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The Beginning
Asking the gorgeous and alluring florist to be my plus-one to tonight’s wedding should have been weird, but instead, it was as natural as breathing.
And to my shock, she said yes.
But I can't get my hopes up that it will go anywhere. Hattie has no interest in dating a Marine. She’s trying to save her family’s struggling flower shop, and she knows I’m only a temporary fixture in this town.
So, we only have tonight. After that, we’ll go our separate ways, each of us thankful for a fun evening.
It shouldn’t be too hard. After all, we don’t even know each other. It should be no problem to walk away and pretend my heart hadn’t recognized hers the moment we’d met.
Besides, love at first sight is only for the movies, right?
The Beginning is a clean, small-town, military romance novella set thirty years before the start of the Brides of Beaufort series. Enjoy Ms. Hattie and Thatcher's journey to their happily-ever-after, and find out how she became the meddlesome matchmaker who had a hand in the love stories from the main series.
And to my shock, she said yes.
But I can't get my hopes up that it will go anywhere. Hattie has no interest in dating a Marine. She’s trying to save her family’s struggling flower shop, and she knows I’m only a temporary fixture in this town.
So, we only have tonight. After that, we’ll go our separate ways, each of us thankful for a fun evening.
It shouldn’t be too hard. After all, we don’t even know each other. It should be no problem to walk away and pretend my heart hadn’t recognized hers the moment we’d met.
Besides, love at first sight is only for the movies, right?
The Beginning is a clean, small-town, military romance novella set thirty years before the start of the Brides of Beaufort series. Enjoy Ms. Hattie and Thatcher's journey to their happily-ever-after, and find out how she became the meddlesome matchmaker who had a hand in the love stories from the main series.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2023
92 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Jess Mastorakos
55 books707 followersJess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance books that feature heroes with heart and the strong women they love. She is a proud Marine wife and mama of four. She loves her coffee in a glitter tumbler and planning with an erasable pen.
Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!
www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you
Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!
www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 30, 2022
A sweet and easy read
August 27, 2022
3.5⭐️
I’ve always loved Thatcher and Miss Hattie so seeing their “beginning” was adorable! Since it’s a novella, things seemed to happen pretty fast, but it was super sweet.
I’ve always loved Thatcher and Miss Hattie so seeing their “beginning” was adorable! Since it’s a novella, things seemed to happen pretty fast, but it was super sweet.
May 31, 2022
Sweet story. The cover of this one caught my eye because of the Marine. I have a soft spot for Marines, having been married to mine for thirty-nine years. This book had me hooked right from the beginning.
I loved how Thatcher and Hattie met. Thatcher is being a good son and helping his mom deliver some stuff to a friend's wedding (which they are invited to attend). Thatcher is a bit bummed because his date for the wedding bailed on him. While helping his mom, the florist arrives with the wedding flowers. Thatcher is rendered nearly speechless by her beauty and her smile but pulls himself together enough to offer to help her. Thatcher is shy and frequently stumbles over his words, and I loved seeing him try to ask Hattie to go to the wedding with him.
Hattie is sweet, beautiful, and devoted to her parents and their florist business. That business is struggling, and the long hours she spends there have scuttled several relationships. I liked how well she and Thatcher connected while doing the flowers. She was surprised by his invitation to attend the wedding with him but looked forward to it. Something changed later that evening when she found out he was a Marine. She doesn't date Marines because they leave after a couple of years, and she can't/won't go with them. She doesn't want to invest in a relationship and end up alone again.
Thatcher is naturally bummed when he finds out but doesn't want to give her up. Instead, he proposes that they be friends. As a firefighter on the Marine base, Thatcher's schedule is irregular. So on his days off, he shows up at the flower shop and offers to help. This gives him lots of time to spend with Hattie. After several weeks of this, it's evident that there is more there than friendship. But the knowledge that he will eventually be transferred and that Hattie won't leave her parents is a stumbling block to their future.
I loved how a chance conversation during a flower delivery gave Thatcher an option he'd never considered before meeting Hattie. He doesn't make quick decisions but takes the time to talk to people and consider the ramifications. I ached for him when he presented the idea to Hattie, and she didn't react the way he'd hoped. I understood her fears but felt like she didn't give Thatcher enough credit for knowing his own mind. The discussion with her parents was realistic and honest and gave her a new perspective. The ending was sweet, and the thirty-years-later epilogue was fantastic.
I enjoyed this story so much that I have added this author to my "must-read" list.
I loved how Thatcher and Hattie met. Thatcher is being a good son and helping his mom deliver some stuff to a friend's wedding (which they are invited to attend). Thatcher is a bit bummed because his date for the wedding bailed on him. While helping his mom, the florist arrives with the wedding flowers. Thatcher is rendered nearly speechless by her beauty and her smile but pulls himself together enough to offer to help her. Thatcher is shy and frequently stumbles over his words, and I loved seeing him try to ask Hattie to go to the wedding with him.
Hattie is sweet, beautiful, and devoted to her parents and their florist business. That business is struggling, and the long hours she spends there have scuttled several relationships. I liked how well she and Thatcher connected while doing the flowers. She was surprised by his invitation to attend the wedding with him but looked forward to it. Something changed later that evening when she found out he was a Marine. She doesn't date Marines because they leave after a couple of years, and she can't/won't go with them. She doesn't want to invest in a relationship and end up alone again.
Thatcher is naturally bummed when he finds out but doesn't want to give her up. Instead, he proposes that they be friends. As a firefighter on the Marine base, Thatcher's schedule is irregular. So on his days off, he shows up at the flower shop and offers to help. This gives him lots of time to spend with Hattie. After several weeks of this, it's evident that there is more there than friendship. But the knowledge that he will eventually be transferred and that Hattie won't leave her parents is a stumbling block to their future.
I loved how a chance conversation during a flower delivery gave Thatcher an option he'd never considered before meeting Hattie. He doesn't make quick decisions but takes the time to talk to people and consider the ramifications. I ached for him when he presented the idea to Hattie, and she didn't react the way he'd hoped. I understood her fears but felt like she didn't give Thatcher enough credit for knowing his own mind. The discussion with her parents was realistic and honest and gave her a new perspective. The ending was sweet, and the thirty-years-later epilogue was fantastic.
I enjoyed this story so much that I have added this author to my "must-read" list.
October 15, 2022
I don’t know why I love this one so much. The writing is just on point!
November 17, 2024
Sweet little love story. Marine Thatcher meets local flower shop girl, Hattie one morning when he is helping his mom make deliveries for a wedding. He convinces Hattie to be his plus one to the wedding that night. Sparks fly, but now Thatcher has to convince Hattie to take a chance. She is determined to help save the struggling floral shop belonging to her parents.
Thank you to the author for this bpok. This review is my honest opinion.
Thank you to the author for this bpok. This review is my honest opinion.
April 25, 2022
Aw! It's Hattie and Thatcher's story! Hattie appears in previous books, a little older but definitely knowing her flower stuff which helps the characters say "I'm sorry" and "I love you". She's a bit of a matchmaker too. It was so good to see "the beginning" of Hattie's own love story and how she came to know and act as she does. I think Thatcher is awesome. What a sweet novella!
March 6, 2023
Super sweet and very good pacing for a novella.
April 15, 2023
It was love at first sight for Thatcher, a sweet Marine firefighter who's had bad luck in the romance department. He's awkward and rarely knows what to say...until he meets Hattie. She's a local florist, trying to keep her family's flower shop afloat. Their chemistry is immediate and there are no awkward moments between them. Only butterflies, fun conversations and electricity. But Hattie refuses to fall in love with a career Marine because she would never leave her parents (they need her to keep the shop from going under) to follow him to his next assignment, and she didn't want a years long, long-distance relationship. But there's something about Thatcher that could change all her dreams, wishes, and expectations for her life.
This was a sweet and beautiful story about love at first sight, making sacrifices for the ones you care about most, and following your heart. It was a quick and easy read. I read it over a few nights...when I should have been sleeping (the only time I have to read these days). It was so calming and sweet that it settled my mind from long and stressful days and gave me all the feels. I'm sure I dreamed of happy ever afters, beautiful flowers, and sweet romantic gestures! 🌹Good news: There are more sweet books in this series, and I look forward to reading more!
This was a sweet and beautiful story about love at first sight, making sacrifices for the ones you care about most, and following your heart. It was a quick and easy read. I read it over a few nights...when I should have been sleeping (the only time I have to read these days). It was so calming and sweet that it settled my mind from long and stressful days and gave me all the feels. I'm sure I dreamed of happy ever afters, beautiful flowers, and sweet romantic gestures! 🌹Good news: There are more sweet books in this series, and I look forward to reading more!
April 8, 2022
Once again, I'm wishing goodreads allowed me to rate things more than 5 stars...
"Love is a two-way street. So, let's make this decision together."
Hattie and Thatcher's love story is the perfect example of love at first sight. Not in the cheesy, cliche way either. But in the, wow, my life changed when I first saw you, way. Their love is simple, ordinary, every day type of love in the most extraordinary way. The awkward, shy, Marine and the hardworking flower lady who wants to save her parents shop. These two are so in love from page one, they just leap off the page.
I've been looking forward to Hattie and Thatcher's story since I found out it was coming and I cannot wait to see this wonderful couple appear in the remaining books in the Brides of Beaufort series. Hattie cares about everyone in Beaufort so much and just wants all of the town's young folks to find the love that she found with Thatcher. Thatcher, on the other hand, only has eyes for his flower lady, even after their thirty plus years together.
Whether you've already read the Brides of Beaufort series, you're thinking of starting or you just want a quick novella read...read this sweet romance story. You won't regret it!
"Love is a two-way street. So, let's make this decision together."
Hattie and Thatcher's love story is the perfect example of love at first sight. Not in the cheesy, cliche way either. But in the, wow, my life changed when I first saw you, way. Their love is simple, ordinary, every day type of love in the most extraordinary way. The awkward, shy, Marine and the hardworking flower lady who wants to save her parents shop. These two are so in love from page one, they just leap off the page.
I've been looking forward to Hattie and Thatcher's story since I found out it was coming and I cannot wait to see this wonderful couple appear in the remaining books in the Brides of Beaufort series. Hattie cares about everyone in Beaufort so much and just wants all of the town's young folks to find the love that she found with Thatcher. Thatcher, on the other hand, only has eyes for his flower lady, even after their thirty plus years together.
Whether you've already read the Brides of Beaufort series, you're thinking of starting or you just want a quick novella read...read this sweet romance story. You won't regret it!
April 4, 2022
Oh my! I didn't realize just how much I needed to read Hattie and Thatcher's story until Jess Mastorakos started dropping hints about this book. It was so fun to read about the matchmaking Ms. Hattie who knows just the right flowers for each occasion and person. Her instant connection with Thatcher was so believable. And I did like how time passed in the story world so that Hattie and Thatcher weren't running down the aisle to say I do in like 3 days and there was a more realistic timeline. Even though this was not a full length book, I still feel like I got the experience of one as the story felt fully developed. Then the 30 years epilogue where we got a little peak at Shelby and Paul (who are featured in the author's book, The Proposal) was a great touch too!
August 18, 2022
The Beginning was such a cute story! I think it may be my first book by Jess Mastorakos, but it definitely won't be my last. :) It's the perfect introduction to either her writing or this series. I certainly loved the sweet romance between Hattie and Thatcher, as well as learning more about his job as a firefighter within the Marines. The pacing was great, their chemistry and kisses were swoony, and I enjoyed their learning curves on what it means to love sacrificially. I'm definitely looking forward to diving into the following books. ~ 5 stars
September 9, 2022
free ebook-really short
he was a firefighter marine helping his mom at a wedding when he met a cute girl delivering the flowers. he helped her. his date for the wedding canceled on him, his mom suggested he ask the girl with the flowers out, he did and she said yes
her parents flower shop was struggling. she didnt want to date a marine who would be leaving but he convinced her to be friends and helped out for free in the flower shop
he decided to quit the marines and work at a local fire station. they got married and had a son who became a marine and continued to run the flower shop
he was a firefighter marine helping his mom at a wedding when he met a cute girl delivering the flowers. he helped her. his date for the wedding canceled on him, his mom suggested he ask the girl with the flowers out, he did and she said yes
her parents flower shop was struggling. she didnt want to date a marine who would be leaving but he convinced her to be friends and helped out for free in the flower shop
he decided to quit the marines and work at a local fire station. they got married and had a son who became a marine and continued to run the flower shop
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2022
Miss Hattie and Thatcher! 😍
I've read the three books currently released in 'The Brides of Beaufort' series, and liked Miss Hattie's nosy, matchmaker "vibe" since the first book, as well as Thatcher's sweet, patient countenance. It's wonderful to finally have their story to deepen their characters and give me more appreciation for Thatcher's steadfastness.
Loved their sweet meet cute, the challenges and the highs. A wonderful addition to this great series.
I've read the three books currently released in 'The Brides of Beaufort' series, and liked Miss Hattie's nosy, matchmaker "vibe" since the first book, as well as Thatcher's sweet, patient countenance. It's wonderful to finally have their story to deepen their characters and give me more appreciation for Thatcher's steadfastness.
Loved their sweet meet cute, the challenges and the highs. A wonderful addition to this great series.
April 21, 2023
Sweet romance. I enjoyed the way Thatcher's mom "helped" push Thatcher and Hattie together... it reminded me a bit of Failure to Launch! From a realistic view, I wondered how the florist could be in such bad financial condition when the staff dwindled down to only family while Thatcher's mom was sending so much business their way. Good, "feel good" story. I will probably continue reading other books in the series.
April 4, 2023
the start of the Beaufort Brides
Sweet novella of Hattie’s love story. Hattie features in the rest of the Beaufort Brides series.
A fun short read, clean (no blushing required and marriage is honoured).
If you like military / marine hero’s and sweet clean stories, then grab this book!
Sweet novella of Hattie’s love story. Hattie features in the rest of the Beaufort Brides series.
A fun short read, clean (no blushing required and marriage is honoured).
If you like military / marine hero’s and sweet clean stories, then grab this book!
June 25, 2023
Southern Brides
This is the second Novella I have read by Ms Mastorakos.I am really looking forward to reading her books. Her stories are so entertaining. Her characters are very natural and I love the HEA endings. I am also enjoying and learning about the military, especially the Marines. It is refreshing to read about a healthy and loving relationship.
This is the second Novella I have read by Ms Mastorakos.I am really looking forward to reading her books. Her stories are so entertaining. Her characters are very natural and I love the HEA endings. I am also enjoying and learning about the military, especially the Marines. It is refreshing to read about a healthy and loving relationship.
February 18, 2024
I loved both the beginning and the end. Such a cute story. Two people didn’t think they would find love. They each had strong commitments that were almost unbreakable. One to family, one to our country. Real communication and examaning real reasons helped clear up their feelings and responsibilities
April 9, 2024
A sweet romance story. Thatcher and Hattie were cute. Hattie was a bit selfish in only thinking about herself and not Thatcher when it came to friends or more, but it didn’t drag out and her parents were great. There was one semi detailed kiss that I personally could have done without, but it wasn’t too bad.
This is clean, but it is not a Christian book.
This is clean, but it is not a Christian book.
April 4, 2022
Oh my! Hooked from the start. A chance meeting and instant chemistry. Hattie & Thatcher are genuine and their emotions are real, absolutely loved their connection. Jess Mastorakos always gives us an emotional, passionate, and fun story with the absolute best HEAs.
August 9, 2022
I found this short story lovely and sweet. I feel the author did a nice job telling this story and making this story interesting. The story leaves you with a nice teaser for next book bit still allows for a satisfying ending to the story. Well worth the read.
October 28, 2022
Such a cute story to kick off this series. I forgot I had this one and actually read it last, but it's okay. I enjoyed seeing how the long time couple got together. It's clean, and sweet and adorable just like all her other books
April 9, 2023
Hattie and Thatcher's Story
I love Hattie and Thatcher! It is great to learn their love story. My favorite dialogue is from the epilogue:
Hattie: I don't meddle.
Thatcher: Only every day and twice on Sundays.
How can anyone not love these two characters?
I love Hattie and Thatcher! It is great to learn their love story. My favorite dialogue is from the epilogue:
Hattie: I don't meddle.
Thatcher: Only every day and twice on Sundays.
How can anyone not love these two characters?
May 19, 2023
Hattie doesn't want a less than forever relationship, and she can't have that with a Marine. Thatcher wants to make the Marines a career. They felt the spark the minute they saw each other. Will they ever be able to figure out how to make it work?
June 12, 2023
Very Entertaining
I really liked this short story. As I am coming to know Mrs. Mastorakos is a very talented author that provide a heart warming story with a lot of laughs and is sweet and clean, which I very much appreciate.
Thank you for sharing your world with me 😺
I really liked this short story. As I am coming to know Mrs. Mastorakos is a very talented author that provide a heart warming story with a lot of laughs and is sweet and clean, which I very much appreciate.
Thank you for sharing your world with me 😺
January 23, 2024
Closer Than You Think
Sometimes you just have to make a move - take the bull by the horns. Even when you doubt your decision, happiness is but a thought away. Take a chance to find love and acceptance. Sometimes it actually works. Loved this story.
Sometimes you just have to make a move - take the bull by the horns. Even when you doubt your decision, happiness is but a thought away. Take a chance to find love and acceptance. Sometimes it actually works. Loved this story.
November 3, 2024
Take a chance
A great beginning to the Brides of Beaufort series. Loved Hattie and Thatcher's story and how it developed. There was plenty of laughs, life's stresses, family, and of course...love. Great story!!!!
A great beginning to the Brides of Beaufort series. Loved Hattie and Thatcher's story and how it developed. There was plenty of laughs, life's stresses, family, and of course...love. Great story!!!!
April 4, 2022
Hattie and Thatcher, swoon. I’m was so happy to see they would get their own story!! I loved this so much and have loved all the books in this series so far.
April 5, 2022
Sweet Story..
April 28, 2022
Awwww….totally loved this story. These two characters become a very special backdrop for this series. It was so fun to see how these two met and married and created a loving life together.
May 13, 2022
This was a cute, short story. The characters were multifaceted and endearing and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews