Dandelion Wishes

Love in Harmony Valley #1

by Melinda Curtis

" ...a place on my keeper
shelf."  Brenda Novak, about Season of Change.

SOMETIMES WISHES DO COME TRUE, SHE'D HEARD IT SAID 
Will Jackson was a control freak and a killjoy. He had been since they were kids. He'd made it his mission to come between Emma Willoughby and her best friend--his little sister--all their lives. But why? Until the day of the accident, Emma had always thought of herself as adventurous, not dangerous.... And then her friend had almost died. 

She desperately needed to apologize, to try to explain, if she could. Will had managed to keep the two apart while Tracy was in the hospital, but now that she was home in Harmony Valley, the winemaker wannabe had to understand that getting past this was the only way they could heal. And yet even if Tracy was able to, Emma wasn't sure she could forgive herself. And Will had made it abundantly he wouldn't sleep until he'd found retribution.


"This is a charming read, fresh and original, that will pull at your heartstrings." Long and Short Reviews

What other authors are saying about
Melinda's

"Wonderfully entertaining..." Jayne Ann Krentz

"Mel's an author not to miss!" Kate Douglas.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Harlequin Heartwarming, Chick Lit

379 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Prior to writing romance, award-winning, USA Today Bestseller Melinda Curtis was a junior manager for a Fortune 500 company, which meant when she flew on the private jet she was relegated to the jump seat—otherwise known as the potty. After grabbing her pen (and a parachute) she made the jump to full-time writer. Between writing sweet romance and sweet romantic comedy, Melinda finds time to bond with her husband over home remodeling projects. She recently came to grips with the fact that she’s an empty nester and a grandma, concepts easier to grasp than jet-setting on a potty.

Sign up for her newsletter on her website to receive two free reads.

Reviews

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Dandelion Wishes by Melissa Curtis readers will find a heartwarming friends to lovers story with repairing a damaged friendship after a bad accident also. I really liked all the characters and how their relationships developed throughout the storyline. Emma's youthful crush on Tracy's brother Will unfolds to a great love. A wonderful Happily Ever After! I am looking forward to the next book.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet friends to lovers romance with the addition of a broken friendship that needs to be repaired. Emma WIlloughby is a talented artist until she has a car accident that seriously injures her best friend Tracy Jackson. Tracy’s brother Will has run interference and not allowed Emma to see Tracy at all, but now that Tracy and Emma are both in Harmony Valley, Emma is determined to take responsibility for the accident and show Tracy how much she has missed her. There is humor, tear-jerking moments and just plain entertainment within the pages of this entertaining book. The story of “always gotta be in control” will and free-spirited Emma was delightfully realistic and heartwarming. I especially liked the character of Granny Rose and her honesty, even if sometimes she didn’t really know what she was saying. In fact, all of the characters are memorable and lovable. The plot moves at a quick pace as Will and Emma are set on a collision course from the beginning and destined to discover a new and better relationship with each other. There is some definite conflict when Will goes against the majority of the town’s residents in his attempt to establish a winery and bring some modern conveniences to his small hometown. His attempt to control Tracy was maddening at times and I applauded her efforts at achieving freedom to make her own choices. This is a story about forgiveness, redemption, friendship and elder care. I loved it and highly recommend the uplifting tale set in a darling small town.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spring
California

This story is told by Tracy, Will, and Emma. Each is facing a difficult situation. There is romance and friendship and family in this story. I didn't like the way the dementia was handled in this story. I did like the romance. I didn't like all of the drama. I thought some of it could have been skipped or done differently.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this book. Emma and Tracy were in an accident. Will got overprotective of his sister. This bothered me a lot. Thankfully, he mellowed out by the end. It was also nice that in the end him and Emma got their happy ending.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: A Harmony Valley Novel

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dandelion Wishes was a quick read. I loved getting to know some of the citizens of Harmony Valley. This story is all about trust, forgiveness, finding oneself, and starting over. Oh, and did I mention forgiveness???
Emma, Tracy, and Will grew up in Hamony Valley. Emma and Tracy have been best friends since forever, and Will is Tracy's older brother. Will has always seen himself as the girls' protector. Saving Emma when her fear of heights takes over, and just being that wonderful protective older brother for Tracy.
Years pass, and the girls are involved in a car accident. Tracy nearly dies! So Will goes into over protective mode. He keeps Tracy and Emma apart for MONTHS!!!
The younger population of Harmony Valley has disappeared in the years since the Mill exploded. Everyone else is getting much much older. What can be done to keep Harmony Valley from becoming a ghost town???
Can Emma and Tracy reconnect? Can Will forgive Emma? Can Emma forgive herself? And why? Why after years of friendship and now being "enemies" can Will not get Emma out of his head and visa versa for Emma? Read this book to find out! I loved this book so much.

[Susan Marie Ballain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a friends to lovers, broken friendship and true romance!
Melinda Curtis is a first time author for me but I can see that she will make you fall in love with the characters and the plot over and over again!
Highly recommended 5⭐️

[Maureen Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of wishes, friendship, family and love,
Totally loved this story and the characters. Great read!

[Janeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this Author, but it will not be my last! It was so good.
Emma has always been carefree, so when crisis struck, she did best to hide the scars it left behind. She just wants to rebuild her friendship with Tracy. Tracy's brother Will has other ideas and seems to see right into her soul... See how this unravels in this first book, set in a charming small town.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Will and Emma's story very much. Each wanted to stick to their convictions but found that to do so wasn't always the right thing. Sometimes you have to give a little! At first, Will is brash, a little egocentric and not really a team player. He is back in his hometown to present an idea to revitalize the town that has fallen on hard times. He wants to build a winery, which is ok, but he also has a lot of other plans to go with that! The residents aren't sure about the grandiose nature of it! Emma is in town to visit her grandma, who practically raised her, and to try to see her best friend, Tracy. She still feels very guilty that she almost killed Tracy in a car accident many months ago and hasn't been permitted to see her by Will, her brother. Will feels she's irresponsible because she's always been a free spirit and probably wasn't paying attention when she was driving. Emma is also fighting Will in his desire to revitalize the town with this grandiose scheme! I liked the changes that happened between Emma and Will as they worked together (and sometimes against each other!) for the town, for Tracy and trying to figure out what the town needed. I enjoyed how they ended up together!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma's childhood friend Tracy is recovering from a car accident that was essentially Emma's fault. Tracy's brother Will is a very overbearing, controlling guy who in an effort to protect his family thinks that by controlling them he can keep them safe. Will is also trying to start a winery in Harmony Valley and the town is split between wanting to protect their small town from being taken over by big corporations, and wanting to keep their aging town alive. From the beginning of this story I really disliked Will. His arrogant, controlling, pushy personality just grated on me. As I got farther into the book and learned more about him, his behaviors started to make more sense. This book made me think about a lot of things - friendship, forgiveness, and change as the main three. It was a great adventure following along with Emma as she fights for forgiveness from Tracy, Will, and herself and the journey the whole town takes in balancing what the town needs with what the town residents want and don't want. Also Emma coming to terms with her attraction to Will, even though she is angry with him for keeping her away from Tracy and for what she fears he is going to do to their town. This isn't the typical romance novel, but it certainly drew me in and had me rooting for Emma and Tracy.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dandelion wishes
By melinda Curtis.

love in harmony Valley series book 1.

Sometimes Friendship, Love and forgiveness are what matter in small towns.



Emma, and Tracy .
Two best friends. dandelion wishes Are part of the friendship growing up. Blowing those little white seeds everywhere. some call them weeds while the girls call them wishes.. Throw in Big Brother will.. Just kids growing up In a small town.
Time goes on before everyone knows it life has passed and adults now..


Each one has their own life, Tracy and Emma are still friends.
Something happens to put some distance between Emma and Tracy. Can Tracy and Emma find their way back to each other.. only time will tell in this small town ..

This story.
Love in harmony Valley Fastly grew on me and I loved the story all of the characters are just wonderful.. If they feel like real people..

I have to say Granny rose was my favorite. An absolute must read story.. This one can be read in a short time because it's not a super long book but it's a wonderful read.


Thank you Melinda Curtis for another wonderful story....

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma is a talented artist who is struggling with a car accident that occurred that injured her lifelong friend Tracy. Emma was the cause of the accident. Tracy's brother Will has blocked Emma from seeing Tracy since the accident. When Will takes Tracy to Harmony Valley, their home town, Emma follows determined to see Tracy and try to make things right.
Emma and Will clash from the start. Will says he will never forgive Emma for the accident that harmed Tracy. Emma is struggling to forgive herself and has not been able to paint since the accident.
As the story progresses Emma and Will realize that they love one another, but forgiveness stands in the way as well as Will's plans to bring their town into the present day with a winery and other new businesses.
I was interested to see the progression of the relationship between Will and Emma and what it took for forgiveness to finally be given. As expected for a romance Will and Emma are able to overcome all to be together in the end.

[Coffeebreakwhatever · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was okay, I thought it kind of got lost in the telling of it. So many factors made the story but they were so sporadically mentioned that it just got a bit confusing without a smooth transition in the storyline. I thought there was too much "recounting" of past issues throughout the story that the constant going back and forth was almost like restarting the story again each time and then having to remember where it "left off" in the current time. Some were the recounting of how the accident happened, some were recounts all the older people in town had and others were going back to tell what had happened in the past with Emma and Tracy. The sexual tension between Will and Emma was out of place and I never did fully understand why Tracy's brother, Will, kept Emma from seeing Tracy during her recovery other than he blamed her and well, no spoilers here but it just was kind of left dangling to the readers assumption. I did enjoy the banter between the 3 guys that were trying to invest in the town. But Granny was a bit over-kill.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Dandelion Wishes' by Melinda Curtis is a enjoyable story. This was my first time reading Melinda's work and it definitely won't be my last. I enjoyed the story and the characters. Looking forward to see what happens next in Harmony Valley!

[Darlene Torday · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slower pace than I am used to when reading romance but the story was written well enough it kept me interested and reading. I enjoyed the characters because they were true to life on it not being so easy to forgive someone let alone yourself.

[Melissa Steed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved that this was a clean romance, but I just liked it because it moved really slow and had lots of characters that were hard to keep track of. Overall good clean read though.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Dandelion Wishes begins the Love in Harmony Valley series with a truly heartbreaking romance that affects so many lives in this small town. Yes, eventually, there will be a happy ending, but for the majority of Emma’s and Will’s story, heartache and guilt will be their constant companion.

Emma and Tracy have been best friends since childhood; Tracy’s older brother Will has been lovingly bedeviled by the girls, getting them out of scrapes and hovering over them with unwanted protectiveness. When Tracy suffered a very bad injury when she and Emma were in a car accident absolutely everything changed for them. Everything. Will blames Emma for Tracy’s injuries and tries his best to keep Emma out of their lives. Once friends, now he doesn’t trust her, and the blame he places on her is overwhelming, affecting every aspect of his and his family’s lives, for he isn’t one bit silent about who is to blame (in his mind) for the difficulties his sister now faces.

The devastation that Emma feels over the accident that harmed her best friend and the guilt she feels constantly is so heartbreakingly written. And not to mention, the other thing that she loved most in the world has also been snatched away because of these circumstances. Her passion, her livelihood, her painting. When Emma learns that Tracy is no longer in the hospital that she’s been barred from visiting her at… well, you need to read that scene for yourself.

As Emma returns home, she’ll find so much the same… and so much changed. Her Granny Rose is as feisty as ever, except when she seems to be slipping into dementia. Her hometown is slowly dying. Will and two friends have plans to bring life back to their town, but no one wants what they’re offering. Emotions are running high at every turn. And how is it possible that she’s falling in love with the man who despises her so much and seems will never forgive her for something so beyond her control?

I’ve said far more about parts of the plot than I normally would do in a review. Yet, I wanted to convey the intensity of Dandelion Wishes, that it’s a deep story touching on more than simply a lighthearted romance (which is wonderful but not this story). It delves into how something unintentional can have such devastating results for so many people. How one person’s perception of a situation (or really situations) can be so far off kilter. The courage it takes to keep on fighting, especially when all the odds are against you. The support of true friends and family, even when they do silly things that have you wanting to put them in a time-out corner. And, really, just life… a life that goes on in spite of two people discovering that a different kind of love exists between them, but one that has no future until forgiveness can be granted.

I cried my eyes out during a story that offers sadness, emotional pain, feelings of betrayal… and yet, also brings moments of hope, the knowledge that life goes on, differently perhaps, but life can still be wonderful, and that love, hard fought for love can be enduring for a lifetime. If this is the type of realistic romance that you crave, if experiencing the bad times along with the good only makes the characters more real to you, or if you simply love a well-written, emotional story that will stay with you long after the book is closed… then Dandelion Wishes would be perfect for you.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If You Could Turn Back Time

These days, authors are encouraged to crank out books, one per month, lest they be forgotten by fickle readers and to keep up their revenue. In this scenario, many authors put out underwhelming novellas with little substance, characterization, or plot. So I found this book to be an absolute delight to read, as the story and characters are complex, and the reader is treated to true character development (several of them!) during the novel. I love how the book starts, showing the heroine and her best friend as little girls loving to make dandelion wishes, undoubtedly something we've all done when we were children. Her friend's older brother is protective of them, making sure that they don't get into too serious scrapes. The book then flashes forward to when they are adults in a rather abrupt shift; we learn the friend has suffered a traumatic brain injury that's given her expressive aphasia… and the heroine was at the wheel when the injury occurred. The older brother keeps the heroine from his sister, causing pain to both women who had been dear, lifelong friends. Even the friend’s father doesn't think it's right for the women to be separated. While I understand the brother’s difficulty in seeing his vibrant sister reduced to someone who struggles to say simple things, I didn't quite understand his utter vehemence against Emma, the heroine, not wanting to allow her back into their lives when she had been a part of it for so long. The town where they're from doesn't seem forgiving either. I felt sorry for Emma and how she was blamed for what was simply an accident. Could it have been avoided? Probably, but that's Monday morning quarterbacking. Emma herself is quietly suffering because of the accident, but she keeps that primarily to herself, though—of course—it finally gets out.

The book not only has the friendship and romance storylines going on, but Will—the older brother and the hero—and his wealthy friends are trying to get a multi-million dollar project going to revitalize their small town. Many residents are resisting this, and I can completely understand after hearing about their initial plans. (BTW, Will’s wealthy friends Flynn and Slade are excellent, well-defined secondary characters whom I would love to see featured as heroes in future books, especially stick-up-his-bum Slade!) I lived in a small town in northern California close to this novel’s fictional setting, and I can understand why the plans were problematic for the townspeople. Emma's grandmother is leading the charge against the project, but she also seems to have mental health problems she is not quite yet willing to have addressed. Some other older ladies in the town—like Mildred having to give up her independence, bless her heart—are also struggling. Seriously, this book has so much more going on than the complex romance that develops between Emma and Will (despite them both denying and resisting it while still being drawn to each other), and all the aspects are interwoven, as they often are between friends in a small community. If you like romances that have plenty going on besides the romance—especially so much that is poignant and tugs at your heartstrings—you will probably enjoy this book as much as I did.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Lghiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

First published in 2012, Dandelion Wishes was reedited and republished by author Melinda Curtis in 2023. Meanwhile, it has also been made into a video as Love in Harmony Valley.

The Prologue introduces the three protagonists as children. Emma Willoughby is adventuresome and plows ahead regardless of potential disaster. Her inseparable best friend Tracy Jackson is with her every step of the way. Tracy’s brother Will is four years older and sees it as his job to keep the girls out of trouble.

When you fast forward to the current time, disaster has struck the trio in the form of a car accident. Emma was driving, but although the fault was not hers, Will can not forgive Emma and Emma can not forgive herself. He kept the pair separated for the six months Tracy was in rehab. She has come a long ways, but she still has speech aphasia. Emma still suffers from the accident, but with unseen injuries that plague her.

Woven into the backdrop is a financially highly successful trio consisting of Will and his two business associates who are trying to revitalize their hometown of Harmony Valley and are in conflict with the town council. Emma’s Grandma Rose has always been an eccentric, but she is now displaying some traits that have her friends and family worried. Perhaps the most important thread is the unexpected attraction Will and Emma feel for each other despite the chasm in their relationship.

Forgiveness, understanding, and independence are major themes. Will any of the protagonists be able to put their lives together after the emotional and psychological damage they suffered? Will the residents of Harmony Valley find a way to age gracefully as individuals and as a town?

There are nine books in this series, and I am looking forward to reading more about the characters introduced in this first book. Melinda Curtis has a way of providing gentle clean romance that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities that confront people in their daily walks.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memorable romance!

Author Melinda Curtis is a prolific writer of sweet romance, women’s fiction and romance comedies. DANDELION WISHES was written in 2013 and was adapted into a television movie in 2020 as Love in Harmony Valley. Melinda’s winning way of inviting the reader into the ambience of the romance is clearly evident as she offers some background in the Prologue: ‘With little Emma Willoughby, it was always something. She was just one of those kids who explored the world with fascination but without seeing the potholes and inevitably fell into them…But no matter what the disaster, Emma kept on going, propelled forward by a smile and a laugh…Four years older, Will Jackson would have admired Emma if her escapades didn’t include hi skid sister, if those scraped, bruised, bloody, and broken body parts hadn’t also befallen Tracy. That was because Tracy and Emma were inseparable…’ This sensitive manner of setting the stage for the romance to follow is a gift Melinda owns.

The plot is summarized as follows - ‘Emma has waited to reunite with her best friend Tracy since she was in a serious accident. But Will, Tracy’s brother, won’t allow it, blaming her for the accident. When forced to work together, can Will and Emma learn to respect each other?’ That is a mere outline of the development of a fine romance, but in reading this novel, important aspects of allowing forgiveness and time to heal scars in the development of trust that binds people securely raises this sweet romance to a different level of sophistication. Recommended.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

[Judy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in The Love in Harmony Valley series. I enjoyed this book very much, and plan to read the entire series. I adore the town full of many unique characters of various ages. I especially like a character of the older population in a story, and Granny Rose fits that role!

This book is a Romance, which is my favorite genre. The main plot (in my opinion) is the monumental task of forgiveness. Emma caused a vehicle accident that resulted in serious injury to her life-long best friend, Tracy.

Will, Tracy's other brother was always around while they were children, saving them from their many crazy plans. He took on the role of protector and now that Tracy is injured, his protective nature is at an all time high. He blames Emma and wants to distance her from his sister. At the same time, he is having a strong attraction to Emma and the two conflicting emotions are confusing him.

Emma is head strong and will not give up her friend without a fight. She, at least, wants the opportunity to tell Tracy how sorry she is about the accident, but she has to get through Will to do that. Meanwhile, she is feeling an attraction to him also.

Will Emma ever receive the forgiveness of her friend? Will Emma be able to forgive herself? Emma and Tracy used to make wishes on dandelions as children. If only wishes would come true, she could have her friend back and possibly love also?

I am a fan of this author, Melinda Curtis, and have been recommending her books to my friends. I read this one slowly, while life was a bit hectic, and it was so nice to spend time in Harmony Valley here and there, while real life was stressed. That is one of the many reasons I enjoy romance, it is definitely an escape.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I read the blurb for this book, but the story far exceeded any expectations I might have had. What a wonderful story with forgiveness and second chances and making changes for the better. Every single person in this story has had some kind of sadness or tragedy to deal with in their life, some more recent than others. Then we have Emma, Tracy and Will who are still dealing with the fall out from a recent accident. It was definitely sad reading about how characters have drifted apart with no doing of their own but because others thought it best. I loved all the characters from Emma, Tracy and Will to Grandma Rose and her circle of friends to Will’s circle of friends and the people who make the town what it is. I wasn’t sure what was ultimately going to happen with any of them nor with the quest that Will was on. However everything came around in the end and the ending did surprise me a little but I should have known it was coming. A wonderful and touching story that deserves more than five stars. My favorite line from this book is, ‘We’re all a work in progress’. A genuinely great story.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this highly emotional, raw story of forgiveness and redemption and realising that it’s possible to modernise a town without losing the core and the soul of the community. Will has been holding onto his tight control of his sister and his family forging ahead with plans to update Harmony Valley despite the obstacles and objections from the community. Emma comes back to town to visit her grandma full of regret, grief and guilt over the accident that badly injured her best friend Tracy (Will’s brother) who she is also trying to reconnect with. I love the multilayered stories and the close connection between the community and their dogged pursuit of keeping their beloved town thriving but still the same small town that they know and love. Melinda weaves together a brilliantly entertaining and engaging emotional story that makes you believe in love, faith and redemption. I read this series when it was first released and the updated version is still gorgeous with so much heart and emotion that you’ll never want to leave Harmony Valley and this town of eclectic, wonderful people.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood friends Emma and Tracy’s car accident has broken their close bond, compounded by Tracy’s brother, Will, blaming Emma for the accident and refusing to let her see Tracy. They all return to their home-town of Harmony Valley for differing reasons.
The story focuses on the after-effects of the accident, the plans Will and his business partners have to rejuvenate the dying town (which are met with strong opposition from the mainly elderly residents) and Emma and Will’s refusal to acknowledge the growing attraction between them.
The author has portrayed diverse and engaging characters, the elderly epitomizing their small-town values and beliefs, while the younger protagonists demonstrate passion in their struggle to achieve their various objectives.
I would definitely choose to read more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracy's brother blamed Emma for the accident that almost killed his baby sister. That was the last straw for Will. Tracy had to be kept safe from Emma after a lifetime of mischief. Emma just wanted a chance to see Tracy, to explain. So she goes to their hometown to make amends, while the town is in an uproar over changes Will and his moneyed friends want to make to revive the small town.

Forgiveness and understanding are needed by all as they cope with Tracy's recovery, Granny Rose's fierce protection of the town, along with her dementia-like episodes, and Will and Emma's budding romantic feelings. A tear jerker for me, especially every time Emma felt rejected by two of the most important to her besides her Granny Rose - her best friend since elementary school and her hero, her best friend's older brother. So sweet, so so good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Love in Harmony Valley Series and it is Emma’s Story. Emma and Tracy were best friends until Emma had a car accident that left her best friend Tracy with very serious injuries and that broke there friendship apart but now Emma is determined to try and mend there friendship any way that she can but Tracy’s brother Will is determined to stop Emma getting anywhere near his sister as she has caused enough damage already. This is such a beautiful and poignant story about friendship, forgiveness along with many ups and downs and I couldn’t put this book down as the characters and storyline pulled you in and kept your attention right until the last page and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series. This is the first book that I have read by Melinda Curtis and it was so well written, addictive and a page turner and I can’t wait to read more of her books in the future.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I purchased a copy of the full length novel Harlequin Heartwarming: A Harmony Valley Novel book 1: Dandelion Wishes by Melinda Curtis and this review was given freely.
A complex full length clean romance with a happy ending. A heartwarming story of attraction, forgiveness and love blended with some interesting characters, new onset dementia, the struggle with aphasia and the struggle of a small town to change and grow. Unable to draw or paint and banned from seeing her best friend Tracy who was also injured in the car accident, freelance graphic artist Emma Willoughby returns to her grandmother Rose and Harmony Valley in the hopes of not only rebuilding her friendship with Tracy but also to regain her ability to paint. Emma's life and plans are complicated by Tracy's millionaire brother Will's town revitalization plan and and a love hate relationship between Will and Emma.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not a fan of this book at all. Why Emma spend so much time and energy on two people who cold not see her value and worth is beyond me. I was not a fan of Will he was a bully and a jerk and the author played it off as he acted the way he did because he "cared". No he was just plan mean! Tracy had her own issues but she was just as mean as her brother Will, it felt like Tracy and Will took great pleasure in torching Emma as payback for an accident that was not her fault. Emma, Rose and Rose's Friends were hands down my favorite in this book. Emma was a fighter she loved deeply and cared deeply, so when those she loved hurt she hurt as well. Granny Rose and her friends are what friendship is made of they were the best cracking jokes, and having fun but also there when one of them needed someone. This is a Clean read but this book was not for me in the least.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Love in Harmony Valley series and it was a wonderful read.
Artist Emma carries a lot of guilt for the accident that left her best friend, Tracy, with a life long impediment. Her guilt is so great that she can no longer paint. She cannot forgive herself and Tracy's brother, Will, can't either.
This book is heart wrenching & heart warming at the same time. It shows what a true friend is. Will, Tracy & Emma have been friends their whole lives until the accident. Tracy is unable to vocalize her feelings about the accident or whether she blames Emma or not. Will assumes she feels the same as he, that Emma is a menace & dangerous. Even though Will blocks Emma at every turn, she does not stop until she is able to apologize to everyone affected by the accident.
I think this is a great start to the series and I look forward to reading more!