Book picks similar to
Jilted by Carla Laureano


contemporary
romance
christian
novella

A Single Spark


Liwen Y. Ho - 2018
    She's a deejay who's given up on men. Little do they know divine intervention has a plan for them.Former boy band hottie, Aiden Spark, distanced himself from everything he valued—faith, family, and fame—when he lost his girlfriend. A decade later, he’s still hiding behind his grief until he accidentally texts a woman who’s all too curious about his identity.Burned by the men in her life, deejay Abby Dearan has chosen to focus on her newfound faith in God and use her radio presence for good. Her plans are thwarted though when a text message—and the irritating man who sent it—won’t leave her in peace.Aiden can’t forget the woman who reminds him so much of his first love; Abby can’t remember the last time a man made her feel so beautiful. To make matters worse, it’s impossible to avoid one another when their siblings and friends—not to mention, divine intervention—keep pushing them together. Will the sparks igniting between them end up in flames or romance?

Coconutty Christmas: Holiday in Hawaii


Ann Omasta - 2016
    Will the fear of being hurt keep her from experiencing all of the delightful surprises that life has to offer? Or will the trifecta of gorgeous Russ, a freak storm, and an unforgettable Christmas allow her to open her heart to the possibility of finding her happily-ever-after ending?This romantic story is part of The Escape Series, which includes the Kindle Scout winning book, Getting Lei'd, as well as its prequel novella, Aloha, Baby!, and the follow-up novels, Cruising for Love and Island Hopping. You can read and enjoy these books in any order!Download this sweet short story today because you deserve a break in Hawaii!

Kissed by a Cowboy


Lacy Williams - 2014
    She thinks she’s ready for this homecoming. She’s spent years escaping her perpetual shyness and being Katie Michaels’ tag-along friend, but being back in her hometown brings back a lot of old memories, especially when she is faced with the cowboy she never forgot — Katie’s older brother, Maddox. Twelve years ago, Maddox Michaels was supposed to be somebody. He had everything. A football scholarship. A Division I team scouting him. Maybe even a chance at the pros. Now, he’s a burned-out cowboy working day and night to stay ahead of his brother’s medical bills and keep their family farm from going bankrupt. And trying to be a father-figure for his niece, Olivia. When Haley and Olivia start spending time together, Maddox can’t help remembering those dreams that died alongside his sister. Will being with Haley open his heart to new dreams?

Hope's Bakery


Sophie Mays - 2017
    Between her bakery and her six-year-old son, Rylan, her heart and her schedule remain full. Besides, she knows full well the complications love can bring. One naive choice during her headstrong teenage years saw her facing more responsibility than a girl that age should face. Hope Nolan is strong though, and with the help of her mother, she manages to raise Rylan and run a thriving business in her hometown of Magnolia Harbor. “The Wedding Cake Queen” they affectionately call her in any town within 20 miles of Magnolia Harbor, and not because she likes weddings. Her cake and cookie decorating skills are the talk of the town, and her blog where she displays her latest creations has twenty times as many followers as the population of Magnolia Harbor. There’s only one problem, a handsome and well-traveled young chef is opening up a restaurant in the space across from Hope’s bakery, disrupting her satisfying and uncomplicated life. His tiramisu might even manage to steal some of her regular customers. In the end, Hope will need to decide how she is going to handle this new addition to Main St. She may even learn that the most unexpected miracles happen when chooses to do what’s right for her son, her business, and her heart. AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a stand-alone story with a HEA ending! Story is a clean romance with no offensive language. This series takes place within the fictional town of Magnolia Harbor and the books can be read out of sequence. Enjoy!

Save the Date


Kari TrumboCamy Tang - 2021
    Adventures, mishaps, and dream destinations—this collection has it all!As our guest of honor, you’re cordially invited on a journey through twelve heartwarming and inspirational novellas that will take you from small-town America to romantic Paris, from the sunny shores of Hawaii to New Zealand. Office romances, friends-to-lovers, second chances, and more await you in these stories full of forgiveness, redemption, laughter, and love.Say “I do” and claim your copy of this limited-time anthology by your favorite USA Today and bestselling Christian romance authors!January Hope by Kari TrumboCleo Myles, a clothing historian, goes on the hunt for a wedding dress from an 1880s fashion magazine. When she discovers it’s been donated to a museum collection, the only thing standing in her way is a the curator, Lowel Johnson. Unfortunately, he has a no-touch policy on all curated items that just might put a stop to her hunt and her heart.A Valentine for Veronica by Lisa PrysockTemp agency owner Veronica Hayworth wonders why she purchased her dream wedding dress without a boyfriend in sight. When an encounter with a former high school peer, now a photo journalist for a wedding magazine, entices her to agree to a wedding feature for the February issue, the pressure is on to find a husband. Will Veronica’s pride and spontaneity lead to her demise, or will her faith lead to love?I Take You by Marion UeckermannSince childhood, Kaia Collins has dreamed about her fairy-tale wedding. But when her father’s choices crush Kaia’s dreams, her fiancé, Leo Campbell, is left scrambling for a solution to their dilemma. Kaia doesn’t want to delay their wedding, and neither does Leo—he’s waited a lifetime to make Kaia his wife.Adoring April by Chautona HavigWhoever heard of a church expecting an incoming minister to marry their only single member as a condition for employment? Is that even legal? What kind of woman would possibly agree to such a crazy idea?What’ll it take for Jesse to go from avoiding April to adoring April in time for their wedding?A Change of a Dress by Hallee BridgemanBelle Merchant struggles to leave the past behind and find a future that has so far eluded her. Scarred by an incredible act of heroism, combat veteran Vince Prince wants nothing more than to become an army chaplain and courageously walk the road less traveled. The two unknowingly come together time and again until they actually meet in person.Her Love So Sure by Jan ThompsonShe is a wedding planner—sort of. He is the man of the castle—maybe. Will the two be able to pull off the wedding of the century in this opposites-attract romance?The Wedding Dress by T. K. ChapinWhat if the dress you wore on your wedding day had a story to tell?Alexa Anderson doesn’t want to wear her mother’s wedding dress when it’s time to marry the love of her life, Brad Jackson. Little does she know, the wedding dress has a story of its own to tell . . .The Wedding Kimono by Camy TangA tomboy massage therapist and her boss discover a mysterious message hidden in her grandmother's wedding kimono. Can her family legacy help her to see her inner beauty and open herself up to love?One Vow for September by Liwen HoShe’s a writer with an unconventional assignment, he’s the jaded coworker playing her husband; together they’re one odd couple about to find out how real love is.Braver with You by Jaycee WeaverShe’d follow her childhood sweetheart anywhere, but first they’ll need all her courage and all his support to make it through the wedding their mothers have planned.Grateful for You by Dori HarrellJeans-only Libby Castleton hasn’t spoken to lawman Jamie Connors since she turned down his proposal. But when she sees a frothy gown in a store window, she knows he’s the guy for her. But winning him back might mean landing herself in jail.Countdown to Her Cowboy’s Christmas Wedding by Shoshanna GabrielA handsome rancher. The girl next door. A childhood promise comes due that could change their lives . . . for better or worse. When their Christmas wedding preparations bring out painful memories of heartbreak, will Kate be able to forgive Jay — and herself — so they can finally be together?

Walking on Sea Glass


Julie Carobini - 2019
    Suddenly single, Liddy Buckle flees the desert to work at an up-and-coming seaside resort with her best friend, Meg. The breezy backdrop of an inn by the sea offers Liddy the dream of starting fresh, but soon she is shocked to discover another setback brewing in her life. Despite the battle that lies ahead, she finds herself drawn to Beau Quinn, a captivating widower with a wounded heart of his own. As Beau and Liddy's burgeoning relationship attempts to survive, will Liddy have the courage to trust a man again--especially one as emotionally fragile as Beau? Can Beau commit to a woman facing a challenging recovery? And what is going on behind the scenes at Sea Glass Inn, where late night deliveries and secret meetings are spoken about in whispers? Set in a fictional California seaside town, Walking on Sea Glass weaves a romantic story of courage, faith, and the power of true love.

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.

Hallowed Halls


Hannah Alexander - 2014
    Joy Gilbert is fired from a lucrative position she hates in the city, she returns to her small hometown to find her former fiance single, her once vivacious mother struggling financially and physically, and Tressa, the 15-year-old daughter of the boss who just fired her, popping out of the back door of her car. Tressa refuses to return to the city, where her divorced parents struggle emotionally over the death of their son. When Dr. Zack Tyler sees Joy walk into the ER with the daughter of the man who lured Joy away from him, he's hesitant, though he's overjoyed to see her again. Out of compassion, he hires her in the ER so she can support herself and her mother, and their relationship blooms.Meanwhile, Tressa has blackouts that grow increasingly bad. Joy and Zack rediscover their love for one another as they discover what caused the break-up. Together they work to save Tressa and uncover a rare genetic defect, a mystery that has ravaged decades of Tressa's family line.

Finding Hope


Elizabeth Diaz - 2015
    Then life took an unexpected turn. Can Olivia find hope in the midst of her darkest hour? When Olivia Martinelli, a naive nineteen-year-old, moved out on her own, she never could have imagined what direction her life would take. A life-changing decision, a betrayal of trust, and a painful consequence leave her devastated. Will Olivia find the strength she needs for the journey ahead?

Everything She Wants


Sarah Alva - 2018
    After all, he's perfect on paper: a returned missionary, elders quorum president, a professor at BYU. Instead of giving Charles an answer to his unexpected marriage proposal, she boards the next flight to London only to fall at the feet of the handsome pilot. The encounter leaves her heart pounding in a way it never has with Charles, and she becomes even more smitten when she sees the pilot again at her hotel.Emerson James is in London to deposit the last of his mother's ashes in Kensington Gardens. And after a fifteen-year absence, he is attempting to return to the Church as a way to find peace with his mother's death. But the Church's culture feels foreign, and he's about to give up on ever becoming a "good Mormon" when he meets Lucy in the hotel lobby.Lucy and Emerson's new friendship opens their worlds to new possibilities and leaves them wanting more. But Lucy is torn over her feelings for Charles, and Emerson isn't sure how committed he can be to the Church, even knowing how important it is to Lucy. Inevitably, the realities of life force them apart. If given a second chance, will they have the courage to risk everything for a once-in-a-lifetime love?

An Unexpected Groom


Ruth Logan Herne - 2015
    For a seasoned pro like Kimberly, fixing the high-stress nuptials of a senator's daughter is no problem. But facing former police officer Drew Slade—the senator's security chief and her brother's former partner—is not what she signed up for. Drew knows that Kimberly blames him for her brother's tragic death. But to single dad Drew, Kimberly feels like coming home. And despite her best efforts, Kimberly can't help falling for him. Will their past continue to keep them apart, or will an unexpected truth reveal their happily-ever-after?

A Sweethaven Summer


Courtney Walsh - 2012
    Just before losing a battle with cancer, Suzanne Carter sent letters to childhood friends from her hometown of Sweethaven, Michigan. Suzanne's three friends -- Lila, Jane, and Meghan -- haven't spoken in years, yet each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together as girls. Suzanne's letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers. As the scrapbook reveals secrets from the past, old wounds are mended, lives are changed, and friendships are restored -- just as Suzanne intended.

Noble Pursuits


Chautona Havig - 2008
    In his search for a genuine relationship, he's come up empty handed. Desperate for a change of scenery (and desperate for an escape from the attentions of aggressive Rockland women), he's relocating to Brunswick. He is not prepared for Grace. Independent, strong, and decidedly feminine, Grace Buscher is living her childhood dream. While friends and family watch concerned and amazed, she pinches pennies into dollars as the most successful (and only) house-spinster in the greater Rockland area. When Nolan meets Grace, two worlds collide resulting in accidents, misunderstandings, and one silly serenade to a mouse. Noble Pursuits is the introductory book in the Rockland Chronicles series by Chautona Havig. Coming soon: Past Forward- diamond of yesteryear in a contemporary setting.

Waltz in the Wilderness


Kathleen Denly - 2020
    His conscience demands he risk all to help.  Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother's death, so she'll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend's unexpected assistance is a blessing she can't refuse.Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it's been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancée is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?

Cookie Girl Christmas


Christene Houston - 2014
    What she doesn't bargain for is the handsome young Scrooge who insults her cookies and makes her blood boil. Toss in a heaping helping of snowstorm and a pinch of romantic old Inn and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a not-so-silent-night.