Book picks similar to
The Best Place to Be by Helen Van Slyke


romance
helen-van-slyke
lett-americana
6-10

Six Weeks


Fred Mustard Stewart - 1976
    Laugh and cry over the most poignant love story of them all--about a young enchantress with a short time to live and a lifetime of courage to give.

Chateau of Echoes


Siri L. Mitchell - 2005
    Little does she know, she's unwittingly concocted a recipe for intrigue, romance, and possibly disaster.

Christmas in Rome


Holly Greene - 2015
    She also adores Christmas, so all her dreams are about to come true when she and her fiancé Ben plan to tie the knot in the Eternal City on Christmas Eve. Yet things start to go wrong from the moment of their arrival - her Italian wedding planner is more laid back about the arrangements than she’d hoped, and seems more interested in Molly's best friend than her wedding. Bridesmaid Caroline has never been to Italy but she’s heard all the rumours about swarthy Italian men and their charms. So when she happens across a handsome native who seems intent on showing her the best of everything the city has to offer, she wonders if romance is truly blossoming, or if it’s just a fleeting encounter. The wedding ceremony is set to take place on Christmas Eve in a small Italian church near the Trevi Fountain, after which the happy couple and their guests plan to celebrate by throwing coins in the fountain as per the famous legend. But with so many ups and downs during their short stay in Rome over Christmas, will any of Molly and Ben's wedding party want to return? Or will the picturesque magic of the Eternal City over the holiday season ensure they never want to leave.... ESCAPE TO ITALY All stories are standalone and can be read in any order. SPRING IN SICILY SUMMER IN SORRENTO AUTUMN IN VERONA WINTER IN VENICE CHRISTMAS IN ROME

What Hurts the Most


Tynessa - 2015
    Being in a relationship with ladies' man, Jay'vion, Asia is ready to throw in the towel. Jay'vion is the true definition of the song 'Can't Raise a Man.' Having a hard time being faithful and committing himself to Asia, he finds himself alone and lonesome. The last woman has approached Asia for the last time, and though letting go might be the hardest thing she's ever had to endure, she knows it's something she has to do. What hurts the most is falling for another man when you already have one of your own. Tangela has always lived by the rule of loyalty, even if her man is serving a five-year sentence. When she meets irresistible, fresh out of prison Quintez, she knows to stay far away from his kind. Little does she know, whatever Quintez wants, he gets. That includes her. Will Tangela continue to be loyal to her man, or will Quintez be one temptation she will not be able to fight? This is one rollercoaster ride you don't want to miss.

Cleaning Her House


Irene Vartanoff - 2018
    Yet her mom, always critical of her, is furious that Elinor is touching any part of the overflowing collection of random possessions. When county inspector Race Ericson threatens a court summons if the hoard isn’t massively reduced in a hurry, he pushes Elinor to choose: Surrender to her mother’s insistence that she do nothing, obey her bossy elder sister’s edict that she sort carefully through every single pile, or satisfy Race’s demand that she ruthlessly clear out the junk? Elinor has never been shy with attractive men. Satisfying Race would be a pleasure. But when family secrets come to light and surprises turn up on her doorstep, Elinor’s task gets even more complicated, forcing her to reevaluate her long-held beliefs about her family—and her life choices. Cleaning Her House is a meaty stand-alone women's fiction novel featuring a rich variety of characters, a romance with a hint of steam, family secrets, and a ton of clutter. There's a happy ending, too. (Maybe not for the clutter.)

Beauford Bend


Alicia Hunter Pace - 2016
    Haunted by the tragic fire that orphaned them years ago, the boys left town to find fame and success. Now they're coming home. But surprising revelations about that fateful night--and the love of a few good Southern women--will heal their hearts and change their lives forever.Forgiving Jackson: When a devastating fire at one of his concerts reopens old wounds for country superstar Jackson Beauford, he heads home for some peace and quiet--only to discover that stubborn Southern magnolia Emory Lowell has planted herself at his family estate, bringing chaos in her wake.Nickolai's Noel: An ice storm traps hockey pro Nickolai Glazov with quilt shop owner Noel Verden one fateful Christmas. As these two strong-willed folks fall in love then fall apart, they'll learn that home is the place you hang your heart (not just your quilt or your hockey stick).Reforming Gabe: Once the NFL's best wide receiver, Gabe Beauford's been dropping the ball this season--literally. After his team loses the Super Bowl, he heads back to Beauford to hide and brood, but crossing paths with independent and talented jewelry maker Neyland MacKenzie puts a new gleam in his eye. She needs saving, and he needs a project... But will his not-so-deft touch ruin her dreams and their chance at real love?Redeeming Rafe: Bull riding, cliff diving, plane jumping--if it makes most men quake in their boots, Rafe Beauford does it eagerly. But his wild lifestyle comes to a halt when he discovers he's the father of toddlers. Taking his twin girls back to Beauford, he plans to leave them there to grow up with a nanny, but the woman he hires, widowed mom Abigail Whitman, is determined to show him the importance of family--and love.Heath's Hope: Ambitious and career-minded Hope MacKenzie left Heath Beckett with a bleeding heart years ago. Now she's back in town because her family's bank needs her desperately. When she gives a personal loan to the women who own the local knitting shop without consulting Heath, who has helped them with their finances for years, the two must work together to ensure the ladies' business plan is in tip-top shape. But will sharing their time lead to deeper feelings being re-awakened?Healing Beau: Sick of being babied his whole life, youngest brother Beau joined the army as soon as he could. He thought he'd be a lifer, but an injury sends him back to Beauford without peace or a purpose. Knowing he can't heal until some truths come to light, his old friend Christian Hambrick, who always held a torch for him, wages a full-scale war on the past--and emerges with the secrets about what really happened the night of the fire.Sensuality Level: Sensual

A Hand Me Down Heart


Becki Willis - 2019
    Even as children, Hope was always the talented one and Grace the smart one. Hope received the attention, the boyfriends, and the beautiful clothes; Grace received the hand-me-downs. The leftovers never bothered Grace, until it came to one boy. Her sister went through boyfriends and their affections like she did her clothes, carelessly tossing one aside in favor of another. Often left to stall her sister’s adoring public, Cruz Colton was the one boy Grace never objected to entertaining. As their friendship grew and Grace found herself falling for the boy with the quiet sense of humor, she began to imagine he really came to see her, and not her sister. But one fateful night changed that perception, and she realized his was only a hand-me-down heart, after all. Long ago, Grace banished thoughts of Cruz from her mind, even if her heart was reluctant to let his memory go.Ten years later, their paths cross again. Grace is living her dream as a registered nurse, Hope is a brilliant concert violinist, and Cruz has a distinguished career in the military. Recently discharged from service, Cruz checks in at Texas General Hospital where Grace works. And just like that, Grace’s heart picks up where it left off.She tells herself she’s over him. These sparks between them are nothing but leftover embers from bridges burned, a decade past. The adult Cruz is a changed, hardened man. The shadows in his dark eyes speak of hidden secrets and the horrors of war. Is Grace strong enough to help him battle his inner demons? And with Hope back in town, can Grace stand up to her sister’s domineering presence? Grace may have been content in the shadows as a girl, but she’s a woman now, and she knows what she wants. It’s time to let her own light shine, because Cruz Colton’s is definitely a hand-me-down heart worth fighting for.From the best-selling author of Texas General Cozy Cases of Mystery, The Sisters, Texas Series, and Forgotten Boxes, don’t miss this first book in the series!

Pretty Woman


Fern Michaels - 2005
    Now it's her third wedding anniversary, and Rosie, fed up with Kent's mistreatment, realizes her estranged best friend was right. But the day after kicking Kent out and beginning a diet and exercise regime, Rosie experiences another life-changing event: she wins $302 million in the Wonderball lottery. Now with Kent lurking in the shadows to claim a share of her money, Rosie needs her friends more than ever. As she works out under the eye of sexy personal trainer Jack Silver, a stronger new Rosie emerges -- a woman who wants to learn to trust love once again. Can she keep her vow not to be stopped by Kent's bitterness and her own self-doubts and jump into life with a passion she didn't know she possessed?

Bear Seeking Bride Boxed Set Bundle: The Complete Bear Canyon Brides Series, #1-6


Ruby Shae - 2016
    This Bundle contains all six books of the Bestselling Series, BEAR CANYON BRIDES! Each book is a stand-alone romance featuring a new couple, and a new happy ending! WANTED: A Bride for a BEAR! In Bear Canyon, the men outnumber the women 3 to 1! What’s a BEAR to do when he wants to find a wife? He places an ad! This series features BBW Mail Order Brides and Sexy, Alpha BEAR Shifters! BEAR SEEKING BRIDE: TRAVIS (Book 1) BEAR SEEKING BRIDE: TYLER (Book 2) BEAR SEEKING BRIDE: TRENT (Book 3) BEAR SEEKING BRIDE: LUKE (Book 4) BEAR SEEKING BRIDE: DREW (Book 5) BEAR SEEKING BRIDE: THORN (Book 6) (Each book is also sold separately!)

Sea Holly and Mistletoe Kisses (A Little Hotel in Cornwall Book 3)


Laura Briggs - 2019
     Meanwhile, Maisie experiences the village Christmas season vicariously through Sidney, and continues writing her Poe-inspired story with only Sidney aware of her secret novel. She soon learns, however, that criticism and praise go hand in hand when he takes issue with her latest chapters, which puts pressure on their friendship, too. But is that what's really the issue between them? Because handsome Gavin has more than ice sculpting in mind when it comes to Maisie's time, which comes as a surprise to no one who's seen them together. As Maisie faces this sudden romantic dilemma, she realizes what she wants most in her life ... and faces a question of what her heart wants most, too.

Alien Warlord's Conquest: Complete Series


Vi Voxley - 2016
     Want Alphas who can't be held back by anything in the galaxy if they've made their choice? The Corgan warlords are made for you then! This anthology includes four full novels from the bestselling Alien Warlord's Conquest series, each following a separate warlord on his quest for justice... and the most maddening woman in the universe! The Corgans are a continuation of the stories told in the Brion Brides series. Each book has a happily ever after ending, no cheating and can and should be read as a standalone! BONUS! This bundle also includes the bonus short story, Brocke: Meeting the Parents, a sweet and saucy story of what happens when a bride meets the scariest in-laws in the galaxy! The boxed set includes: Nadar Having suffered through the humiliation of a failed mission with the Flora and the Brion menace, Mara and the rest of the Terran Union fighter pilots are hungry to prove themselves. But for Mara, that chance comes in the form of something completely unexpected - Nadar Brengen. The rebel Corgan warlord who won't take no for an answer when he sees something he wants. And this time, it's her. Daegon Daegon has had enough of seeing the Corgan people wither away. Though the new chieftain is the last man he'd trust to lead his kin, dangers that surround the proud warlord lead him to tough decisions. Trust his heart and the little Terran smartmouth who seems to have run off with it, or trust his head and do things the Corgan way. By killing everything in sight and taking stock later. Well, maybe there's a way to do both. Get the girl and save the world. Soros Soros is more myth than man. The warrior who has trained all the warlords of note, he is feared and respected, lauded and despised in equal measure. Wanting no part in the wars being waged between his own people with the recent upsets in Corgan society, the warlord still finds himself getting swept away in the madness, held at sword-point by one of his own students. It only takes one woman for this warlord to realize that he can remain neutral no longer. It only takes one night for him to realize what is at stake - not only the universe, but her safety as well. Brocke Brocke is the well-kept secret of Corgan society. As the executioner and guard of the Chieftain's private prison, he is what Corgan parents use to scare their kids into behaving, the Guardian. He is the darkness that comes before the light and no nightmare has ever gotten past him. Until now. With Cora's and their unborn child's life is put in danger, only the heartless warlord can be the one to save them both... Brocke; Meeting the Parents With only a few short months spent together, Brocke already knows that Cora is his mate for life. He feels it as surely as he feels the weight of his swords in his hands. Yet introducing her to his parents, one of them being the Chieftain of the Corgan race, well... Even a fierce warlord is allowed a little bit of trepidation, right?

The Pajama Affair


Vanessa Gray Bartal - 2011
    She clings tenaciously to Dirk, her boyfriend of five years, employing every trick she can to keep his interest. When she finds a message taped inside her pajamas, she thinks Dirk has finally proposed. But he hasn't, and Liza's life is about to become interesting in ways she never imagined.Agent Link Stone thinks Liza Benson is a mousy schoolteacher who needs attention, but when she tells him she's worried about a message in her pajamas, he's sure she's insane. Grudgingly he begins to investigate her story only to realize Liza has somehow become involved in a sinister plot. Now he's convinced her boyfriend is a cold-blooded killer, but how to convince Liza? And, more importantly, how to keep from falling for her himself?

Haunted by a Mountain Man: a short mountain man instalove romance (Holidays with a Mountain Man)


Kate Tilney - 2021
    They think our lodge is haunted. I think there are plenty of explanations for what goes bump in the night. No one will convince me differently. Not even a gorgeous paranormal investigator.But after we both witness something I can't explain, it's harder to be skeptical. And as we work together more closely, I find that ghosts aren't the only things I may be willing to believe in now.MARNIEIn my line of work, I'm used to dealing with skeptics, but Wes takes the cake. If this job wasn't so fascinating, and he wasn't so handsome, I'd pack up my EMF reader and audio recorder and head home.But I'm glad I stick it out and wait. This quickly turns out to be my most interesting case. And not just because we may have actual evidence of a ghost. I may have found proof of something else: true love.Holidays with a Mountain Man is a series of short, sweet, and steamy instalove romances set during some of your favorite holidays. No cliffhangers. No cheating. Happily Ever After guaranteed!

The Wedding Cake Wish : (Little Duck Pond Cafe, Book 17)


Rosie Green - 2021
    

The It-Girl


Katy Birchall - 2015
    Perfect for fans of Geek Girl and Louise Rennison. Everybody wants to be a famous It Girl. Don't they?Anna Huntley's aims in life:1) Must keep my two lovely new (and only) school friends by not doing anything in usual manner of socially inept dork and outcast.2) Train Dog (my labrador) to high-five. This is probably the most ambitious life goal on this list.3) Do not set the school's Deputy Queen Bee mean girl's hair on fire (again).4) Work out whether 2) and 3) constitute being socially inept or outcastish.5) Go to Africa and give out rice.6) To hide in a cupboard FOR LIFE with Dog now Dad is engaged to one of the most famous actresses EVER, the paparazzi want to spash my face all over the papers and everyone in school (and The World) is soon to discover the level of my social ineptitude.7) Is rice a bit done now? Maybe I can give out chocolate in Africa too. I do like chocolate. Must work out how to do it from the cupboard...