Book picks similar to
Love Under French Skies by Gill Bryant


arc
book-battle
character-death
free-books-for-review

Cowboy’s Christmas Past


Mary Sue Jackson - 2021
    What could possibly go wrong?After his mother’s death, Beau Taylor returned from college to care for his baby sister. He left behind his dream of becoming a cinematographer—and his heart.The cowboy never thought he’d see Amelia Crawford again. She followed her dreams and became a big movie star. But when she shows up in town to shoot a western ten years later, their worlds collide after Beau’s ranch is selected as the perfect filming location.With Beau’s attraction to Amelia growing, it might also be the perfect setting for a Christmas romance. But falling for Amelia means letting her in again, and his heart still has the scars from the first time.Amelia finally has the chance to make a serious film, but she needs to learn how to ride a horse—and Beau is the perfect person to teach her. She’d forgotten how gorgeous he is, and how his touch made her feel.Amelia can make audiences believe she’s in love, yet the only time she’s ever truly fallen for a man was with the smoldering Beau. But how can she trust that her cowboy won’t break her heart again? Maybe what they need is a bit of Christmas magic...

The Sheikh's Surprise Bride (Matchmaking the Sheikhs of Al-Fatha Book 2)


Leslie North - 2021
    

A Blessing in Disguise


Pamela Fudge - 2015
     She has an enviably comfortable life in a lavish house with her husband, Phil, having shared twenty-five years of blissful marriage together. The only thing missing is a relationship with her in-laws. The family can’t even seem to survive one dinner without arguing, and Pete’s father, Randy, seems to harbour nothing but feelings of hatred towards his son. However, the couple’s otherwise idyllic lifestyle is turned upside-down when Alex discovers that she’s pregnant. Surely it’s far too late for them to have children and, having spent the last twenty-five years child-free, do either of them really want to upset the balance of their relationship by involving a baby? Alex seems to have made up her mind – it’s far too risky. But the more she ponders over her growing belly, the more she begins to wonder whether this is the last chance she’ll ever have to experience motherhood and become a real family. Perhaps now was finally their time to begin a new chapter… But it soon becomes clear that Phil has been doing some thinking his own. Despite his increasing pressure on her, Alex just can’t bring herself to go through with the termination he so desperately wants. Then Phil delivers the ultimatum she has been dreading: their marriage, or the baby. With her relationship now hanging in the balance, and her doubts that she is remotely fit for motherhood growing every day, Alex soon begins to realise that love is often found in the most unexpected of places… A Blessing in Disguise is a heart-warming tale of redemption, with unexpected twists that will keep you glued until the final page. Praise for Pamela Fudge ‘A well-written book that holds one’s attention from the first page with twists and turns until the final outcome.’ – The Woman Writer ‘A deeply moving novel, Pamela Fudge has done it again!’ – Holly Kinsella ‘A light, easy read and I happily tripped through it in one sitting when I was sorely in need of something relaxing. You can always rely on Pamela Fudge.’ – The Bookbag ‘The reader is left wondering, right to the end, what the outcome will be.’ – The Daily Echo Pamela Fudge, born in Poole, Dorset is an author, ghost writer and speaker, whose love of poetry initially led her to further explore her talent for creative writing. Having now developed a substantial portfolio of widely-published romance novels, Pam shares her talents with other aspiring writers, tutoring Writing For Pleasure And Profit classes for the local Adult Education Service. She is also a member of Wessex Writers, The Romantic Novelists’ Association, The Society of Women Writers and Journalists and The Society of Authors.

Where the Irises Bloom


Will Lowrey - 2019
    Life on the streets can be tough for a kitten. Between neighborhood hooligans, trains and traffic whizzing past, unforgiving weather, and grumpy raccoons competing over scraps of food in the garbage cans, every day is a struggle to survive. Although lost and afraid among the tall, glimmering buildings and their shadowy alleyways below, Fern soon discovers she’s not alone. She’s seen him before, huddled in the cold by the old tavern. Mother taught her to be wary of the people, but when she takes a chance on him, she learns he has a story, too. Together, they just might save each other. From the author of the acclaimed novel Chasing the Blue Sky comes the compelling, poignant tale of the unusual bond between a stray kitten and a homeless man.

Sweet Christmas Kisses 5


Beate BoekerRoxanne Rustand - 2018
     Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 brings you contemporary romances that celebrate the joy of the season around the world, including snowy Maine and the sun-kissed skies of Florida, the mountains of Colorado to small-town Illinois and Virginia, New York to San Francisco, and even the glittering lights of Paris and the old-world charm of Florence. Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 features nine all-new, standalone novellas that will make you smile and warm your heart with the Christmas spirit.

Second Time Sweeter


Ros Baxter - 2015
    Turns out Mr Safe Bet wasn’t so safe after all, and life in her small home town of Sweet Pocket got kind of sour. The last thing she needs on top of two kids, a sick mother, a deadbeat ex and a heap of bad debt is for Mr Love of her Life to ride back into town, successful, smart, devastatingly sexy, and all the things that she can no longer be. And it doesn’t help that she’s dressed as cheese. One-time-bad-boy-now-Crop-King Brodie Brown is back in town on a mission of mercy, but he’s keeping his guard up.  He can’t let this town – or the girl who broke his heart ten years before – get under his skin.  He’s seen what working the land can do to people, and he built his business, and a whole new life, in the big smoke far away from the pain and despair of a farmer’s life. But he loved this town and he loves the people, so when Sweet Pocket calls, he answers. That’s just the way it is.But it’s only temporary and it’s only business. Brodie learned long ago that there is nothing left for him in Sweet Pocket but a broken heart and lost dreams. When the town’s future is secure, he’ll ride away again – back to his life and his future, and away from the girl who could make both worthwhile.

Starlight Cottage


K.T. Dady - 2021
    A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, love, drama, and a happily ever after.Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters. Best read in order for maximum enjoyment.Starlight Cottage: Anna Cooper and Jake Reynolds both live at a luxury London building. The only difference is that Jake lives in the penthouse, and Anna lives in a tent on the roof.When Jake finds out, he offers Anna a chance of a new life in his grandmother’s childhood home in Pepper Bay, and she decides to take the opportunity to see if she really can make a fresh start somewhere else.The beauty of Pepper Bay, with its quaint shops, chocolate box cottages, and all of Jake’s closest friends, immediately fills Anna’s heart with nothing but love, and it isn’t just Starlight Cottage that she finds herself falling in love with.

The Whisperer: A heart-wrenching and romantic novel about second chances


Elsa Winckler - 2017
    When she calms a stray dog during an incident at school, she’s asked to help a nearby farm with a difficult horse.Cameron Rahl has had a very different relationship with animals since his mother died in a horse riding accident. But now he's inherited his family’s farm, he's determined to never let anyone affect him that way again.Until he meets Cilla. He tries to stay away from the gorgeous horse whisperer with the potential to tame him, but something keeps pulling him close. And as much as Cilla tells herself she can keep it casual, she knows they're too connected to be 'just a fling.'Will Cilla's heart win out? Or will it take history repeating itself for Cameron to realise just how much he needs her?

The Bird that Sang in Color


Grace Mattioli - 2021
    However, he remains single, childless, and subsists in cramped apartments. She harbors guilt for her supposed failure until she discovers a sketch-book he’d made of his life, which prompts her own journey to live authentically.While this textured story combines serious issues such as alcoholism, death, and family conflict, it’s balanced with wit and humor and is filled with endearing, unforgettable characters. The story spans decades, beginning in 1970 and ending in the present. Readers will be immersed in this tale as it poses an intriguing question: “What pictures will you have of yourself by the end of your life?”“hugely moving, beautifully rendered, and brilliant,” Lidia Yucknavitch

Nobody's Girl


Tania Crosse - 2017
    Perfect for the fans of Jo Cox and Rosie Goodwin. The boom years immediately after the Great War bring nothing but happiness for wealthy industrialist Wigmore Stratfield-Whyte and his wife Clarissa – until tragedy robs them of their greatest treasure. Many years later, an horrific fatal accident brings young Meg Chandler, a spirited farmer's daughter, into their lives. Meg wants nothing to do with them, but Clarissa is drawn irresistibly towards the bereaved girl and will move heaven and earth to help her. Will Meg allow Clarissa into her own shattered life, and can the two share a future happiness together? And will Meg's new acquaintances bring her the contentment she craves – or seek to destroy her? Set in the Kent countryside in the years leading up to the Second World War, this compelling saga tingles with drama, tension and an overwhelming sense of love.

A Different Kind of Happy: A family in patchwork can be perfect


Rachaele Hambleton - 2021
    A partner she loves, five amazing kids and a house by the sea. But life is never simple and there is more than a little emotional baggage coming along for the ride.Starting with that tw*t of an ex-husband who doesn't pull his weight. Then there's the untrained puppy, the work/life balance, a custody battle for the children and all the everyday ups and downs and chaos of being a patchwork family.Surrounded by family dramas and mums who seem to have all their sh*t together, Jo must find a way to make friends and make it work in this new town.Barbecues on the beach and dog walks open up new conversations, but as Jo gets to know everyone better, the picture perfect families might be in need of more help than she first thought...When normal is not an option, surprises can lead to a different kind of happy family.

His Auction Prize (THE BRIDES BY CHANCE REGENCY ADVENTURES SERIES Book 8)


Elizabeth Bailey - 2021
    But to her horror, by the end of the night it becomes apparent that her guardian has abandoned her.Destitute and with no memories of any family besides her deceased father, Felicity is forced to turn to Raoul for aid.Concerned for her welfare, Raoul vows to help Felicity out of her predicament and discover what has become of her guardian.But it soon becomes clear that there is more to Felicity’s background than meets the eye. Their curiosity piqued, she and Raoul are drawn into an impromptu quest to uncover the truth about her mysterious origins…HIS AUCTION PRIZE is the eighth book in the Brides By Chance series, an enchanting set of Regency romances set in Georgian England.THE BRIDES BY CHANCE REGENCY ADVENTURE SERIES:BOOK ONE: In Honour BoundBOOK TWO: A Chance Gone ByBOOK THREE: Knight for a LadyBOOK FOUR: A Winter’s Madcap EscapadeBOOK FIVE: Marriage For MusicBOOK SIX: Damsel to the RescueBOOK SEVEN: Widow in MistletoeBOOK EIGHT: His Auction PrizeBOOK NINE: Disaster and the DukeBOOK TEN: Taming of the Vulture

Sweet Home Montana: An emotional and uplifting feel good romance to curl up with


Shann McPherson - 2020
    Having left her childhood sweetheart Colt at the altar before she fled, Quinn knows her homecoming will mean facing up to her past.But when Quinn runs into Colt on her family’s ranch and realises that the old sparks still fly between them, she begins to wonder whether it’s time to come home for good.As Quinn and Colt become closer, it’s clear they have unfinished business. But Colt is hiding something, and when his secret is revealed it will show Quinn just how much can change in ten long years—and how difficult it is to slot back in to a life that’s moved on without her…

Guarding His Fake Family


Katie Knight - 2021
    Alisha Lewis, the sister of one of his squad mates, could be his key to his next bestseller—if their smoldering chemistry doesn’t get in the way. She’s sexy, smart and just happens to be an investigative reporter working on what might be the perfect story. After the adrenaline rush of a stakeout-gone-bad, they share a night of passion—one they both agree was a mistake. But that one night has lasting consequences when Alisha learns she’s pregnant.Alisha didn’t expect Simon to insist on staying near to keep her and the baby safe. But when an abduction happens on their doorstep, she's glad the towering SEAL is there to protect her, and their unborn child. Soon, they’re up to their necks in crooked cops, kidnappers, and the kidnap victim’s abandoned baby. Not to mention the red-hot passion that continues to flare between them.Worse yet? As they work to solve the mystery, Alisha realizes she’s starting to fall hard for the sexy SEAL. But will they be able to survive long enough to fall in love?

Just for the Summer (Willowbury #3)


Fay Keenan - 2021
    While her three sons spend the summer holiday with their father, Kate has an opportunity to prove to herself that there is a new life, after her divorce.Harry Sinclair is the owner of Vale Volumes book shop on Willowbury High Street. Content, if a little bored with his lot, his shop, as well as his life, could do with freshening up. When Kate offers to spruce up Vale Volumes ready for the visit of a famous author, they find they have a lot more in common than colour schemes.But both have secrets and responsibilities, and when the trials of family life threaten their burgeoning friendship, can they overcome the experiences of their pasts? Will Somerset’s most magical town cast its spell on them? Or will Kate and Harry have to concede that their friendship really is just for the summer?Let Fay Keenan transport you to the perfect British summertime, with beautiful countryside, an unforgettable romance, and just the right dose of escapism. Perfect for all fans of Debbie Macomber, Cathy Bramley and Katie Fforde.