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His Wife For A While
Desperate Bachelor
Ben Danvers was about to lose everything -- unless he was married within the next few weeks. The terms of his grandfather's will were outrageous -- but airtight. Ben had just about given up hope when the last woman he ever expected to wed made a startling proposal.
Bargaining Bride
Chelsea Carson struck a deal Ben couldn't refuse: He could keep his beloved farm if he, would give her a baby. No strings attached, no messy emotions when it was over. Their makeshift marriage would be perfect -- unless Chelsea fell in love with her temporary husband...
Ben Danvers was about to lose everything -- unless he was married within the next few weeks. The terms of his grandfather's will were outrageous -- but airtight. Ben had just about given up hope when the last woman he ever expected to wed made a startling proposal.
Bargaining Bride
Chelsea Carson struck a deal Ben couldn't refuse: He could keep his beloved farm if he, would give her a baby. No strings attached, no messy emotions when it was over. Their makeshift marriage would be perfect -- unless Chelsea fell in love with her temporary husband...
144 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 1994
64 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 25, 2020
An Apple a Day And Sweet Aunt May
Cute story about a heroine who was a foster child due to Mothers serious neglect and how she fell in love with her husband of convenience based on a will. She was very leery of men but the hero really turned out to be amazing. She wanted a baby and he wanted his Grandfathers orchard. And then there was May. What a funny character she was reading, and believing the tabloid story's. Plus a great giver of advice. I really loved her character. The whole story while quick was very sweet. I really.like this author. I admit the heroine annoyed me a tad at the end. She came around though. Good epilogue too.
Cute story about a heroine who was a foster child due to Mothers serious neglect and how she fell in love with her husband of convenience based on a will. She was very leery of men but the hero really turned out to be amazing. She wanted a baby and he wanted his Grandfathers orchard. And then there was May. What a funny character she was reading, and believing the tabloid story's. Plus a great giver of advice. I really loved her character. The whole story while quick was very sweet. I really.like this author. I admit the heroine annoyed me a tad at the end. She came around though. Good epilogue too.
June 17, 2016
Ben hep merak ediyorum bu beyaz dizi dedikleri ne ola ki, diye. Cevabımı almış oldum. böyle basit bir dilde yazılmış happily ever after'a varan hikayelermiş. Kısacıktı, okudum bitti. Aslında hiçbir umarası yokru, yer yer çok aşırı sıkıldım ama kızın çocukluğunun anlatıldığı yerlerde gözlerim doldu. Üzüldüm falan. :(
February 25, 2019
His Wife For A While is definitely a well-known plot, so it was very predictable from the get-go with no twists that the reader wouldn't expect. Still, I thought it was cute and I liked it.
Ben Danvers is in need of a wife...NOW! Reed's Orchard, a family business, is now his IF he can find and marry a wife within a week. Along comes Chelsea Carson, 28 year old who is tired of being alone. So she offers to marry Ben if, and only if, he is willing to Crazy!
One thing that stands in their way is that Chelsea has a past that causes her to mistrust people so Ben wants to somehow show her that she can trust again. I must say that Ben is a man that most people will fall in love with because he's truly a good catch.
Ben Danvers is in need of a wife...NOW! Reed's Orchard, a family business, is now his IF he can find and marry a wife within a week. Along comes Chelsea Carson, 28 year old who is tired of being alone. So she offers to marry Ben if, and only if, he is willing to Crazy!
One thing that stands in their way is that Chelsea has a past that causes her to mistrust people so Ben wants to somehow show her that she can trust again. I must say that Ben is a man that most people will fall in love with because he's truly a good catch.
May 3, 2013
This female lead might officially be the biggest woe-be-gone character of any book I've read to date. I almost want to slit my wrists on her behalf. Annoying story. Annoying characters. Nothing new here. Moving on.
August 6, 2016
The plot just frustrated me too much to like. I love a good marriage of convenience storyline and I didn't mind Ben's reason for needing to marry. I just couldn't get behind Chelsea's reason. She wants desperately to have a baby. Okay, so I get that she had a rough childhood full of neglect and she feels like having a child to love will make her feel complete. I just hated this plot for a couple reasons. I hated that she wanted to completely cut out the father of her child. A child needs both a mother and a father. Sure, she could raise the baby on her own, but it is so important for kids to have both parents. She should know from her own experiences. I also thought she was so focused on the baby part that she hadn't thought much about how it won't be a baby forever. Having kids in all-consuming and even though she has thought about it a lot, I didn't get that she was actually prepared for a kid. I think she should have had some counseling and gotten over her issues before even considering bringing a baby into the world. She wasn't at a healthy point in her life. I just didn't like her (which made me feel guilty, because she has such a low self-esteem and felt no one could love her.) I also thought she overreacted at the end to Ben's big gesture. Which goes back to her really needing some counseling, IMO.
I just have to add, I think she was extremely lucky (or blessed) to get pregnant so quickly. From personal experience I know it can sometimes take a long time (took me six years plus IVF treatments) and kind of think it would have been interesting if she hadn't gotten pregnant right away and they had to deal with actually having to wait.
Overall, it was just okay. I'm tempted to give the author another try, I liked the storytelling, just not the story.
Content
Romance: Sketchy Clean
Language: Mild (D,H)
I just have to add, I think she was extremely lucky (or blessed) to get pregnant so quickly. From personal experience I know it can sometimes take a long time (took me six years plus IVF treatments) and kind of think it would have been interesting if she hadn't gotten pregnant right away and they had to deal with actually having to wait.
Overall, it was just okay. I'm tempted to give the author another try, I liked the storytelling, just not the story.
Content
Romance: Sketchy Clean
Language: Mild (D,H)
September 30, 2013
A change from regency, I... found this, and liked it. Mostly.
Ben's grandpa left him the family orchard, but ONLY if he married within 30 days of grandpa's passing (is that right? There's 21 days left when the book begins...) Chelsea is the orchard office manager, and wants a baby. So she offers a deal: she marries Ben so he gets the orchard, if he impregnates her, and lets her go, releasing all ties to the baby so that she can have her one true wish.
Of course it's far more complicated than that. Chelsea believes herself unlovable because of abuses she endured as a child, and the book TELLS you that she's 'cold' and 'aloof', but (and this is the part that dropped a star off my review) I just didn't FEEL her icy demeanor at all... we were given too much insight for it to be believable to the reader.
And of course Ben starts to fall in love with her, and she with him... it's very similar to the Hallmark film, "Magic of Ordinary Days" (<< ironically also a Keri Russell film, like my previous review). But the movie is eight hundred times better.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy the book. I did - it was a lovely read. It just didn't have that foundation of chilliness that it needed at the beginning to make it the kind of transformation the author wanted. Still... definitely check it out. Compared to others, this was a very enjoyable read.
Ben's grandpa left him the family orchard, but ONLY if he married within 30 days of grandpa's passing (is that right? There's 21 days left when the book begins...) Chelsea is the orchard office manager, and wants a baby. So she offers a deal: she marries Ben so he gets the orchard, if he impregnates her, and lets her go, releasing all ties to the baby so that she can have her one true wish.
Of course it's far more complicated than that. Chelsea believes herself unlovable because of abuses she endured as a child, and the book TELLS you that she's 'cold' and 'aloof', but (and this is the part that dropped a star off my review) I just didn't FEEL her icy demeanor at all... we were given too much insight for it to be believable to the reader.
And of course Ben starts to fall in love with her, and she with him... it's very similar to the Hallmark film, "Magic of Ordinary Days" (<< ironically also a Keri Russell film, like my previous review). But the movie is eight hundred times better.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy the book. I did - it was a lovely read. It just didn't have that foundation of chilliness that it needed at the beginning to make it the kind of transformation the author wanted. Still... definitely check it out. Compared to others, this was a very enjoyable read.
October 28, 2013
So, I recently read The Proposition and it was kind of the same with His Wife For A While's premise in a sense that the girl main character is desperate enough to have a child that she'll do anything just to fulfill that WANT of hers. The difference with the two books are - in here the girl was the who one brought up the plan, they also tied the knot and there's this past factor that the characters tried to overcome.
But for me, this book just feels cramped up and rushed ... Like,this is now going to happen, here you go, here you go, here you go. It would also be great if the author took her time to build the relationship of the characters and showed those moments to readers. Because ughhh it's not that believable in this book.
Bye x
But for me, this book just feels cramped up and rushed ... Like,
Bye x
October 16, 2013
His Wife for a While was a book that pulled you in from the beginning, with the Chelsea Carson determined to do something and how it would solve all her problems, and what was the worst that could happen? He could say no.
Ben Danvers’ is about to lose Reed’s Orchard, land that has been in his family for five generations. The only way to save it is by getting married in 21 days, a clause put in his late grandfather’s will, otherwise it gets auctioned off to charities. The only problem? He doesn’t have a bride-to-be after spending all his time at the Orchards.
Chelsea Carson is willing to help out Ben out on one condition, if she agrees to marry him and save his family legacy, he has to help her out by…getting her pregnant.
The plotline makes for a real cute read, but the author, Donna Fasano makes it so much more and you can’t help but to feel for our couple, and Ben’s Aunt May is a hoot too.
They get married and start an awkward –temporary- life together, Ben falls for Chelsea but Chelsea is a harder sell due to her tear-inducing background. Because some things make it easy to care but hard to trust. And to keep Chelsea who, once both sides’ terms are met, plans to move away forever Ben must help her learn to trust.
The story is a good one, the writing is excellent and I could not put my kindle down, this one will be staying on my kindle for another read!
Ben Danvers’ is about to lose Reed’s Orchard, land that has been in his family for five generations. The only way to save it is by getting married in 21 days, a clause put in his late grandfather’s will, otherwise it gets auctioned off to charities. The only problem? He doesn’t have a bride-to-be after spending all his time at the Orchards.
Chelsea Carson is willing to help out Ben out on one condition, if she agrees to marry him and save his family legacy, he has to help her out by…getting her pregnant.
The plotline makes for a real cute read, but the author, Donna Fasano makes it so much more and you can’t help but to feel for our couple, and Ben’s Aunt May is a hoot too.
They get married and start an awkward –temporary- life together, Ben falls for Chelsea but Chelsea is a harder sell due to her tear-inducing background. Because some things make it easy to care but hard to trust. And to keep Chelsea who, once both sides’ terms are met, plans to move away forever Ben must help her learn to trust.
The story is a good one, the writing is excellent and I could not put my kindle down, this one will be staying on my kindle for another read!
December 29, 2011
Ben is a great character. He wants to help everyone and keep his families legacy alive. Unfortunately his late grandfather wants him to have more in life than just work. He has a week left to find a bride. Here comes Chelsea. She is willing to help on one condition. She wants a baby, but she wants to leave as soon as she is pregnant. He agrees but things become complicated when the one thing they never counted on happens, they fall for one another. But Chelsea has had a hard past. She may love Ben but she has a hard time really trusting him. That's the thing about her past affecting her present and future. Sometimes it is easier to love but so much harder to trust. That's what Ben has to get her to do before she leaves forever.
There was a lot to the characters that seemed to bring them to life. I love the author's writing. It flows very well and you are able to easily keep up with the story. I loved reading this story. I couldn't put it down. I truly loved this book. It is a great love story that shows even if you have a terrible past, it doesn't have to define you. You can grow and move forward from it. I have no negative things to say about this book. Well written and a joy to read. Great book
There was a lot to the characters that seemed to bring them to life. I love the author's writing. It flows very well and you are able to easily keep up with the story. I loved reading this story. I couldn't put it down. I truly loved this book. It is a great love story that shows even if you have a terrible past, it doesn't have to define you. You can grow and move forward from it. I have no negative things to say about this book. Well written and a joy to read. Great book
February 24, 2016
February 24, 2015. I usually don't re-read books, but this morning having trouble sleeping, I decided to listen to the audio version of the book. I found I liked the audio book very much. I actually hadn't realized I had read the book two years ago, until I came here to GRs to write my thoughts about the book.
It was just a sweet little romantic story about a boy and a girl finding their way to love. It was a fast moving story, and not a lot of filler added to the story, which is just fine with me. I prefer a good storyline to a lot of unnecessary filler.
Like the old song says: "Love is better the second time around" and that is how I found this book, better the second time around. I enjoyed it enough to award it 4 "Second Time Around" stars.
This book is a part of my Kindle Audible library.
It was just a sweet little romantic story about a boy and a girl finding their way to love. It was a fast moving story, and not a lot of filler added to the story, which is just fine with me. I prefer a good storyline to a lot of unnecessary filler.
Like the old song says: "Love is better the second time around" and that is how I found this book, better the second time around. I enjoyed it enough to award it 4 "Second Time Around" stars.
This book is a part of my Kindle Audible library.
January 31, 2012
This is the first Donna Fasano book I have read but it won't be the last as I love her writing. She manages to get so much depth and feeling into the novella 'Wife For A While'. She makes the trauma and lasting effects of emotional abuse real rather than glossing over them. I really enjoyed reading Chelsea's journey to recovery, and about the patience and support of Ben while they worked together to save Ben's orchard.
October 21, 2013
5 heart warming stars!
one of heartwarming story you'll ever read! it's a story about giving yourself freedom to trust, to believe, be love... and acceptance. letting people know who you truly are takes guts, no matter how hard life gets... accepting who you are is essential to a happy life. and I could say that it is a sugary "cute" romance, started with a deal, made me laugh, kind of made me cry... and made me blush a lot! teehee I totally love and enjoy Chels and Bens story! :)
one of heartwarming story you'll ever read! it's a story about giving yourself freedom to trust, to believe, be love... and acceptance. letting people know who you truly are takes guts, no matter how hard life gets... accepting who you are is essential to a happy life. and I could say that it is a sugary "cute" romance, started with a deal, made me laugh, kind of made me cry... and made me blush a lot! teehee I totally love and enjoy Chels and Bens story! :)
July 15, 2013
2 stars and I'm being generous. Pure, unadulterated sap.
October 6, 2013
rating 2.5
Novella in length, Chels was complicated...Ben not enough...he was almost to perfect...Chels half explanations should have frustrated him more....
Novella in length, Chels was complicated...Ben not enough...he was almost to perfect...Chels half explanations should have frustrated him more....
February 12, 2018
Loved
Good book!! I read this book in 1 sitting.
What starts out as a marriage of convenience, turns into much more.
Definitely recommend reading this book!
Good book!! I read this book in 1 sitting.
What starts out as a marriage of convenience, turns into much more.
Definitely recommend reading this book!
June 8, 2019
Boring
May 3, 2020
My bargain.
This was a case of I'll help you but... What would you give up for the object of your desire?
This was a case of I'll help you but... What would you give up for the object of your desire?
September 12, 2020
A heartwarming story
This was a very powerful story of how kindness and love can help heal the wrong from your past so that you can start to live again instead of just survive
This was a very powerful story of how kindness and love can help heal the wrong from your past so that you can start to live again instead of just survive
February 18, 2023
3.5 stars
May 6, 2013
Audio book Review:
In another thoroughly enjoyable story from the pen of Donna Fasano, this audiobook version of His Wife for A While was the perfect afternoon listen: who can resist a sweet romance when the week gets too long?
Meet Chelsea: bookkeeper at the family orchard owned by Ben. With the recent death of his grandfather, Ben has some unusual conditions that he must meet to finalize the terms of the will, and save the orchard. Chelsea has overheard the discussions about this strange “condition” of the will: Ben must marry to keep his inheritance.
With narration provided with the perfect amount of emotional remove and insecurity while voicing Chelsea, and the hints of utter bewilderment featured in Ben’s interactions with her, Mary Lynn Bowen manages to incorporate the character’s emotions without overwhelming use of inflection or tone; providing an enhancement and not a distraction to the author’s words.
Chelsea is a bit difficult to appreciate, until she allows herself to remember the difficult times, and be vulnerable: her standoffish manner is easily misinterpreted as cold and calculating, not a defensive mechanism. With the addition of the narration, Bowen manages to convey the turmoil that is hidden within Chelsea, her deep insecurities and her inability to believe in herself. Ben is trying very hard to understand and give her the understanding she needs, but even he is often stymied at what to do. His general affable character and honest appreciation of Chelsea, his appreciation of the family and orchard, and even his underlying good humor all come through in his characterization, and make his character even more perfect a fit for Chelsea.
What feels like it could easily translate into a rather calculated means to an end plan concocted by Chelsea is quickly turned upside down, as she learns to trust and grow confident in her own worth; especially when seen through Ben’s eyes. This is a wonderful short and sweet romance that will leave you smiling.
I received an audiobook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
In another thoroughly enjoyable story from the pen of Donna Fasano, this audiobook version of His Wife for A While was the perfect afternoon listen: who can resist a sweet romance when the week gets too long?
Meet Chelsea: bookkeeper at the family orchard owned by Ben. With the recent death of his grandfather, Ben has some unusual conditions that he must meet to finalize the terms of the will, and save the orchard. Chelsea has overheard the discussions about this strange “condition” of the will: Ben must marry to keep his inheritance.
With narration provided with the perfect amount of emotional remove and insecurity while voicing Chelsea, and the hints of utter bewilderment featured in Ben’s interactions with her, Mary Lynn Bowen manages to incorporate the character’s emotions without overwhelming use of inflection or tone; providing an enhancement and not a distraction to the author’s words.
Chelsea is a bit difficult to appreciate, until she allows herself to remember the difficult times, and be vulnerable: her standoffish manner is easily misinterpreted as cold and calculating, not a defensive mechanism. With the addition of the narration, Bowen manages to convey the turmoil that is hidden within Chelsea, her deep insecurities and her inability to believe in herself. Ben is trying very hard to understand and give her the understanding she needs, but even he is often stymied at what to do. His general affable character and honest appreciation of Chelsea, his appreciation of the family and orchard, and even his underlying good humor all come through in his characterization, and make his character even more perfect a fit for Chelsea.
What feels like it could easily translate into a rather calculated means to an end plan concocted by Chelsea is quickly turned upside down, as she learns to trust and grow confident in her own worth; especially when seen through Ben’s eyes. This is a wonderful short and sweet romance that will leave you smiling.
I received an audiobook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
January 29, 2012
This is my first for Donna Fasano.
Ben runs his late grandfather's orchard but finds that, due to a stipulation by his grandfather, could very well lose it if he doesn't find a wife, and quick. Chelsea is the orchard's bookkeeper and knows well the hurdles Ben is facing. She wants to help him...if he will help her.
The problem is, Chelsea has experienced a lot of pain in her short life that has caused her to close herself off from everyone for fear she could get hurt again. She feels the only person who could ever truly love her and who she could trust implicitly would be her own child. This is where Ben comes in handy. If he agrees to give her a child, she will agree to marry him to save his business. No strings attached. It's a win win.
I found the story to be very sweet and endearing. Ben was definitely a sweetheart in that, although he agrees to the deal Chelsea has offered, he soon finds that a superficial connection isn't going to work for him. He wants to get to know Chelsea, to earn her trust, and in the process he can't help but fall for her. The same goes for Chelsea. As closed off as she is, Ben still manages to sneak past her safeguards with his charm and wit and easygoing, obviously caring personality.
My rating would be 3.5 stars only because I did like this story. The problem for me was Chelsea. She was so standoffish that it was almost annoying. I don't really understand why Ben would want to expend so much energy on someone so damaged and closed off. Okay, sure, he saw past her facade and found it a challenge that he was willing to take on to make her smile and laugh and subsequently gained pleasure from doing so, but even after he accomplished all of that, she still acted like a skittish child. After a while it grows cumbersome to keep chasing someone who thrusts a hand up in your face and wills you away at every pass. I'm surprised Ben didn't simply walk away. Despite everything, I still think theirs was a tender kind of love and if you can look past the little imperfections, I think it's very much worth he read.
Ben runs his late grandfather's orchard but finds that, due to a stipulation by his grandfather, could very well lose it if he doesn't find a wife, and quick. Chelsea is the orchard's bookkeeper and knows well the hurdles Ben is facing. She wants to help him...if he will help her.
The problem is, Chelsea has experienced a lot of pain in her short life that has caused her to close herself off from everyone for fear she could get hurt again. She feels the only person who could ever truly love her and who she could trust implicitly would be her own child. This is where Ben comes in handy. If he agrees to give her a child, she will agree to marry him to save his business. No strings attached. It's a win win.
I found the story to be very sweet and endearing. Ben was definitely a sweetheart in that, although he agrees to the deal Chelsea has offered, he soon finds that a superficial connection isn't going to work for him. He wants to get to know Chelsea, to earn her trust, and in the process he can't help but fall for her. The same goes for Chelsea. As closed off as she is, Ben still manages to sneak past her safeguards with his charm and wit and easygoing, obviously caring personality.
My rating would be 3.5 stars only because I did like this story. The problem for me was Chelsea. She was so standoffish that it was almost annoying. I don't really understand why Ben would want to expend so much energy on someone so damaged and closed off. Okay, sure, he saw past her facade and found it a challenge that he was willing to take on to make her smile and laugh and subsequently gained pleasure from doing so, but even after he accomplished all of that, she still acted like a skittish child. After a while it grows cumbersome to keep chasing someone who thrusts a hand up in your face and wills you away at every pass. I'm surprised Ben didn't simply walk away. Despite everything, I still think theirs was a tender kind of love and if you can look past the little imperfections, I think it's very much worth he read.
March 16, 2012
This is a book more about the effects neglect/verbal abuse of a child has when that child grows up, than about romance and smut. In fact, this one is completely smut-free. Oh the characters do hook up, and we know what, when and where - there just aren't any graphic descriptions. Graphic smut in this book would have been wrong, and would have taken away from the message the author is trying to portray.
Chelsea is like an injured bird, untrusting and wary of everyone. Some thoughtless words by a grownup when she was little have tainted how she sees herself. She believes herself unlovable and unworthy. Thankfully Ben has a good heart and manages to to show Chelsea that he indeed does love her. It is hit and miss for a bit, but what would a book be without some drama towards the end, right?
I actually woke up at 2.30am, unable to forget this book, so I ended up staying up a couple hours finishing this book. Yes, it grabbed me that much. It goes straight into my favorite shelf.
I personally don't understand the low ratings this book has gotten. Only thing I can think of, is that people must have been looking for smut, and not finding any they got disappointed.
This is a heartwarming story, smut free, and a thinker.
This book is currently being given away free on Amazon.
Chelsea is like an injured bird, untrusting and wary of everyone. Some thoughtless words by a grownup when she was little have tainted how she sees herself. She believes herself unlovable and unworthy. Thankfully Ben has a good heart and manages to to show Chelsea that he indeed does love her. It is hit and miss for a bit, but what would a book be without some drama towards the end, right?
I actually woke up at 2.30am, unable to forget this book, so I ended up staying up a couple hours finishing this book. Yes, it grabbed me that much. It goes straight into my favorite shelf.
I personally don't understand the low ratings this book has gotten. Only thing I can think of, is that people must have been looking for smut, and not finding any they got disappointed.
This is a heartwarming story, smut free, and a thinker.
This book is currently being given away free on Amazon.
March 15, 2012
Ben Danvers had worked hard on his family’s orchard for years and even through the pain of losing his grandfather, who served as a surrogate father after his own parents passed away when he was young, Ben has been plugging along. What he wasn’t expecting was his grandfather to include a caveat in his will that Ben must marry within months of his death otherwise the orchard will be sold. With no prospects in sight Ben’s coming to the realization that he’s going to lose everything he’s ever dreamed of. Clarissa Carson is an employee who has worked for the orchard for years but has kept her head down and did her job. She hasn’t had very many dreams for herself but does want a child to share all her love. Ben’s dilemma becomes the perfect solution, he gets the marriage he needs and she gets the baby she desires.
This was a sweet novel. Because it’s a romance it does have a predictable ending but that’s why I love romance. I would consider this more of a light romance, not a lot conflict, not a lot of suspense, but there is good build and development in the characters and the story line. I also enjoyed Ben’s aunt, she included the comic relief. A good read if you’re looking for a light, sweet romance.
This was a sweet novel. Because it’s a romance it does have a predictable ending but that’s why I love romance. I would consider this more of a light romance, not a lot conflict, not a lot of suspense, but there is good build and development in the characters and the story line. I also enjoyed Ben’s aunt, she included the comic relief. A good read if you’re looking for a light, sweet romance.
September 4, 2012
I was looking for something different than the traditional girl meets boy, they fall in love and live happily ever after. Donna Fasano's book His Wife for Awhile seemed to fall into that something different...to a point. This time the girl, Chelsea, really doesn't want to fall in love with the boy, she just wanted something from the boy. In return she'd help the boy out with his troubles.
The boy, Ben Danvers, is desperate to save his family business (thanks to his granddad), but feels there is no hope since it's getting down to the wire. Enter Chelsea who offers Ben a way out but he must do a little something for her, however I'm not going to tell you what it is because it will give away the story. Let's just say that Ben isn't going to make it all that easy for her.
This was a really quick read and it certainly helped that the story was believable. I liked the fact that it was centered around an orchard since I live in Gravenstein Apple country. Actually, I found some commonalities with the story so I could feel a connection.
If you're looking for something light to read, then this might be the book for you. And while Chelsea and Ben may just fall in love in the end, what they did to help each other was far greater than the easy fix each thought it would be.
The boy, Ben Danvers, is desperate to save his family business (thanks to his granddad), but feels there is no hope since it's getting down to the wire. Enter Chelsea who offers Ben a way out but he must do a little something for her, however I'm not going to tell you what it is because it will give away the story. Let's just say that Ben isn't going to make it all that easy for her.
This was a really quick read and it certainly helped that the story was believable. I liked the fact that it was centered around an orchard since I live in Gravenstein Apple country. Actually, I found some commonalities with the story so I could feel a connection.
If you're looking for something light to read, then this might be the book for you. And while Chelsea and Ben may just fall in love in the end, what they did to help each other was far greater than the easy fix each thought it would be.
August 1, 2014
Oh YES! Just the right amount to heat is added to this story! I think this is my favorite of Donna's stories so far!
Chelsea suffered from neglect growing up and has closed herself off from emotional attachments. She doesn't believe she deserves to be loved and thinks a baby will fill the hole in her heart. Ben needs to get married fast or lose everything.
Chelsea proposes the deal to Ben to save the orchard and fulfill her dream of a baby with no emotional involvement. Luckily Ben is able to break down parts of the wall Chelsea has built to protect her heart, which only causes Chelsea to construct newer but less sturdy walls. Her journey and turmoil is a real one.
Ben's patience and understanding is made believable, his turmoil is understandable. Ben's Great Aunt May is a hoot, everyone needs someone like her in their life!
Donna has a way of bringing the human condition to light with her strong lovable characters. She has woven a delightful story and I enjoyed every minute of it!
I won a copy of this story from an interview/book giveaway that Donna held at Cookie's Book Blog. Check out Cookie's Blog at: http://cookiesbookclub.blogspot.com/
Chelsea suffered from neglect growing up and has closed herself off from emotional attachments. She doesn't believe she deserves to be loved and thinks a baby will fill the hole in her heart. Ben needs to get married fast or lose everything.
Chelsea proposes the deal to Ben to save the orchard and fulfill her dream of a baby with no emotional involvement. Luckily Ben is able to break down parts of the wall Chelsea has built to protect her heart, which only causes Chelsea to construct newer but less sturdy walls. Her journey and turmoil is a real one.
Ben's patience and understanding is made believable, his turmoil is understandable. Ben's Great Aunt May is a hoot, everyone needs someone like her in their life!
Donna has a way of bringing the human condition to light with her strong lovable characters. She has woven a delightful story and I enjoyed every minute of it!
I won a copy of this story from an interview/book giveaway that Donna held at Cookie's Book Blog. Check out Cookie's Blog at: http://cookiesbookclub.blogspot.com/
August 14, 2016
The story is about Ben, who inherits his grandfather's orchard, which he's been working on for years but on one condition ... he has to be married and he has 21 days to accomplish that or the orchard will be sold and the proceeds will go to several charities. Then you have Chelsey who works for Ben and she has a goal. One that she thinks that she can make a deal with Ben in order to achieve. Her goal ... to have a baby.
I thought this story was beautiful. I can relate to Chelsey in some ways. She had a traumatic childhood which left her scared and unable to trust anyone. She doesn't allow herself to get close to anyone for fear she will be hurt again. But all she wants is a child. A child that she can love and give everything that she never got to. And to have love her in return.
I cried and I laughed (thanks in part to Ben's Aunt May) and this is one book that I'm sure that I will at some point read again!
I thought this story was beautiful. I can relate to Chelsey in some ways. She had a traumatic childhood which left her scared and unable to trust anyone. She doesn't allow herself to get close to anyone for fear she will be hurt again. But all she wants is a child. A child that she can love and give everything that she never got to. And to have love her in return.
I cried and I laughed (thanks in part to Ben's Aunt May) and this is one book that I'm sure that I will at some point read again!
March 3, 2012
The story follows Ben Danvers who inherited the family orchard upon his grandfather's death. However, Grandpa puts a provision in the Will that Ben needs to marry within a month of the Will reading or else the orchard will be sold at auction to the highest bidder and the money given to charity. Chelsea Carson, the business's bookkeeper, aware of the provision makes Ben an offer to marry him in exchange for a no-strings attached pregnancy, the one thing she wants most in the world. When he fulfills his end of the bargain she swears to divorce him and disappear for parts unknown and raise the baby on her own. Of course, things don't go quite as planned.
On the plus side, it was a free book. And it was a very quick read. I read it in a couple of hours last evening. I think the story had potential, but for me, it just fell flat. I didn't feel very sympathetic to either parties' plight. I don't know what it was, but something was missing.
On the plus side, it was a free book. And it was a very quick read. I read it in a couple of hours last evening. I think the story had potential, but for me, it just fell flat. I didn't feel very sympathetic to either parties' plight. I don't know what it was, but something was missing.
December 16, 2012
2.5 at best.
With a past where no one loved her, all Chelsea Carson wants is a baby she could love.
Working for his grandfather, Chelsea knew of the terms the old man laid out for grandson Ben Danvers, he has to get married. With time running out, she offers him a deal.
She'll marry him with no strings attached if he give her a baby and signs away his parental rights.
With no other choice Ben agrees, but as he sees how withdrawn she is from the world, but glimpses a loving side to her, he won't go to bed with her until they learn more about each other.
What he does learn is one that moves him by her strength to survive and their relationship changes.
Soon its more than a contract deal between both of them, but neither will voice it.When she finally gets pregnant and the time for her to leave arrives, both will have to go beyond what they first imagined this deal to include and fight for their love.
With a past where no one loved her, all Chelsea Carson wants is a baby she could love.
Working for his grandfather, Chelsea knew of the terms the old man laid out for grandson Ben Danvers, he has to get married. With time running out, she offers him a deal.
She'll marry him with no strings attached if he give her a baby and signs away his parental rights.
With no other choice Ben agrees, but as he sees how withdrawn she is from the world, but glimpses a loving side to her, he won't go to bed with her until they learn more about each other.
What he does learn is one that moves him by her strength to survive and their relationship changes.
Soon its more than a contract deal between both of them, but neither will voice it.When she finally gets pregnant and the time for her to leave arrives, both will have to go beyond what they first imagined this deal to include and fight for their love.
November 23, 2011
I’ve been pleasantly surprised to discover the diversity of character and plot possible in romance novels, despite the constraints of genre convention. Even though you know the hero and heroine will end up together, understanding the hurdles they must overcome and how they stumble their way to the happily-ever-after ending is entertaining. In the case of the better authors such as Fasano, they often provide insight or new perspectives into the human condition. "His Wife for a While" explores some of the things that get in the way of love blossoming and the importance of communication. If there is any truth to the cliché that “love makes the world go round,” I guess it makes sense that the quest for love in romance novels could help our understanding of the world.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
January 3, 2012
A bachelor who desperately needs a wife to save his apple farm and a woman who wants a child more than anything, team up to try to solve both of their problems.
I understand that this book had been published a while back and it shows in the story. The problem with it is that this topic has been over-done lately and the theme/story-line is quite predictable. I find that the best genre for this type of story would be a historical romance, since it would seem a little more believable in some ways.
The characters were wishy -washy and had no spark, the dialogue was stilted and false. The authors attempts to modernize this story by adding references to Lady Gaga and other things from the 21century was almost embarrassing.
It was an ultra cute story and while not my particular cup of espresso, it may appeal more to those who love situations like this one.
I understand that this book had been published a while back and it shows in the story. The problem with it is that this topic has been over-done lately and the theme/story-line is quite predictable. I find that the best genre for this type of story would be a historical romance, since it would seem a little more believable in some ways.
The characters were wishy -washy and had no spark, the dialogue was stilted and false. The authors attempts to modernize this story by adding references to Lady Gaga and other things from the 21century was almost embarrassing.
It was an ultra cute story and while not my particular cup of espresso, it may appeal more to those who love situations like this one.
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