Book picks similar to
Christmas at Valley Rise by Karen Welch


christmas
romance
contemporary
contemporary-romance

Falling for Denver


Hunter J. Keane - 2014
    An early snowstorm has struck Chicago, blanketing the city in a foot of snow. She finally makes it into work, only to be fired from the soul-crushing job she never wanted in the first place. When she catches her fiancé with his tongue in another woman’s mouth, she decides to stop letting the universe decide her fate. Taking a leap of faith, she packs up her car and heads to Utah to take a job with an old friend. Luke Denver has been in love with Emma for years. Now she’s finally single and she has moved into the house next door. This is the chance he’s been waiting for, but is Emma ready to love again? Emma knows that Luke is everything her fiancé wasn’t- he’s kind, considerate, affectionate, and wants nothing more than to make her happy. But now that she has finally escaped her nightmare, she must decide if she is ready for all of her dreams to come true.

Finding Pride


Jill Sanders - 2012
    Now she can finally start a new life and figure out just who she really is. When her brother Matt dies suddenly, she takes a big risk and moves cross country to live in his house and take over his new business. This could be the chance she’s needed. There’s only one problem now. She can’t seem to escape the irresistible charm of her departed brother’s best friend. Todd Jordan just lost his best friend and business partner. Watching Matt’s sister move into town, his attraction to her is instant. Can he prove to her that all men are not the same, and resist his own desires as she learns to trust again? Overcoming the odds is just part of their journey. The two must first survive a fateful visit from Megan’s ex to have any chance at happiness.

Escaping Christmas: The Peakton Village Trilogy - Book One


Alice B. Ryder - 2015
    Escaping the rat-race of London for Peakton seems like the perfect way to avoid the Christmas celebrations for Sophie, especially when the tiny Derbyshire village holds so many fond childhood memories for her. The last thing she expects is to be faced with her teenage crush, Andy Martin, who stirs up feelings in her she never thought possible. But just when Sophie is considering a future with Andy, something comes between them which could destroy their new found happiness.

Falling for the Foe


Milla Holt - 2019
    Now, they have to work together. Nia has devoted her career to fighting for life-saving medicines for Ugandans with HIV. But when first-line treatments begin to fail, she must find a pharma company willing to supply her clinics with affordable medicines before patients start to die.Too bad her firebrand activism just led her into a highly-visible online clash with the head of the pharma company that owns a new and powerful anti-HIV drug.Magnus is poised to market a game-changing treatment for HIV, but an avalanche of bad PR threatens to destroy his company's reputation and kill his bottom line. When he travels to Uganda in a bid to boost his social justice credentials, he's not expecting to feel such a deep attraction to the woman whose viral blog post led to all his troubles.To get what they want, their only solution is to work together. He's out to rescue his business, and she's trying to save lives. Neither ever dreamed it would be their hearts on the line.

To Be with You


Opal Mellon - 2013
    She dumps them as soon as they reveal themselves as the cheaters and abusers they are, but it's left her heartsore and discouraged. When she needs a date for a social function, from now on she's going to pick one from the gorgeous, hands-off, strictly-business escorts of Club Blue.Her childhood best friend Sean Rollins won't stand for that. He and Nicole haven't seen each other for years, but he's the safe, long-distance shoulder she can cry on--a hard role for Sean, who loves her in secret. When he finds out about the escorts, he wants to keep her safe. Even though he knows more about martial arts than Armani, and even though he hasn't told Nicole he's now in the same city, he becomes an escort at Club Blue under an assumed name.To his relief, Nicole chooses him. He's tall, dark, handsome...and oddly familiar. But Sean doesn't know there's a horrible reason for Nicole's choices in men--and his attempt at protecting her may have blown every chance he'll ever have with the one girl he loves.

Home for Christmas


Lia Fairchild - 2013
    Stephen is fresh out of a relationship and dreading the prospect of Christmas alone. Ali, on the other hand, can't celebrate with friends or family. The most important man in her life is dying - decorating cookies and hanging tinsel aren't even on her radar. When the two meet during a chance encounter, Stephen's instant attraction to Ali spurs him into action. He'll do whatever it takes to give her the holiday she deserves and pull off a real Christmas miracle.This holiday romance short is the moving story of two people, fates intertwined, about to be surprised by what destiny has in store.*Bonus: Sneak peek of the uniquely-told story of a compulsive liar and her therapist, Compulsive.

Picture Perfect


Janice Thompson - 2013
    But none can compare to the ultimate Bridezilla she's dealing with now. Still, she's trying desperately to impress Bella Neeley, Galveston Island's most sought-after wedding planner, so she can take the top spot in Bella's list of recommended photographers--a spot currently occupied by her arch-rival, Drew Kincaid. What she doesn't count on, however, is falling head over heels for the competition.With her contagious humor and cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives readers more of the bridal business drama they want in a brand-new series all about those long-suffering people who make beautiful weddings happen. Readers are desperately waiting for more of Bella and this new series brings her back in a big way, while introducing new characters fans will love. Fans will laugh out loud as they experience this breezy and entertaining novel from a great storyteller.

The Santa Trial


Tess Thompson - 2017
    He's a widower with a small daughter who needs him. She's a struggling single woman who can't afford to miss a day's pay. But when they spot each other across the courtroom, suddenly jury duty doesn't seem like such a burden after all. Together with their fellow jurors, they must decide the fate of a defendant who believes he's Santa. It's a seemingly unromantic task for two infatuated strangers, but love could find a way with a little help from the magic of Christmas. Like a stocking stuffed with all the special treats of the season, this Tess Thompson novella is as sweet as sugar plums and as satisfying as a batch of fresh, warm cookies.

Heartbreak Highway


Harper Whitmore - 2014
    Come with Eva and Marshall on a lifechanging road trip.Sometimes people need a little help to find the right direction in life.What better way than to be guided by a man who knows both of them better than they know one another.But that man has just died.Or has he?You will laugh, you will cry and you will watch the most beautiful romance unfold before your eyes. Part 1 of a 4 Part Mini Series This book is FREE so you can see whether you enjoy the story first.

Shattered Rose


T.L. Gray - 2013
    GrayAvery Nichols knows how to wear the mask. Perfect student, perfect daughter and perfect friend. Nobody would ever guess that inside, Avery is a prisoner to her own self loathing. Then she meets him…and everything changes. Handsome, charming and self assured, Jake Matthew sweeps Avery off her feet in an effortless fashion. Avery knows that Jake is everything she needs and all she has ever wanted. She would destroy herself to be loved by him…until he walks away.Broken and lost, Avery meets Parker. His genuine, caring nature reaches past the mask and the shattered pieces her heart begin to slowly heal. But just when Avery starts to feel whole again, she realizes the impossible.Jake never really left.

The Brands Who Came For Christmas


Maggie Shayne - 2000
     When he learns the truth, Caleb rushes back to Big Falls, determined to make it right despite what the scandal will do to his high profile career–the family legacy he had never truly wanted. All he wants is Maya, and their child. But can a girl whose father abandoned and betrayed her, ever truly believe in the goodness of a man who left town the morning after their one night stand? How can he convince her that he hasn’t stopped thinking about her since then, much less, do so with the whole world watching? He has to prove himself to a woman he’s not even sure he’s worthy of. But he has no idea how. The Oklahoma All-Girl Brands is a six-book, small town, contemporary romance series with shades of HOPE FLOATS and YOU’VE GOT MAIL. Spin off of the bestselling Texas Brand Series.

Wrapped in You


Kate Perry - 2014
    She doesn't take vacations, and she especially doesn't go anywhere during the holidays. But her boss insists it's the price she needs to pay to become a full partner in his new private investigation firm. She'll do anything to become partner--even subject herself to love, peace, and Christmas music.Trudy figures it's no big deal: she'll hole up in a hotel in Laurel Heights, drink gin, and watch action movies until she can return to London. Only her tyrant boss gives her a holiday list of to-do items, for which she must email picture proof of completion.It's impossible... Until she meets Mason, who proposes a deal: he'll help her with the list if she's his date to his office holiday events, to show his edgy tech employees that he's more than a nerd from Iowa. From the moment she agrees, Trudy gets more than she bargained for, but she refuses to be corrupted by the magic of the season--or love.Be sure to check out the rest of Kate's Laurel Heights Novels: Book 1: PERFECT FOR YOU Book 2: CLOSE TO YOU
Book 3: RETURN TO YOU Book 4: LOOKING FOR YOU Book 5: DREAM OF YOU
Book 6: SWEET ON YOU
Book 7: TAMED BY YOU Book 8: HERE WITH YOU Novelette: ALL FOR YOU Book 9: MAD ABOUT YOU Book 10: LOVED BY YOU And get to know the Summerhills...Book 1: SAY YOU WILLBook 2: LOST IN LOVEBook 3: LET'S MISBEHAVEBook 4: STAY THE NIGHTBook 5: ONCE UPON A DREAMBook 6: HOW SWEET IT ISBook 7: GIVE A LITTLELike strong independent women and the sexy alpha heroes who love them? Are you a fan of the greats like Bella Andre, Kristan Higgins, and Marie Force? Then try Kate's quirky romances. We think you'll love them, too.REVIEWS:"Kate Perry is on my auto buy list." –Night Owl Romance"Hot! Recommended!" –Bookpleasures"Kate's brilliant, as evidenced by the fact that she married me." - the Magic Man, Kate's husband"I can't help the ear-to-ear smile I have plastered to my face when reading any of Kate's books… She makes me laugh out loud, even on a crowded bus!"–Donna, Public Transit Romance Reviewer"Perry's storytelling skills just keep getting better and better!" –Romantic Times Book Reviews"Kate's writing is fluid, with a touch of sexiness and loads of romance, just what you need to relax after a long, hard-working day."–Gabby, Romance Reader Extraordinaire"Kate writes books?" –Kia, Kate's brother"Kate Perry's Laurel Heights series is of my most guilty pleasures. ;) Keep on keepin' on and kickin' ass!" –R, Closet Romance Fan"Reading Kate Perry's books is my favorite way to spend an afternoon (well..okay, my second favorite way, the husband insists I clarify...)" –M.W., Bedroom Enthusiast"A winning and entertaining combination of humor and pathos." –Booklist

McKenna's Prayer


Lisa J. Crane - 2012
    Now after eight long years of praying for God to either take away her love for Jace Tremaine, or to make Jace fall in love with her, McKenna feels as if she's being called home. Is God finally leading her home to be with Jace? Or does He have something altogether different planned for McKenna?Jace Tremaine hurt McKenna when she left for college eight years ago. In an effort to replace her in his heart, he's had a parade of women through his life. Now, she's a beautiful, successful woman, and Jace wants her forgiveness and her love. Enter Sawyer Blake, the physical therapist who helps McKenna in healing after a terrible car accident. Sawyer is a man of strong faith, and he sees in McKenna a woman he could love forever. Can he pray for God's will for McKenna, Jace and himself, and accept God's answer? This is a story of faith, prayer and the belief that God's will for us is always the path to follow.

Waiting for Rachel


Kimberly Rae Jordan - 2013
    He has set his sights on Rachel Perkins, but can’t figure out why she won’t even give him a chance. It seems to Damian she feels something for him, but still she resists. Damian is determined to find out why. Though she is attracted to Damian, Rachel is equally determined to keep her secrets close to her heart. Men she loved have betrayed her in the past, and she isn’t prepared to take that risk again. But when her secrets are forced out in the open, will Rachel discover that forgiveness and trust are worth the risk when it leads to love?

Stretch Marks


Kimberly Stuart - 2009
    Her mother, Babs, is a stiletto-wearing Zsa Zsa Gabor type who works as an activities hostess on a Caribbean cruise line...and if you guessed there's some tension there, you'd be right. Factor in an unexpected pregnancy and Mia's idealistic boyfriend, and the mother-daughter relationship is, well, stretched very thin. As is Mia's sanity when Babs shows up to...help. Actually, Mia has a whole neighborhood of quirky characters who want to help, including her BFF, Frankie, a magenta-haired librarian; Silas, the courtly gentleman of indeterminate age who lives downstairs; and Adam, proprietor of the corner grocery store where Mia shops. But it's Adam-endearing, kind, possessed of a perfect smile and impeccable Persian manners-who ultimately charms Babs and rescues Mia from more than one mother-induced meltdown. Could it be that Mia and Babs might actually be able to get along? With Kimberly Stuart's trademark irreverent humor and a surprising and satisfying take on romance, Stretch Marks is an authentic but tender story about family, grace, and the importance of a good grocer.