Instead of working in an Oregon library, she’s back in Walker Beach, California—a town full of painful memories—running her late aunt’s hardware store and falling for the gorgeous bad boy from high school. Again.
Yes, the same jerk who made Madison’s high school days a living nightmare. The one who, somehow, doesn’t remember her. But if the sparks flying between them are any indication, this time he will.
For the first time in his life, assistant community developer Evan Walsh is on the straight and narrow. He’s up for a promotion and helping Walker Beach recover from an economic downturn. But doing the right thing for the town might mean putting the woman he loves out of business.
Evan’s in trouble—in more ways than one. And though Trouble used to be his middle name, this time there’s no easy escape.
Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and—of course—writing novels.
When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.
Another great visit to Walker Beach. We’ve met Evan in book 1 and it was great to see his story. Still trying to proof himself after a not so great past, he is struggling with doing the right thing, pleasing others and fighting for what he wants. His father is quite something, though.
Maddison with her own fears after her early childhood losses, had to learn who to trust and let in.
"People may disappoint you, Madison, and that's a risk we take in relationships. But there is also great joy to be found in closeness with others."
This was another heartwarming short story set in a great setting with a great supportive community and finding one’s path in this world. Even though I saw early on what would happen at the end, it was still sweet to watch.
Love had been a greater motivator than fear, hurt, and anger.
These stories are shorter (less than 200 pages) but still full bodied with character growth and sweet romances.
"You will never know what will happen when you kick down your walls and open your heart to love."
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This was a fun book to read. It was nice to see Evan and Madison get a chance at love together. There were misunderstandings from the past and hurt feelings to get over. Both Evan and Madison also really needed to spend some time deciding what they really wanted in life. Evan also had a real slime ball for a father. It is amazing that Evan grew past the boy he had been in high school and into the man he was as a young adult!
“Change isn’t a one-and-done thing. It’s something that requires us to constantly be on our guard. Our old nature can easily come creeping back in if we aren’t careful. We have to use the resources we’ve been given to fight against the old us. And aside from faith, one of the greatest resources we have is the people who love us.”
Such a heart-warming and reaffirming novel by Lindsay Harrel! It’s book 2 in the Walker Beach series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone (though I highly recommend all the books in the series). Evan is a swoony hero, haunted by his past mistakes and motivated to prove to his father and the town that he’s worthy. His job as assistant community development officer is unusual and fascinating while providing the tension background for Madison’s battle with the city council as she struggles to keep the family business open. Madison is an introverted sweet librarian who’s thrust back into the small town she left behind with its bittersweet and hurtful memories. Their relationship is sweet though fraught with misunderstanding and sense of betrayal. Evan and Madison’s growth and maturation since high school are encouraging and meaningful. I really enjoyed the faith-filled words of wisdom from the secondary characters who guide them. I’m loving my time in Walker Beach and I’m sure you will too.
I received a copy of the book from the author and all opinions are my own.
Love love and love this story!! Love is a risky thing and putting ourselves out there can be scary. We all fear pain and rejection, it's never fun to go through. But those who truly love us will accept us for who we are, flaws and all. We don't have to be someone we're not because they already love us for who we are. And even if things don't turn out the way we hoped in life we can take comfort in the fact that God is always in control and will always be right beside us.
All Because of you, the second novel in Lindsay Harrel’s new Walker Beach Romance series, is a sweet, clean beach romance that fans of small-town books are sure to love.
Readers will enjoy the journey of Madison and Evan's story. Just like in real life, our life experiences have affected us and we're not the same as we were back in high school.
All Because of You is recommended for fans of clean contemporary romance. I look forward to more books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
This is a wonderful story! I loved the character of Madison and her bookishness and Evan was such a sweet guy. All Because of You is a quick easy read that I basically read in one setting over an evening. I couldn't put it down because I wanted to see Madison and Evan finally find their place and their happily ever after. The ending did not disappoint! A perfect love story and a lovely read. Really really enjoyed!
I received this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I loved this story! I related to Madison a lot. And I loved Evan right away in the first book. This one made me love him more! This is a sweet and clean read. I really look forward to reading the next book!
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
Madison Price returned to Walker Beach to wrap up her deceased aunt's hardware store and close out any connection with the town. She didn't expect to want to stay. Especially if staying has anything to do with Evan Walsh. He helped make her high school years miserable. Why is he being so nice now?
Evan Walsh has chased approval his whole life. He wanted to be popular. He wanted his father to be proud of him. Though bad choices have left him with limited life options, he's now doing his best to make his life count and leave a positive impact on Walker Beach. He's on the verge of nailing down a new deal with a large hardware chain when he sees Madison again, and suddenly the big business loses its shine compared to helping Madison keep her aunt's legacy alive.
This book is about family, regrets, mistakes, and second chances. I think readers will relate to Madison, who has put up protective walls because of all the ways people have hurt her in the past, as well as Evan, who wants to make a difference and find redemption from his previous poor choices. I enjoyed returning to Walker Beach, and look forward to visiting again with the next installment in this series.
Note: This story was written for the general market, and though it has a few mentions of faith, I truly missed a fuller look at that aspect. Lindsay has written some of my favorite womens fiction over the past few years, including The Secrets of Paper and Ink and The Joy of Falling. Don't miss those as this new series rolls out.
I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Readers get to return to the delightful town of Walker Beach in this second novel, All Because of You. The main characters, Maddison and Evan, are both great, and easily reach out to you. They each battle their own past, and learning to trust is hard. But their journey towards trusting one another is a sweet one, and while a bit predictable, the storyline is cute. I, of course, loved and appreciated Maddison's love of books, and was rooting for a library the entire time. ^.^ I enjoyed "All Because of You" and am looking forward to the next installment in the Walker Beach Romance series!
I received an ecopy of this story but was not required to write a positive review.
What an excellent story. This book pushes all the buttons and grabs the reader from the early pages. It was wonderful to be back in Walker Beach once again and things continue on with the rebuilding and restructuring after an earthquake. There is political overtures in the story, but more prevalent is the risks involved when we allow ourselves to truly love and care for another. Just a wonderful story with lots of innuendos that is very hard to put down once you start reading.
I received an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
Book two in Lindsay Harrel's Walker Beach series is a winner. It has just the right amount of sweet moments, swoon worthy kisses, and deeper truths to keep me hooked. I could relate Madison's story. For as long as I can remember, I have buried myself in the fictional world of books to shut out the world. This was another great contemporary romance by one of my favorite authors, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
"You never know what will happen when you kick down your walls and open your heart to love".
Welcome back to Walker Beach. It's hard to return to a place that you feel rejected you. It's hard to put your trust in someone else and even harder when you feel betrayed. But if you can look past your hurts, your past, to find who you're meant to be, then you just might find the hope, the love, you've been looking for.
"The biggest changes take the biggest leaps of faith. And the most courage".
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This author has a fan girl here. This story the second one in the Walker Beach series is amazing. I thought I loved the first one, but it seems as the series goes, the story and the characters become better and better.
Once again we are swept to the sandy beach, the comfy small town feeling and the sweet loving residents that make up this town. Of course every town has it's bully's and secrets.
Madison has recently come back after her aunt Chrissy's passing to find she has inherited her aunt's store and home. But still holding to hurtful things that happened in high school. Evan has changed from the high school party guy he was. But his pleasing to others still hangs inside of him.
As we go all with them in this journey of finding of finding themselves, Trusting and Love. We see that the No matter what we do or how we try to push away from hurtful things, things still happen. But is our Trust, Acceptance and Love in ourselves that helps us move forward and be the best we can.
Evan is trying to help his town after an earthquake damaged some business with grants provided to them. Also he is trying to work hard to have the Respect from his father. Madison is coming back to a town that holds pain for her and a place she wants to be far from and not. Still uncomfortable of opening up to people she tries to keep to herself. But when she trusts someone that let her down before she opens up only to question it later as she feelings once again he has let her down. When Evan trying to win his dad's approval goes against Madison. Madison in returns does what she feels is better Runs. Is only when the advice from two people hangs in their minds and brings forth the strength and courage they need to move forward, even if it means getting hurt.
Is hard not to love this story as you read it and the characters that are in it. Madison reminded me so of me from high school with the great elements of a story well formatted to capture you from the start. If you love the beach, and sweet romantic clean stories this is it.
You'll love Madison and Evan as they move forward in following their dreams.
Can't wait to read more of this New author to me and these amazing stories.
I received a Complimentary copy of this novel for my personal honest thought.
The town of Walker Beach is struggling to get back to normal after an earthquake, and one way to do that is to get more businesses in town. This is what Evan is hoping to do to prove his worth to his father, the major and to show that he’s changed and not the wild, reckless youth. However, it seems that everything Evan does isn’t enough, and what makes matters worse, is that he feels he’s just a puppet for his father. Madison is struggling to understand what she’s going to do with the old house and hardware store her aunt left her when she died. Madison didn’t even know her aunt was dying, so she’s dealing with grief and the knowledge she wasn’t there for the one person who truly loved her. She doesn’t know anything about running a hardware store, all she’s ever wanted to do was read books and hide from her hurts, in a world of fiction. Now, what’s she going to do? “When my world is upended, when things don’t make sense, I turn to books. I always have. And they’ve never let me down.” I really like this quote from the book, because I love reading, too. The problem with this is when we hide-out from the world and don’t interact with others. Madison is learning this truth the hard way. I laugh when I think about this fact because I couldn’t put this fictitious book down. I was so invested in the lives of these characters. I was also pleased to reconnect with some of the town individuals from past stories. This story by author Lindsay Harrel is a sweet tale of friendships, tender love, and a beautiful lesson of how God really does want to take our burdens and bless us. This is a tale of reconciliation and standing up for what you believe in. It’s a story of finding purpose and following dreams. This author weaves these wonderful lessons into our hearts through her books. I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
"All Because of You", Book #2 in the Walker Beach Romance series by Lindsay Harrel is a delightful story. I am a big fan of stories set in small-towns and this sweet story is very enjoyable.
Madison inherits her Aunt Chrissy's house, and hardware store, so she returns to Walker Beach with bittersweet memories of the years spent here. She intends to sell it all and move to where she has a job waiting for her as a librarian.
Madison isn't the only one who was close to Aunt Chrissy. Evan Walsh (not Madison's favorite person), was also close to her aunt. They both recall her aunt's wise words. "The biggest changes take the biggest leaps of faith. And the most courage." The journey Madison and Evan each had individually and together was fun to watch unfold.
"I said it doesn't happen often. But sometimes, we get lucky." Aunt Chrissy used to say that whale watching was like life-completely unexpected. You never knew what you'd get, but you kept going, hoping to see something spectacular, to connect with nature, with God, in a new profound way."
I thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy of All Because of You. All opinions are my own! You can also just as easily read this as a stand-alone book.
Author Lindsay Harrel is back with her new series and brings readers ALL BECAUSE OF YOU (WALKER BEACH ROMANCE BOOK 2). Harrel has once again given readers two delightful main characters in this book. Madison Price plans to make her return to Walker Beach short and sweet, two weeks tops. She has come to settle the Estate of her Aunt Chrissy who left Madison her home as well as the Hole-in-the-Wall Hardware Store. The other is Evan Walsh, Walker Beach’s Assistant Community Development Officer and son of the Mayor. Oh, and former all around Bad Boy and all around obnoxious jerk during their High School days! She certainly remembered him but he does not seem to remember her or at least the incident that caused the greatest humiliation of her life and caused her to want to leave Walker Beach forever. Is there any possibility these two can possibly work together to formulate a plan to save the Hardware Store? What about their growing attraction to each other? Or, will greed or the desire for a promotion win over? Another winner by this Author!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
This next installment in the Walker Beach series follows Madison Price as she inherits her aunt Chrissy's hardware store and her house. Madison is preparing to take a job as a librarian, but when it falls through, she moves back to Walker Beach to open the store again. Unfortunately, her memories from the past resurface when she encounters Evan Walsh, the boy who had a hand in making her life miserable in high school. As Evan and Madison end up working together, they begin having feelings for each other. Can Madison learn to trust again, or will Evan's work obligations put their relationship in jeopardy? I enjoyed this book very much, and it is my favorite so far in the series. It was so easy to identify with Madison and her love of books, as well as her hesitation to trust people because of her past. I was encouraged by Madison and Evan's story, and I enjoyed reading their sweet story. There were a couple of loose ends left untied, and I am looking forward to reading the next installment in the series. I highly recommend this book and any other book the author has written. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
All Because of You is book #2 in the Walker Beach romance series by Lindsay Harrell. Angst and intrigue meets good clean romance for a feel-good story that you'll love! Madison price has been through a lot in her life and now she's all set to begin her dream job as a librarian. She just has a few details to wrap up in her hometown before she can begin. Madison is the beneficiary of her aunt's home and hardware store. Her aunt raised her after her parent's deaths. Madison goes home with plans to ready the house and store to be sold when she gets a phone call letting her know that her library job has fallen through. One thing leads to another and she decides to stay and run the store because... It's falling into her lap and a girl's got to make money. Plus she has a house there. But there's another wrench thrown into her plans when a jerk from her past shows up and offers to help. Evan made her high school days a nightmare but has turned over a new leaf. Can Madison trust him to help with the store, with her dreams, with her heart? Can two hurt souls help heal one another? This is a story of second chances and forgiveness, of being brave enough to take a chance! I loved the way this story evolved and the ending was absolutely perfect 💕
This is another incredible story in the Walker Beach series, a series of sweet, clean romances. This is Madison's story. She went to school and has a degree in library education. But when she finds out she inherited her Aunt Crissy's home & hardware store, she returns to her hometown and finds herself running the hardware store. She also, of course, runs into the one guy she didn't want to see ever again...Evan Walsh. And the rest, as they say, is history... :) This is a sweet romance. A bit predictable in parts, but also has some excellent truths woven in. Madison deals with things from her past. And these are issues that we can all relate to. Lindsay Harrel has such a beautiful way of weaving these things into the storyline, and then offers resolutions and hope in a realistic way. Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This return to Walker Beach is not what Madison had in mind. Her time living there was only okay because of her Aunt Chrissy and now with her gone, Madison believes she will be on her own and she wants to sell the store and home and move on. However, she finds out she no longer has a job waiting for her back home and she needs an income and a place to live. She is surprised by the warm welcome and help she receives from a few people she knew from high school, especially Evan who did not treat her well at all. Evan knows that he made so many mistakes and he is trying to keep his life on track and also make his dad proud of him. However, Madison's return and plans to reopen the hardware store is conflicting with the original plan than he is working on through work and part of the plan to gain his father's approval. These characters were so easy to love, and I found myself rooting for them right away. The hurts that were experienced years earlier still play a role and the healing process will take time; however Walker Beach seems to be the best place to find healing and peace with their past, if they allow that to happen. I loved the side storylines that were a part of this book and the entire town coming together to try to rebuild and recover. I am looking forward to the next return to Walker Beach.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are my own.*
Lindsay Harrel has provided another beach town fictional escape in her latest release, All Becuase of You. This story takes place in the charming beach town of Walker Beach and features a cast of close knit community members and business owners. The romance in this book doesn’t exactly start from the first pages as Madison and Evan have tumultuous history from high school. Madison was hard to root for in this book because she was very angry and allowed her past experiences to taint the way she viewed and interacted with those around her. Evan was likable enough, however his constant need to please his father made him seem like a weak character and I wanted to see him stand up for what was right sooner. I think it was admirable that these characters confronted their pasts and found a way to move past their misunderstandings. There are some really great kissing scenes in this book which was fun and I love a happy ending!
Once again we return to the charming town of Walker Beach, California, for the next installment in this charming series! I enjoyed getting to know Madison and Evan in this book and liked their chemistry as their relationship developed in the story. Although you do not have to read the first book to enjoy this novel, the second story does contain a few familiar characters. I found myself really liking Madison, for I too am a book-loving introvert. I also enjoyed the spiritual theme of remembering that God is always in control even when life doesn’t turn out quite the way we expected. I liked reading about Evan’s growth too and found myself enjoying this swoon worthy hero in this novel. If you are looking for a fun romantic story, look no further than this wonderful series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Sweet and Sassy Second-Chance Romance
From the moment Madison returns to Walker Beach, you know you’re in for a ride—especially when her old high school tormentor, Evan, turns out to be not only hot but also completely unaware of their shared past.
This story blends all the best elements of a suspense-tinged sweet romance: a small-town setting, a once-broken heroine trying to rebuild, and a former bad boy trying to make things right. The chemistry between Madison and Evan crackles off the page, with just the right mix of humor, heart, and healing.
What really stood out was how both characters had to face their past—Evan from the angle of redemption, and Madison from the angle of forgiveness. The tension is real, the stakes are emotional, and the ending is oh-so-satisfying.
If you love enemies-to-lovers stories with a strong emotional arc, witty banter, and a guaranteed HEA, this one’s for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed “All Because of You” by Lindsay Harrel. This is the 2nd book in the Walker Beach Romance series. This is one of those books that you could read by alone. I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I really enjoyed this one. This was my favorite!
This book follows Madison Price and Evan Walsh. Madison’s aunt has passed away and left her the town hardware store. Evan doesn’t realize that him and Madison went to school together. And so the drama begins! I really loved the character development in this novel. Lindsay Harrel had me cheering on some characters and some characters I really didn’t like!
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy good, clean romance novels.
I received this book from the author for my honest opinion.
It was a fun trip back to Walker Beach in Lindsay Harrel’s second book in her Walker Beach Romance series. This book stars Madison Price and Evan Walsh as former high school classmates with a less than friendly past. Luckily, Evan has reformed, but he can’t remember why Madison has bad memories of him. I enjoyed this story and seeing the relationship between them grow. It was also a treat to see Ben and Bella from the first book in the series pop up in this one.
This is a sweet, clean story that is sure to appeal to those who enjoy contemporary small-town romances. Although it’s part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone book. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I think I say this just about every time I read a Lindsay Harrel book … I love them and you should read them now. 😀
"All Because of You" is a great next installment in the Walker Beach Romance Series. I so want to just drive down Hwy 101 and find it … if only!! It’s in my top 5 fictional towns, right next to Becky Wade’s Merryweather, Washington.
I so enjoyed watching the town come together as Madison returned home. Town meetings felt reminiscent of those in “Gilmore Girls”; I half expected Taylor Doose to show up!
Madison is an endearing lead, and Evan a solid foil for her. Their stories–both together and separate–were truly a joy to watch unfold.
I received an eARC of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
A gem of a story! The characters were great with lots of heart and easy to like. This story is quick to to pull you in while working on your emotions. I enjoyed the quaint little beach town that is all about community and helping each other. The author has a great message of being yourself, living in peace with your actions and choices. Madison and Evan help bring that out in each other, leading to a romance that is tested at every turn. A fabulous romance with heart, courage, and romance that is like a little bit of sunshine in each page. I just can’t get enough of Lindsay Harrel’s books! Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.