. They leave the bar thinking they'll have a one night fling but the evening ends awkwardly and they can't wait to get away from each other, only to come face to face the next morning when Sophie realizes Jesse is the caretaker who has been left in charge of seeing to her needs for the week. Embarrassment turns into a mutual interest that builds into a budding relationship but old hurts make for a rocky road to romance with pitfalls along the way. I loved these two characters and the emotional connection that slowly grew between them and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this wonderful series by this exceptional author of contemporary romance. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Donna Feibusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Awesome Read!

I loved reading New Year's Resolution: One To Keep (River's Sigh B & B) all about Sophia Printz a Kindergarten Teacher & Jessie Aslia the care-taker for River's Sigh B & B. They met at the local pub in Greenridge, both there singularly enjoying the atmosphere the food & each other's company for the night. Sophia is on holiday, she is trying to get over her ex Kyle who left her at the alter this same time last year! Jessie is also trying to get over his ex Crystal who left him on New Years Eve, asked for a divorce three years ago and never looked back! The author wrote an incredible series, and the characters have brought each of the books to life. This story is a little different then the other three, it's about two people who are looking for something, and not sure they are going to find it. Where as the other three are about the Archer family and their significant others, and then those who go to the B & B. I've enjoyed everything I've read and can't wait to read more about the B & B!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of Ms Bishop’s series , River’s Sigh B & B.
Both of the main characters, Sophie and Jesse have not had luck with love. Sophie was left at the altar and Jesse went through a divorce. Neither is looking for love . Been there, done that.
Both also are happy that Christmas is over. Not a day they enjoy celebrating since they are frequently asked “how are you doing”.
Sophie decides to spend time in an at the River’s Sigh B & B even though she will be the only guest. But she is more than ok with that. Jesse will be the caretaker while she’s there, thinking it will be an elderly lady who will be staying tat the B & B.
It was fun to watch their interaction.
I loved Sophie, her independence and her outlook in life.
Will they give love a second chance or will they miss the chance of finding the right one?
I promise you will enjoy this book. I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read. It was about Sophie who was stood up at the altar before a very large crowd. Embarrassed in front of her friends and family. It is also about Jesse who was divorced by his wife after a number of years of marriage. Both have been hurt and swear off marriage; but they are both lonely.

Sophie is vacationing and lives in the town and they meet at the pub. They both have issues that seem to hold them back from becoming a couple. However with the help of their sisters they are able to move past their issues and come together.

One of the things I like so much about this story is there is no overly graphic sex mentioned; but their are episodes that allow your imagination to provide all the information you need to know about their attraction to one another.

[E Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down, I finished it in one sitting. Totally loved it!! Jesse and Sophie had both been through the wringer when it came to love, and they were resistant to falling again. However, as they spent time together it was tough to resist their attraction. However, there is one unexpected road block, can they get through that?
I love this series, the stories are fantastic and the characters are interesting, not that you have to read the previous books, but it is worth it. This was a quick read, but so enjoyable. Definitely one that makes you feel good after you read it. It is definitely worth giving it a chance.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Year's Resolution: One To Keep by Ev Bishop is a fantastic contemporary romance with a holiday theme. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Bishop has provided readers with a well-written book furnished with outstanding characters. Sophie is a little quirky, but in a fun way. She meets Jesse, un-suave but lovable. Sophie and Jesse's story is packed with drama, humor, spice and more humor. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. New Year's Resolution: One To Keep is part of the River's Sigh B&B Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete story, not a cliff-hanger.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Years Resolution: One to Keepis another great offering in Ev Bishop's Riversigh B&B series. I so enjoyed this read: steamy sexual tension paired with a sweet romance, and lots and lots of snow porn. The main female is extremely quirky and like-able, and refreshingly psychologically healthy. The main man is... as sweet, delicious and steamy as a cup of hot chocolate. :D Enjoy him with marshmallows. This is the perfect cozy, fireside read for a winter's night--then you can enjoy it all over again next winter, because this book is one to keep.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and had been waiting for the third book to come out when I found out there was a novella between books I was psyched! The two characters in this book were great. They were both unique and I found myself laughing and sometimes embarrassed for them! If you haven't read the other two river sigh books you should right away. I don't think you necessarily need to read them to appreciate this story but it may help in giving you background on the area and some people they talk about in this book. Great read and I can't wait for the third book to come out!

[J.P. McLean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet Romance

I recently met this vivacious and funny author at a writers conference, and had the sense I’d find those same traits in her writing. I’m happy to report indeed that is the case. I don’t often read romance, so you’ll have to take my opinion with a grain of salt. "New Year’s Resolution: One To Keep" is what I would call a sweet romance. I found the characters quirky and fun, the story moving, and the writing solid.

If you enjoy romance with characters who don’t fit the typical mold, I would definitely recommend Bishop’s "New Year’s Resolution: One to Keep."

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t brag on this novella enough. It made me laugh so much, and yet it isn’t all just fun and games. There is true depth here as well. I was sincerely sad, as I am with only the best books, when I got close to the end. If there is anything to improve on this novella, it would be to make it a novel. Once again, Ev Bishop and her River’s Sigh B&B have come through with warm, engaging characters who are a joy to read. I already can’t wait for the next one. :)

[Jen Brubacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My most common criticism of romance stories is the artificial way the heroes conflict with each other. There’s usually some problem they could solve in a moment just by talking to each other. I feel like ONE TO KEEP was written for me, to shrug off this stereotype. The heroes actually talk to each other, and they have awesome chemistry together. Their conflict is just passionate enough for a sweet and sexy holiday story. Very much recommended!