Package Deal

by Kate Vale

Single mom Amanda Gardner’s first academic appointmentat private Buckley College in northwest Washington state is the start of a new life. Her goal? Become established in her career as an English professor. The last thing she wants is a romantic entanglement, but then she meets Marcus Dunbar, a journalism professor, who befriends her and captivates her nine-year-old daughter Cecelia, and Carlton Winslow, with whom Amanda must share an office. He’s unpleasant to her but seems genuinely fond of Cecelia.

When the girl runs into the road, is hit by a car and badly injured, Marcus suspects that Carlton may have had something to do with the accident. Amanda is no longer sure who she can or should trust. Is Marcus even beyond suspicion? Is it possible one of them, or someone else Cecelia is too frightened to name, preys upon children?

Amanda must get to the truth before she can give her heart to a man who claims he loves her and will cherish and protect her child.

Genres: Romance, Mystery

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2012

About the author

My mother said I wrote my first book when I was five--after I carefully copied the words in one of my favorite stories. A favorite children's book I still have is a first edition, signed by the author, of MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE, perhaps one reason I included reference to it in my indie-novel, PACKAGE DEAL.

Counting my current work as a novelist, I think I've experienced at least five different careers, the first four providing lots of grist for the mill of what my characters do or would like to do. One example? Olivia Brown in GRANDDAD'S HOUSE is a realtor. I was one, too! And realtors show up again in CHOICES and in a new book not yet ready for publication.

I hope you enjoy my stories. I love to hear from readers.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ‘Package Deal’ we find Amanda and Marc, two career oriented people leading average lives. They don’t rush into love as so many couples in the genre do. Ms. Vale takes her time and spreads the story over a year; allowing the relationships between Amanda, Marc and Amanda’s young daughter, Cecelia to build. The timing allows her to show that relationships go through highs and lows when the three of them struggle to find balance in acting on their feelings as friends, family, and lovers. Each individual relationship among the three is unique and takes care in handling appropriately and realistically for our day and age. The timing also allows the author to introduce a slimy antagonist and an array of supporting characters.

Throughout the entire book, Ms. Vale’s writing is intelligent, romantic, and when appropriate - passionate.

There are no extreme heroics, or suspenseful situations that have you thinking, “Could that really happen?” You are dropped into heart-wrenching scenarios that make you care for those you are reading about. You want to fight off these character’s demons, some physical and others emotional. All demons which seem all too capable of entering your own world. And, that is what makes it so great. The situations are real; In some ways an unfortunate reality in our society, but mostly real in that they show that love can, and will, ultimately find a way.

5 stars if you are a fan of the genre

[Kasey Potzler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Kate Vale’s characters are people I’d like to encounter and know, except for the evil ones whom I really dislike in her books! Kate makes her characters come alive in realistic ways, and in Package Deal she carefully addresses so many of the issues families could encounter surrounding the difficult situation of another adult’s inappropriate behavior towards a child. We can feel the if only-s that worm into a parent’s brain when their child is hurt in any way. Vale does fine work bringing out the complexities of being a single mom and dating, with Amanda always putting her relationship with her daughter first, despite her obvious love for Marcus. Marcus is a wonderful character seeing that indeed mother and daughter are a package deal, so he goes above and beyond to win Cece over. Vale weaves her words in a way that always makes me want to keep reading!

[Cassie Hess-dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great story. Cecilia was such a sweet little girl & she and Marcus really hit it off. Carlton, the guy who shared an office with Amanda, seems to want to be friends with Cecilia too. Amanda & Marcus's relationship gets closer and well...Some crazy twists and turns in this book but so worth the read!!!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, written by a friend of mine, was, well, not exactly what I expected from her. That is not a bad thing -- just a surprising one. It didn't have her "voice" exactly. Sort of like meeting a person you've corresponded with and being totally surprised by how they look. Anyway, I enjoyed the book, and will read more.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Package Deal

Amanda is a single mom with a young daughter she is trying to provide a good life for. She has her first real job as an English professor in Northwest Washington and quickly settle in.
The only drawback to her new job is the professor she must share her office with, Walter leave a lasting impression on everyone and not necessarily good.
Amanda also meets a journalism professor that she finds very attractive! His name is Marcus and Amanda's daughter, Cecilia likes him too.
Cecilia starts having trouble and is afraid to tell anyone, and things only get worse!
You'll have to read the book to find out what happens to Cecilia and Amanda!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This certainly was not my normal genre of book. However it had just enough suspense to keep me very intrigued. I was able to completely relate to Amanda and Cecelia's relationship, as a single mother myself, one who also has never chose a man over her child, regardless of what she has to give up for the happiness of her children. I was also cheering for Marcus the whole time thru this story. Parts made me laugh and some made me tear up but not because I was sad but because I was happy. I'm use to way more suspense in my books, however Kate Vale gave just the right amount to keep me reading, and in the process, fall in love with all the characters, all except the icky man, of course... Tho I never did get to find out for sure if good old Will got back to himself, tho I'm safe in betting he managed well. This was a good book, and I'd like to thank Kate Vale for giving me the opportunity to step outside my realm for a bit and enjoy her book. Stop by her website and check out what she has to offer. www.katevale.com