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Dare Valley #5
The Town Square
1960 is ushering in a new decade of change, and journalist Arthur Hale is determined to be on the forefront of it. A successful New York City journalist, he returns to his hometown of Dare Valley, Colorado to start a new newspaper that will channel the voice of the West, joining the ranks of prestigious papers like The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune.
But the bigger the dream, the higher the price. Arthur’s ambition and drive isolate him, and the only person who can break through his self-imposed solitude is Harriet Jenkins, his talented and mysterious secretary. Though Arthur’s sixth sense as a journalist tells him the beautiful and complicated redhead is hiding something, he can’t stay away.
What he doesn’t know is that Harriet Jenkins is actually Harriet Wentworth. A newspaper article ruined her father and sullied her family name, and now she’s out for revenge on the journalist who wrote it: Arthur Hale. As she gets to know Arthur, Harriet discovers he’s not the monster she thought he was. He’s a man of integrity, committed to uncovering the truth at all costs. Soon the impossible happens, and she finds herself falling for the man she set out to destroy, but can the two build a future on a foundation of lies and ugly truths?
But the bigger the dream, the higher the price. Arthur’s ambition and drive isolate him, and the only person who can break through his self-imposed solitude is Harriet Jenkins, his talented and mysterious secretary. Though Arthur’s sixth sense as a journalist tells him the beautiful and complicated redhead is hiding something, he can’t stay away.
What he doesn’t know is that Harriet Jenkins is actually Harriet Wentworth. A newspaper article ruined her father and sullied her family name, and now she’s out for revenge on the journalist who wrote it: Arthur Hale. As she gets to know Arthur, Harriet discovers he’s not the monster she thought he was. He’s a man of integrity, committed to uncovering the truth at all costs. Soon the impossible happens, and she finds herself falling for the man she set out to destroy, but can the two build a future on a foundation of lies and ugly truths?
161 pages, ebook
First published December 11, 2013
1298 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Ava Miles
95 books1,144 followersMillions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
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May 30, 2014
The Town Square is book five in the Dare Valley series by Ava Miles. Going into this book, I wasn’t sure if I would love it as much as I have the previous books. But, after reading it, I can honestly say that I love it more.
Arthur Hale is the patriarch of the Hale Family. He is the founder of The Western Independent, a well respected newspaper in Dare Valley, Colorado. His family and so many others love and respect him. He’s a widow now, and as he sits holding his new great granddaughter on the day of her christening, Jill, Meredith and Peggy convince him to retell the story of how he met the love of his life, their Grandmother, Harriet.
Its 1960 and Arthur Hale has come home to Dare Valley to fulfill his dream of starting his own newspaper. After graduating from college he worked for the New York Times. But as much as he loved New York, Dare Valley was his home. As he is setting up his office and trying to find a competent secretary, a fiery redhead comes in to apply for the job. She says her name is Harriet Jenkins. But its obvious she is holding back, that there are secrets there, but Arthur needs a secretary. So Harriet can have her secrets, as long as she can type and file. For now, anyway.
Jenkins is not Harriet’s real last name. It is Wentworth. She is the daughter of a famous scientist that was held responsible for the deaths of seven babies after they were fed formula he invented. The scandal was the downfall of their father. He went insane after his fall from grace. And the sisters were pretty much exiled. They are convinced their father was innocent. And the one that is guilty is the man that wrote the articles exposing him, Arthur Hale. Harriet has gone to Dare Valley to expose Arthur and prove her father’s innocence. But the longer she is there and the more she gets to know Arthur, she realizes that his research was thorough. That perhaps she misjudged the whole thing. And that Arthur Hale is an honorable man. And that she might be falling in love with him.
Dare Valley is a very small town though. And once people learn that she has been lying to them all this time, they would never accept her. How can she and Arthur build a life based on lies?
“I’ve lied to them, Arthur. How forgiving do you think they’ll be?”
“I forgave you,” he said.
I found this book to be more powerful than the others, somehow. I was so moved when Arthur and Harriet went to the site of a mine collapse. And since I have known Arthur throughout all the previous books, it just made it all the more special to finally learn his story, his history. His family adores him, and the love he has for his Granddaughters is absolute. But the love he had for his Harriet and the life they had together was timeless.
“And Harriet, I know without a doubt that you’re made for me, just as I am for you.”
Arthur Hale is the patriarch of the Hale Family. He is the founder of The Western Independent, a well respected newspaper in Dare Valley, Colorado. His family and so many others love and respect him. He’s a widow now, and as he sits holding his new great granddaughter on the day of her christening, Jill, Meredith and Peggy convince him to retell the story of how he met the love of his life, their Grandmother, Harriet.
Its 1960 and Arthur Hale has come home to Dare Valley to fulfill his dream of starting his own newspaper. After graduating from college he worked for the New York Times. But as much as he loved New York, Dare Valley was his home. As he is setting up his office and trying to find a competent secretary, a fiery redhead comes in to apply for the job. She says her name is Harriet Jenkins. But its obvious she is holding back, that there are secrets there, but Arthur needs a secretary. So Harriet can have her secrets, as long as she can type and file. For now, anyway.
Jenkins is not Harriet’s real last name. It is Wentworth. She is the daughter of a famous scientist that was held responsible for the deaths of seven babies after they were fed formula he invented. The scandal was the downfall of their father. He went insane after his fall from grace. And the sisters were pretty much exiled. They are convinced their father was innocent. And the one that is guilty is the man that wrote the articles exposing him, Arthur Hale. Harriet has gone to Dare Valley to expose Arthur and prove her father’s innocence. But the longer she is there and the more she gets to know Arthur, she realizes that his research was thorough. That perhaps she misjudged the whole thing. And that Arthur Hale is an honorable man. And that she might be falling in love with him.
Dare Valley is a very small town though. And once people learn that she has been lying to them all this time, they would never accept her. How can she and Arthur build a life based on lies?
“I’ve lied to them, Arthur. How forgiving do you think they’ll be?”
“I forgave you,” he said.
I found this book to be more powerful than the others, somehow. I was so moved when Arthur and Harriet went to the site of a mine collapse. And since I have known Arthur throughout all the previous books, it just made it all the more special to finally learn his story, his history. His family adores him, and the love he has for his Granddaughters is absolute. But the love he had for his Harriet and the life they had together was timeless.
“And Harriet, I know without a doubt that you’re made for me, just as I am for you.”
January 2, 2014
Once again, Ava Miles has taken me “home” to Dare Valley, straight to the heart and soul of the Hale family as Grandpa Hale relives his life and the story of his greatest love. Young Arthur Hale was determined to create a newspaper in Dare Valley that would become a voice to be trusted and heard throughout the West. His ambition and integrity to “get it right” was his obsession and his passion. When he hired the beautiful and intelligent Harriet “Jenkins” as his secretary, he sensed something special and different about this efficient, yet mysterious woman, but he had no idea what she would become to him or how deeply he would fall in love with her. Harriet was a woman on a mission to discredit the journalist who ruined her father, but how could she know the monster she was hunting would turn out to be the man she wanted in her life forever? With a touch of humor, faith, and trust in each other, Arthur and Harriet’s story begins the legacy of love for the Hale family that will triumph over time and transcend death.
The Town Square by Ava Miles is nothing short of a true tale of romance and love, filled with the pitfalls of simply being human and learning to listen to your heart in spite of all else. Ms. Miles has given life to Arthur as a young man, and faithfully shown the promise of the man he would become, a mentor, the backbone of his town and his family, filled with that special spark that only a man who knew love and contentment could have! Harriet is portrayed as a woman ahead of her time, with determination and an inner strength to stand by and even stand up to the presence that is Arthur Hale. I laughed, I smiled, I got a little teary, because I "knew" their future and the legacy they began!
Ms. Miles words melted into each page until the world receded around me and I was in Dare Valley, circa 1960, and I was part of the mine disaster, part of the momentous gathering at the town square and even the sounds and smells of the bowling alley felt right! Her strength as a writer and love for her work shine once again in The Town Square as she paints a portrait of a man whose love and support knows no bounds!
Series: Dare Valley, Book 5
Publication Date: December 15, 2013
Publisher: Ava Miles, Inc
Genre: Adult Romance/Contemporary
Number of Pages: 161
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Town Square by Ava Miles is nothing short of a true tale of romance and love, filled with the pitfalls of simply being human and learning to listen to your heart in spite of all else. Ms. Miles has given life to Arthur as a young man, and faithfully shown the promise of the man he would become, a mentor, the backbone of his town and his family, filled with that special spark that only a man who knew love and contentment could have! Harriet is portrayed as a woman ahead of her time, with determination and an inner strength to stand by and even stand up to the presence that is Arthur Hale. I laughed, I smiled, I got a little teary, because I "knew" their future and the legacy they began!
Ms. Miles words melted into each page until the world receded around me and I was in Dare Valley, circa 1960, and I was part of the mine disaster, part of the momentous gathering at the town square and even the sounds and smells of the bowling alley felt right! Her strength as a writer and love for her work shine once again in The Town Square as she paints a portrait of a man whose love and support knows no bounds!
Series: Dare Valley, Book 5
Publication Date: December 15, 2013
Publisher: Ava Miles, Inc
Genre: Adult Romance/Contemporary
Number of Pages: 161
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
March 4, 2014
I'm sorry to say, but The Town Square by Ava Miles, was not a good read at all. As I did receive the book from NetGally I did try to give my best to like the story, but I simply could not.
The story was cross between How I Met Your Mother and Mad Man, minus the humor of the HIMYM and the boldness of MM. Yes all the right props from the that era where mentioned and the traditions where followed, but the story about stubborn woman and a how the hero of the story captured her was limping both legs. The woman wasn't really stubborn and their courtship was easy peasy with some minor set packs. And it was lacking this mysterious something that would have made it a good love story. Yes this story had all the right words, all the right actions and all the right ideas, but all this right does not equal wonderful and sweet story, it was more like paint-by-the-numbers.
Not really a good book.
The story was cross between How I Met Your Mother and Mad Man, minus the humor of the HIMYM and the boldness of MM. Yes all the right props from the that era where mentioned and the traditions where followed, but the story about stubborn woman and a how the hero of the story captured her was limping both legs. The woman wasn't really stubborn and their courtship was easy peasy with some minor set packs. And it was lacking this mysterious something that would have made it a good love story. Yes this story had all the right words, all the right actions and all the right ideas, but all this right does not equal wonderful and sweet story, it was more like paint-by-the-numbers.
Not really a good book.
June 3, 2015
Town Square took me back to the 60's. Back to when the grandfather in the Dare Valley series met his wife. Love the story, love the way it was written.
February 9, 2014
ARC from NETGALLEY
This was a fantastic book, I couldn't put it down until it was done. I loved the story line and the main characters. It's more realistic then most romance books these days. I can't wait until I can read another book from this author.
This was a fantastic book, I couldn't put it down until it was done. I loved the story line and the main characters. It's more realistic then most romance books these days. I can't wait until I can read another book from this author.
March 14, 2015
Two-haiku review:
Flashback for Grandpa
How he met and romanced wife
Many years ago
Surprised I liked it
1960s history
No sex pre-marriage
Flashback for Grandpa
How he met and romanced wife
Many years ago
Surprised I liked it
1960s history
No sex pre-marriage
June 5, 2025
I have been so looking forward to reading the story of Arthur Hale's romance -- but I expected this to be about Arthur and Clara (his future wife), not Arthur and Harriet (his first wife). Still - this was an interesting story about how family reputation can affect all family members. Harriet's scientist father's life is ruined when Arthur Hale, NY journalist investigates the death of seven newborns and discovers the scientist lied about his work and the formula he invented has killed several newborn babies. Harriet and sister, Maybelline, move to Dare Valley, Arthur's home town and place he has recently returned, in hopes that she can discredit Arthur and his work and hopefully restore her family's honor and place in society. But Arthur Hale is a stand-up man, he is ethical, warm, humorous, and handsome. Can Harriet ruin a man like this?
October 23, 2017
Amazing
I need to start this one off with an apology to author Ava Miles. As much as I have loved every single book of hers that I have read, I have been avoiding reading this one. Problem for me was, I could no longer go without one of her books, so I had to read the dreaded "The Towne Square". You are all wondering why it was so dreaded. I don't like reading all up to date stories and then get thrown back to the old days. I should have known it wasn't that simple with Ms. Miles or her character of Arthur Hale, who I think is one of the most charming and fantastic characters in all of her books. So yes, by all means, his and Harriet's story had to be told and she did it in such an amazing and marvelous way. Actually one of the best books in the series!
I need to start this one off with an apology to author Ava Miles. As much as I have loved every single book of hers that I have read, I have been avoiding reading this one. Problem for me was, I could no longer go without one of her books, so I had to read the dreaded "The Towne Square". You are all wondering why it was so dreaded. I don't like reading all up to date stories and then get thrown back to the old days. I should have known it wasn't that simple with Ms. Miles or her character of Arthur Hale, who I think is one of the most charming and fantastic characters in all of her books. So yes, by all means, his and Harriet's story had to be told and she did it in such an amazing and marvelous way. Actually one of the best books in the series!
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December 20, 2019The Real Beginning of the Dare Valley Series
I have read these books in sequence, but always suspected there were some pieces missing in the enthralling stories. This story takes us the foundation of the Hale dynasty, with the story of the family patriarch, Grandpa Hale, and his meeting with the love-of-his-life, Harriet. It's a well told tale of betrayal, revelation and forgiveness, recurring themes in each book I have read to date. It's sad to finish each book, but then there is another! Thanks so much for this series! I highly recommend you read them! As soon as one ends, the next is well begun, and you simply have to read it to see if everything can possibly work out despite the seeming impossible differences.
I have read these books in sequence, but always suspected there were some pieces missing in the enthralling stories. This story takes us the foundation of the Hale dynasty, with the story of the family patriarch, Grandpa Hale, and his meeting with the love-of-his-life, Harriet. It's a well told tale of betrayal, revelation and forgiveness, recurring themes in each book I have read to date. It's sad to finish each book, but then there is another! Thanks so much for this series! I highly recommend you read them! As soon as one ends, the next is well begun, and you simply have to read it to see if everything can possibly work out despite the seeming impossible differences.
August 10, 2017
Memories
Another amazing Dare Vallley story, Grandpa Arthur shares his own rocky road to love. Feisty Harriet has plans to expose the young journalist setting up his newspaper in Dare Valley. His investigation into her father's problems makes for a difficult time in their budding romance. I enjoyed the sixties settings, music, food and clothes. Ava Miles' series captures the special loving relationships of this community, I love reading this series.
Another amazing Dare Vallley story, Grandpa Arthur shares his own rocky road to love. Feisty Harriet has plans to expose the young journalist setting up his newspaper in Dare Valley. His investigation into her father's problems makes for a difficult time in their budding romance. I enjoyed the sixties settings, music, food and clothes. Ava Miles' series captures the special loving relationships of this community, I love reading this series.
March 19, 2019
I couldn’t wait to read Grandpa Arthur’s story, how he returned to Dare as an accomplished journalist and was determined to start his own newspaper. Harriet Jenkins walked into his office to apply for the post of secretary and he world turned upside down, so did hers more so than it had already.
Fantastic read!
Fantastic read!
December 2, 2022
My heart is full of joy
Awesome read. The story is about the grandfather Author and how he met his wife. She's passed away now but she remains forever in his heart. Their story filled my heart with joy. So precious.
The author has created characters to fall in love with. The story kept me glued to the pages. Awesome read!
Awesome read. The story is about the grandfather Author and how he met his wife. She's passed away now but she remains forever in his heart. Their story filled my heart with joy. So precious.
The author has created characters to fall in love with. The story kept me glued to the pages. Awesome read!
June 28, 2018
Great book love how you brought harriet into the story.
I love how each book ties the characters from the previous books together.you get to see what happens to each family done the road
I love how each book ties the characters from the previous books together.you get to see what happens to each family done the road
April 12, 2022
Wonderful beginning of the Hale heritage
Wonderful beginnings. A Beautiful story that started the Hale family and the history of the town. Tying in the old time history to the new generation.
Wonderful beginnings. A Beautiful story that started the Hale family and the history of the town. Tying in the old time history to the new generation.
January 4, 2024
Dare Valley strikes again
Loved to read Arthur’s story and his return to Dare. Things start off on the wrong side but turn into a forever story. Amazing to see how much the town has changed and continues to grow.
Loved to read Arthur’s story and his return to Dare. Things start off on the wrong side but turn into a forever story. Amazing to see how much the town has changed and continues to grow.
September 17, 2017
Endearing
I enjoyed this book. It was a nice way to give some history about the family. Nostalgic and endearing and still kept you up to date with the family.
I enjoyed this book. It was a nice way to give some history about the family. Nostalgic and endearing and still kept you up to date with the family.
March 4, 2019
Arthur and Harriet
I enjoyed this book. I like how it shared Arthur and Harriet beginning of there families. I'm on my way to reading the next ones. Happy ☺ reading all.
I enjoyed this book. I like how it shared Arthur and Harriet beginning of there families. I'm on my way to reading the next ones. Happy ☺ reading all.
December 6, 2019
One of my favorites.
Ava is turning out to be one of my favorite authors. Can't wait to start another of her series. Love her.
Ava is turning out to be one of my favorite authors. Can't wait to start another of her series. Love her.
February 15, 2020
Arthur and Harriet
Loved this book. The story unfolded without repeating the certain parts over and over. I love these characters and how this family fits together.
Loved this book. The story unfolded without repeating the certain parts over and over. I love these characters and how this family fits together.
February 27, 2020
Love it
Can’t get into many books but the series have been a great read. Another author to go on my list of must read more
Can’t get into many books but the series have been a great read. Another author to go on my list of must read more
May 18, 2020
Great Series
Love Dare Valley series and have read most of them
Follow Ava in all her series and think she is wonderful
Love Dare Valley series and have read most of them
Follow Ava in all her series and think she is wonderful
October 24, 2020
Heart warming story
I loved reading Arthur's story. This book also have incite into Arthur the man and the grandpa. Loved meeting his Harriet.
I loved reading Arthur's story. This book also have incite into Arthur the man and the grandpa. Loved meeting his Harriet.
June 8, 2021
Very good story
Knowing this story was about Arthur and Harriet, I couldn't imagine how it would be incorporated into the series time frame. But it was and done beautifully!
Knowing this story was about Arthur and Harriet, I couldn't imagine how it would be incorporated into the series time frame. But it was and done beautifully!
February 6, 2022
I really enjoyed delving into the backstory on Grandpa Hale, I love how Ava gave it a true to era feel. Really giving someone of my age an insight into how it would have been back in 1960s.
April 8, 2022
Avoided this book for a while thinking it would be lame. I’m glad to say i was wrong. Very much enjoyed Arthur and Harriet’s love story
August 14, 2023
Great series
January 23, 2024
My favourite of the series. I enjoyed Arthur's story as he is a pivotal character in all the books in the series.
February 10, 2024
This is book is also only available in e-book format. This disappoints me very badly. The book itself is good and would have given it five stars if you could get it in book form.
April 9, 2025
Love Arthur's story so much!!!
July 25, 2025
I love series about families! Arthur and Harriet’s love story is the beginning of the Hale family. I am looking forward to reading more of the Dare Valley series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews