A heartwarming, small town romance about the courage to let go and risk loving again from USA Today Bestselling author Melinda Curtis.
It takes more than a new town to start over. Widow Becca MacKenzie's career as a caregiver for the elderly suits her just fine. Help them recover from surgery or a fall, hop back in her motorhome and move on, caring without lasting commitment or heartbreak.
It takes courage to stay. But her new patient and his handsome grandson Flynn are weakening Becca’s resolve to stay detached, not to mention the kind and quirky folks in small town Harmony Valley seem ready to adopt her. But in order to stay and build something real with Flynn, Becca must let go of the past and her tangle of secrets.
Fans of movies like Doc Hollywood will love this heartwarming romance with meddling elderly and a very happy ending. Previously published as Summer Kisses.
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.
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When Becca McKenzie takes on a new job as a caregiver, she promises herself that she will do everything she should, that no one will have any reason to criticize her treatment. Things are going smoothly with Edwin, if only he didn't have a very handsome, very rich, and very flirty grandson. When things get tough Becca throws out some ground rules: Rule number one: no shirt, no service Rule number two: no hugging the help, especially behind closed doors Rule number three: goodnight kisses aren't allowed Rule number four: only one treat a day Rule number five: don't wake those in your care Rule number six: a chaste kiss on a boo boo makes it all better Rule number seven: no talking while watching the sunset This just might be the summer to break all of the rules though! I loved Becca and Flynn together. Her rules, his working around them. The story was touching (slightly sad as people keep dying in Becca's line of work) yet sweet and clever. Becca was just a character that became a part of the family. She was sweet, loving, and was always trying to help others, even when her attempts were misguided. I would recommend it to fans of clean/sweet romances. I also liked how Melinda Curtis is going to write more romances set in Harmony Valley. I look forward to seeing the town of 80 citizens (most of which are over the age of 65) grow. I also hope to catch a glimpse of Flynn and Becca again.
Content: clean Disclosure: I got a copy of Summer Kisses from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sweet story of a caregiver in a very small town looking for work and trying to clean up a "few situations" from the past. She intends to make sure everything is right and without causes of concern. This contemporary romance with interesting characters that I definitely enjoyed. I love how the grandfather is a kindly person even though others are not willing to trust her. I enjoyed this story and Becca's story as to tries to restore her good name. I am sure you will enjoy it, too. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Becca Mackenzie is spunky, determined, talented and hurting from her past. She arrives in Harmony Valley with the goal of proving that she is an excellent caregiver and not a conniving thief as some would like to portray her. When she steps into the role of taking care of Edwin, she proves her mettle as a caretaker for the elderly, but she is challenged by Edwin’s son Flynn who wants to check into her background because he doesn’t quite trust her. The back and forth between the two is humorous at times and very witty. I cheered for Becca as she overcame one obstacle after another to show the townspeople that she is worthy of their trust and that she truly deserves a place among them. This is a very fast read, a romance that would make a great movie. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via KBS Consultant. 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.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ this was really sweet and as the editorial suggests heartwarming. i would have liked a more thorough glimpse in their future tbh because i don´t want to go through the other´s stories to see a bit more of them... but i still enjoyed it veery much
After the death of her husband Becca started to work as a caregiver for the elderly. Becca is now under investigation but she knows she hasn't done anything wrong. There are accusations of her last job's about missing items. At this point shes needs this job and will prove her worth.
Looking for a caregiver for his grandfather is on the list of one the many thing Flynn must do. He was a bit skeptical about letting Becca in to watch over his grandfather but will have to trust his grandfathers word to keep her around. Flynn has abandonment issues since he was younger and has a hard time trying to trust anyone. At this point Flynn is having a hard time trusting himself to keep away from Becca.
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting seeing everything from both Becca and Flynns side. I loved how helpful Flynn was. I love how determined his grandpa was to help being people into town. I admired the strength Becca had to keep up to her job seeing people like Flynns grandfather pass away it must take a toll on a person. I loved how caring she was also she didn't have to go over the top with helping Flynns family members other then just the grandpa. I loved the sense of community in this book.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend you lovely readers to check out this book! 4.5 of 5 stars!
Becca is a caregiver and in her line of work, she's used to losing those she comes to care for. It's easy for her to work and then move on, but it seems to get harder each time. Not only does she lose friends, but she finds herself in situations, such as honoring a last request, that leave her in trouble. When she ends up in a small town, she finds it harder and harder to stay true to the way she's been living.
Becca is a very compassionate and resourceful woman. I love the way she was able to charm almost everyone she met--from the very young to the very old. I loved the chemistry between Becca and Flynn--try as they might to deny it, it was there. I loved the house rules that she establishes every time she sees a need, which seems to be often, with Flynn around.
Flynn is a great guy, always willing to give service to those around him. He's very cautious and loyal, almost to a fault, to those he cares for, but he has good reasons.
I loved the little bits of mystery surrounding some of the characters and the magical way that Edwin, Flynn's grandfather, had about him. I was excited to see that we'll be seeing more of this town and these characters in future books.
Content: a few mild profanities; no violence; mild kissing. Clean!
*I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I was given this book to review through the Sweet Team Read and Review Team. I agreed to read it because it sparked my interest. I enjoyed this story and will be reading the other books in this series.
Rebecca (Becca) MacKenzie hasn't put down permanent ties since she lost her husband. She works as a caregiver to the elderly and then loads up her motor home and more established on when her job is done. She came to Harmony Valley to deliver something and planned to move on. She stays because she is told of a potential job. She is in desperate need of this job.
Flynn Harris needs someone to help take care of his sick Grandfather. He thinks Becca is hiding something from the start but his Grandfather insists she is the only one for the job. He hires her against his better judgment. She seems to be a great caregiver and he starts to trust her a little at a time.
This book is a sweet story about family, community and learning to love and trust. Becca and Flynn both have secrets and they have to learn to have faith and trust in one another. I liked how the story I evolved the whole community of Harmony Valley. You meet the main characters and have secondary characters that blend into the story. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a sweet story that holds your interest.
This was a wonderful heartwarming story. Becca is trying to rebuild her reputation as a caregiver after a former client's family sued her. Flynn is working with his partners to build the winery in Harmony Valley in an attempt to bring life back to the small town. When Flynn's grandfather needs a caregiver, and Becca shows up unannounced on their doorstep, he is suspicious of her. I loved Flynn and his genuine concern for his grandfather's well being. And I loved Becca and how much she genuinely cares for the people she is working with. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a fun, heartwarming read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A sweet story about a caregiver for the elderly with some secrets. I liked the way that the main character finally dealt with her past secrets and I got a kick out of her "house rules." I loved the older residents of the tiny town! Actually, I loved all the characters -- hoping to read some of the other books in the same setting.
A Small Town Second Chance is the second title in the Love in Harmony Valley series, and it gives us such a heartbreaking story in so many ways before lifting us up with an ending that is just perfect for this couple.
Becca certainly knows heartache. Her husband, Terry, was killed in action fighting a war far from home. Now Becca, her service dog Abby, and her rusty motorhome travel about helping mostly elderly patients recover while at home… or face their deaths with dignity. She doesn’t want to put down roots; being a nurse/caregiver allows her to do her best for her patients and then move on when the time comes. Except, unfortunately, some family members of a few of those patients are out to make some serious trouble for Becca. She’s granted the dying wish, the last request for one of her patients — it’s what brought her to Harmony Valley. But she’s also facing the accusation of taking money that she did not steal from another patient’s family. Becca knows how and why that money came to her, but proving it is the difficult task she’s facing now. Her lawyer is asking something of her that she just cannot allow, something that would put her current patient, Edwin, at risk… and drive a deeper wedge between Becca and her employer, Edwin’s grandson, Flynn.
Flynn and his friends, Will and Slade, have become almost instant millionaires when the app they created takes off. Along with money, oftentimes come scammers and relatives crawling out of the woodwork. Flynn is not a trusting man. Never has been, actually, given his childhood. So when his grandfather needs a caregiver, and Becca suddenly shows up at his door (on the suggestion of Agnes, who Becca came to town to see) he immediately smells a scam… and makes no effort to hide that reaction. But his grandfather trusts Becca, and given his grandfather’s health at the moment, well, Edwin wins this round of who’s the boss around here.
As someone who has caregivers taking care of a loved one. And as someone who is also a caregiver, I saw this story from both sides. My heart broke for Becca. She’s been through so much and still is going through rough times, but she keeps her head up, she does her best, and she loves… oh, how she loves those in her care, even extended family. She didn’t deserve what was handed to her, especially from Flynn.
Slowly we’ll see why Flynn is the way he is today. His life hasn’t been easy, but also, he doesn’t let many into his life, always expecting the worst of people. I loved the way his life before Harmony Valley was revealed to us. That didn’t keep me from wanting to have a stern conversation with him… often. But it did explain why he’s so slow to trust Becca, even when she proved her worth and her honesty over and over again.
I love the town of Harmony Valley and its often outrageous elder residents. We get a glimpse of one way that this small town will be brought back to life, and I loved Edwin’s determination and his letter-writing campaign. It’s obvious that Becca and Flynn have a future if they would both only take a few risks on love. I had such a good time with A Small Town Second Chance. If you enjoy a well-written romance with believable characters and situations, if rooting for the underdog is your way of thinking, or if you simply love a good romance… then you’ll want to pick up the stories within the Love in Harmony Valley series.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*
I am really loving this series. This is another great story however this one was harder for me to read than book one because a lot happened and it was a wave of happy moments and sad moments. We get to meet Becca who definitely needs a second chance and a job and is referred to Flynn by Agnes to take care of his grandfather who has gotten out of the hospital. However Becca is needing a second chance to prove past wrong doings aren’t what they look like however she has come to town under somewhat suspicious circumstances and Agnes is involved thus her recommending her for the nursing job for Ed. A lot of pieces to connect in this story and unfortunately Flynn had her number that she was either running or hiding from something, unfortunately both were true. He does hire her on Ed’s persistence and then the story really starts. I liked Becca and Ed’s connection and how they are there for each other and then other things start happening. Flynn finds out that someone from the past, that he’s rather not deal with or ever wanted to see again, happens to be working as the foreman on his winery project. Then if that wasn’t enough of a blow to Flynn, his sister shows up with her son, Truman, and drops him off to be back in a week, with nothing more to say than that. Unfortunately a week later and her son is still there and he can’t reach his sister and someone has come to town to dig into Becca’s current employment. I was so into this book that when the unexpected or you could say expected moment happened because Becca saw the signs, I was unprepared and it was hard to get through part of the story. In the end however it was a lot of second chances that were given that made all the difference to not only Becca but Agnes, Flynn and Truman and her dog Abby as well. Wonderful, wonderful story. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Pennies from Heaven - This is the second book in the series but the third I've read. My absolute favorite! Becca and Flynn have both suffered loss and are so scared to love. Her care of Grandpa Ed and Truman was so sweet and tender. But there is a reason she came to town that didn't include caregiving and she promised not to tell. Trouble lies in her path and Flynn can't let go of the thought that she's hiding something. How can he trust her with his family but not his heart? How can she care for someone who has no faith in her?
This was such a good story. Harmony Valley is a wonderful little town of loveable residents. Agnes and her "girls" are fun and kooky. Grandpa Ed refuses to just roll over even as he declines. I love how they stood up for Becca, even against Flynn's cautious nature. Will, Emma, Grandma Rose, and Slade make their cameos. Sometimes serious, sometimes funloving. And Flynn regains someone he never thought he'd ever want to see again, even as he is losing the most important person in his life.
So heartwarming and sad at the same time. I started tearing up about halfway through, nonstop crying near the end and I haven't stopped yet. Officially one of my all-time favorite reads for life and not a hint of naughty talk or behavior.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this story. There were a lot of emotional parts that tugged at my heartstrings. Becca has been given a raw deal several times since her job is to take care of the elderly and sometimes their family members accuse her of things. She's also a military widow. She's gone through hard times. She's a woman who cares deeply for people but things haven't always turned out right and now she's left with little money and needs a job so somewhat presses herself on Flynn to take care of his father, Edwin. Flynn is leery since he doesn't know her and wants to interview other candidates but Edwin likes Becca from the start so he convinces Flynn to give her a shot. Flynn has a lot on his plate and is stressed - winery to build, a sister who is elusive and leaves her son with Flynn, a grandpa who is ill and needs care, a father who was in jail - it's just too much! Flynn's best friends are a great support and I liked them! The people in town are eccentric! Becca is sweet and caring to both Edwin and Flynn's nephew. I loved her character! Will she win over Flynn? When her time is over, where will she go and what will she do? A sweet and emotional story!
5 stars I purchased a copy of the full length novel Harlequin Heartwarming: A Harmony Valley Novel book 2 : Summer Kisses by Melinda Curtis and this review was given freely. Heart failure, abuse, abandonment, a caring grandson, a cute dog, a scheme to revitalize the town and a nursing assistant who cares deeply for her patients are just a few of the reasons to read this poignant novel with a happy ending. Disillusioned war widow and transient end of life care nursing assistant Becca Mackenzie travels to Harmony Valley, Sonoma County, California as a final request of her last patient as well as to find a job with millionaire Flynn Harris's military Veteran grandfather Edwin Blonkowski, but gets more than what she planned for. This is a complex attraction at first sight and second chance at love novel with an eclectic and diverse group of characters. The rocky construction start to the winery, Flynn's father returns after a 20 year absence, and his sister's struggle with Alcoholism are also featured.
Although this book can be read as a ‘stand-alone’, the dynamics of the elderly inhabitants’ interaction with the (much younger) main characters is best understood if Book 1 is read first. This is a heart-rending saga from beginning to end which is difficult to put down. Flynn and his friends, Will and Slade, have started on their vineyard reconstruction project in an effort to revitalize the small town of Harmony Valley, but are hampered by adversity and bureaucracy. Care-giver Becca appears just as Flynn needs assistance with his grandpa, Edwin, newly released from hospital after a stroke. Initially reluctant to engage her services, Flynn finally gives in to his grandpa’s insistence that Becca is the nurse he wants. Although they refuse to admit to the mutual attraction they feel, circumstances and continued proximity result in a developing relationship of friendship and trust as they each have to deal with further unexpected incidents. This is Melinda Curtis at her best! I received a free review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Sometimes early in the year I read a book and know that it will be in my top five favorites for the year. This is one of those times. This book has all my favorite things I want in a book. A great plot, a main character of the older population, emotion that will go straight to my heart and a story that will remain in my memory and become a part of my life.
Anyone that was (or is) a caregiver for an elderly person will appreciate this book, which I believe honors you. Being a caregiver is a rewarding, challenging job that is not for the weak.
I will advise to keep the tissues handy since the author, Melinda Curtis, wrote a touching story which will uplift your spirits proving there are good people in the world and will bring you to tears because you will become so attached to the characters and care about them so much!
I am looking forward to continuing this series. I have enjoyed the first two books and cannot wait until next month when the book 3 will be released!
Ok... I'm coming from a super emotional place... my Gram just came home from the hospital on hospice... so... this one hit just a little extra for me. I sobbed... not just cried. I enjoyed the story for the most part, but that last bit is a little too much for me right now. I put down the book a few times, saying I can't finish this right now." However, i am just not a quitter when it comes to reading... so hear I am a crying mess.
This story is about Flynn and Becca. Becca is a widower and a caretaker. She makes a living taking care of the elderly, and most of the time, she sees them through to their ends. She's in some hot water after accepting a gift from one of her patients, and the gift wasn't in their will. She's being investigated for theft. Flynn feels like he was abandoned as a child after his father goes to prison and his mother drops him off to be raised by his grandfather, Edwin. Now Edwin is in talking health and doesn't want the community to know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Harmony Valley is one of my favorite small town series. Becca is down on her luck. Flynn has arrived home with his great grandfather (that is at the end of life and can not accept it) to find Becca and her RV in his driveway. He’s in no mood to deal with her or the untrustworthiness that he thinks he sees in her eyes. His great grandfather on the other hand sees something more in Becca and wants Flynn to take a chance. Can he not only get Flynn to take a chance on Becca but Becca to take a chance on Flynn and Harmony Valley? Can Becca help Flynn prepare to let his great grandfather pass on or will Flynn even give her a chance?
This book has so much love and second chances. I really love Harmony Valley for the way that it allows for people of all walks of life to come together in a small town even if they’ve made mistakes and start over and find love.
This is book two in The LOve in Harmony Valley and it is Becca and Flynn’s story. Becca is a widow and a caretaker who looks after the elderly giving them the best care that she can as she is a caring, loving and giving person who is trying to move forward with her life after loss which is not easy at times. Finn has serious baggage and trust issues so when he meets Becca he feels like something is not right and she is hiding secrets but he can’t help but be attracted to her but nothing can come of it as he has enough on his plate as it is. There are twists and turns and ups and downs along with some really emotional situations that will have you in tears and I couldn’t put this book down as it pulled me in and had me turning the pages wondering what the outcome will be. I definitely recommend that you read this book and you will not be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this story and thought it was lovely how Becca takes care of all these seniors in their last moments and tries to fulfill their final wishes (even though their greedy families think Becca took advantage of the senior family member <- which she totally did not as she is an amazing and selfless person!)
This is a sweet and light hearted read filled with second, third and countless chances for redemption. Grampa Harris is certainly onto something there! Flynn and Becca both learn to overcome their past and move forward.
The story was left a little open ended with Flynn's sister though.
all it takes I just love this author, her stories are always a good balance between heartbreaking and heartwarming, her characters are so credible, I can just imagine living next door to them, asking for help and offering support in return. The issues tackled in this book make you stop and think: how do you handle knowing a loved one is going to die soon, should you risk being hurt again for the chance of finding true love, how do parents treat their children and what is the long term outcome of it? In spite of all these serious questions, I enjoyed this book tremendously.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Audiobook: I was really touched by this story. Flynn's grandfather was released from the hospital, and he needed help at home. Becca MacKenzie decided to apply for the job of caregiver. In spite of Flynn's misgivings, his grandfather agreed to hire Becca. The story was heartwarming. The characters were personable. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I listened to this story in the audiobook format. It was narrated by digital narration. There were a few words that were mispronounced, but on the whole it was a favorable experience. I was given a free copy of the audiobook through bookfunnel, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
A Small Town Second Chance by Melinda Curtis is the second book in the Harmony Valley series. I found this book to be quite poignant and a very compelling read. I became engrossed in this storyline very quickly. Yes, this is a book I couldn't put down. The characters seemed so real, so genuine. I really liked the main characters Becca and Flynn as well as Grandpa Ed and Truman. Becca's Australian Sheepdog, a therapy dog, did her service for me as well; giving comfort during sad moments. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This a sweet and clean romance. Part of a series, this book 2, but can be read as a stand alone.
Becca is a nurse that helps those people who are going to pass soon. She is being accused of stealing, but in actuality, was given gifts from those ready to pass, though it wasn’t in their will. She comes to Harmony to help Flynn’s grandpa who is sick.
This is a great story and I really like the characters. I read this in one sitting. I can’t wait for future books!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Heartwarming and heartbreaking. Flynn Harris needs to hire someone to care for his grandfather. When Becca arrives at his house he’s insured about hiring her. His grandfather sees no reason to not hire her. She’s there, and he likes her. Becca is a widow, but she feels Flynn doesn’t like her. Ok maybe she isn’t totally truthful with him, but she has her reasons. What will happen when Flynn finds out?
Flynn has one goal, and that’s to care for his grandfather. So they hire Becca. He knows she’s hiding something. He’ll give her the benefit of the doubt.
Almost a 4 star but being made to sign up to measure receive the epilogue just frustrated me!!! If I buy a nook I expect to get it in full. I am left with unanswered questions that would probably be solved in that missing epilogue. The actual story was good, a clean romance that deals with loss and grief from multiple characters, and the issue of trust was huge and very important to the characters relationship. It was full of so many different aspects that seemed it may be too much but no it was written well and flowed beautifully.
After losing her husband Becca becomes a caregiver for the elderly. She helps them recover and moves on. She lands in the town of Harmony Springs as caregiver to Flynn's grandfather. The sparks fly between him and Becca, but she tries to keep things professional, but the heart wants what it wants. Will she succumb to his charms and will it lead her to a second chance for happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I personally would read the Love in Harmony Valley books in order. I happened to read book 3 before this one and several things didn't make sense until I got through this book. This story is a sad one about abandonment, loss, mistrust, secrets, love and forgiveness. It is a very emotional read, but it is well worth your time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this story Becca and Flynn are both brokenhearted. They've lost loved ones and are reluctant to love others. This was a fantastic story, but be prepared to cry. It is not faith-based, but love and forgiveness play heavily in it.
I really enjoyed this sweet, small-town story. I've read several books set in Harmony Valley series, and I really like the small-town regulars. They are quirky and nosy and protective of their town and each other.