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Heart For Rent, with an Option
Ghostwriter Michelle Alvere is returning from self-imposed exile to be present for the impending birth of her niece and to mend fences with her sister, but the attractive author renting Michelle’s house isn’t ready to vacate. Although she would prefer to have her home to herself, she agrees to let her tenant stay on so he can remain close to his dying mother.
Novelist Keith Schumaker is determined to be by his mother’s side during her final days, but he is also on deadline to finish his latest book. His enigmatic landlady is a distraction, one who alternates between coming on to him and pushing him away. While away on a book tour, he discovers secrets about Michelle that even she doesn’t know, secrets that could put her life in jeopardy.
Novelist Keith Schumaker is determined to be by his mother’s side during her final days, but he is also on deadline to finish his latest book. His enigmatic landlady is a distraction, one who alternates between coming on to him and pushing him away. While away on a book tour, he discovers secrets about Michelle that even she doesn’t know, secrets that could put her life in jeopardy.
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2013
12 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Karla Brandenburg
36 books156 followersKarla Brandenburg is an award-winning author of contemporary romance novels which include paranormal elements. Now that her children have settled into lives of their own, she loves to go out into the world on adventures with her husband, from Milwaukee to the French Riviera, but the Chicago suburbs have always been “home.” She is an avid reader across multiple genres and is a card-carrying cookie-holic (we all have our vices). Sign up for her newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 25, 2014
Heart for Rent, with an Option by Karla Brandenburg follows both Michelle and Keith as they enter each other’s lives. Keith has been renting Michelle’s house for the last six months in order to be close to his dying mother while he works on his most recent book. When Michelle returns from France to be there for her unborn niece and sister, she decides to let Keith stay as long as his mother needs him. Now living together, Michelle and Keith find it difficult to ignore their obvious attraction for each other. Things get even more complicated when secrets are revealed that threaten to put Michelle in danger.
This book was a pleasant surprise. Since the first half was focused on the romance and the relationship between Michelle and Keith, I was caught off guard when the plot turned into this suspenseful mystery. It definitely wasn’t your typical romance novel, which made it unique and enjoyable to read. I thought the writing was great, and the plot really built up to this unexpected mystery, which had me on the edge of my seat, wondering how it was going to end. Even though the romance between Michelle and Keith was fast-paced, it was heartwarming and definitely had me rooting for them to make it work throughout the book. With its unique plot and endearing romance, Heart for Rent, with an Option will surprise and entertain fans of this genre. Karla Brandenburg has gained a new fan, and I am looking forward to reading her other books.
Reviewed by ME for Readers' Favorite
This book was a pleasant surprise. Since the first half was focused on the romance and the relationship between Michelle and Keith, I was caught off guard when the plot turned into this suspenseful mystery. It definitely wasn’t your typical romance novel, which made it unique and enjoyable to read. I thought the writing was great, and the plot really built up to this unexpected mystery, which had me on the edge of my seat, wondering how it was going to end. Even though the romance between Michelle and Keith was fast-paced, it was heartwarming and definitely had me rooting for them to make it work throughout the book. With its unique plot and endearing romance, Heart for Rent, with an Option will surprise and entertain fans of this genre. Karla Brandenburg has gained a new fan, and I am looking forward to reading her other books.
Reviewed by ME for Readers' Favorite
December 3, 2013
Michelle is a ghostwriter who has spent most of her life supporting her selfish sister, Hope, since the day Col. “Uncle Ted” Stratton came to them, alone…no priest even, to tell them their father died in a military operation. Then, after the unrequited, thankless act of love for her barren sister, she finds herself recovering from complications, when she donated her eggs, in France. Her literary agent, Nancy, has arranged for an author to let her home and act as his blog/social media ghostwriter. Although her return is sooner than planned, she allows her tenant to remain so he may be close to his dying mother, in a nursing facility close by. He is quite appealing and, although he does not seem to appreciate her literary talent, she cannot turn him away. Michelle and Rose Schumaker have a cosmic relationship as she appears to Michelle, encouraging her to accept love.
Keith Schumaker, the on-the-tight-leash-deadline author is not happy with relinquishing his identity to a ghostwriter but it is necessary what with deadlines and going to be with his dying mother in the Extended Care Facility close by each day. He worries about his mother’s stories of visiting France. His landlady is enticing and they are drawn to one another, so why does she keep pushing him away?
Rose Schumaker, a young fifty-nine year old cancer victim does not seem confused by her cosmic travels to France, and her transatlantic airplane ride with Michelle. She thinks she will be perfect for her son. But she will make sure by getting to know her a little better. She makes periodic visits to Michelle.
So why should these two sisters be in danger? The dynamics of these stories comes to a crescendo as the charming characters fight through lies, meddling outsiders and relatives, misinterpretation and misrepresentation to save and love one another. This is a well written, exciting story. I read it twice consecutively, and it will be a book I read every year. You can always expect a great story from Karla.
Keith Schumaker, the on-the-tight-leash-deadline author is not happy with relinquishing his identity to a ghostwriter but it is necessary what with deadlines and going to be with his dying mother in the Extended Care Facility close by each day. He worries about his mother’s stories of visiting France. His landlady is enticing and they are drawn to one another, so why does she keep pushing him away?
Rose Schumaker, a young fifty-nine year old cancer victim does not seem confused by her cosmic travels to France, and her transatlantic airplane ride with Michelle. She thinks she will be perfect for her son. But she will make sure by getting to know her a little better. She makes periodic visits to Michelle.
So why should these two sisters be in danger? The dynamics of these stories comes to a crescendo as the charming characters fight through lies, meddling outsiders and relatives, misinterpretation and misrepresentation to save and love one another. This is a well written, exciting story. I read it twice consecutively, and it will be a book I read every year. You can always expect a great story from Karla.
December 5, 2013
Lovely story. This was an emotional roller coaster of a book. The story line was great there's spicy moments, sad moments and even a little suspense. This was a man meets woman but both have problems they have to overcome in order to be together.
The characters are well developed and you can relate to them. Both Keith and Michelle are going through sad times in there life's that people can relate too. I liked the way they both help each other through their issues and sometimes with out knowing it. It's sad what happens with Keith and his mom. Then still dealing with that he's falling for Michelle but not wanting to admit it plus the mix signals he gets from her. I really liked them both together it's sweet and just to cute.
I really like the way the book draws you in and you become do involved in what's happening with the characters. The twist at the end with Michelle's father had me saying... What?!?! That was an unexpected turn of events. It worked well with the book though and added a bit of suspense to it. My only concern was the ghost seeing thing. I think the book would have still been fine with out the apparitions. That's the only thing that threw me off a bit though not to the point of bothering the story much. I just thought it wasn't necessary. Overall great book, well written and you'll fall in love with the characters and their wonderful story.
The characters are well developed and you can relate to them. Both Keith and Michelle are going through sad times in there life's that people can relate too. I liked the way they both help each other through their issues and sometimes with out knowing it. It's sad what happens with Keith and his mom. Then still dealing with that he's falling for Michelle but not wanting to admit it plus the mix signals he gets from her. I really liked them both together it's sweet and just to cute.
I really like the way the book draws you in and you become do involved in what's happening with the characters. The twist at the end with Michelle's father had me saying... What?!?! That was an unexpected turn of events. It worked well with the book though and added a bit of suspense to it. My only concern was the ghost seeing thing. I think the book would have still been fine with out the apparitions. That's the only thing that threw me off a bit though not to the point of bothering the story much. I just thought it wasn't necessary. Overall great book, well written and you'll fall in love with the characters and their wonderful story.
November 7, 2013
I loved this book. It's a romance novel with a light mystery. There were times I didn't want to put the book down even tho I knew I had to. The story centers around a young woman who is a ghost writer for novelists. While she is visiting in Europe, she rents her house out to an an author (who it turns out she's done some ghost writing for). Michelle decides to return home earlier than expected due to the birth of her new niece or nephew, and the author needs to stay awhile longer because his mother is terminally ill and expected not to live much longer. They agree to share the house for a short time. There are twists and turns in this book with family dynamics that have to be overcome.
I like Karla's style of writing. She is a good writer and is slowly making a name for herself. I like to give new authors a try and have not been disappointed yet. Give her book a try.
I like Karla's style of writing. She is a good writer and is slowly making a name for herself. I like to give new authors a try and have not been disappointed yet. Give her book a try.
June 3, 2014
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I fell in love with characters and the storyline keeps you turning pages to see what happens next, it is a good clean romance suspense. It has twists and turns throughout to maintain your interest.
I fell in love with characters and the storyline keeps you turning pages to see what happens next, it is a good clean romance suspense. It has twists and turns throughout to maintain your interest.
December 22, 2013
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads for a honest review.
The story was great. There's some romantic moments, very sad moments and even a little drama.
The story was great. There's some romantic moments, very sad moments and even a little drama.
July 15, 2014
Absolutely loved this book! The author created an interesting story line that kept me wondering and turning the pages right through until the end! A great add to my personal library.
June 23, 2014
free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Michelle has been running from here problems. A mom dead, dad who maybe dead, a sister who has shown no appreciation for anything Michelle has sacrificed for her. Living abroad has helped but now it is time to come home. Renting her home out in the States had been a perfect situation. With her tenets lease not up she has to share her home. Working as an editor and ghost writer, she finds out the writer who she was hired to ghost write for, is also her tenet. Things are not as the seem with everyone around her. Tensions and attractions run high, as the drama unfolds. Can Michelle overcome old hurts? Can she see the potential she has just in front of her?
This story starts off a little slow but builds as you learn what is going on in Michelle's life. My favorite thing about the book is Michelle is so relate able. She could be anyone of us. I see myself in Michelle. This is a very well written story with some twists and turns, misinterpretations, love, loss and the ups and downs and complications that family brings. Enjoyable read, no sex descriptions, good for 16 and up. Thanks for the great read.
Julie Ramsey
Michelle has been running from here problems. A mom dead, dad who maybe dead, a sister who has shown no appreciation for anything Michelle has sacrificed for her. Living abroad has helped but now it is time to come home. Renting her home out in the States had been a perfect situation. With her tenets lease not up she has to share her home. Working as an editor and ghost writer, she finds out the writer who she was hired to ghost write for, is also her tenet. Things are not as the seem with everyone around her. Tensions and attractions run high, as the drama unfolds. Can Michelle overcome old hurts? Can she see the potential she has just in front of her?
This story starts off a little slow but builds as you learn what is going on in Michelle's life. My favorite thing about the book is Michelle is so relate able. She could be anyone of us. I see myself in Michelle. This is a very well written story with some twists and turns, misinterpretations, love, loss and the ups and downs and complications that family brings. Enjoyable read, no sex descriptions, good for 16 and up. Thanks for the great read.
Julie Ramsey
October 1, 2016
Heart For Rent, With an Option by Karla Brandenburg is an awesome read. Realistic? No, but that's why they call it fiction. Ms Brandenburg has delivered a well written book with charming, lovable characters. Michelle and Keith's story is fast paced with plenty of drama, action, humor and spice. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Karla Brandenburg in the future. Heart For Rent, With an Option is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
March 3, 2014
Of course I gave it five stars. I'm the author :-). But I think you'll like it, too. Check out what everyone else is saying.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews