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Westen #1
Close to Home
“Welcome to Westen. I’m Lorna Doone. Yep, spelled just like the cookie and I own the Peaches ‘N Cream Café here in Weston. You might think nothing much happens in a small mid-western town, but as my friend Harriett says, things aren’t always what they appear. Take our girl Emma for example…”
Emma Lewis has a lot on her plate. The single mother of two precocious twin boys and an aging mother who is having trouble getting through each day, the last thing Emma needs is a man in her life, especially a doctor. So when the town’s doctor goes on vacation and his handsome nephew takes over, Emma is shocked to not only find him standing in her bedroom, but accusing her of being a neglectful parent.
Clint Preston came to Westen for the year to fill in as the town doc while his uncle took a long needed vacation. Clint also needed a sense of peace and calm to try to find his passion for medicine burned out by long shifts in an urban hospital’s ER. Angered to find two boys in his clinic with broken wrists and no accompanying parent, he is determined to confront their mother. The feisty redhead he meets quickly dispels his belief that she’s a neglectful mother, but he can see her situation is more critical than she wishes to face and finds himself volunteering to help care for her sons and the remodeling of her home.
As Emma and Clint forge a relationship among the slightly off-beat characters that inhabit Weston a menace from Emma’s past threatens her and her sons. Clint and Emma join forces to prevent the loss of either boy and the love they’ve discovered in each other’s’ arms.
Emma Lewis has a lot on her plate. The single mother of two precocious twin boys and an aging mother who is having trouble getting through each day, the last thing Emma needs is a man in her life, especially a doctor. So when the town’s doctor goes on vacation and his handsome nephew takes over, Emma is shocked to not only find him standing in her bedroom, but accusing her of being a neglectful parent.
Clint Preston came to Westen for the year to fill in as the town doc while his uncle took a long needed vacation. Clint also needed a sense of peace and calm to try to find his passion for medicine burned out by long shifts in an urban hospital’s ER. Angered to find two boys in his clinic with broken wrists and no accompanying parent, he is determined to confront their mother. The feisty redhead he meets quickly dispels his belief that she’s a neglectful mother, but he can see her situation is more critical than she wishes to face and finds himself volunteering to help care for her sons and the remodeling of her home.
As Emma and Clint forge a relationship among the slightly off-beat characters that inhabit Weston a menace from Emma’s past threatens her and her sons. Clint and Emma join forces to prevent the loss of either boy and the love they’ve discovered in each other’s’ arms.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2012
2446 people are currently reading
2571 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Ferrell
40 books265 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Suzanne Ferrell discovered romance novels in her aunt’s hidden stash one summer as a teenager. From that moment on she knew two things: she loved romance stories and someday she'd be writing her own. Her love for romances has only grown over the years. It took her a number of years and a secondary career as a nurse to finally start writing her own stories.
The author of 20 novels and an Amazon best-seller for both her series, the Edgars Family Novels and the Westen series, Suzanne's books have been finalists in the National Reader's Choice Awards--SEIZED (2013) and VANISHED (2014). Suzanne was also a double finalist in the Romance Writers of America's 2006 Golden Heart with her manuscripts, KIDNAPPED (Long Contemporary Category) and HUNTED (Romantic Suspense).
Currently working on more books for her Edgars Family series (KIDNAPPED, HUNTED, SEIZED, VANISHED, EXPOSED, UNMASKED and SHANGHAIED, part of a pre-WWII spy-chaser spin-off series) and the Westen Series (Close To Home, Close To The Edge, Close To The Fire, Close To Christmas, Close To The Mistletoe, Close To Santa’s Heart and Close To Danger), Suzanne hopes to bring readers more passionate and suspenseful books to fill your reading moments.
Suzanne's sexy stories, whether they are her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the heartwarming small town stories or historical suspense novels, will keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.
You can Find Suz at:
Website: http://suzanneferrell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanneferre...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuzFerrell
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzferrell/
The author of 20 novels and an Amazon best-seller for both her series, the Edgars Family Novels and the Westen series, Suzanne's books have been finalists in the National Reader's Choice Awards--SEIZED (2013) and VANISHED (2014). Suzanne was also a double finalist in the Romance Writers of America's 2006 Golden Heart with her manuscripts, KIDNAPPED (Long Contemporary Category) and HUNTED (Romantic Suspense).
Currently working on more books for her Edgars Family series (KIDNAPPED, HUNTED, SEIZED, VANISHED, EXPOSED, UNMASKED and SHANGHAIED, part of a pre-WWII spy-chaser spin-off series) and the Westen Series (Close To Home, Close To The Edge, Close To The Fire, Close To Christmas, Close To The Mistletoe, Close To Santa’s Heart and Close To Danger), Suzanne hopes to bring readers more passionate and suspenseful books to fill your reading moments.
Suzanne's sexy stories, whether they are her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the heartwarming small town stories or historical suspense novels, will keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.
You can Find Suz at:
Website: http://suzanneferrell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanneferre...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuzFerrell
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzferrell/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
February 17, 2016
So, I finally finished this book. I'm on a quest to either finish books that I've previously put down or mark them as DNF. This one held enough interest for me to continue but sadly not enough to rate it any higher than 2 stars.
Emma is a struggling mother of twin boys. Clint is an ER doctor who has come to Westen to fill in for his uncle as the local doctor while his uncle takes a vacation. Ben and Brian, Emma's boys, break their arms and immediately Clint assumes they are being neglected. Sparks begin to fly between Emma and Clint.
There was just something missing for me in this story. I actually skimmed quite a bit and I hate to do that. There were some funny moments between Emma and Clint as well as a few steamy scenes. Other than that, I just didn't feel their connection. It was definitely insta-lust but the love was a gradual friends to love type of thing.
I think one thing that bugged me the most was how even at 94%, yes, I said 94%, Emma still thought Clint would leave her and the boys and go back to the city. It was like she was stuck in a past hurt and this "I'm sooooo independent I don't need anybody" mentality and couldn't see the forest for the trees. I hated it. I don't want my two main characters going that far into the story and still have doubts. Then in the last 2% it's all wrapped up in a neat little bow.
It sadly just didn't work for me. I am interested in Gage's story and may give that one a go. Hope it's better...
Emma is a struggling mother of twin boys. Clint is an ER doctor who has come to Westen to fill in for his uncle as the local doctor while his uncle takes a vacation. Ben and Brian, Emma's boys, break their arms and immediately Clint assumes they are being neglected. Sparks begin to fly between Emma and Clint.
There was just something missing for me in this story. I actually skimmed quite a bit and I hate to do that. There were some funny moments between Emma and Clint as well as a few steamy scenes. Other than that, I just didn't feel their connection. It was definitely insta-lust but the love was a gradual friends to love type of thing.
I think one thing that bugged me the most was how even at 94%, yes, I said 94%, Emma still thought Clint would leave her and the boys and go back to the city. It was like she was stuck in a past hurt and this "I'm sooooo independent I don't need anybody" mentality and couldn't see the forest for the trees. I hated it. I don't want my two main characters going that far into the story and still have doubts. Then in the last 2% it's all wrapped up in a neat little bow.
It sadly just didn't work for me. I am interested in Gage's story and may give that one a go. Hope it's better...
May 5, 2017
This was a neat small-town story. At first I was a little concerned with our hero. He came across as a huge jerk with overly judgmental qualities, but he quickly learned the error of his ways. Emma is a great heroine. She cares for her grieving mother (widowed within the last year) and twin boys from her failed marriage. I liked that she's a hard worker and cares deeply for people in general. I also thought the author did a good job of showing the various stresses single moms deal with when raising children on their own. The suspense wasn't anywhere near what I expected and the ending was too neat and tidy, but it was still a very entertaining read. I'll look for more work by the author.
September 10, 2017
I had trouble getting immersed in this book. I really couldn't connect and I was bored after sometime because the story building was dull. The main characters were also dull as there was no development after their intro. I liked the twin boys. At least they added some feeling to this story.
I skimmed a lot just to finish the book. I think I'm officially in a book slump.
I skimmed a lot just to finish the book. I think I'm officially in a book slump.
December 7, 2020
Weston or Westen...
This contemporary romance has a little bit of everything: a single mon, a set of precocious six-year -old twins, a sexy doctor , a mother with declining health issues, and an ex with nefarious plans. And a small city in Licking County, Ohio, which doesn't exist nor isn't sure which spelling is correct. Is it Weston or Westen? Harriet/Harriett (one of the characters) probably knows for sure.
Emily Lewis is rearing her twin sons Brian and Ben without the help of child support, but she is relying upon two jobs and her mother and good friends for help. When she meets the interim doctor Clint, sparks fly. And fly as he is sure she is an unfit mother. She is gun shy in regards to trust, and he just wants to help. Can these two meet somewhere in the middle and discover a lasting love? Or will an ex destroy a family?
A thoughtful romance with two cute kids and a hot, well meaning man, and one striker than she knows woman. A few typos but few What the tuck trends, but overall, a fun read of a new-to-me author. Now, to find more by this author.
This contemporary romance has a little bit of everything: a single mon, a set of precocious six-year -old twins, a sexy doctor , a mother with declining health issues, and an ex with nefarious plans. And a small city in Licking County, Ohio, which doesn't exist nor isn't sure which spelling is correct. Is it Weston or Westen? Harriet/Harriett (one of the characters) probably knows for sure.
Emily Lewis is rearing her twin sons Brian and Ben without the help of child support, but she is relying upon two jobs and her mother and good friends for help. When she meets the interim doctor Clint, sparks fly. And fly as he is sure she is an unfit mother. She is gun shy in regards to trust, and he just wants to help. Can these two meet somewhere in the middle and discover a lasting love? Or will an ex destroy a family?
A thoughtful romance with two cute kids and a hot, well meaning man, and one striker than she knows woman. A few typos but few What the tuck trends, but overall, a fun read of a new-to-me author. Now, to find more by this author.
July 8, 2017
At first glance you think this was your typical small town sweet romantic read, but its so far from that its not even funny. Yeah we have the small town, the sweet and romantic but everything comes at a price. Emma was a tough character to like because quite frankly she was nasty to anyone who tried to help her, I totally understand how her bastard ex-husband did her dirty but not everyone has a secret agenda. Sometimes people are just nice without wanting anything in return. So it took me a while to warm up to her character but throughout the book she does grow on people.
Clint was your usual alpha with a hero complex. I guess being a doctor he wants to save everyone and he jumps to conclusions pretty quickly, like assuming Emma was a neglectful mother when she was anything but. Her twins were a handful and at a age where they just acted out without any thought to their well being. They were only six years old!
One thing I liked about this book was the multiple POVs, we get to read from Emma, Clint and yes even Dewayne's perspectives, which gives us a clearer understanding of where each character is mentally.
Overall it was a good book, the twins and their antics made it a fun and quirky read, while simultaneously we get a shade of dark and malice thanks to Emma's ex. So a few things going on but not so much to get you confused, just enough to keep you super engaged!!
Clint was your usual alpha with a hero complex. I guess being a doctor he wants to save everyone and he jumps to conclusions pretty quickly, like assuming Emma was a neglectful mother when she was anything but. Her twins were a handful and at a age where they just acted out without any thought to their well being. They were only six years old!
One thing I liked about this book was the multiple POVs, we get to read from Emma, Clint and yes even Dewayne's perspectives, which gives us a clearer understanding of where each character is mentally.
Overall it was a good book, the twins and their antics made it a fun and quirky read, while simultaneously we get a shade of dark and malice thanks to Emma's ex. So a few things going on but not so much to get you confused, just enough to keep you super engaged!!
November 13, 2012
Loved this book. Close To Home is book 1 in the Weston , Ohio series. It introduces the citizens and heart of small town living. Well developed characters and well developed story. This book not only has small town charm, romance, it also has alot of suspense and intrigue. When you finish the book you can't wait for the next book in the series. And wonder which character is going to be the next to get their happily ever after.
October 24, 2017
If you're looking for an easy, quick, romance novel: look no further.
This was just that. A story about a nice boy and girl who fall in love, add 2 adorable twin boys and a sleazebag ex, who thinks he can get custody of the boys and you have this book.
Sometimes I just want a book I can read, without having to think too much.
This fit the bill perfectly.
This was just that. A story about a nice boy and girl who fall in love, add 2 adorable twin boys and a sleazebag ex, who thinks he can get custody of the boys and you have this book.
Sometimes I just want a book I can read, without having to think too much.
This fit the bill perfectly.
January 12, 2013
Very sweet contemporary romance with the cutest "cant stay out of trouble" twins and a smidgen of suspense. The author also deals with the subject of a parent having Alzheimer's and I thought did a very good job of showing what it is like to live with someone with the disease.
June 18, 2013
Great story, loved the realness of the characters!
October 7, 2015
I started reading this a long time ago, got a good way through (like 80%) and stopped reading. When I saw the second book on special offer the character Gabe rang a bell and so I dug this out to see if I had read it and what I thought. When I realised I hadn't finished it I girded my loins and read the rest. Which is a long-winded way of saying some of the commentary may be a bit vague.
Emma is the sort of heroine you find in what I call thriller-romances. Always married to a scum-bag of some description they are brutally divorced, cheated of all alimony and child-support and end up living from hand to mouth - in this case also supporting a mother with growing dementia. These women still volunteer at the church/hospital, cook nourishing food and cakes, hold down a poorly-paid but nurturing job and probably have a wonderful garden as well. Emma has twins!
Clint is a city doctor in a flourishing ER practice. However, a procedure gone wrong has left him loathing his life and his job. When his uncle asks him to be a locum for his small-town practice Clint reluctantly agrees. When he meets Emma's little boys he jumps to conclusions about her fitness as a mother which circumstances do nothing to dispel.
So, so far so good. A sweet romance with a struggling divorcee two cute little boys and a jaded, wealthy bachelor. TBH I think this was all I was expecting and when the ex-husband reared his (metaphorically) ugly head it all became too busy for me. A small-town/big city romance with cute kids became a child custody battle with mobsters and threats. The two sides of the story didn't really gel for me. Also Clint seemed to have a ready supply of family members who could fix all of Emma's problems - need a lawyer - my brother can help etc.
So, for the main part those are my vague recollections. When I restarted reading the book I finally finished it I also thought that Emma displayed lots of TSTL characteristics.
I bought the second book because it was on special offer - then realised that Gabe wasn't the character I was thinking of anyway - that was from a different series altogether. Never mind, I'll give it a go.
Emma is the sort of heroine you find in what I call thriller-romances. Always married to a scum-bag of some description they are brutally divorced, cheated of all alimony and child-support and end up living from hand to mouth - in this case also supporting a mother with growing dementia. These women still volunteer at the church/hospital, cook nourishing food and cakes, hold down a poorly-paid but nurturing job and probably have a wonderful garden as well. Emma has twins!
Clint is a city doctor in a flourishing ER practice. However, a procedure gone wrong has left him loathing his life and his job. When his uncle asks him to be a locum for his small-town practice Clint reluctantly agrees. When he meets Emma's little boys he jumps to conclusions about her fitness as a mother which circumstances do nothing to dispel.
So, so far so good. A sweet romance with a struggling divorcee two cute little boys and a jaded, wealthy bachelor. TBH I think this was all I was expecting and when the ex-husband reared his (metaphorically) ugly head it all became too busy for me. A small-town/big city romance with cute kids became a child custody battle with mobsters and threats. The two sides of the story didn't really gel for me. Also Clint seemed to have a ready supply of family members who could fix all of Emma's problems - need a lawyer - my brother can help etc.
So, for the main part those are my vague recollections. When I restarted reading the book I finally finished it I also thought that Emma displayed lots of TSTL characteristics.
I bought the second book because it was on special offer - then realised that Gabe wasn't the character I was thinking of anyway - that was from a different series altogether. Never mind, I'll give it a go.
September 11, 2020
A Captivating Story
Emma is a single mom trying to raise her twin boys. It seems life has been really unkind to her in the past, not to mention a mouse for an ex-husband. But she is living in her hometown, and raising her son's with the help of the caring, good people of the town. Along comes Doctor Preston, the nephew of the town doctor. Handsome, decent, and kind, but can Emma trust him after what she went through with her ex, who is also a doctor? When things get frightening the good Doctor Preston is in her corner. A Lovely romance set in a lovely small town. I love these kinds of stories. This is wonderful.
Emma is a single mom trying to raise her twin boys. It seems life has been really unkind to her in the past, not to mention a mouse for an ex-husband. But she is living in her hometown, and raising her son's with the help of the caring, good people of the town. Along comes Doctor Preston, the nephew of the town doctor. Handsome, decent, and kind, but can Emma trust him after what she went through with her ex, who is also a doctor? When things get frightening the good Doctor Preston is in her corner. A Lovely romance set in a lovely small town. I love these kinds of stories. This is wonderful.
May 18, 2017
There were things I liked about this book. One insignificant thing that I didn't like was the spelling of Dwayne/Duane. Choose one spelling and stick to it. On what planet would a judge allow a stranger have a visit with a child without a supervisor to make sure the kids weren't hurt emotionally? Would a judge ever consider splitting twins up between two parents? The more I read the lower my rating got.
August 18, 2020
So cute. Emma and Clint are amazing
When twin boys are involved, you know trouble is abundant. But Emma is a great Mom if overworked. Clint a high school crush turned doctor meets her when the boys are injured. And from there a family begins. It's a cute town from my home state, with caring people and an old country feel. Lively story and I recommend it. There's a few typos and should probably be proofed again, but it doesn't detract from the story.
When twin boys are involved, you know trouble is abundant. But Emma is a great Mom if overworked. Clint a high school crush turned doctor meets her when the boys are injured. And from there a family begins. It's a cute town from my home state, with caring people and an old country feel. Lively story and I recommend it. There's a few typos and should probably be proofed again, but it doesn't detract from the story.
June 5, 2017
True Love
The heroine was way too stubborn and independent for any real man! However the hero was more stubborn than she so they ended up happily ever after in spite of all the trials they went through.
The heroine was way too stubborn and independent for any real man! However the hero was more stubborn than she so they ended up happily ever after in spite of all the trials they went through.
July 28, 2019
Strong doesn't mean you can't be soft
I loved that Emma got stuff done but I also loved that she didn't have to go through the world alone. This book seemed over the top with the hardships but it also made the victory so rewarding.
I loved that Emma got stuff done but I also loved that she didn't have to go through the world alone. This book seemed over the top with the hardships but it also made the victory so rewarding.
March 19, 2017
amazing book. i loved its simplicity. and the way it flows, Emma's troubles, her doubts, her world, her fight - all of 'em.
March 19, 2017
good
I liked the characters and the story. You really get to hate the ex and feel for both of the main characters. I did want to slap Emma a few times, but I got over it. :)
I liked the characters and the story. You really get to hate the ex and feel for both of the main characters. I did want to slap Emma a few times, but I got over it. :)
February 10, 2018
I'm happy Emma chose to marry the doctor. Im relieved to know her ex-husband didn't get custody of the boys.
March 12, 2021
3.5 stars.
This started out strong and then dwindled for me. I enjoyed to begin with and even added another of this author’s books to my wtr list. But then... I don’t even know what happened exactly but by the end I was skimmming to get it done.
The one thing that did annoy me was the legal stuff. Even as someone who only knows about the law what I read in the news and watch in the movies I knew this was BS. There is no way a judge would rule the way they suggested when it comes to the well-being of a child. Maybe this is were the book went wrong for me. I am a stickler for the details
This started out strong and then dwindled for me. I enjoyed to begin with and even added another of this author’s books to my wtr list. But then... I don’t even know what happened exactly but by the end I was skimmming to get it done.
The one thing that did annoy me was the legal stuff. Even as someone who only knows about the law what I read in the news and watch in the movies I knew this was BS. There is no way a judge would rule the way they suggested when it comes to the well-being of a child. Maybe this is were the book went wrong for me. I am a stickler for the details
April 1, 2017
Loved the twins, fell in love with them and their mischievous ways. As for the rest of the book, not really sure, parts were funny, some dragged, just couldn't really get into it.
Want to read
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January 10, 2023
Loved this book
Nice clean book. It's deals with everything in life. Couldn't put it down. You can read it as a stand lone book.
Nice clean book. It's deals with everything in life. Couldn't put it down. You can read it as a stand lone book.
April 22, 2015
Dnf @ 86%.
Pues esta es una de esas historias en las que, a pesar de que son un poco empalagosas y recaen en el melodrama y las repeticiones (cansinas, por cierto, de porqué los protagonistas no pueden estar juntos, sigo pensando que con un par de veces por si el autor quiere enfatizar es suficiente, el resto de las veces es un insulto a la inteligencia del lector, por muy pedante que suene…) puede estar entretenida y continuas leyendo. Hasta que se supera tu tolerancia por lo absurdo y el autor te pide encarecidamente que dejes de pensar racionalmente para poder continuar creyéndote lo que te cuenta. Una cosa es el melodrama y otra la ciencia ficción, y esta historia está más cerca de lo segundo.
Si se va a abusar del melodrama y de los personajes planos de cartón piedra, al menos que sean cosas creíbles y reales, porque la premisa en la que se apoya la autora para construir el super melodrama es totalmente imposible. Es insultante.
Me rindo, pensaba terminarlo por lo poco que quedaba pero me niego a invertir más tiempo en el libro.
Dnf @ 86%.
This is one of those stories that, while it is a lot sloppy, fall into the melodrama and it has a lot of repetitions (very tiring, by the way, the repetitions about why the MC´s cannot be together, I still think that, a couple of times is enough if the author wants to emphasize “the problem”, the rest of the times are an insult to the intelligence of the reader, sorry if it sounds pedant...) It can be entertaining so you go on reading it. Until your tolerance is exceeded by the absurd and nonsense and the author asks you strongly to forget to think rationally so you can continue believing what you are reading. One thing is the melodrama and other thing is science fiction, and this story is closer to the latter.
If the author is going to abuse of melodrama and the characters felt cardboard and shallow, at least make the story credible and real, here, the premise on which the author relies to build the super melodrama is completely impossible. It is insulting.
I give up, I thought to finish it but I refuse to spend more time in the book.
Pues esta es una de esas historias en las que, a pesar de que son un poco empalagosas y recaen en el melodrama y las repeticiones (cansinas, por cierto, de porqué los protagonistas no pueden estar juntos, sigo pensando que con un par de veces por si el autor quiere enfatizar es suficiente, el resto de las veces es un insulto a la inteligencia del lector, por muy pedante que suene…) puede estar entretenida y continuas leyendo. Hasta que se supera tu tolerancia por lo absurdo y el autor te pide encarecidamente que dejes de pensar racionalmente para poder continuar creyéndote lo que te cuenta. Una cosa es el melodrama y otra la ciencia ficción, y esta historia está más cerca de lo segundo.
Si se va a abusar del melodrama y de los personajes planos de cartón piedra, al menos que sean cosas creíbles y reales, porque la premisa en la que se apoya la autora para construir el super melodrama es totalmente imposible. Es insultante.
Me rindo, pensaba terminarlo por lo poco que quedaba pero me niego a invertir más tiempo en el libro.
Dnf @ 86%.
This is one of those stories that, while it is a lot sloppy, fall into the melodrama and it has a lot of repetitions (very tiring, by the way, the repetitions about why the MC´s cannot be together, I still think that, a couple of times is enough if the author wants to emphasize “the problem”, the rest of the times are an insult to the intelligence of the reader, sorry if it sounds pedant...) It can be entertaining so you go on reading it. Until your tolerance is exceeded by the absurd and nonsense and the author asks you strongly to forget to think rationally so you can continue believing what you are reading. One thing is the melodrama and other thing is science fiction, and this story is closer to the latter.
If the author is going to abuse of melodrama and the characters felt cardboard and shallow, at least make the story credible and real, here, the premise on which the author relies to build the super melodrama is completely impossible. It is insulting.
I give up, I thought to finish it but I refuse to spend more time in the book.
March 13, 2017
Close To Home
A delightful, easy read. Well planned, edited, and characters. It is full of clean love. I enjoyed it very much. I would highly recommend it. Phyllis
A delightful, easy read. Well planned, edited, and characters. It is full of clean love. I enjoyed it very much. I would highly recommend it. Phyllis
December 28, 2022
Hallmark romance
Feel good story of girl meets boy after swearing off men because all they've ever done is cause mistrust and hurt. Emma doesn't make it easy for Dr Preston to print her wrong. A few twists and plenty of conflict wrapped up in a happy ending bow.
Feel good story of girl meets boy after swearing off men because all they've ever done is cause mistrust and hurt. Emma doesn't make it easy for Dr Preston to print her wrong. A few twists and plenty of conflict wrapped up in a happy ending bow.
March 12, 2017
Doc Clint is a keeper
Great storyline and characters. The small town mentality was a little over the top but heartwarming. I suggest this book to anyone needing a lift in their day.
Great storyline and characters. The small town mentality was a little over the top but heartwarming. I suggest this book to anyone needing a lift in their day.
June 16, 2017
Emma Lewis is a single mother of twin 6-year-old boys who moved back to her small hometown after the boys were born. Clint Preston visited his aunt and uncle often as a boy and has fond memories of the small town. When his aunt and uncle decide to go on a 6-month cruise/trip, he agrees to fill in temporarily.
Even though Emma was friend with Clint's sister when they were kids, he doesn't remember her and accuses her of being a negligent mother when both boys jump out of a tree and break an arm. He threatens to call family services and have her investigated. Emma works two jobs to support her family and relies on her mother, who is having some memory issues, to watch the boys.
After getting off to a very rocky start, Clint and Emma realize they are attracted to each other. And, on Clint's part, while it's Emma, it's also her boys, as he longs to have a family of his own.
There are a few interesting twists concerning Emma's ex-husband, but, yay! we have a HEA in the end.
Even though Emma was friend with Clint's sister when they were kids, he doesn't remember her and accuses her of being a negligent mother when both boys jump out of a tree and break an arm. He threatens to call family services and have her investigated. Emma works two jobs to support her family and relies on her mother, who is having some memory issues, to watch the boys.
After getting off to a very rocky start, Clint and Emma realize they are attracted to each other. And, on Clint's part, while it's Emma, it's also her boys, as he longs to have a family of his own.
There are a few interesting twists concerning Emma's ex-husband, but, yay! we have a HEA in the end.
January 20, 2018
The Joys (and Woes) of Small Town Life
“Close To Home” has been on my iPad for some time but I kept ignoring it in favor of books more recently downloaded. So color me surprised as I read this engaging romance with just a tinge of suspense. The plot is well drawn; harried but hard-working single mother of 6 year old twin boys, handsome big city doctor temporarily filling in a small town, and the usual assortment of local busybodies to add color. Clint, after realizing he was hasty in his opinion about Emma’s fitness as a mother, wants to help her. But Emma is determined to be independent and do it all on her own even though it means she has to work two jobs. Twins, Brian and Benjamin, are mischievous, a tad too manipulative, and thoroughly believable and delightfully engaging. Enter Emma’s ex who fits every stereotype for a despicable ex-husband. Custody issues provide the suspense and resultant tension. Maybe not the most original plot but the twins save it from being just another banal romance. This story would really shine if author Suzanne Ferrell had omitted a lot of Emma’s angsty inner musings. Since I can’t rate this the 3.5 stars I’d like to, I have to go with only three. Ah well, so many books, so little time.
“Close To Home” has been on my iPad for some time but I kept ignoring it in favor of books more recently downloaded. So color me surprised as I read this engaging romance with just a tinge of suspense. The plot is well drawn; harried but hard-working single mother of 6 year old twin boys, handsome big city doctor temporarily filling in a small town, and the usual assortment of local busybodies to add color. Clint, after realizing he was hasty in his opinion about Emma’s fitness as a mother, wants to help her. But Emma is determined to be independent and do it all on her own even though it means she has to work two jobs. Twins, Brian and Benjamin, are mischievous, a tad too manipulative, and thoroughly believable and delightfully engaging. Enter Emma’s ex who fits every stereotype for a despicable ex-husband. Custody issues provide the suspense and resultant tension. Maybe not the most original plot but the twins save it from being just another banal romance. This story would really shine if author Suzanne Ferrell had omitted a lot of Emma’s angsty inner musings. Since I can’t rate this the 3.5 stars I’d like to, I have to go with only three. Ah well, so many books, so little time.
September 30, 2020
Great story
This was a heart warming story with a lot of things to keep you interested in it. The characters were great except the ex and he really was a good villain. I would have liked to have seen him hurt. Anyway, can't wait to read more books by this author.
This was a heart warming story with a lot of things to keep you interested in it. The characters were great except the ex and he really was a good villain. I would have liked to have seen him hurt. Anyway, can't wait to read more books by this author.
February 19, 2021
Cute
Close to Home is a sweet romantic read that also touches on a little of what goes wrong with custody and children and aging parents.
Close to Home is a sweet romantic read that also touches on a little of what goes wrong with custody and children and aging parents.
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