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Aliso Creek #2
Third Time's the Charm
Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating “the Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone . . . if perfect is even possible.
In fact, Liz Carlson will settle for a normal man. A normal man with a job, that is. Married twice, then divorced twice, Liz had her rose-colored glasses fall off and shatter on the ground a long time ago. Her main focus now is raising her six-year-old daughter and surviving long days at work on her feet as a hairdresser. When Sloane Branden answers her call for help, quite literally, Liz doesn’t even give him a second glance. She has sworn off dating for as many years as it takes, and it seems that Sloane has done the same after his own tumultuous marriage. But when Liz discovers that Sloane defies every stereotypical deadbeat she has dated, she might just find room in her heart and discover the third time’s the charm.
In fact, Liz Carlson will settle for a normal man. A normal man with a job, that is. Married twice, then divorced twice, Liz had her rose-colored glasses fall off and shatter on the ground a long time ago. Her main focus now is raising her six-year-old daughter and surviving long days at work on her feet as a hairdresser. When Sloane Branden answers her call for help, quite literally, Liz doesn’t even give him a second glance. She has sworn off dating for as many years as it takes, and it seems that Sloane has done the same after his own tumultuous marriage. But when Liz discovers that Sloane defies every stereotypical deadbeat she has dated, she might just find room in her heart and discover the third time’s the charm.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2012
23 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Heather B. Moore
164 books1,595 followersHeather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.
Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.
Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.
Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.
Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 16, 2014
In this sweet novella, Ms. Moore has created unique but honestly flawed characters that are almost too realistic!
Full review in February 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Full review in February 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 8, 2013
So when an author I know I like says, "Would anyone be interested in reviewing ...", I'm the one who jumps out of her chair, waves her hand, and yells "Me! Me! Pick me!" (In fact, those may have been my exact words in the twitter reply I sent to Heather ...)
Back Cover: Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating “the Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone . . . if perfect is even possible.
In fact, Liz Carlson will settle for a normal man. A normal man with a job, that is. Married twice, then divorced twice, Liz had her rose-colored glasses fall off and shatter on the ground a long time ago. Her main focus now is raising her six-year-old daughter and surviving long days at work on her feet as a hairdresser. When Sloane Branden answers her call for help, quite literally, Liz doesn’t even give him a second glance. She has sworn off dating for as many years as it takes, and it seems that Sloane has done the same after his own tumultuous marriage. But when Liz realizes that Sloane defies every stereotypical deadbeat she has dated, she might just find room in her heart and discover the third time’s the charm.
Audience: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Rating: **** (Really liked it)
The Pros: Heather (who is one of the driving forces behind A TIMELESS ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY series) might be on to something -- short romances I can swallow in one or two sittings. I'll admit it. Sometimes I get impatient with romances. I'm the first to think that about fifty pages of stuff could probably be cut. I am absolutely in love with these short romances!
This novella, the first of the Aliso Creek series, is great. I love that the two characters aren't just random thirty-somethings who for some reason aren't married. I like that they've both had pasts, but that they still don't let that stop them. And I adore a hero who gets it with the kids. Love.
Disclaimer: Very mild sensuality.
Read this review and more at my blog
Back Cover: Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating “the Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone . . . if perfect is even possible.
In fact, Liz Carlson will settle for a normal man. A normal man with a job, that is. Married twice, then divorced twice, Liz had her rose-colored glasses fall off and shatter on the ground a long time ago. Her main focus now is raising her six-year-old daughter and surviving long days at work on her feet as a hairdresser. When Sloane Branden answers her call for help, quite literally, Liz doesn’t even give him a second glance. She has sworn off dating for as many years as it takes, and it seems that Sloane has done the same after his own tumultuous marriage. But when Liz realizes that Sloane defies every stereotypical deadbeat she has dated, she might just find room in her heart and discover the third time’s the charm.
Audience: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Rating: **** (Really liked it)
The Pros: Heather (who is one of the driving forces behind A TIMELESS ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY series) might be on to something -- short romances I can swallow in one or two sittings. I'll admit it. Sometimes I get impatient with romances. I'm the first to think that about fifty pages of stuff could probably be cut. I am absolutely in love with these short romances!
This novella, the first of the Aliso Creek series, is great. I love that the two characters aren't just random thirty-somethings who for some reason aren't married. I like that they've both had pasts, but that they still don't let that stop them. And I adore a hero who gets it with the kids. Love.
Disclaimer: Very mild sensuality.
Read this review and more at my blog
December 14, 2012
I just loved this super quick novella by Heather Moore. The romance is charged and there is some good kissing, I'm tellin' ya! The only problem? I wanted MORE! I would love to see an extended version of this one. More details of the ex and all that. More kissing. :) I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to see the others that follow.
December 8, 2012
This short story is a quick read that the reader can't put down and leaves you wanting more. I love everything Heather writes! This romantic story is one of those that's all about the kissing!!!
December 8, 2012
Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating “the Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone . . . if perfect is even possible.
In fact, Liz Carlson will settle for a normal man. A normal man with a job, that is. Married twice, then divorced twice, Liz had her rose-colored glasses fall off and shatter on the ground a long time ago. Her main focus now is raising her six-year-old daughter and surviving long days at work on her feet as a hairdresser. When Sloane Branden answers her call for help, quite literally, Liz doesn’t even give him a second glance. She has sworn off dating for as many years as it takes, and it seems that Sloane has done the same after his own tumultuous marriage. But when Liz realizes that Sloane defies every stereotypical deadbeat she has dated, she might just find room in her heart and discover the third time’s the charm.
In this first novella of a planned series, Heather Moore introduces us to Liz, a woman who wants the same thing most of us do, a relationship that is based on the honest truth. But Liz has already been burned, not once, but twice, and is afraid to grow too near anyone again, especially in light of what another romance might mean to her relationship with her six-year-old daughter. Having sworn off men, of course the first thing that happens is that she meets the perfect guy—rich, handsome, and ready to come to her rescue. The only catch—he’s got an ex-wife who seems to still be in love with him, and Liz knows the woman would get in the way, if there were a way to get in to. Determined to keep her own distance from Sloane, Liz finds herself drawn closer to him the more she tries to pull away. And that’s where the fun begins.
An absolutely delightful and clean read that will satisfy romance fans, and leave them wanting more. As a matter of fact, although the novella came to the perfect conclusion, I’m hoping Moore will someday revisit this couple and answer some of the questions I still have about their future together, and what happens to the nasty, mean ex-wife!
(For the purist fans of Moore’s genre historicals, know this novella is not what she writes for the Utah market, but nothing within it will prove more than mild to the general reader.)
In fact, Liz Carlson will settle for a normal man. A normal man with a job, that is. Married twice, then divorced twice, Liz had her rose-colored glasses fall off and shatter on the ground a long time ago. Her main focus now is raising her six-year-old daughter and surviving long days at work on her feet as a hairdresser. When Sloane Branden answers her call for help, quite literally, Liz doesn’t even give him a second glance. She has sworn off dating for as many years as it takes, and it seems that Sloane has done the same after his own tumultuous marriage. But when Liz realizes that Sloane defies every stereotypical deadbeat she has dated, she might just find room in her heart and discover the third time’s the charm.
In this first novella of a planned series, Heather Moore introduces us to Liz, a woman who wants the same thing most of us do, a relationship that is based on the honest truth. But Liz has already been burned, not once, but twice, and is afraid to grow too near anyone again, especially in light of what another romance might mean to her relationship with her six-year-old daughter. Having sworn off men, of course the first thing that happens is that she meets the perfect guy—rich, handsome, and ready to come to her rescue. The only catch—he’s got an ex-wife who seems to still be in love with him, and Liz knows the woman would get in the way, if there were a way to get in to. Determined to keep her own distance from Sloane, Liz finds herself drawn closer to him the more she tries to pull away. And that’s where the fun begins.
An absolutely delightful and clean read that will satisfy romance fans, and leave them wanting more. As a matter of fact, although the novella came to the perfect conclusion, I’m hoping Moore will someday revisit this couple and answer some of the questions I still have about their future together, and what happens to the nasty, mean ex-wife!
(For the purist fans of Moore’s genre historicals, know this novella is not what she writes for the Utah market, but nothing within it will prove more than mild to the general reader.)
January 3, 2013
Liz is a single mom to her six-year-old daughter, Paisley. She's been married twice, but neither of them worked out, so she and Paisley live in a small apartment. It seems like nothing in their small apartment works very well, including the kitchen faucet that she's already had fixed twice. She's at the end of her rope when she calls the apartment maintenance people, hoping against hope that they can fix the leak. What she gets is Sloane Branden, the attractive owner of her apartment complex. He happily fixes the leak for her, and tells her to call him if she ever needs anything else. Liz isn't quite sure why she can't stop thinking about him, she's sworn off men forever, and she knows that he too had a bad marriage experience. But sometimes you can't stop your heart from falling in love with someone. Will Liz give into her heart, or will she make the biggest mistake of her life?
This is a novella, so it's really short. I like how even though it's short, you get to "know" the characters in the book enough to care about what happens to them. I thought that the plot was really cute and I'm way excited that there are going to be other Aliso Creek Novellas for me to read! I can't wait to get to know all the Aliso Creek "Five"!
I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a novella, so it's really short. I like how even though it's short, you get to "know" the characters in the book enough to care about what happens to them. I thought that the plot was really cute and I'm way excited that there are going to be other Aliso Creek Novellas for me to read! I can't wait to get to know all the Aliso Creek "Five"!
I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2013
Third Times The Charm was the novella that I could most identify with. As a single mom who has been burned in a marriage, it's hard to want to trust someone again. In Liz's case she had already been married and divorced twice. Her most important thing in the world is her six-year-old daughter and she's not really interested in finding anyone new in her life.
This novella covers some tough subjects, but is handled in such a delicate and realistic way. When Sloane comes into her life she is very wary at first. I loved the way that Sloane took to Liz's daughter Paisley right from the start. This novella is another one that focuses on learning to trust again and taking chances. Broken hearts are tough things to heal, but as this story proves when you find the find person it is possible. I love the way that Heather can make her romances hot, without bringing in the sex. Sometimes a nice, drawn out kiss is all you need.
As always Heather writes with a smooth, flowing pace to make the story unfold perfectly. As novellas are so short, this is something that an author has to work on, but I think Heather has created a wonderful formula. I can always count on a good story written by Heather B. Moore.
This novella covers some tough subjects, but is handled in such a delicate and realistic way. When Sloane comes into her life she is very wary at first. I loved the way that Sloane took to Liz's daughter Paisley right from the start. This novella is another one that focuses on learning to trust again and taking chances. Broken hearts are tough things to heal, but as this story proves when you find the find person it is possible. I love the way that Heather can make her romances hot, without bringing in the sex. Sometimes a nice, drawn out kiss is all you need.
As always Heather writes with a smooth, flowing pace to make the story unfold perfectly. As novellas are so short, this is something that an author has to work on, but I think Heather has created a wonderful formula. I can always count on a good story written by Heather B. Moore.
January 29, 2013
3.5 stars.
This is a quick, cute romance with some fun characters.
I liked the bond Liz has with Gemma. Distance doesn't seem to have hurt the friendship they formed back in high school, and Liz relies on Gemma quite a bit (their 911 text idea made me smile).
I liked that Sloane was a bit of a knight in shinning armor (ok, a dripping faucet isn't a huge deal, but the way he took care of the problem and then got to know Liz and her daughter was sweet).
Sloane's ex was not one of the fun characters, but she definitely added drama to the story.
The downside to Third Time's the Charm (if you want to call it that) is that it is over so fast. I would have liked more time for Liz and Sloane to develop their relationship. And it would have been fun to learn more about "the Five".
As far as content, I think there was one swearword, and the reason for Sloane's divorce was a bit shocking (although there aren't a lot of details about it).
*I received an eCopy of Third Time's the Charm in exchange for a review.
This is a quick, cute romance with some fun characters.
I liked the bond Liz has with Gemma. Distance doesn't seem to have hurt the friendship they formed back in high school, and Liz relies on Gemma quite a bit (their 911 text idea made me smile).
I liked that Sloane was a bit of a knight in shinning armor (ok, a dripping faucet isn't a huge deal, but the way he took care of the problem and then got to know Liz and her daughter was sweet).
Sloane's ex was not one of the fun characters, but she definitely added drama to the story.
The downside to Third Time's the Charm (if you want to call it that) is that it is over so fast. I would have liked more time for Liz and Sloane to develop their relationship. And it would have been fun to learn more about "the Five".
As far as content, I think there was one swearword, and the reason for Sloane's divorce was a bit shocking (although there aren't a lot of details about it).
*I received an eCopy of Third Time's the Charm in exchange for a review.
December 23, 2012
There’s something so refreshing about a novella or a short story, especially when it’s a romance, and you find yourself whisked away and falling in love along with the heroine in an hour or so.
I am a huge fan of Heather Moore. She has such a way of making a reader instantly connect with her characters, and this story was no exception. Liz isn’t your typical heroine, in fact, she’s got some serious baggage—two ex-husbands and a daughter, add a dash of fear of commitment and here’s a girl I was rooting for from the get-go.
Sloane is her land lord, and he has a whole lot of his own junk to sift through, and that’s what I loved so much about this story. The two of them realize that they will each have to overlook and sacrifice in order to be together, and it is so satisfying to see two real people have a believable, but no less special relationship, and experience their heartache and anxiety with them, and then cheer them on in the end.
I am a huge fan of Heather Moore. She has such a way of making a reader instantly connect with her characters, and this story was no exception. Liz isn’t your typical heroine, in fact, she’s got some serious baggage—two ex-husbands and a daughter, add a dash of fear of commitment and here’s a girl I was rooting for from the get-go.
Sloane is her land lord, and he has a whole lot of his own junk to sift through, and that’s what I loved so much about this story. The two of them realize that they will each have to overlook and sacrifice in order to be together, and it is so satisfying to see two real people have a believable, but no less special relationship, and experience their heartache and anxiety with them, and then cheer them on in the end.
December 11, 2012
I love all books by the author Heather Moore, so I was thrilled to see this new ebook release. I would descibe it as a short romantic read. I loved it!! and I love that she is doing a series of these short reads in the future. The next one is about Gemma who is Liz's friend and mentioned in this book.
In this book, Liz is a single mom to a 6 year old, hairdresser and clearance shopper. She meets a man who actually ownes the apartment building where she lives, named Sloane. Liz has already had 2 bad marriages and is not interested in dating again. Sloane sounds like the perfect man, but not too sappy and perfect because he of course has baggage with also being married previously.
This book was delightful and fast reading but not so fast that the story didn't make sense or end well. Can't wait to read more!!
In this book, Liz is a single mom to a 6 year old, hairdresser and clearance shopper. She meets a man who actually ownes the apartment building where she lives, named Sloane. Liz has already had 2 bad marriages and is not interested in dating again. Sloane sounds like the perfect man, but not too sappy and perfect because he of course has baggage with also being married previously.
This book was delightful and fast reading but not so fast that the story didn't make sense or end well. Can't wait to read more!!
December 12, 2012
I am a huge fan of Heather Moore's writing. She creates an emotional pull and connection with all of her characters that I've always been able to relate to. I laugh with them and cry with them and wish they were my real friends. This new novella is no exception. Liz is a great heroine, a little jaded from past failed relationships and determined to make it on her own so she can be the kind of mom her daughter needs. But when Sloane shows up and acts like a decent man (the kind she hasn't ever met before), Liz discovers that taking a chance might be as wonderful as it is terrifying. A delightful tale of second (or third) chances at love. SO. Much. FUN.
December 10, 2012
Wow! I really wasn't expecting the story to take the turn it did. I am a big fan of Heather's work, and this story was no exception. It had some delicious toe-curling romance and yet the characters were well-developed enough for me to connect with them. It definitely made me want the story to continue.
Even though it was a novella, it seemed to go deeper into the characters than I expected and I really can't wait for the next in the series. (I hope we get to find out more about Sloane and Liz in the next one as well. *le sigh*)
Even though it was a novella, it seemed to go deeper into the characters than I expected and I really can't wait for the next in the series. (I hope we get to find out more about Sloane and Liz in the next one as well. *le sigh*)
February 27, 2013
Historical fiction writer Heather B. Moore (also known as H.B. Moore) writes a short romance that is geared for a national audience. In forty pages, Moore is able to convey a love story and generate a reader’s interest more than I had imagined. To quickly get to the heart of the matter yet give sufficient backstory to connect a reader is a tough things to do in so few pages, but she does both. For romance enthusiasts, Moore has an ability to engage as well as convey the tingle that readers look for in this genre of novella.
December 29, 2012
This was such a fun read! I don't read many novellas, but I can say that I was happily surprised when I picked up Heather's latest creation. The story is fast paced with just the right amount of romance and toe-curling kisses interspersed with witty dialogue and a crazy ex-wife. This was a perfect read to curl up with for a couple hours and the ending was satisfying while leaving me looking for the next book by Heather B. Moore.
January 9, 2013
So a perfect snack is that perfectly balanced bite when you're not in the mood for something big but need something to hit this spot. This novella is the book version of that, and it's a steal at $1.99. Fun romance, neatly folded up in a satisfying way.
December 4, 2013
The best thing about this book - the cover - sooo pretty. Other than that is was just ok. Not very fulfilling, which I know is hard to do in a novella.
Moral Note: Mild talk about a sex addict, 1 "dangit", mentions glad he left for the night otherwise she might not have let him.
Moral Note: Mild talk about a sex addict, 1 "dangit", mentions glad he left for the night otherwise she might not have let him.
December 8, 2012
Fun & lighthearted short-story romance!
December 4, 2013
I liked it. Full review to come.
Content: Clean.
Content: Clean.
December 9, 2012
Very fun story full of romance, lots of kisses and, of course great characters. You know you will get a great story when Heather writes it. Full review coming to www.minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com
December 22, 2012
Way too short. A quick yet satisfying read.
August 2, 2022
A sweet short story (almost too short!) with some fun characters. I'm looking forward to the other novellas in the series!
December 30, 2012
Loved it!!
January 15, 2013
Really a cute story. I knew it was short, but didn't know it'd take me 30 minutes to read it. :( I did really like it though!
February 4, 2013
Fun short story.
March 9, 2013
When a book made me smile just about the entire time I was reading, I just had to give it five stars. Great novella. Romantic and well written.
March 13, 2013
very sweet and short.
May 16, 2013
A fun read!
December 15, 2012
Great story...but too short!
July 5, 2017
I know this is a novella and is supposed to be short, but it FELT short to me, whereas normally Moore's novellas feel like a full and complete story. I felt like I didn't really get to know the characters, didn't have a chance to get invested in their backgrounds or the drama with Sloane's ex-wife, etc., and while I liked where it was heading, it just got there too fast.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews