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Maple Bay #0.5
Rescued in Maple Bay
His best friend's widow needs his help... But he's afraid she's stealing his heart as well.
It takes everything Lilah Davis has to be a single mom and run the animal rescue she started with her late husband. In fact, without Henry's parents and his best friend Trace checking in she's pretty sure everything would fall apart. When three abandoned horses are turned over to her care, Trace is the one she turns to for help. It has absolutely nothing to do with how he makes her feel... Besides, she's not ready for anything more than friendship.
Trace Cardona is honoring his best friend’s last wish—for him to watch over Lilah and the kids. So when Lilah ends up with a wild, dangerous horse that needs training, he's willing to step in to help her—and continue to ignore his growing feelings for his friend's widow.
Trace could never take Henry’s place... But the more time Lilah & Trace spend together, the stronger their connection grows. And ignoring their feelings seems impossible. Even if they both know they should.
Books in the Maple Bay Series (each can be read as a standalone - happily-ever-afters guaranteed):
Rescued in Maple Bay
Starting Over in Maple Bay
Second Chance in Maple Bay
Country Stars in Maple Bay
Matched in Maple Bay
It takes everything Lilah Davis has to be a single mom and run the animal rescue she started with her late husband. In fact, without Henry's parents and his best friend Trace checking in she's pretty sure everything would fall apart. When three abandoned horses are turned over to her care, Trace is the one she turns to for help. It has absolutely nothing to do with how he makes her feel... Besides, she's not ready for anything more than friendship.
Trace Cardona is honoring his best friend’s last wish—for him to watch over Lilah and the kids. So when Lilah ends up with a wild, dangerous horse that needs training, he's willing to step in to help her—and continue to ignore his growing feelings for his friend's widow.
Trace could never take Henry’s place... But the more time Lilah & Trace spend together, the stronger their connection grows. And ignoring their feelings seems impossible. Even if they both know they should.
Books in the Maple Bay Series (each can be read as a standalone - happily-ever-afters guaranteed):
Rescued in Maple Bay
Starting Over in Maple Bay
Second Chance in Maple Bay
Country Stars in Maple Bay
Matched in Maple Bay
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2022
177 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Brittney Joy
20 books384 followersWebsite: http://brittneyjoybooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittneyjoyb...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Brittney-Joy/e/...
Author of sweet stories full of hope, heart, and happily-ever-afters.
Brittney and her family live in their own piece of heaven in the Oregon countryside. They stay busy with their menagerie of silly horses, cackling chickens, wooly sheep, and two very naughty goats. When Brittney isn’t writing, she’s riding or reading. And she wishes she could do all three at the same time.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittneyjoyb...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Brittney-Joy/e/...
Author of sweet stories full of hope, heart, and happily-ever-afters.
Brittney and her family live in their own piece of heaven in the Oregon countryside. They stay busy with their menagerie of silly horses, cackling chickens, wooly sheep, and two very naughty goats. When Brittney isn’t writing, she’s riding or reading. And she wishes she could do all three at the same time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 27, 2023
Lilah has lost the love of her life Henry. Trace who was Henry’s best friend made a promise to look after Lilah and her three children.
Beautifully written story that is heartwarming.
Small town setting, rescued animals, wonderful characters and romance.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it .
Beautifully written story that is heartwarming.
Small town setting, rescued animals, wonderful characters and romance.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it .
July 18, 2023
A great start to new Maple Bay series’s by Brittany Joy. A sweet romance in a small town setting. Strong characters with romance. I can’t wait to read more of this series and characters. *I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
March 16, 2023
Beautiful, inspiring, and heartwarming. Those are the best words to describe this wonderful story of love, starting over, and letting others in. Author Brittany Joy keeps getting better and better and this book is such a fantastic quick read. I love how this book shows that even when there is heartbreak and struggle, you can always find a way to happiness and rescue others as well as yourself when you have the right people in your life.
You absolutely should NOT miss this story or this entire series.
You absolutely should NOT miss this story or this entire series.
April 15, 2023
This is such a great intro to Maple Bay and Brittney’s extremely comforting style of writing. Reading any Maple Bay book is like coming home to family and the fact that Lilah is a horse rescuer only endears me more toward her story. Trace was Henry’s best friend and before he died, promised to look after his wife and children. As the two spend more time together their growing attraction becomes impossible to ignore.
I could have sworn I wrote this review a year ago, that’s how clearly I remember reading this. I originally got this book through being a subscriber to Brittney’s newsletter as a bonus, or something. I don’t quite recall. But I do remember being unable to find it on Goodreads even and must be why I didn’t write a review originally.
I could have sworn I wrote this review a year ago, that’s how clearly I remember reading this. I originally got this book through being a subscriber to Brittney’s newsletter as a bonus, or something. I don’t quite recall. But I do remember being unable to find it on Goodreads even and must be why I didn’t write a review originally.
April 11, 2023
Rescued in Maple Bay 0.5 by Brittney Joy.
I love this series, you ask how I know as this is the prequel. Well, that's because Brittney wrote the others first🙂
As with the others, Resuced in Maple Bay is written brilliantly with care and detail. The main characters are fantastic, the chemistry though they fight it is obvious to others. Trace is looking out for his deceased best friend's wife Lilah and her three young children.
Will these two work out their feelings and get their HEA?
I highly recommend this book to all, you don't need to read them in order. Bookfoyr releases later in the year🙂
I love this series, you ask how I know as this is the prequel. Well, that's because Brittney wrote the others first🙂
As with the others, Resuced in Maple Bay is written brilliantly with care and detail. The main characters are fantastic, the chemistry though they fight it is obvious to others. Trace is looking out for his deceased best friend's wife Lilah and her three young children.
Will these two work out their feelings and get their HEA?
I highly recommend this book to all, you don't need to read them in order. Bookfoyr releases later in the year🙂
January 27, 2024
A wonderfully uplifting romance! I’m so impressed with Brittney Joy’s books. They are so well written and feature strong, honorable characters with beautiful, tender romances. (There is a kissing scene in this story that may be my all-time favorite.) The small town setting and the plot of rescuing animal in the background, adds warmth to this delightful story. Highly recommend for a feel good, quick read.
I received a digital copy of this book to review. This is my honest opinion.
I received a digital copy of this book to review. This is my honest opinion.
April 9, 2023
Rescued in Maple Bay is a clean, heartwarming, second chance romance. Ms. Joy writes about strong characters and tender romance. I love Lilah's heart for animals in need. The supportive in-laws are real gems. I was engaged in this story from page one. I just sat and finished it because I did not want to put it down. With three great kids, rescued animals and more, this well written book should have something for everyone who loves a sweet romance.
April 18, 2023
This prequel to the Maple Bay series is as sweet as you can imagine. With her flowing writing and good character development Brittney Joy makes you feel like you are part of the story.
Her characters are real and flawed with real life experiences that makes the story powerful and engaging. You laugh, cried and feel with them.
This is a heartwarming and beautiful story about second chances in love.
Her characters are real and flawed with real life experiences that makes the story powerful and engaging. You laugh, cried and feel with them.
This is a heartwarming and beautiful story about second chances in love.
April 21, 2023
A sweet small-town romance with vibrant characters. It's a beautifully written story that holds your attention from the first page until the last. It's realistic and entertaining. I love how Trace watches over Lilah and the kids. A wholesome, easy read that will leave you with a smile. I received a free copy in advance and am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 24, 2023
a very sweet story
This story was already sweet but when you add truffles. . . What can I say? A sweet family who seems like you next door neighbors (the good ones), cute kids, a charming pig and a couple of horses. And the solid and very reliable hero. Sigh. You’ll enjoy this one
This story was already sweet but when you add truffles. . . What can I say? A sweet family who seems like you next door neighbors (the good ones), cute kids, a charming pig and a couple of horses. And the solid and very reliable hero. Sigh. You’ll enjoy this one
April 11, 2023
Such a sweet romance book. I loved it. You just never know who you will fall in love with
April 13, 2023
A cute small town romance novella!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
April 17, 2023
Love those prequel to this series. This is such a sweet story with a widower and her husband's best friend. Many great moments with humor and romance. Overall an enjoyable story.
April 21, 2023
Very good thoroughly enjoy the characters and really enjoyed the book.
March 25, 2023
Lilah lost the love of her life, her husband. Trace was his best friend. Since Trace was helping on their farm, when he was asked to watch over Lilah & their 3 children, he couldn't deny his best friend this and made that promise.
Trace was always there to help her out on the farm, repairing things, training the horses she rescued along with other critters, and even playing with the kids.
This was such a heartwarming sweet story of friends to lovers. They both fought the attraction as it slowly happened because they thought they'd be betraying her dead husband, even after 2 years.
They soon knew the feelings they had for each other wasn't going to just go away. His parents who have always been there for Lilah saw it and knew the feelings they had towards each other. When Lilah went to talk to them knowing it was time to finally move on with her life and love again, they weren't surprised and were happy for her and for Trace and gave her their blessing saying that their son would want her to be happy and find love again, and knew that she would always have a love in her heart for him and told her that.
This was such a great, sweet romantic story that gave me all the feelings you would feel in their situation. Another awesome book by Author Brittney Joy
Trace was always there to help her out on the farm, repairing things, training the horses she rescued along with other critters, and even playing with the kids.
This was such a heartwarming sweet story of friends to lovers. They both fought the attraction as it slowly happened because they thought they'd be betraying her dead husband, even after 2 years.
They soon knew the feelings they had for each other wasn't going to just go away. His parents who have always been there for Lilah saw it and knew the feelings they had towards each other. When Lilah went to talk to them knowing it was time to finally move on with her life and love again, they weren't surprised and were happy for her and for Trace and gave her their blessing saying that their son would want her to be happy and find love again, and knew that she would always have a love in her heart for him and told her that.
This was such a great, sweet romantic story that gave me all the feelings you would feel in their situation. Another awesome book by Author Brittney Joy
June 8, 2023
Lilah's husband died two years ago, and in that time, she's gotten closer and closer to his best friend, Trace. It's clear from the beginning that this is going to progress into more than just a friendship, but it's still fun to read about it happening.
Novellas require a difficult balance of having a deeper, more developed plot than a short story but not as deep or developed as you'd expect in a full-length novel. Unfortunately for me, I don't think this novella quite achieved that balance. While I enjoyed reading it, I felt like it was underdeveloped. This really felt like it could have been a full novel. I wanted more background on the characters. I would have liked this story to start earlier, even if it just included a prologue, and then the main story started about where it starts now. I did enjoy this novella but because the length was too short to fully develop the story, I felt like it fell short a little. Because of that, I am giving it four stars.
This is a clean book. There's no swearing, sex, or violence. Kissing's as far as things go on the page for our two main characters. It was a quick read. I think I was done in less than an hour and a half.
Novellas require a difficult balance of having a deeper, more developed plot than a short story but not as deep or developed as you'd expect in a full-length novel. Unfortunately for me, I don't think this novella quite achieved that balance. While I enjoyed reading it, I felt like it was underdeveloped. This really felt like it could have been a full novel. I wanted more background on the characters. I would have liked this story to start earlier, even if it just included a prologue, and then the main story started about where it starts now. I did enjoy this novella but because the length was too short to fully develop the story, I felt like it fell short a little. Because of that, I am giving it four stars.
This is a clean book. There's no swearing, sex, or violence. Kissing's as far as things go on the page for our two main characters. It was a quick read. I think I was done in less than an hour and a half.
July 23, 2025
Honestly this was perfect.
If you love a sweetbread this is definitely for you.
It was an even paced read that had the most wonderful characters.
Widow Lilah, a mom with three young kids, runs an animal rescue along side her bookkeeping business. She's such a loving strong character, supported by her in-laws who treat her like their daughter and her late husband's best friend, Trace.
It’s been two years since her husband died and Teacw has been her constant he steps in to help whenever is needed.
While working closely with a particularly difficult rescue horse, Lilah and Trace’s feelings grow feelings for one another. Both feel guilty for different reasons but that isn’t dwelled on it’s natural and we get to see their HEA.
Definitely going to find the next book to see Jesse’s story unfold.
Not spicy at all a couple of kisses only but tbh it fit the book perfectly.
If you love a sweetbread this is definitely for you.
It was an even paced read that had the most wonderful characters.
Widow Lilah, a mom with three young kids, runs an animal rescue along side her bookkeeping business. She's such a loving strong character, supported by her in-laws who treat her like their daughter and her late husband's best friend, Trace.
It’s been two years since her husband died and Teacw has been her constant he steps in to help whenever is needed.
While working closely with a particularly difficult rescue horse, Lilah and Trace’s feelings grow feelings for one another. Both feel guilty for different reasons but that isn’t dwelled on it’s natural and we get to see their HEA.
Definitely going to find the next book to see Jesse’s story unfold.
Not spicy at all a couple of kisses only but tbh it fit the book perfectly.
March 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this prequel to the Maple Bay series. Trace and Lilah's story is a sweet one. Lilah is widowed and doesn't know if she should find love again. She has a lot on her plate with 3 active children and a menagerie of rescue animals while I really loved reading about! She has a big heart! However, they all take a lot of her time and energy. Trace was her husband's best friend and vowed to watch out of her as his friend laid dying of cancer. Now, he has feelings for Lilah and is feels a little like betrayal to his best friend. Lilah is in the same boat! I put myself in both of their shoes. How would I handle it? I liked the other characters and looked forward to the rest of the books in the series.
May 17, 2025
This story is already sweet, but the truffles make it even sweeter. A sweet family with cute kids, a couple of horses and a charming pig. Then main adult characters are Lilah who is a widow and Trace who was her husband's best friend. Trace was always around to help around the farm, train animals and even play with the kids. A heartwarming story of friends to lovers who have fought their attraction for the past 2 years because they each thought it would be a betrayal of her deceased husband. And Lilah doesn't want to go against the wishes of her husband's parents. The parents were supportive and had no problem with her dating again. Very nice ending. I received a copy of the book and this is my honest review.
March 21, 2023
This is the first book in the Maple Bay series by Brittney Joy and it was fun reading the story and meeting some new characters, I liked Lilah, who had been a widow for two years. I enjoyed all of the different animals she rescued for Hearts and Hooves. I liked Trace, who had been her husband's best friend and was helping her with the animals and her sons. I was so glad she might have a second chance at love because it was clear Lilah had a lot of love in her heart. I received an advance copy of this book and Willingly chose to write an honest review.
September 14, 2023
A cute little read. Lilah is a young widow with 3 children. On his death bed, her late husband Henry asked his best friend to watch over his wife and make sure she was okay.
That he does. helping with the kids and the farm.
over time their bond and friendship blossoms but the fact that their is that guilt factor... it takes a little while longer for them to get the ball rolling.
No drama as such. Just a casual easy romance.
Lovely little read if you as me. perfect for someone who's been out of the reading game for a while and wanting to ease their way back in to it.
That he does. helping with the kids and the farm.
over time their bond and friendship blossoms but the fact that their is that guilt factor... it takes a little while longer for them to get the ball rolling.
No drama as such. Just a casual easy romance.
Lovely little read if you as me. perfect for someone who's been out of the reading game for a while and wanting to ease their way back in to it.
October 8, 2023
A cute little read. Lilah is a young widow with 3 children. On his death bed, her late husband Henry asked his best friend to watch over his wife and make sure she was okay.
That he does. helping with the kids and the farm.
over time their bond and friendship blossoms but the fact that their is that guilt factor... it takes a little while longer for them to get the ball rolling.
No drama as such. Just a casual easy romance.
Lovely little read if you as me. perfect for someone who's been out of the reading game for a while and wanting to ease their way back in to it.
That he does. helping with the kids and the farm.
over time their bond and friendship blossoms but the fact that their is that guilt factor... it takes a little while longer for them to get the ball rolling.
No drama as such. Just a casual easy romance.
Lovely little read if you as me. perfect for someone who's been out of the reading game for a while and wanting to ease their way back in to it.
February 15, 2024
I loved this heartwarming prequel to the Maple Bay series.
Widow Lilah, a mom with three young kids, runs an animal rescue. She's a strong character, supported by her delightful parents-in-law and her late husband's best friend, Trace, who steps in to help where he can. While working closely with a particularly difficult rescue horse, Lilah and Trace struggle with their feelings for one another. Both feel guilty for different reasons. I loved how their love story was resolved, and I highly recommend the rest of the books in this series too.
Widow Lilah, a mom with three young kids, runs an animal rescue. She's a strong character, supported by her delightful parents-in-law and her late husband's best friend, Trace, who steps in to help where he can. While working closely with a particularly difficult rescue horse, Lilah and Trace struggle with their feelings for one another. Both feel guilty for different reasons. I loved how their love story was resolved, and I highly recommend the rest of the books in this series too.
March 22, 2023
Wonderful love story. Lilah lost her husband Henry two years ago. His best friend Trace promised to watch over Lilah and the kids. They have fallen in love with each other, but are afraid to do anything that will alter their friendship. The characters are all very interesting and well written. I love all the animals at the rescue. Their individual characters are described very well. Entertaining and heartwarming.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
March 30, 2023
Loved this short but sweet romance between Trace, a swoony cowboy and Lilah, his best-friends widow who runs an animal rescue.
Loved the small-town setting, the heartwarming moments, and the sweet romance (that second kiss!!). I am not sure how the author packed all of that into a novella but it was all so well done. I already picked it back up to read my favorite parts.
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Loved the small-town setting, the heartwarming moments, and the sweet romance (that second kiss!!). I am not sure how the author packed all of that into a novella but it was all so well done. I already picked it back up to read my favorite parts.
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
April 12, 2023
A beautiful story of love and friendship. Lilah lost her beloved husband but she continues taking in animals in need. Trace comes around a lot to help with anything she needs. Was she ready for another chance for love? Wonderful characters and a great storyline.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
July 18, 2023
Lilah is a widow with three small children. She is running the farm she and her husband purchased from his parents. She runs an animal rescue.
Trace is her husband's best friend and the man he asked to look after his family.
Their friendship turns into much more.
The two however must first get over their feelings of betrayal, but once they do, there is a great hea.
This book was sweet and well written.
Trace is her husband's best friend and the man he asked to look after his family.
Their friendship turns into much more.
The two however must first get over their feelings of betrayal, but once they do, there is a great hea.
This book was sweet and well written.
May 1, 2024
Enjoyable read just wished it was longer. I feel like as a novella on standalone characters I didn’t get a good feel of the story. If it was a prequel or on a character throughout the series it would have been better. However this is the first Maple Bay book I have read and from reading the synopsis of the other books in the series each book seems like a standalone, each with different character.
July 17, 2023
This is a small town clean romance. The characters were well written. Lilah's kids were adorable. Lilah was a widow and Trace was Lilah's husband's best friend. He had made a promise to watch over Lilah and the children. I don't want to give too much information about the book because I want you to enjoy the read like I did. It's a very enjoyable book.
March 12, 2024
Short but Sweet
This sweet little story kept me reading mainly because I was invested in the MCs. Both seemed determined to do the right thing. Both were courteous and thoughtful. I loved that the romance was slowly building from before the book started. And I thought the MCs’ integrity was epic. If you love clean, sweet, contemporary romance, then try this story.
This sweet little story kept me reading mainly because I was invested in the MCs. Both seemed determined to do the right thing. Both were courteous and thoughtful. I loved that the romance was slowly building from before the book started. And I thought the MCs’ integrity was epic. If you love clean, sweet, contemporary romance, then try this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews