The Best-Kept Secret

Love in Harmony Valley #9

by Melinda Curtis

What if your son's grandmother calls, wanting your help? The problem? The woman doesn't know she's a grandmother.

Rosie DeWitt is a savvy political consultant and devoted single mother. When Vivian McCloud gives her the career opportunity of a lifetime—to be campaign manager for her son, Hudson—Rosie is torn. How can she work with Hudson and hide the truth? That she'd had an affair with his brother—and her son is a McCloud by blood if not in name?

As the campaign heats up, Rosie discovers she's falling for Hudson—but how can their relationship go anywhere when her secret lies between them?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Harlequin

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 28, 2007

About the author

Prior to writing romance, award-winning, USA Today Bestseller Melinda Curtis was a junior manager for a Fortune 500 company, which meant when she flew on the private jet she was relegated to the jump seat—otherwise known as the potty. After grabbing her pen (and a parachute) she made the jump to full-time writer. Between writing sweet romance and sweet romantic comedy, Melinda finds time to bond with her husband over home remodeling projects. She recently came to grips with the fact that she’s an empty nester and a grandma, concepts easier to grasp than jet-setting on a potty.

Sign up for her newsletter on her website to receive two free reads.

Reviews

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love the characters, especially Liam. He is so cute. He is always asking for a puppy, a chicken or a little brother. Mina is a single mother. Liam's father died before Liam was born, and Mina never told his family. Samuel's family is very well known, and Samuel was not happy about all the notoriety. Mina wanted her son to grow up without being in the limelight. When she meets Samuel's brother, Hud, she is sure that she made the right choice. The problem is, Hud is enamored of Mina and wants to spend time with her. She can't allow that because Liam looks just like Samuel, and she is afraid Hud will guess her secret. What will Hud and his mother say when they discover that Samuel had a child? Mina is sure that the feelings that Hud has for her will change when he does find out. Is there any way this will work?

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have started to catch up with some books that I should have read last year but finally am getting to read now.
Mina is a political consultant who never takes on a campaign she can not win. Her boss wants her to take on a candidate who has a problem in his past with leaving his Senate seat without explanation. He now wants to run for Mayor of San Francisco but Mina's boss knows that this would be a contemptuous race and want Mina to run it.
Hud meets with Mina and knows that they can work together but Mina has a big secret that she can not share. Hud comes from a high powered family but had lost his brother to a training exercise in the military. His father was hard driven and his mother was the perfect politicians wife.
Later, Hud remembers that his brother Samuel hated to be in the spotlight and wanted nothing to do with the family which is why he chose the military. But, Mina knows more about the family then she is letting on.
Mina lives with her grandmother and son Liam and doesn't want any of Huds family involved in anyway with her family. She continues to turn him down as a consultant for his run for office although no one knows why.
Find out how these families pasts have crossed and what they will do with the information once they find out.
Great story by a great writer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very well written book.

Mina's story was very relatable. I just love all the characters in this town. Each book has kept me going and wanting more.

I can't wait to see what is next in this series.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this addition to the Harmony Valley series. It had a lovely romance and great moments that built the relationship. Hudson was pursuing Mina to help his political campaign, but she was reluctant because of a secret tie to his family. When it comes out, things become complicated. “‘I’m still confused. I’m still hurt. And yes…’ he spared her a glance ‘…I can be all those things and still love you.’” The characters were great, and the situation they found themselves in was interesting. Mina was struggling to find balance as a single mother. “No matter how hard she tried to be a good single mom, her career conspired against her.” Mina’s son was a cute and fun character. There is also a sweet secondary later in life romance, and a secondary focus on an elderly character, as is standard in this series. I will mention that romances between men and the mother of their deceased brother’s child are not such a common thing that it feels like it makes sense to have two stories with that plotline in one series. So that felt a little off to me, but I mostly ignored it because in all other details in the stories are vastly different. Overall, this is a really enjoyable story. It is part of a series, but it is not necessary to read the previous books first as this can easily be read as a standalone. This is a closed door romance with mild innuendo and no harsh language.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mina DeWitt is a single mother with a small son named Liam. She’s also a political consultant. She’s good at her job and is well respected. She moved to Harmony Valley and is staying with her grandmother. When her boss offers her a opportunity to be a campaign manager for Hudson McCloud who’s running for Mayor of San Francisco, can she do the job? She knows she has a big secret that the McClouds and the media would be surprised to know. All Mina can think about is protecting her son, at all cost.
Hudson was a senator but had to step down because of a scandal. He’s ready to jump back in politics now that he’s made the family business successful again. When he meets Mina, he doesn’t think little Mina can handle the job. He’s wrong. He’s not use to people denying him and she’s the first woman to do so. He follows her to Harmony Valley and tries to change her mind. The more time they spend together the more the chemistry is hard to deny. Will Mina’s secret ruin their friendship? Will Hudson be upset with her when he finds out? What will his mother think? Everyone can be hurt because of her secret. The town of Harmony Valley is a wonderful place to relax and heal. Maybe it’s just what Hudson needs. The town and townspeople open their hearts to him. Can Hudson win? Will Mina be his campaign manager? The characters are wonderful. They deserve forgiveness, second chances and love. Will they get it? Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily. Love Melinda Curtis’s books

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Small Town Girl with a Big City Secret is the ninth in the Love in Harmony Valley series but can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading the previous stories for the entertainment. Secrets have a way of coming to light and trying to control the fallout is not always easy. Mina is a single mother who has scaled back on her political consultant career in order to protect her five year old son and give him the type of lifestyle that his father never had, but when her boss wants her to help Hudson McCloud restore his political career she knows that her secret is about to be exposed. Hud is determined to convince Mina to be his campaign manager and so when she has car trouble, he offers to drive her back to Harmony Valley. As they continue to interact in the town's activities they begin to have feelings for each other but each is carrying secrets that threaten to destroy their budding relationship. As secrets are revealed, they must decide if love is more important than their career goals. It is always fun returning to Harmony Valley and catching up with the residents who bring laughs to each story.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Judy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series so much! I have read all the books so far and look forward to (hopefully) many more!

This book, as well as all the others in the series, is a sweet romance. There is much more going on then a romance, but the romance is not something that would make to blush too much.

Many characters from prior books in the series make an appearance, which is always nice if you read the other books, but each book can be read independently and be fully understood. The characters are varied in ages from young to the older population, which I always enjoy in a book. Real life has people of all ages, so a story should also!

I am a fan of Melinda Curtis and one of the many things she does so well when writing, is to create adorable children characters. In this book there is a unique five year-old named Liam, who is the center of the plot and steals any scene he is in! His mom Mina is the Small Town Girl (from the title).

It was a joy to return to return to Harmony Valley while reading this book. I definitely recommend it and also the others in this series!

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series! The residents of this town are so quirky and fun yet caring and stand by each other. Mina is a single mother who hasn't really been a part of the town for a long time but she lives there now with her son, Liam. Liam is definitely my favorite character. He's so sweet and grown up for his age of 5 but yet innocent too. His father died before he was born but he long for a father, a brother or a puppy! Mina never told his family about him because they are famous and she didn't want that for him. Now Hudson (the uncle) wants to run for mayor of San Francisco and since Mina is a political consultant, Mina is called in to possibly run his campaign. She fights it all the way but he follows her to Harmony Valley and let's just say sparks are flying! What happens when he sees Liam? I really liked Mina's grandma too. She was a wonderful lady and so were the other elderly people in the town! Mina's friends were great too!

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story in this wonderful Love in Harmony Valley series. I really liked Mina, Hudson and of course Liam. We also get to meet some characters from Hudson’s world as well. I loved the story and especially the political aspect. There are some secrets which Mina and Hudson are both dealing with and as the story progresses, we find out that a couple of characters in Hudson’s inner circle knew about Mina’s secret but never told him or his mother. I also thought it was great when the two worlds collided and Hudson’s inner circle including his mother came to Harmony Valley. I also like learning more about some of our older characters’ pasts and even Hudson’s mother has an amazing past. We also get to meet some of Mina’s friends and I’m wondering if we might be seeing future stories for them. Once all the secrets are out and things change for the better for not just Mina and Hudson but also for another set of characters as well, which I loved that coming about. Wonderful story!

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story – it has so much heart and love. Anyone would wish there had been this much love and support in their life. Mina and Hudson are great characters. I really liked them both. They had personal challenges to overcome, and wow, were they challenged! But they were believable characters, with problems I could relate to, and their choices (however hard to make) were heartbreakingly real. I really liked these two.

Don’t get me started on adorable Liam – 5 years old going on 15? 20? Too cute! And did he know how to work his momma. Mina absolutely knew it was being done but she just couldn’t resist Liam. It’s unusual for me to love all the characters in a story but this one does it. Big stories. Big issues. Big feelings. It was an amazing story for Mina and Hudson. Highly recommend!

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I say this probably might just be my absolute fave book of this series!? Well, that is the case and it was such a sweet story that I really didn't want it to end. Single mom, Mina loves her son and will do anything to protect him. Including keeping a secret that weighs heavily on her mind. Hudson McCloud is a prominent man from an also prominent politically oriented family. He has secrets in his past, too. The secrets seem to hold both back from moving forward and on with their lives.
Liam is a sweet chess-playing boy and Mina's son. The characters are all so engaging and the book was one that I couldn't put down easily. So good! Sweet romance and a wonderful realistic and believable story line. In a few words: I loved it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top political campaign strategist, Mina, decides to relocate to Harmony Valley to protect her five-year-old son, Liam, from possible notoriety. Being asked to assist the prospective San Francisco mayor, Hudson, in his campaign is the last thing she expects or wants. Circumstances force them into unwanted proximity until Mina’s long-held secret is ultimately discovered.
The introduction of each new book sees Melissa Curtis continuing to attract readers back into the growing Harmony Valley community. They are all easy to read as ‘stand-alone’ novels, although the match-making Councilwomen, Agnes, Millie and Rose, feature as significant secondary characters throughout the series, giving these stories their uniquely quirky essence.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet, funny, sad. I loved Mina. She was a strong women. A single mother doing the best for her son. She is living with her grandmother in Harmony Valley. A good political consultant and when she meets Hud McCloud things get really interesting to say the least. She has to tread carefully, because she has a secret if let out could change everyone’s lives.
Hud doesn’t know what it is about Mina, but he likes her a lot. Her also finds out she dated his brother who has passed recently. He has to prove to her that they would be good together. She’s hesitant. She doesn’t believe in love, but he is bound and determined to change all of that.

Buy the book so much more to come.
The previous books are amazing as well and should not be missed at all.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

between worlds
I just love Melinda´s books, they always touch my heart, make me think but still keep me entertained. I wouldn´t want to be in Mina´s shoes, she has quite a lot on her plate being a single mother and taking care of her frail grandmother. What she really doesn´t need is a career driven politician to uncover her secret about Liam´s father and the threat of more conflicts to face.
I liked the chemistry between Hudson and Mia but as long as Hudson doesn´t see what really matters in life, I understood Mia kept him and his family at arm´s length.
All the characters in this book are relatable, but my favourite is Liam, he is just too cute and you can´t help but wish for a HEA outcome just for his sake alone.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean and sweet romance. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

Mina is a single mom that helps political candidates. She is asked to help Hud get back in the political ring. Not sure if her personal life will intrude, she is not sure she wants to help. What Hud doesn't know is that her son is his deceased brother's child. Mina does not want her son in the spotlight. How will this playout? Will she help Hud? Will Hud find out about Mina's son?

This was an easy read and a sweet and clean romance. The characters were likable and the storyline interesting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Good Story in this Series 4.5*.
Single mother Mina balances her career with giving her five year old son a normal upbringing. However all that she has built is jeopardised when her boss wants her to run a mayoral campaign for Hudson McCloud, who just so happens to be her son’s uncle. Little Liam is a hoot with his constant requests for a brother, a puppy or a chicken! When Hud finds out the truth he is left with a dilemma, pursue his dream or protect his nephew’s childhood.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's kept her secret for six years. He's kept his secret for two years. In order to move forward, they will have to confront their secrets and deal with them once and for all only more secrets may be revealed. The small town of Harmony Valley is full of all things small town. You know. Noisy people, overly friendly people, everyone knows your business, everyone has an opinion and best of all, everyone looks out for you. I absolutely adored the main character's little boy in this story and his devotion to wanting a baby brother, a puppy and/or a chicken. Read this sweet story to find out what I mean.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok... I keep saying I think I've found my favorite book by Melinda Curtis... I keep lying. She gets better with every book!!! Small Town Girl with a Big City Problem is about Nina DeWitt and Hudson McCloud.

Mina is a single mother, her precious son Liam never got to meet his father, Samuel McCloud. Mina is a well mien political consultant and Hudson McCloud (who doesn't know his brother had a child) wants Mina on his team!

Can they work together? Can Mina maintain the secret of Liam's father??? This book was so good I read it in 3 sittings!

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mina has a big secret and it’s one that she can not keep if she works for the McCloud’s. The McCloud’s are well respected, high profile politicians and if Mina’s secret gets out it can run all of them on both sides of the equation. When Amina meets Hud McCloud she knows keeping her secret will be near impossible to do, especially with her heart falling got him. Hud wants to run for mayor but when he meets Mina he starts questioning everything. Can they figure life out together? Let’s see!

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mina is a single mother and a political consultant. Hudson is looking to enter the political arena again and wants Mina to work for him. Her secret and their attraction towards each other could cause major problems though. What is her secret? How will he respond to her decision? When the secret is discovered how does everyone react. Do they end up together?.

I received an ARC via Booksprout. Review voluntarily given.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story with some secrets that slowly unfold as you read the story. Interesting and complex characters with strong personalities and they have a deep attraction to each other. It's always entertaining to read these kinds of stories where the attractions are so strong but the characters fight it all the step of the way and the secrets! Goodread.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Small Town Girl with a Big City Secret" (Love in Harmony Valley Book 9) by Melinda Curtis was a wonderful read. I loved Mina and Hudson's story. This story had romance, small-town life, a secret baby, family, entertaining characters, humor, and more. This was a great addition to this series. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in Harmony Valley. I highly recommend it to all fans of clean romance, small-town life, family, and series.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, heartwarming story!
This story pulled at my emotions and kept me turning the pages until I finished the book.
I love a story that involves children, especially if the child is as entertaining as Liam was! The adult characters were just as entertaining!
Love in Harmony Valley is a wonderful series and I can't wait for Book 10!.

I received a free copy of this book courtesy Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

Always hiding secrets to protect others costing her own dreams.

Things will come to a head as secrets will be revealed and love will unexpectedly happen. It is a small town love story that will make you believe in dreams and happy ever after. Sweet addition in this quaint series.

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book nine in the Harmony Valley series and I have loved all the books they are sweet romance with ups and downs.Mina a political consultant is requested by Hud and his Mother but Mina has a secret she is hiding and doesn't want the job in the
meantime there are sparks flying between Hud and Mina.What will happen when Hud discovers Minas's
secret?

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town, sweet romance that was so enjoyable, fun to read and well written. The storyline was interesting with great characters, both kept me entertained. I am a sucker for a good romance when you get both laughter and tears. This book did not disappoint.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story with Hud and Mina. The premise of the story seemed like it could be other books but it really wasn't. I loved how the story brought these two together and how they worked things out together to get together. A great story in Harmony Valley.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of the folks in Harmony Valley, and look forward to 'seeing' all of them again in each book - and this book was no exception! But, it was also great getting to know Mina, Liam, and Hud!! Once again, Melinda Curtis has written a wonderful, sweet, clean romance!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Selman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this addition to Harmony Valley series. The story of a single Mom doing her best to raise her son under a big secret. Will she be able to keep this secret in this small town? Only time will tell.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from Booksprout.

The characters were well written and their growth from untrusted strangers to a few family was delightful.

There was a secondary romance story line that was also sweet to read.