Book picks similar to
Out of the Ashes by Vanessa Evetts
fiction
kiwi-author
contemporary
amazon
Squeezed
David Atkinson - 2019
"A story with laugh out loud moments, heart-rending events and a nice easy flowing style." --Trip Fiction "Anyone who likes their romance with a touch of realism and not too much syrup will adore this book." --Read Reviewed WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOUR WIFE ORGANIZED A THREESOME FOR YOU ON YOUR HONEYMOON? Scott is shocked by his wife Hannah's suggestion, but hesitantly agrees to go along with it. Back home, both feel a little guilty about their encounter with a Thai woman called Marilyn, but soon put it behind them when they discover Hannah is pregnant. Then Marilyn turns up on their doorstep, six months pregnant, and Scott comes to realize that in life there is often a price to pay for indiscretion. Squeezed is a story about family, and how sometimes we don't appreciate what we've got until it's gone. Perfect for fans of Graeme Simsion, Tracy Bloom, Sue Moorcroft, Jojo Moyes and Cecelia Ahern ALSO BY DAVID ATKINSON LOVE BYTE
Amber Light
Virginia McCullough - 2014
"A skillfully told story of a woman's journey of healing from a life changing traumatic event—Virginia McCullough pulled me in on page one. I flew through this book and didn't want it to end." —Dr. Elizabeth G. Biggers, Psychotherapist, LPC Despite everything, Sarah Whitmore still believes in lucky breaks… A single act of violence left Sarah pregnant, with her cherished plans for the future in ruins. But she grabs her chance to leave her Wisconsin town behind and create a new life on the South Carolina coast, with help from an aunt and uncle she barely knows. As a single mother, Sarah’s new life includes Amber, who Sarah vows will never learn the truth about her violent father. Over the next years Sarah tries to heal the psychological trauma she endured, but it’s not easy. Sarah includes her job at an island resort another lucky break, along with her unlikely friendship with Woody, who helps her break out of her shell and develop her talent as a portrait artist. But even Woody can’t help Sarah believe a relationship with a man is possible for her—ever. Then Sarah meets Barly Rhoads, a dad who fought for the right to be with his child. Barly believes in justice and righting wrongs when he sees them, including fixing his own mistakes. The past refuses to stay buried when Amber’s father threatens the safe, perfect life Sarah has created for herself and her daughter. Barly proves he will go to any length to protect Sarah and Amber, and in the process exposes some deep wounds of his own. Now Sarah must decide if she’s ready for one more lucky break. Scroll up to buy Amber Light now to experience this romance saga of a single mother willing to do anything to protect her daughter. It is the story of one woman's hard journey after she is victimized in a sexual encounter. Willing to try to make the perfect life for her daughter on the South Carolina shores, as a young teen parent new to motherhood, she tries to get over her psychological trauma and become a stronger woman for her daughter. Side-by-side, they learn together, as she tries to heal through her hurts and learn to love again. Virginia McCullough is the author of three previous women’s fiction novels: Island Healing, Greta’s Grace, and The Chapels on the Hill. Virginia McCullough began her writing career when she moved to the coast of Maine, soon breaking in to magazines with articles about sailing/cruising, family living, and children’s literature. Virginia has written over 100 books for her clients, including 12 titles for Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., a neurologist-psychiatrist and developer of Sensa, the popular weight loss program. Her coauthored books include The Oxygen Revolution, written with Paul Harch, M.D., a pioneer in the field of hyperbaric medicine. In 2011, she and a friend, Lynda McDaniel, co-founded The Book Catalysts, a book writing coaching service that also offers tools for writers, including the e-book, Write Your Book Now! What others are saying about Virginia McCullough's novel, The Chapels on the Hill: “A lyrical story of the healing power of love—it will capture your heart.” —Stacey Joy Netzel, NY Times bestselling author of the Romancing Wisconsin series What others are saying about Virginia McCullough's novel, Island Healing: "Captivating, vivid, heartwarming...
Mark of the Loon
Molly Greene - 2012
She struggles with the inability to put down roots years after the sudden death of her beloved parents. Madison and her three wise, hilarious friends all wonder if she uses her busy, work-centric lifestyle as an excuse to avoid connection with anyone but them.When Madison checks out a probate sale outside Healdsburg, California, she falls in love with the European-style house on a private tract of land overlooking Lake Sonoma. In fact, she likes the place so much she climbs in the window for a private tour. With help from lawyer and friend Genevieve Delacourt, Madison soon learns that the estate’s corrupt attorney has manipulated the sale and is attempting to steer the purchase to an anonymous client in a deceitful plan for personal gain.Good fortune enables her to purchase the Blackburne’s property, but far more than a new home and lush gardens await discovery during this renovation. As Madison works on the remodel, she’s drawn into an old love story with dangerous consequences. In the process, she discovers herself as she unearths buried secrets. The series of events both endanger Madison and lead her to love – and a permanent home. Mark of the Loon is the skillful combination of history, mystery, and romance in a novel that explores deep friendship, choices, and how individuals cope with loss.
The Only Way Home
Jeanette Minniti - 2021
Danger on the rails. A journey to save a family.It is 1933 inside a sweltering courtroom in Macon, Georgia. Fifteen-year-old Robert sits on a bench awaiting sentencing after being picked up for vagrancy and spending a night in jail. He left his home in Illinois with a neighborhood friend to ride the rails and find work to help their families. The friend turned back, too afraid to face the perils ahead. But going back empty-handed isn’t an option for Robert.THE ONLY WAY HOME is the story of one boy’s determination to survive loss and hardship to help his family — and how fate and a violin touch the course of his life.Fans of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and Sold On a Monday by Kristina Morris will love this story set during the Great Depression of a fatherless boy fighting to keep his family together.
Queen of the Universe
Geralyn Corcillo - 2015
But then Arlen Black walks into her office and he is PERFECT for the part. One problem, though. He's not an actor there to audition. Nope. He's the handyman Lola hired to renovate her historic Hollywood house.No problem. Lola gleefully offers him the dream job of a lifetime. No dice--the stoic recluse in a tool belt wants nothing to do with Lola and her show. But Lola doesn't give up. She goes after Arlen using every trick she can think of, but her Hollywood machinations just bounce right off him.Why can't she get a bead on this guy?A scrambling Lola is about to get the ax when Arlen surprises her socks off and signs on to play Sam. She has no idea why he changed his mind, but she doesn't have time to stop and think about it. Not when she has to get him camera-ready, suppress her totally unprofessional attraction to him, and hide from the studio exec, her million-dollar leading lady, and the world at large that her ace-in-the-hole leading man is really just her sexy handyman.The stellar pilot garners media accolades, causing Hollywood gossip to sink its claws into Arlen. When one paparazzi photo threatens to destroy everything he holds dear, Lola finally understands why he upended his life to do the show and save her career. Now she's got to move heaven and Earth not to save the show ... but to save Arlen.
Tales From The Crib
Jennifer Coburn - 2006
She and her husband Jack have been trying to get pregnant for years throughout their rocky marriage. But before she can tell him the big news, Jack has something he needs to announce – he wants a divorce!Rather than split up, Lucy and Jack decide to live together as friends. This way, they can share expenses and parenting responsibilities. Co-parenting is a fine deal for Jack who is back in the dating scene by Lucy’s third trimester of pregnancy, but is a frustrating one for Lucy who has unfulfilled sexual fantasies about every man from restaurant delivery boys to puppeteers. Meanwhile, Lucy’s mother is taking over her life. The grand dame of Planet Earth, Anjoli frequently visits her daughter to share her own brand of maternal wisdom. As Anjoli leaves her Drama Queen bookstore to “help” Lucy with baby Adam, the new grandmother has an affair with baby’s pediatrician, hosts two weddings (including cousin Kimmy’s wedding to herself), and constantly frets about which kind of pie to serve guests. With a cast of family and friends from Lucy’s Jewish aunts to Junior League neighbor, Candace, Tales From the Crib is the story of how one baby can bring people together – so they can drive each other nuts!
Loving the Movie Star (Hawaii Billionaire Romance Book 6)
Jennifer Youngblood - 2017
Too bad Blade’s having stress issues brought on by a longtime stalker who’s getting more aggressive. If Blade can’t find a way to loosen up on set and perform to the best of his ability, he’ll lose everything he’s worked so hard to achieve. Dani Fairchild, Samantha’s little sister (from Love Him or Lose Him) is trying hard to turn over a new leaf and transcend into adulthood. Yes, she may have been irresponsible in the past when she jilted billionaire Liam Barclay (from Love on the Rocks) and ran off with a surfer, but that’s all behind her. Dani has a food blog she wants to take to the next level, and she’s holding down a full-time job. Granted, being a receptionist isn’t her dream job by any means, but hey, it’s a start. Too bad she can’t keep her big mouth shut and gets fired when the boss acts like a jerk. An unlikely encounter on the public bus brings Blade and Dani together where sparks fly and attraction sizzles. But Dani isn’t having it. No matter how charismatic Blade is or how good he looks with his chiseled abs and piercing blue eyes she’s vowed to never again get involved with someone who doesn’t live on the island permanently. Long distance relationships are a kick in the pants, and she’s tired of being hurt. Home alone for Christmas while Samantha and her family go to the mainland, Dani settles in for a quiet, predictable holiday. But fate has other plans when Dani and Blade are unwittingly thrown into a cycle of events that lead to a heart-pounding climax. Can Dani and Blade find a strong enough love to sustain them in the face of danger? Or will the stalker win in the end? Like all the books in the Hawaii Billionaire Romance series, Loving the Movie Star is a standalone novel, but you’ll enjoy surprise appearances from many of your favorite characters from previous stories. Here are the other titles in the Hawaii Romance Series: Love Him or Lose Him Love on the Rocks Love on the Rebound Love at the Ocean Breeze Love Changes Everything Loving the Movie Star
Conflicted Innocence (The Cold Case Files #2)
Netta Newbound
Lee Barnes, James’ best friend and neighbour, is awaiting the imminent release of his wife, Lydia, who has served six years for infanticide. But he’s not as prepared as he thought. In a last ditch effort to make things as perfect as possible his already troubled life takes a nose dive. Geraldine and James combine their wits to investigate several historical, unsolved murders for James’ latest book. James is impressed by her keen eye and instincts. However, because of her inability to keep her mouth shut, Geri, once again, finds herself the target of a crazed and vengeful killer.
Insignificant Moments
Jeremy Asher - 2010
He's had an incredibly unadventurous career as an assistant librarian and only one serious girlfriend. But on the day he decides to literally climb a mountain and seek something better in life, something better finds him instead. That glorious day, Jaye rescues a beautiful young woman and realizes he's just met the girl of his dreams. In the turmoil surrounding her rescue, though, he doesn't even ask her name. She slips through his fingers--another casualty of his too cautious life. Reeling from disappointment, Jaye writes a simple yet heartfelt e-mail about the key to life and sends it winging into the ether. When that same inspirational e-mail returns to his inbox three years later--after impacting people around the world--Jaye is at another crucial intersection in life. The e-mail reminds him of what he lost, and he embarks on a life-changing journey to find it again, a journey full of adventure, mystery...and maybe even love. In the tradition of Nicholas Sparks, Insignificant Moments speaks to the profound impact a single moment can have on our lives and in our hearts. Revised 12/26/2012
Their Christmas Miracle
Misty Shae - 2017
He never thought he’d find love again after the death of his wife and son. Natalie Porter and her son, Tommy are traveling to Chicago so that she can give birth to a child that she can’t keep. When Tommy goes missing on the train, Natalie and Ken cross paths in the search to find her son, but end up finding so much more in each other. When Natalie is forced to get off the train after going in labor, Kenneth decides to go with her, offering her a whole new life if she’ll only let him. Will Natalie accept his offer to be her husband and adopt the baby she so desperately wants to keep? Could the love that bloomed between them in such a short amount of time, be real?
The Ultimate Guide to Darcy Carter
Teresa Slack - 2006
Regardless, she doubts she can guide herself out of a brown paper bag. When her editor suggests she write The Ultimate Guide to Finding Mr. Right, she wants no part of it. To avoid Mr. Right--since she's pretty sure he doesn't exist--and hopefully figure out where the discontentment with her life is coming from, she heads south to research one last ultimate guidebook. The questions and doubts swirling around in her head follow. If she's no longer America's Ultimate Guide Girl, who is she? Would she recognize Mr. Right if he was standing right in front of her? Where does an Ultimate Guide Girl turn for guidance? Her heavenly father who gives wisdom to all who seek it? Or can she rely on herself, the woman with all the answers? This clean contemporary Christian romance is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud story that reminds us sometimes the things we work so hard for don't bring the fulfillment and happiness we're looking for.
Where's the Groom?
Cathryn Brown - 2020
Now her groom’s missing and a new man’s helping her search for him.Summer realized she’d made a big mistake. Why did she say yes to him? When her groom never arrives at the church, she uses her one clue to find him. She gets a big surprise. And she meets her Watson to help her search.Cameron agrees to help Summer because a family member’s caught in her mystery. She’s glad to have someone working with her, especially when he’s handsome and has a great smile, but a new romance is out of the question. But she sometimes (maybe too often) gets in trouble when she leaps before she looks, so he could come in handy.Cameron and Summer are immediately pulled into a mystery bigger than a missing groom (with no dead bodies!) and fighting their attraction to each other. If they can find the groom—and solve this mystery—they’ll part ways and never need to see each other again.They’re caught in a situation they didn’t create. Can a woman who almost got married find love on the run?
A Bride for the Texas Ranger
Charlotte Dearing - 2019
He must, however, work a deal with her. She needs money to save her ranch and he needs access to the spring on her property. Seems simple, right? But nothing’s ever easy with Pearl. The woman is steely and stubborn, but she’s lovely too, with a carefully concealed, vulnerable side. As much as he tries not to notice, thoughts of Pearl distract him plenty. She stirs all sorts of protective notions. He yearns to shield her from the dangerous outlaws that lurk in the nearby canyons. When whispered rumors turn into deadly threats, Levi vows to do whatever it takes to keep Pearl safe.
A Child is Born
Trisha Alexander - 1995
Yet from the moment Eve and Mitch met, something special happened. Suddenly Eve's dreams now included a future with Mitch. Despite their feelings, the two lovers are torn apart, only to meet again twenty years later. Will their past complicate their future? Or will a Christmas miracle take place? Patricia Kay is at her best in this captivating and emotional romance about star-crossed lovers.