Book picks similar to
Loved Bayou by Brooke St. James


romance
contemporary
christian-fiction
christian

Prelude


JoAnn Durgin - 2014
    Lewis and Sarah Jordan, parents to Sam Lewis, the core character of The Lewis Legacy Series. Prelude gives insights into Sam’s family history in this involving, heartfelt story of family, friendship, and love. A story of never letting go of our dreams, and how faith, sacrifice and trusting our lives to the Lord’s guidance will always triumph over our human fears, temptations, insecurities and frailties. On April 24, 1962, U.S. Air Force Captain Samuel Lewis returns home to small Rockbridge, Texas. Six years older than Sarah, Sam is the boy who moved four doors down when she was ten. A teenager who nicknamed her Tomboy and teased her like an older brother. That boy is now a fully grown, incredibly handsome man who makes her heart race, but what does she know of love or life? In another year, she’ll be able to save the five thousand dollars she needs to attend nursing school in Austin. Besides, everyone in Rockbridge expects Sam to date her older sister, Tess, the prettiest girl in town with the beauty queen titles to prove it. Not to mention Tess announces her intention of marrying Captain Lewis. After his return stateside, Sam Lewis finds Sarah Jordan occupying his favorite pondering spot at Thornton’s Creek. After his years away from home, first at the Air Force Academy and then serving in the Air Force, Sam finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Sarah. The sassy, funny girl he used to tease has grown up into a beautiful, charming woman with wit and intelligence who challenges him more than any other woman he’s ever met. Sarah’s frequent reminders that she’s leaving Rockbridge, along with her encouragement to date any other girl in town, unsettle him. During the eventful summer of 1962, their friendship grows deeper and blossoms into love. Sam knows he can’t hold Sarah back from achieving her dreams. Besides, he has no plans to leave town since he’s stepped into place beside his father as the vice president of Rockbridge Savings & Loan. Sam's heart is torn. All seems hopeless when she tells him it’s her dream to work as a nurse on mission fields across the world. When an unexpected financial gift gives Sarah the needed funds to enter nursing school in the fall, she faces saying good-bye to Sam earlier than expected. Are Sam and Sarah destined to be together or to spend their lives apart? Can these two find a place where their hearts can meet or does the Lord have a much better plan that only He can design? Prelude releases on December 19, 2014.

The Neighbor's Secret


Kimberley Montpetit - 2016
    Heartland Cove County in New Brunswick boasts a population of 899 people, a small town of Victorian homes, quirky citizens, and a booming tourist industry where people flock to see the longest covered bridge in the entire world. Grieving the trauma of her ex-fiancé’s betrayal and overwhelmed by her clingy mother and the fry truck family business, Allie rents the first available house she can find. But on the very first night, Allie’s peace and quiet is violated by an unexpected intruder who breaks into the house while she’s taking a bubble bath. An intruder with an alias and old ties to Heartland Cove. Forced by unusual circumstances to share the same rental house, Allie’s suspicions of the man grow — even as she finds herself attracted to him. But is Ethan Smith merely a freelancer on a magazine assignment taking photos of the famous Heartland Cove bridge — or is he an undercover spy for the mayor who wants to ruin the charming town by running a new highway through for his own profit? Is Ethan Smith friend or foe? Enemy or lover?

A Splash of Substance


Elizabeth Maddrey - 2015
    He works for a Senator. Is it a recipe for romance or disaster? Paige Jackson has always stayed out of politics, leaving it to God to govern the world. She has enough on her plate as the owner of a catering company founded on convictions to buy local, sustainable fare. Jackson Trent works on Capitol Hill for Senator Carson, putting his beliefs in action to help shape national policy. Hoping to find high-end clients to keep her business afloat, Paige bids on a contract to cater the Senator’s next fundraiser. Shake-ups in the Senator’s staff leave Jackson grudgingly in charge of the event. After Paige is chosen as caterer, she and Jackson must work together despite opposing beliefs on how God calls Christians to participate in government. As Paige introduces Jackson to sustainable fare, it’s not just the food that piques his interest. When Senator Carson becomes front-page news in Washington, Paige is sucked into the whirlwind of scandal. Can Jackson convince Paige he wasn't complicit and win her back or has politics burned his chance at love?

A Painted Summer


Amy Matayo - 2015
    As a homeschool graduate, a small town resident, and the only child of two over-protective parents, she’s dreamed of chasing big dreams. But big dreams take big courage. So in a moment of uncharacteristic boldness, Darby leaves the only life she’s ever known and sets off for California to test her skills in Hollywood. It works...until she runs out of money. That wasn’t part of her spur-of-the-moment plan, and she finds herself stuck in an unfamiliar city with too much pride to call home for help.With limited options, Darby finds herself working for dangerously hot Lennon Dixon, the owner of a downtown Los Angeles tattoo parlor. Lennon needs help and finds it in Darby. What he doesn’t expect is her odd aversion to his place of business...or his attraction to her. As for Darby, to call her new job unfamiliar is the world's biggest understatement. But to call her mutual attraction to Lennon unexpected is a very close second.Previously published as part of the Just One Summer collection.

Don't Stop Me: Vic


Lorhainne Eckhart - 2021
     Fifteen years ago, Vic McCabe was headed down a one-way road to destruction with the love of his life. But then the unthinkable happened, a mistake that changed their lives forever.   Successful billionaire contractor Vic McCabe is a man every woman wants, but he gives his heart to no one. However, one day a reporter shows up, asking questions about a past he’s buried, a mistake he made fifteen years ago that could destroy his future and that of the woman he’s tried to forget.   After evidence surfaces, dredging up details of the night that changed his life forever, Vic is forced to seek out the only woman he’s ever loved—the woman who has sworn to hate him forever. The McCabe Brothers Don’t Stop Me Don’t Catch Me Don’t Run From Me (March 31)

Season of Romance


Alexa Verde - 2019
    A small-town paramedic in need of healing... Will a season of romance bring them together or pull them apart? Businessman Andrey Sergeyev's organized life changes in ways he never planned when he becomes guardian of his orphaned nephew. He moves to small town Rios Azules to care for grieving Ilya in the boy's familiar environment. Andrey's fiancée breaks off the engagement because of Ilya's health challenges. Another romance is not on Andrey's agenda, no matter how much paramedic Melinda Macalister attracts him with her sweet smile, kindness, and neighborly support for Ilya...Melinda isn't looking for love, either, especially after her last boyfriend left her because of her health issues. She'll just have to hide her crush on her new neighbor. He's going back to Houston soon anyway. But she can't refuse to help him with Ilya, who needs her more than ever. Problem is, the more she gets to know Andrey, the more she realizes he might be the one for her.Will Andrey and Melinda choose to keep holding on to old hurts? Or will they find love in Rios Azules, Texas?This book, Season of Romance, was first published as Love's Ransom, as part of the First Street Church Kindle World. The book has been revised, improved, and greatly expanded in length, so it's nearly twice longer.

Even Still


Hannah Jo Abbott - 2017
    At twenty-two she thought she would be graduating from college and starting a career. But the loss of her parents changed everything, and instead she spends her days working as a waitress and spends her nights, weekends, and everything in between taking care of her five younger siblings. Now her life is completely focused on her family, and despite the urging of those close to her, she doesn’t find time for a life of her own. When Russell Pierce returns to his childhood hometown he is eager to focus on success in his new career. Meeting Paige wasn’t part of his plan either, but once he does he can’t stop thinking about her and how he wants to help her. But she can’t let go of her fears, and refuses to allow him to get close. Will she ever be able to open up and consider a life with anyone? Is she ready to give life a second chance?

Welcome to Last Chance


Cathleen Armstrong - 2013
    But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it’s her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life for Lainie’s comfort-especially since she’s on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?Cathleen Armstrong pens a debut novel filled with complex, lovable characters making their way through life and relationships the best they can. Her evocative descriptions, observational humor, and talent at rendering romantic scenes will earn her many fans.

Love Will Take Me Home


Anita Higman - 2013
    At first Noah may appear like another enemy from her past, but little by little he turns her gray skies into a glimpse of heaven and offers her a truth she’d only dreamed of—that love is the best homecoming of all. Previously published by Harlequin as Home At Last

Taking a Chance on the Heartbreaker


Liwen Y. Ho - 2014
    He’s a charming negotiator with a colorful past. Insecurities threaten their relationship when she decides to take a chance on the heartbreaker.Ashlynn Peters is ever the optimist when it comes to love, but even she's surprised to cross paths with a real-life Prince Charming. Her childhood crush is back in town, and he's more handsome than she remembers and also more intriguing than any man she’s ever dated. Ashlynn finds herself falling hard for Jeremy, only to discover he's not the perfect guy she thought he was. Will she choose to look past Jeremy's tarnished armor or give up on finding her happily-ever-after? Inspired by the author's own love story, this romantic novella will have you laughing, dreaming, and wondering if fairy tales really do come true.*Taking a Chance on the Heartbreaker was formerly titled Straight to You. This story was edited and rereleased with a new cover for your reading pleasure.

Not Just Another Billionaire (When a Billionaire Loves a Woman Book 1)


Emma Kingsley - 2018
    Now she's focused on her career and her efforts have finally paid off. A trip to Aspen with her best friend seems like a perfect way to celebrate her big promotion at Marshall Resorts. But meeting the most gorgeous man she has ever seen under awkward circumstances is definitely not a part of her plan. If that’s unexpected, discovering two weeks later that the breathtaking stranger is her new CEO is outright unimaginable. Logan Marshall distanced himself from the drama of his dysfunctional family years ago. But when he’s called back to save the Marshall Resorts after a traitor sold their secrets to a competitor, he can’t let his great-grandfather’s legacy go down in flames. As if taking charge of the family firm in the middle of a scandal wasn’t enough to process, he’s faced with the fact that one of his new employees is the woman he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since their embarrassing first encounter in Aspen. The atmosphere is tense, the environment is hostile, but when two people are so perfect for each other as Emily and Logan are, can anything stop them? Clean, inspirational romance novella.

Fated


A.S. Roberts - 2016
    But when she comes face to face with a sexy and irresistible blast from her past, she realises that this time she just can't walk away. Even if it means stirring up old memories and pain... Assertive and controlling CEO, Alex Blackmore, is shackled to obligations--obligations he didn't necessarily want. But now that Frankie is back in his life, he knows exactly what he does want--and will have. As their relationship intensifies, Alex's worlds collide and their past resurfaces, threatening to destroy what they're both working toward--letting go and moving on. Can Frankie and Alex fight their demons and embrace the future they're FATED for?This book is recommended for over 18's only, due to HOT content!

The Pursued Patriot


Cami Checketts - 2019
    If she pursues him, will she be framed as his stalker? Shar Heathrow has idolized and fantasized about superstar Mike Kohler since college. When he shows up at her restaurant on Hilton Head Island, she flips out, and instead of convincing him to date her, she somehow manages to convince him that she’s his long-time stalker. Mike Kohler thinks Shar Heathrow is hilarious, beautiful, and possibly disturbed. When he finds her yelling a pep talk to the dumpster behind her restaurant, he tries to cautiously back away but he can’t seem to help flirting with her and laughing at her funny antics. When Shar finally thinks Mike is interested in her, the stalker strikes and sends them both into protective custody. Will this be their chance to connect or is the danger only beginning? Don't miss the companion, stand-alone novels to The Pursued Patriot: The Committed Warrior and The Stranded Patriot.

Island Refuge


Kimberly Rose Johnson - 2015
    Did she make a mistake? Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her. Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B&B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all—to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future . . . together. Author Bio Kimberly Rose Johnson, soon to be empty-nester, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their yellow lab. Island Refuge is her sixth published book and the first in a series of three. Kimberly enjoys long walks, chocolate, and mochas, not necessarily in that order.

The Last Name Banks


Lacy Camey - 2012
    Now she's ready to show to the world there is more to her than what meets the eye. She's more than the prim debutante from a privileged background. Yes, her father may be running for President and her mother may be the socialite of the year, never lifting a finger unless it's to sip a flute of champagne, but Chloe is just like any other normal twenty-three year old, wanting to love and be loved, wanting to make her own mark in this world.So Chloe moves temporarily with her two friends to Venezuela to serve in an orphanage as a nurse. But it is there she faces the same prejudices she is running away from, including the judgment from the incredibly good-looking orphanage facilitator and a few grumpy doctors. Chloe has to learn to let go of others' assumptions of who she is so she can finally live her life free. But will she?The Last Name Banks is part of the "Living, Loving, and Laughing Again series", but can be read as a stand alone novel.If you enjoyed Norah and Maycee from The Last Page, you can find them again in Venezuela with Chloe in The Last Name Banks!Book One: The Last Page (Norah's story) out now!Book Two: The Last Name Banks (Chloe's story) out now!This PG novel is 57k words (roughly 284 paper pages) and is language and sex free making it suitable for teens and women of all ages.