What do you think?
Love in Harmony Valley #4
A Small Town Summer: A heartwarming kisses only romance about love after loss
A heartwarming, best friends to forever, small town romance about the courage to let go and risk loving again from USA Today Bestselling author Melinda Curtis.
“ What a completely engaging and heartfelt story!” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars
They were best friends.
When Shelby Hawkley’s husband was alive, Gage Jamero was a best friend to both of them. Why wouldn’t he be? The three of them grew up together in Harmony Valley, a small town nestled in a northern corner of rural Sonoma County.
But things changed.
Now widowed, Shelby has moved back to her sleepy hometown to care for her grandfather and work for the small winery that’s opening. She hasn’t seen Gage in a long time. So, when he shows up, she’s expecting their friendship to pick up where it left off. Best buds, right?
Can she stand for things to change again?
Nothing is going well for Shelby. Not the wine harvest, not her grandfather’s health, and not the diminishing days until Gage is scheduled to leave for Kentucky. Maybe Shelby’s making all the wrong choices this summer, maybe she isn’t over Nick’s death, and maybe she should keep Gage in the friend zone.
Fans of friends to forever love romance and movies like P.S. I Love You and Catch and Release will love this emotional, heartwarming, clean romance with a cast of quirky town characters and a happily ever after.
Readers love A Small Town
“ I LOVE the town of Harmony Valley and all the townsfolk in it. You don't just get to know the main characters, you get to know the whole town. I love the small town atmosphere… This town is like a warm blanket on your soul. I need more! ” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars
" Oh, this was such a lovely story ! It’s such a sweet tale of loss, friendship, and love . " Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars
“ This book was seriously hard to put down and I definitely wasn’t disappointed with how it ended . ” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars
“ This is such an emotional story . I'll admit that I cried .” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars
Previously published as One Perfect Year
“ What a completely engaging and heartfelt story!” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars
They were best friends.
When Shelby Hawkley’s husband was alive, Gage Jamero was a best friend to both of them. Why wouldn’t he be? The three of them grew up together in Harmony Valley, a small town nestled in a northern corner of rural Sonoma County.
But things changed.
Now widowed, Shelby has moved back to her sleepy hometown to care for her grandfather and work for the small winery that’s opening. She hasn’t seen Gage in a long time. So, when he shows up, she’s expecting their friendship to pick up where it left off. Best buds, right?
Can she stand for things to change again?
Nothing is going well for Shelby. Not the wine harvest, not her grandfather’s health, and not the diminishing days until Gage is scheduled to leave for Kentucky. Maybe Shelby’s making all the wrong choices this summer, maybe she isn’t over Nick’s death, and maybe she should keep Gage in the friend zone.
Fans of friends to forever love romance and movies like P.S. I Love You and Catch and Release will love this emotional, heartwarming, clean romance with a cast of quirky town characters and a happily ever after.
Readers love A Small Town
“ I LOVE the town of Harmony Valley and all the townsfolk in it. You don't just get to know the main characters, you get to know the whole town. I love the small town atmosphere… This town is like a warm blanket on your soul. I need more! ” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars
" Oh, this was such a lovely story ! It’s such a sweet tale of loss, friendship, and love . " Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars
“ This book was seriously hard to put down and I definitely wasn’t disappointed with how it ended . ” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars
“ This is such an emotional story . I'll admit that I cried .” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars
Previously published as One Perfect Year
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
About the author
Melinda Curtis
456 books1,309 followersPrior to writing romance, award-winning, USA Today Bestseller Melinda Curtis was a junior manager for a Fortune 500 company, which meant when she flew on the private jet she was relegated to the jump seat—otherwise known as the potty. After grabbing her pen (and a parachute) she made the jump to full-time writer. Between writing sweet romance and sweet romantic comedy, Melinda finds time to bond with her husband over home remodeling projects. She recently came to grips with the fact that she’s an empty nester and a grandma, concepts easier to grasp than jet-setting on a potty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 12, 2015
I love a book where one character has secretly loved the other for years. Shelby and Gage met in high school and were lab partners. He fell instantly in love with her but once he introduced her to his best friend Nick, he lost her. Gage hung out with Shelby and Nick but it was hard to see his best friend and the girl he was in love with fall in love with each other. He made a choice to go a different direction, one that would take him far away from them. But fate intervened. Nick died in an accident and Shelby moved back to Harmony Valley. Her grandfather called Gage to come take over his veterinary practice. He agreed to come for a couple of months but then he is firm in his decision to leave Harmony Valley and Shelby for good.
Shelby is mourning Nick's death throughout most of the book. She wears black and is determined not to get involved with any men. Gage wants to see her again but is also determined to leave. They get in quite a few fights since Shelby felt that Gage deserted her when Nick died. Gage was keeping a secret (or two) from her and didn't want to tell her the real reasons he stayed away. I liked their relationship and there was plenty of tension. My only complaint is that things happened so fast at the end that I found myself wishing it had been drawn out a little more.
My favorite character was Mae Gardner. She's an older widow who used to own a bridal shop. Shelby is working for a woman named Christine, who owns a winery and is looking for property to build a wine cellar. They look at Mae's property and she seems anxious to sell but has a hard time letting her old business go. Mae is a fun character that meddles a little bit but is harmless. There are some tender moments with her as she deals with life issues. I knew there wouldn't be a dull moment when she came on the scene.
This book is a clean, fun read! There was more to it than I thought there would be and I enjoyed that! I liked the different storylines that came together in the end. I also like that it's part of a series yet easily stands alone. I want to read the other books to see what other fun characters are in this series and I look forward to future installments!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Shelby is mourning Nick's death throughout most of the book. She wears black and is determined not to get involved with any men. Gage wants to see her again but is also determined to leave. They get in quite a few fights since Shelby felt that Gage deserted her when Nick died. Gage was keeping a secret (or two) from her and didn't want to tell her the real reasons he stayed away. I liked their relationship and there was plenty of tension. My only complaint is that things happened so fast at the end that I found myself wishing it had been drawn out a little more.
My favorite character was Mae Gardner. She's an older widow who used to own a bridal shop. Shelby is working for a woman named Christine, who owns a winery and is looking for property to build a wine cellar. They look at Mae's property and she seems anxious to sell but has a hard time letting her old business go. Mae is a fun character that meddles a little bit but is harmless. There are some tender moments with her as she deals with life issues. I knew there wouldn't be a dull moment when she came on the scene.
This book is a clean, fun read! There was more to it than I thought there would be and I enjoyed that! I liked the different storylines that came together in the end. I also like that it's part of a series yet easily stands alone. I want to read the other books to see what other fun characters are in this series and I look forward to future installments!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
February 25, 2015
3.5 stars rounding up
Here we go today with another fabulous Harlequin Heartwarming title- "One Perfect Year". Just in case I've never said this before, I love Harlequin Heartwarming. They provide me with clean romance books that focus on relationships, emotions and romance. I know what I'm going to get when I pick one a book from this line. I know I won't be surprised by any sexual situations. That's perfect for me.
If you like friendship turning to romance stories, this book will make you happy. Shelby and Gage have been friends for a long time. Of course, Gage has always loved Shelby but Shelby fell in love with his best friend so Gage was never free to act on his feelings for Shelby. Gage is nothing but a gentleman. He is very careful with Shelby and her feelings. He knows that he has to change her spinster mindset though if he's going to win her over. Luckily, he has a few town friends on his side who help to gently nudge Shelby along.
I know this is the fourth book in the series but I do believe it is a stand alone novel. I haven't read the first three books in the series but I never felt like I was missing out on anything. I'd love to go back and read the whole series though.
This is a sweet story of love and friendship. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Here we go today with another fabulous Harlequin Heartwarming title- "One Perfect Year". Just in case I've never said this before, I love Harlequin Heartwarming. They provide me with clean romance books that focus on relationships, emotions and romance. I know what I'm going to get when I pick one a book from this line. I know I won't be surprised by any sexual situations. That's perfect for me.
If you like friendship turning to romance stories, this book will make you happy. Shelby and Gage have been friends for a long time. Of course, Gage has always loved Shelby but Shelby fell in love with his best friend so Gage was never free to act on his feelings for Shelby. Gage is nothing but a gentleman. He is very careful with Shelby and her feelings. He knows that he has to change her spinster mindset though if he's going to win her over. Luckily, he has a few town friends on his side who help to gently nudge Shelby along.
I know this is the fourth book in the series but I do believe it is a stand alone novel. I haven't read the first three books in the series but I never felt like I was missing out on anything. I'd love to go back and read the whole series though.
This is a sweet story of love and friendship. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
March 17, 2015
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Firstreads.
I have to say that the reason I gave this book one star was not because it was awful or poorly written. Those weren't problems at all. The reason it got such a low rating from me is that I fell asleep while reading it twice before I have up reading it and I wasn't even tired when I started reading! Another main reason for the low score is that there wasn't even a romance in the story even though that is what the whole book is supposed to be about. Most of the story was about the small town in which the story is based and all the townspeople. It wasn't really about the main characters together. For most of the story they were apart and not even thinking of the other one. And when they were together they were pretty wishy-washy, being hot and understanding one minute then hating on and giving the cold shoulder to each other the next minute. It wasn't even an interesting on-and-off kind of thing. It was just petty, childish stuff throughout the whole book. Then, all of a sudden, the main characters are in love and they don't want to be without each other. I just didn't find anything redeemable about this book that would make me want to read any more of it then I did or read anything more by this author either.
I have to say that the reason I gave this book one star was not because it was awful or poorly written. Those weren't problems at all. The reason it got such a low rating from me is that I fell asleep while reading it twice before I have up reading it and I wasn't even tired when I started reading! Another main reason for the low score is that there wasn't even a romance in the story even though that is what the whole book is supposed to be about. Most of the story was about the small town in which the story is based and all the townspeople. It wasn't really about the main characters together. For most of the story they were apart and not even thinking of the other one. And when they were together they were pretty wishy-washy, being hot and understanding one minute then hating on and giving the cold shoulder to each other the next minute. It wasn't even an interesting on-and-off kind of thing. It was just petty, childish stuff throughout the whole book. Then, all of a sudden, the main characters are in love and they don't want to be without each other. I just didn't find anything redeemable about this book that would make me want to read any more of it then I did or read anything more by this author either.
April 18, 2023
A sweet read set in a small town that brings friends to lovers in the best and most romantic way possible. Gabe had no intention of moving back to Harmony Valley since his sights were set on becoming a vet for the big Kentucky race tracks. But when his former mentor appeals to him to just try it, he acquiesces and ends up with former best friend Shelby living in the same household as him. Shelby was married to his best high school buddy and when Nate died, Shelby was at loose ends in a lot of ways. She is looking for what’s next in her life while Gabe seems to have marked his path already. The interaction between the two is amusing and unforgettable. Told with heart and soul and a lot of humor, this book is a quick read with memorable characters who are all well-developed and stepped off the pages into my heart.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her review team. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her review team. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
June 28, 2024
A cute, sweet little read. Some tears were shed
Read
June 15, 2025DNF half way in.. it was fine just couldn't get into it enough to want to finish
February 23, 2015
What a completely engaging and heartfelt story! One Perfect Year tugged at my heartstrings with its heroine who is a young widow, scared to love again, and the man who has silently loved her since he set eyes on her in high school.
The community of Harmony Valley drew me in. It is mostly an aging community and those elderly characters provided for a lot of fun and tender moments. I did not realize when I read this book that it was book four in the series. It can definitely be read as a stand alone novel!
Gage was a great character. He returns to Harmony Valley temporarily. Having achieved quite a bit of success as a veterinarian with an equine focus, he specializes in helping thoroughbred horses with difficult deliveries. Shelby has just relocated to Harmony Valley and has a great position with a local winery and has a promising career ahead of her.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Gage and Shelby. There were hurt feelings, guilt, a broken friendship, fear, and hidden love to navigate through. The way the author dove into each of these emotions and wove them into these characters made them come alive to me. I was cheering for Shelby and Gage and hoping they could work things out. This was such a beautiful and sweet story!
My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book that I was given in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog and click on the link to be taken to a Rafflecopter giveaway:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The community of Harmony Valley drew me in. It is mostly an aging community and those elderly characters provided for a lot of fun and tender moments. I did not realize when I read this book that it was book four in the series. It can definitely be read as a stand alone novel!
Gage was a great character. He returns to Harmony Valley temporarily. Having achieved quite a bit of success as a veterinarian with an equine focus, he specializes in helping thoroughbred horses with difficult deliveries. Shelby has just relocated to Harmony Valley and has a great position with a local winery and has a promising career ahead of her.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Gage and Shelby. There were hurt feelings, guilt, a broken friendship, fear, and hidden love to navigate through. The way the author dove into each of these emotions and wove them into these characters made them come alive to me. I was cheering for Shelby and Gage and hoping they could work things out. This was such a beautiful and sweet story!
My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book that I was given in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog and click on the link to be taken to a Rafflecopter giveaway:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
February 26, 2015
Welcome to Harmony Valley!! Shelby Hawkley grew up here.
She married her high school sweetheart who recently died in a
water sport activity. So now Shelby is back in town with her
grandfather to work at a winery in the Valley.
Enter Gage Jamero, a veterinarian who grew up in Harmony
Valley. Gage, Shelby and her husband, Nick had always been
close friends until Nick death then Gage ignored all Shelby calls.
So what happens now? Will Gage and Shelby be able to
re-establish their friendship? Why was Gage ignoring her calls?
Why did Gage feel he could have prevented Nick death? Will
Gage let Shelby know he has loved her since high school?
Shelby’s grandfather wants Gage to take over his veterinary
practice in Harmony Valley. Will Gage consider this at all?
Gage has been working with race horses and is one of the top
in his field. Would he be able to trade racehorses for small
animal care and treatment?
All these questions will need to be answered amidst the
shenanigans of the colorful, quirky & fun town people, a big
lovable dog, two kitten and a crazy goose.
Very entertaining read!!
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
She married her high school sweetheart who recently died in a
water sport activity. So now Shelby is back in town with her
grandfather to work at a winery in the Valley.
Enter Gage Jamero, a veterinarian who grew up in Harmony
Valley. Gage, Shelby and her husband, Nick had always been
close friends until Nick death then Gage ignored all Shelby calls.
So what happens now? Will Gage and Shelby be able to
re-establish their friendship? Why was Gage ignoring her calls?
Why did Gage feel he could have prevented Nick death? Will
Gage let Shelby know he has loved her since high school?
Shelby’s grandfather wants Gage to take over his veterinary
practice in Harmony Valley. Will Gage consider this at all?
Gage has been working with race horses and is one of the top
in his field. Would he be able to trade racehorses for small
animal care and treatment?
All these questions will need to be answered amidst the
shenanigans of the colorful, quirky & fun town people, a big
lovable dog, two kitten and a crazy goose.
Very entertaining read!!
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
February 27, 2015
Welcome to Harmony Valley!! Shelby Hawkley grew up here.
She married her high school sweetheart who recently died in a
water sport activity. So now Shelby is back in town with her
grandfather to work at a winery in the Valley.
Enter Gage Jamero, a veterinarian who grew up in Harmony
Valley. Gage, Shelby and her husband, Nick had always been
close friends until Nick death then Gage ignored all Shelby calls.
So what happens now? Will Gage and Shelby be able to
re-establish their friendship? Why was Gage ignoring her calls?
Why did Gage feel he could have prevented Nick death? Will
Gage let Shelby know he has loved her since high school?
Shelby’s grandfather wants Gage to take over his veterinary
practice in Harmony Valley. Will Gage consider this at all?
Gage has been working with race horses and is one of the top
in his field. Would he be able to trade racehorses for small
animal care and treatment?
All these questions will need to be answered amidst the
shenanigans of the colorful, quirky & fun town people, a big
lovable dog, two kitten and a crazy goose.
Very entertaining read!!
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
She married her high school sweetheart who recently died in a
water sport activity. So now Shelby is back in town with her
grandfather to work at a winery in the Valley.
Enter Gage Jamero, a veterinarian who grew up in Harmony
Valley. Gage, Shelby and her husband, Nick had always been
close friends until Nick death then Gage ignored all Shelby calls.
So what happens now? Will Gage and Shelby be able to
re-establish their friendship? Why was Gage ignoring her calls?
Why did Gage feel he could have prevented Nick death? Will
Gage let Shelby know he has loved her since high school?
Shelby’s grandfather wants Gage to take over his veterinary
practice in Harmony Valley. Will Gage consider this at all?
Gage has been working with race horses and is one of the top
in his field. Would he be able to trade racehorses for small
animal care and treatment?
All these questions will need to be answered amidst the
shenanigans of the colorful, quirky & fun town people, a big
lovable dog, two kitten and a crazy goose.
Very entertaining read!!
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
August 11, 2023
The first three books in the Love in Harmony Valley series focused individually on three young men who are business partners, Will, Flynn, and Slade and their romantic interests. The backbone of the series, the revitalization of the little town of Harmony Valley, continues in the fourth book A Small Town Summer. Work on the winery carries on with the discovery that a wine “cave’ will be needed for storage. The new hire is Shelby who will be the cellar master in charge of aging the wine. She is a former resident of Harmony Valley and is staying with her grandfather, Doc, a retired veterinarian.
A call is put out for the Harmony Valley descendants to come back to harvest the grapes. The winery needs help with picking the grapes, and the aging town residents hope some can be encouraged to settle in Harmony Valley. One of the “helpers” is Gage, a former best friend of Shelby and her deceased husband Nick. Gage is a vet who is known as a horse whisperer of birthing mares, the kind who may produce the next Secretariat.
One of the puzzles in this book is why Gage has not communicated with Shelby since Nick’s funeral. They were such good friends, and she is very hurt by his abandonment. He temporarily commits to work as a vet in Harmony Valley for two months before he moves to Kentucky to continue his specialized equine work.
In addition to the protagonists, the local elderly residents continue to play a role, frequently offering timely advice. Shelby befriends Mae who owns Dream Day Bridal where all the ladies used to buy their prom, bridal, and special occasion dresses. Married six times with three spousal deaths and three divorces, Mae knows a few things about love.
This book also includes a rescued St. Bernard and a number of other animals. Can Shelby be satisfied with taking in animals who need love? Can Gage find happiness across the country doing what he loves without a special someone in his life?
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A call is put out for the Harmony Valley descendants to come back to harvest the grapes. The winery needs help with picking the grapes, and the aging town residents hope some can be encouraged to settle in Harmony Valley. One of the “helpers” is Gage, a former best friend of Shelby and her deceased husband Nick. Gage is a vet who is known as a horse whisperer of birthing mares, the kind who may produce the next Secretariat.
One of the puzzles in this book is why Gage has not communicated with Shelby since Nick’s funeral. They were such good friends, and she is very hurt by his abandonment. He temporarily commits to work as a vet in Harmony Valley for two months before he moves to Kentucky to continue his specialized equine work.
In addition to the protagonists, the local elderly residents continue to play a role, frequently offering timely advice. Shelby befriends Mae who owns Dream Day Bridal where all the ladies used to buy their prom, bridal, and special occasion dresses. Married six times with three spousal deaths and three divorces, Mae knows a few things about love.
This book also includes a rescued St. Bernard and a number of other animals. Can Shelby be satisfied with taking in animals who need love? Can Gage find happiness across the country doing what he loves without a special someone in his life?
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 3, 2023
A Small Town Summer, #4 - My favorite, so far! I really enjoyed reading this book, I couldn't put it down. Funny, entertaining and some sad bits. My favorite character, of the many good characters, is Mae, and her bridal shop, which felt like a character, too. This story is well written with no drama or silliness, immersing the reader into a comfortable, relaxing world of love, family and friends, and community. Of course, there are plenty of animals running amuck. There is bonus link, which is interesting, there's an update one month after the book ends. Source: Booksprout. 5*
Love in Harmony Valley:
Dandelion Wishes, #1 - A sweet romance mixed with plenty of drama along with good characters, interesting story lines and a gamut of emotions. Love. Friendship. Forgiveness. The ability to accept and make changes. A bit on the intense side with the healing, the recognitions and the drama but a good story. 4*
A Small Town Second Chance, #2 - Now it's Flynn and Becca's story. This was a bit sad for me the end. The epilogue should have been included since it was so happy. Wonderful characters, huggable and likeable. Good story lines, too. 4*
A New Beginning in a Small Town, #3 - This book is all about new beginnings for many. Slade is a deep character caught in his own darkness, and his mind. Add the rest of the townspeople, his friends and his love interest to this well written story and you have a hard to put down story. 5*
Forever Family in a Small Town, #5 - I did not like Dylan's attitude about the colt, or Phantom, it was negative and full of self doubt, which horses sense, and slacked off in his duties. A good story but the alcoholism and the wounded horses made this a darker read than the previous book, which was full of joy and light. But this is real life and well told with the light as well as the dark. Guess who wins. Source: Booksprout. 5*
Love in Harmony Valley end.
Love in Harmony Valley:
Dandelion Wishes, #1 - A sweet romance mixed with plenty of drama along with good characters, interesting story lines and a gamut of emotions. Love. Friendship. Forgiveness. The ability to accept and make changes. A bit on the intense side with the healing, the recognitions and the drama but a good story. 4*
A Small Town Second Chance, #2 - Now it's Flynn and Becca's story. This was a bit sad for me the end. The epilogue should have been included since it was so happy. Wonderful characters, huggable and likeable. Good story lines, too. 4*
A New Beginning in a Small Town, #3 - This book is all about new beginnings for many. Slade is a deep character caught in his own darkness, and his mind. Add the rest of the townspeople, his friends and his love interest to this well written story and you have a hard to put down story. 5*
Forever Family in a Small Town, #5 - I did not like Dylan's attitude about the colt, or Phantom, it was negative and full of self doubt, which horses sense, and slacked off in his duties. A good story but the alcoholism and the wounded horses made this a darker read than the previous book, which was full of joy and light. But this is real life and well told with the light as well as the dark. Guess who wins. Source: Booksprout. 5*
Love in Harmony Valley end.
February 13, 2021
one perfect year adalah yg didapat shelby dan nick, sebelum akhirnya nick meninggal dalam kecelakaan arung jeram. shelby lalu menutup diri sampai 2 tahun kemudian, dia kembali ke harmony valley, kampung halamannya. kembalinya shelby tanpa sengaja diikuti oleh gage, sahabat masa remajanya. gage dengan cinta diam-diamnya, shelby dengan ketakutan akan kehilangannya -- romansa sederhana yg dibungkus dengan kisah-kisah sentimentil para manula di kota kecil.
sebenarnya, kisah cinta yg sederhana punya kekuatan untuk dekat di hati karena unsur relatable. tapi sayangnya yg ini kurang rapi. sepanjang cerita banyak "jumping scenes", ada lubang-lubang rahasia scattered all over the places yg tidak dibahas tuntas. pun bagian akhirnya sangat terburu-buru. happy ending yg kasar, kering, dan dipaksakan.
secara pribadi, aku bermasalah dengan pemilihan nama karakternya : shelby is okay, but gage? NO. gaipan apalagi. pun pemilihan kata-katanya yg too cheesy, well i know this is a romance book, but please :(
oya, ada beberapa part yg i feel personally attacked, contoh :
"pernikahan yg pertama itu terlalu menyakitkan. kalian gadis-gadis zaman sekarang memang lembek, menghindari rasa sakit. rasa sakit membuat kehidupan layak dijalani. itu membuatmu menghargai masa-masa yg bebas dari rasa sakit."
"hati tidak berhenti mencintai hanya karena mereka pernah hancur satu atau dua kali."
"tapi aku tidak bilang kau tidak boleh menoleh ke arah lain. hati adalah organ yg plin-plan. tidak bekerja terlalu baik saat sedang kesepian."
sebenarnya, kisah cinta yg sederhana punya kekuatan untuk dekat di hati karena unsur relatable. tapi sayangnya yg ini kurang rapi. sepanjang cerita banyak "jumping scenes", ada lubang-lubang rahasia scattered all over the places yg tidak dibahas tuntas. pun bagian akhirnya sangat terburu-buru. happy ending yg kasar, kering, dan dipaksakan.
secara pribadi, aku bermasalah dengan pemilihan nama karakternya : shelby is okay, but gage? NO. gaipan apalagi. pun pemilihan kata-katanya yg too cheesy, well i know this is a romance book, but please :(
oya, ada beberapa part yg i feel personally attacked, contoh :
"pernikahan yg pertama itu terlalu menyakitkan. kalian gadis-gadis zaman sekarang memang lembek, menghindari rasa sakit. rasa sakit membuat kehidupan layak dijalani. itu membuatmu menghargai masa-masa yg bebas dari rasa sakit."
"hati tidak berhenti mencintai hanya karena mereka pernah hancur satu atau dua kali."
"tapi aku tidak bilang kau tidak boleh menoleh ke arah lain. hati adalah organ yg plin-plan. tidak bekerja terlalu baik saat sedang kesepian."
August 12, 2023
This was a lovely story of moving on after loss and second chances. Gage has loved Shelby, his best friend’s widow, for years. Shelby is afraid to trust in a relationship or feelings of love again after her husband’s death. Both main characters have a lot to work through before they can consider any future together. I enjoyed top the main characters, as well as the other townspeople. They brought some additional entertainment to the story. It was interesting seeing the additional third POV of Mae, an older woman from the town. At first I questioned it, but I t tied in well and drove the story forward in important ways. I did feel a little sad about the final compromise, but I have to believe that the characters felt it was worth it. This was an enjoyable read. Although this book falls in the middle of a series, it can be read as a standalone. This is a clean story with no harsh language.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2023
Melinda Curtis draws her readers in from the first page in each of her Harmony Valley novels. The elderly residents have quirky characters and vigorously defend their independence, while welcoming their younger relatives and friends back to town to work in the newly revived vineyard and winery.
Gage arrives to assist with the grape harvest Shelby is overseeing, and is then ‘coerced’ by Doc, her grandfather, to assist him in re-opening the town’s veterinary practice. Shelby and Gage gradually re-establish their long-standing friendship, coming to terms with the reasons for Gage’s two-year silence after Shelby’s husband’s death. However, despite their growing attraction for one another, they both know that Gage will soon leave to begin his lucrative dream job.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gage arrives to assist with the grape harvest Shelby is overseeing, and is then ‘coerced’ by Doc, her grandfather, to assist him in re-opening the town’s veterinary practice. Shelby and Gage gradually re-establish their long-standing friendship, coming to terms with the reasons for Gage’s two-year silence after Shelby’s husband’s death. However, despite their growing attraction for one another, they both know that Gage will soon leave to begin his lucrative dream job.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2023
Gage left Harmony Valley after his best friend died. He blames himself, but he also left Shelby Hawkley who was also his best friend. It was too hard for him to stay there.
Gage is back because Shelby’s grandfather wants his help with his veterinarian practice. The only thing is this is not what he really wants. His life is dealing with racehorses. He’s planning on leaving to go to Kentucky.
Shelby can’t believe Gage is back in Harmony Valley. It was hard enough when he up and left after Nick died, but now she’s back. But for how long? He’s promised his grandfather 6 months.
She’s helps at the local winery.
Only time will tell to see what happens.
buy this book to see what happens between these two friends.
Gage is back because Shelby’s grandfather wants his help with his veterinarian practice. The only thing is this is not what he really wants. His life is dealing with racehorses. He’s planning on leaving to go to Kentucky.
Shelby can’t believe Gage is back in Harmony Valley. It was hard enough when he up and left after Nick died, but now she’s back. But for how long? He’s promised his grandfather 6 months.
She’s helps at the local winery.
Only time will tell to see what happens.
buy this book to see what happens between these two friends.
July 17, 2023
This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Sweet and clean romance.
Shelby lives in Harmony Valley and has moved there after her husband passed away. She lives with her grandfather, the town vet. He is getting older and reaches out to Gabe, who used to be one of Shelby's best friends, to come and help out. Gabe has accepted a coveted position as a vet to race horses but has some time to help out before he goes there.
Shelby and gave get to know each other again. Can she convince him to stay?
This was a sweet romance and I am loving this series and the characters. This one did take me a little longer to get invested, but overall is a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shelby lives in Harmony Valley and has moved there after her husband passed away. She lives with her grandfather, the town vet. He is getting older and reaches out to Gabe, who used to be one of Shelby's best friends, to come and help out. Gabe has accepted a coveted position as a vet to race horses but has some time to help out before he goes there.
Shelby and gave get to know each other again. Can she convince him to stay?
This was a sweet romance and I am loving this series and the characters. This one did take me a little longer to get invested, but overall is a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2023
This is the 4th book in the series.
Gage loved Shelby from the first time he saw her, but missed out on being with her when she ended up going out with his best friend Nick. Not being able to be around them, he ends up moving away. But when Nick dies in an accident, Shelby moved back home and Gage comes back to take over Shelby's grandfathers vet practice.
Shelby felt deserted by Gage after Nick died so there is a lot of tension in their relationship, he is still in love with her, but she is determined to not get involved with any men. Will he confess his true feelings to Shelby in the end and will she return them.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gage loved Shelby from the first time he saw her, but missed out on being with her when she ended up going out with his best friend Nick. Not being able to be around them, he ends up moving away. But when Nick dies in an accident, Shelby moved back home and Gage comes back to take over Shelby's grandfathers vet practice.
Shelby felt deserted by Gage after Nick died so there is a lot of tension in their relationship, he is still in love with her, but she is determined to not get involved with any men. Will he confess his true feelings to Shelby in the end and will she return them.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2023
Shelby, her husband Nick and their friend Gage were inseparable until Nick died in an accident. Gage blamed himself and went away from home while Shelby stayed, feeling abandoned not only by her husband but also by her best friend. Years passed and they met again. Gage has been in love with her since the first day he saw her, but he was too slow to make a decision and he lost her to his best friend. Now Nick is gone, and Shelby is alone and unhappy, the same as him.
I enjoyed the book and the debates Shelby and Gage had about their feelings and their jobs. However, sometimes it was a bit repetitive. I loved Mae and her being so peculiar.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the book and the debates Shelby and Gage had about their feelings and their jobs. However, sometimes it was a bit repetitive. I loved Mae and her being so peculiar.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2023
What makes this book a good one? All the emotions that it touches on like love, guilt, sorrow, laughter and suspicion. Then you add in quirky senior citizens, first time horse mamas and some rescue animals and you are in for quite the journey. Things keep happening in Harmony Valley and not everyone is onboard for these things which makes for a fun reading experience. Enjoy this visit to Harmony Valley and look forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2023
The moment Gage set eyes on Shelby he fell for her while they were still in high school unfortunately before he can do any move his friend Nicki swooped her right in front of his eyes until he died and decides to move only to be brought back to their small town by Shelby's grandfather who believed in them. The old folk in this book made it extra special for me, so full of humour.
I recommend this book to readers of all ages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I recommend this book to readers of all ages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2025
Can be read as a standalone however several of the characters overlap throughout the series with a storyline weaving throughout in the background. She is returning to care for her grandfather. She's decided that she will not let anyone else in as too many of her loved ones left. Seeing Gage again after all these years doesn't go the way she thought? Both of them were hurt due to miscommunication and grief. Will they get find closure, rekindle their friendship, or see what can happen? How does she react when he tells her of his plans? Can she learn to trust and open herself up again?
September 14, 2026
I had a Free Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Widow Shelby returns to Harmony Valley to work for the winery. Gage Jamero, now a Veterinarian, returns to help Shelby’s grandfather for a couple of months before he takes his dream job working with horses in Kentucky. He has always been Shelby’s friend, but he also loves her and stepped aside when she married his best friend. Now he has to decide whether to change his plans for her or not. An emotional and uplifting second chance book.
October 15, 2019
I purchased a copy of the full length novel Harlequin Heartwarming: A Harmony Valley Novel book 4: One Perfect Yearby Melinda Curtis and this review was given freely.
Reeling after the death of her husband and grandmother, Shelby tries to care for her grandfather and help the winery plan for a wine cave while mourning the loss of her best friend, Gage. Poignant and realistic as it contains many of the problems facing the aging population including falls, cancer and death but uplifting in that not only does the story contain an eclectic family of rescued animals but also heartwarming with a childhood love realized.
Reeling after the death of her husband and grandmother, Shelby tries to care for her grandfather and help the winery plan for a wine cave while mourning the loss of her best friend, Gage. Poignant and realistic as it contains many of the problems facing the aging population including falls, cancer and death but uplifting in that not only does the story contain an eclectic family of rescued animals but also heartwarming with a childhood love realized.
August 9, 2023
Always fun to read a story where characters knew each other long before they reconnect. Age changes a person. There are some quirky secondary characters to help with this story. I like the setting and the romance that keeps building as you keep reading. Interesting banter and interaction between the characters as they reconnect after not seeing each other for years. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2023
For Gage & Shelby, in the end, love found a way - and I'm so happy about that! I loved the development of all of the characters & thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I hope sometime to read a book about Sheriff Nate romantic life - one that has a happy ending!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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August 9, 2023A sweet, heartwarming, hometown romance story. This charming book was easy to read and full of wonderful, interesting characters. It was an emotional read with ups and downs but love conquers all. Just a delightful story. I’m really enjoying this series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2023
This heartwarming romance captivated me from the first page.
I absolutely loved the opening line... I knew I was going to enjoy this book!
I loved the characters and the story was realistic and relatable.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved the opening line... I knew I was going to enjoy this book!
I loved the characters and the story was realistic and relatable.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2023
This was a really great story in this small town. Shelby was finding her new self after coming home and connecting with Mae. Gage came to help and stood up for his first live. A really great realistic romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2023
This is a fairly slow moving read. There is a large amount of this book dedicated to death, regrets, and lost youth. With all the emotions, highs and lows of losing each. There are a lot of elderly people in this book, locked in by the past as their minds and bodies change. There is also one very different romance that winds through the story.
July 3, 2023
This is a lovely small town romance.. I liked it very much.. It tugs at the heart, and definitely makes you fall in love with Gage, Shelby, and their friends/family..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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