When the nanny needs a dating coach to get over her social anxiety, her boss steps in with a plan. But is there more to his offer to help than meets the eye?
Tally Kerr has always been shy. And not just a little bashful. She’s the kind of shy that paralyzes her when someone she doesn’t know speaks to her. The kind that causes panic attacks when she has to go in public. Thanks to her social anxiety, she’s never even been on a date, which puts a huge damper on her dream of having a family someday. Until she meets Jake Mills, a recent divorcé with three young daughters, who hires her to be their nanny.
Being around Jake’s girls only strengthens her desire for children of her own. And being around their handsome, charming, much-older-than-her father gives her feelings she probably shouldn’t be feeling.
After learning of her nonexistent dating life and her desire for a family, Jake volunteers to coach her on how to get past her shyness and meet new people. But is having her crush help her find a future husband a little too awkward?
The Courtship Coach is a heartwarming romantic comedy with loads of small-town charm, flirty banter, an age gap, adorable kids, a fun cast of friends and townsfolk, swoon-worthy kisses, and a happily ever after, of course.
Krista Noorman is the author of sweet romance, contemporary Christian romance, and young adult novels. She's a small-town Michigan girl, who is constantly inspired by books and movies, enjoys beautiful Instagram feeds, and loves a good peppermint mocha.
After college at Cornerstone University, four years as a military wife, and starting a family, she turned to her love of photography and spent nearly a decade running her own wedding photography business. For most of her life, she scribbled away in journals while documenting her everyday life, but it wasn't until she took part in National Novel Writing Month, that she found her true calling and turned her pen to fiction. She's been writing about falling in love ever since.
This book was such a wholesome read full of depth and emotion that made me happy in every possible way. There's so much every character brings to the table, even the kids.
Noorman goes above and beyond in touching upon several issues, including divorce, single parenting and social anxiety. In a world where misogyny still prevails and men are supposed to be macho and fierce, I loved the MULPTIPLE scenes where Jake- a forty-year-old single dad- isn't afraid to shed his tears. It felt genuine, not like the author just shoved in those scenes for the tropes.
As mentioned before, this book tackles a ton of tropes, some done well, some not so well. We get told repeatedly that Tally has social anxiety, but I found that hard to believe. She just seemed shy and sometimes socially awkward. A stereotypical introvert who avoids human interaction. It just seemed crazy that Tally achieved a great level of comfort with Jack and his daughters and also survived in a job which needed people skills for a decade. (I did some research on shyness vs social anxiety)
It's kind of weird that the title of the book holds little significance in the story with Jack coaching Tally on how to date for a small while in the middle of the story. Also, i found Jack's oldest daughter- Nora- way too old for her age. Rather than a 9-year-old "pre-teen", I found her temperaments to more match an actual teenager.
With all that said, I think this book is a great read with amazing relationship dynamics and authentic ups and downs that'll keep you hooked. Solid 4 stars and an easy recommend. It also reminds me a lot of "Change of Plans" by Dylan Newton, where the FMC suddenly finds herself guardian to her three nieces. I think this would be a good rad if you liked that and vice versa.
Absolutely loved it! Two enthusiastic thumbs up! I could absolutely relate to Tally/Natalia’s social anxiety so I felt a connection to her character. Jake was sweet and a totally realistic character with clear strengths and weaknesses. I liked how both characters changed and learned to trust each other and their personal growth. The kids were so cute and, again, realistic. This is part of a series but I liked that there is no need to read the other books in order to enjoy this one. I did read the others and enjoyed them as well, their stories are completely different from each other and also fun to read. I recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley for my complimentary copy. My review has in no way been influenced and these are my own thoughts.
I really enjoyed reading this book! It's a whirlwind romance, and that I can totally relate to!!
I immediately loved Tally. Her social anxiety is very relatable! I love that she comes from a huge family and that she loves children! Jake is hunkalicious! He's a divorced father taking care of his three precious girls! Nora, Ava, and Piper are delightful! I love their distinctive personalities!
I look forward to reading more books by this author! I was provided a copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the third book in thr Love in Abottsville series by Krista Norman. This is my first book by this author. I feel that even though characters from precious books are mentioned, I this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone story. I say that because I did it.
I took an extra day before reviewing this book to get my thoughts together. Today, I was still thinking about parts of the book and how sweet it was. Granted I couldn't remember the main characters' names, as usual, but I thought about it and had warm, but I fuzzy feelings. That made it a good book for me.
I do remember thinking a couple of times while reading it that I was missing something or wished there was more of something. But I can't remember what that was now. Only the good feelings stuck with me. For that reason, I'm giving it 5 stars.
I loved the kids and I don't usually love kids in books. I do remember that I'm not a fan of age gap tropes, but this one worked for me.
I thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a an honest review.
Tropes: •Boss + Nanny •Single Dad •Inexperienced Girl
This was my first time reading this author and I’ll definitely be reading more. I went into the book with no expectations because it was a new to me author but this book was a rollercoaster of goodness. It had depth, heart and realistic dialogue. The tension, the real-life parenting situations and those moments where you feel your stomach drop wondering how this is going to turn out. If you love the boss + nanny trope you’ll love this book!
(Dual POV and Closed Door) *Severe Social Anxiety*
Stop what you're doing and grab a copy of this book! It was so adorable and swoony. I saw it on NetGalley and thought it sounded like a fun read and so I requested it. I was approved right away and then started it and couldn't put it down. I kept messaging my book besties that they HAD to read it!
This is an age gap, second chance, close proximity, nanny, he falls first and sooo much more sweet and clean romance!
Their meet cute was adorably funny. And he definitely falls for her. I loved "watching" him as he did so throughout the whole book. Poor guy was smitten right away and had no chance! And she fell pretty fast too. But that whole age gap and the fact that she's his nanny kept them both holding back. I really loved how the author handled writing it. It was very realistic and done well.
There are definitely ups and downs for these two, just when they think they have something figured out it another bump in the road appears. But Jake's daughters are just the cutest things and added a perfect dynamic to this story! Tally and Jake and their interactions with the little girls were some of my favorite scenes in this book. There are some hard moments too in regards to the girls and his ex-wife, so be aware that you'll encounter that in the book as well.
The chemistry was through the roof. You'll love it if you're a romantic at heart! This book just made me so happy! I was grinning from beginning to end! And you'll love Jake's attempts at teaching Tally how to flirt and talk with guys and all of his dating advice. It was pure perfection!
This is the third book but can be read as a standalone. Now excuse me as I go read the previous books cause I need to know about those characters as well since I got to know them throughout this book!!!
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further than kisses. The topic of divorce and the ex-wife leaving the kids behind and not being there when she says she will be is addressed.
I received a copy from the publisher, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
The Courtship Coach is a touching romance that explores love, self-growth, and the challenges of overcoming social anxiety. Tally Kerr is endearing—her struggles with shyness and panic attacks feel authentic, making her journey toward confidence both compelling and relatable.
Jake Mills is the perfect blend of caring, supportive, and swoon-worthy. His role as Tally’s "dating coach" adds an entertaining and sometimes heart-wrenching dynamic to their relationship. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching their feelings develop—despite their age gap and his initial role as a mentor—makes for an engaging read.
If you're looking for a sweet, feel-good romance with a dash of awkward charm, this book is sure to deliver. I received a copy from the publisher, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I truly loved this book. Jake and tally were great. Jake was such an amazing dad. He is so sweet to his girls. He did such a great job raising those girls after this ex wife left them! Hiring a nanny was what was needed though and he found a great one in Tally. Tally was had social anxiety and regular anxiety in general. It really affected his life. Jake made me come out of her shell and she could just be herself around him. And she loved those girls. Jake really had to let go of the age difference and now he felt his life was a mess but Tally was truly great for him. Tally could at times show some immaturity but all in all she is great as well. This is must read!
It was good but damn Jake, you were so stupid and act like one too so many times. You were 40 years old but so clueless. 9, 6, and 3 years old were better reading the room than you. Gah! This book is closed door romance book. It's been so long since the last time I read close door romance book, so it was such as refreshing reading journey.
Love in Abbottsville, Book 3 - A sweet, small-town romantic comedy
Thank you to the Victory Editing Co-op and Krista Noorman for the gifted arc. I absolutely loved it! I read it in one day! I want more about this lovely family! Will there be a sequel? Thank you for writing clean romance…it was refreshing!!! I have not heard of this author before, but I look forward to reading many more of her books!
Oh my!!! What an absolutely delightful and refreshing story. The author captured so many emotions in this book and captured them so authentically. I could feel Tally’s social anxiety and nervousness. I could feel the interest and attraction from both Tally and Jake. I could feel their resistance to stepping into a possible romantic relationship together and even Jake’s fear of things not working out between them. I could feel Nora, Jake’s oldest daughter’s, sense of abandonment by her mother. These people felt so very real!
I loved Tally’s heart for the girls in her care, for Jake, and for her lifelong friends. Because Jake and Tally felt so real, their emotional highs and lows really sank in for me. I appreciated that Jake, although definitely a swoony dad, didn’t always make the right heart decisions. He allowed fear to direct him at times and he had some mistakes to overcome within the story.
I truly loved this novel! I think that you could probably jump in and enjoy The Courtship Coach without having read the first two books. I have read book one, so I already knew the four young women who made the marriage pact that is referenced in this story. I also own book two, but I need to go back and actually read it so that I can enjoy Ellie’s story, too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This darling book’s been sitting on my shelf for a while & now I’m wishing I’d picked it up sooner! I love the forbidden nanny/governess trope & this delightful romcom took it to a deeper, more meaningful level. From a disastrous meet cute to dating lesson to love, this sweet, age gap, single dad romance had so much heart with social anxiety rep & a touch of faith.
Natalia “Tally” Kerr is more than shy. Meeting people for the first time causes panic inducing anxiety. But, when she fights a handsome stranger over the last canned pumpkin at the supermarket, she suddenly finds her voice & feels a moment of attraction to him. Imagine her surprise when she finds out he’s her next potential employer. Tally’s an excellent nanny & this single dad is in over his head with three darling girls all needing extra love & attention after their mom left.
Jake Mills can’t stop thinking about the woman he got into a tussle with at the supermarket, so when she interviews to be his new nanny, he’s reluctant to hire her even though she’s the perfect fit. After all, isn’t that the most cliche thing, falling for the nanny? Despite his reticence, he hires her & the sparks fly. But neither one is willing to give in to their feelings. When Jake learns about her social anxiety, he offers to coach her in dating, hoping to squelch the attraction between them.
I loved this book so much! It’s a sweet, clean story that really tugged on my heart strings. I adored Jake! He’s the most loving, considerate dad who worries about bringing another person into his girls’ life who’ll leave. I loved getting his perspective along with Tally’s & seeing him struggle between doing what he thinks is best & following his heart.
Tally’s darling! She’s so good with the girls & loves Jake too. I could totally sympathize with her anxiety & loved seeing Jake struggle with helping her date other men. I loved how her relationship with Jake felt so natural & helped her open up about her struggles.
There’re a few bumps to happily ever after. At 40, Jake hesitates to date a 28 year old. But, I loved their friends’ advice & seeing them find a way. I also loved that this book took place during the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.
Highly recommend! Though part of a series, it’s easily read as a standalone, but now I need to read the previous books in the series. I received an advanced copy from NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review but also purchased in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
Sometimes you have to take chances. Granted most chances are not going to affect how your life will turn out, but you never know. When it comes to reading a book and a new to me author, I say, "Why not? Go for it." Boy am I glad I did when the opportunity to read "The Courtship Coach" presented itself. I honestly couldn't put the book down.
The characters were so engaging and realistic that I could almost hear the sweet voices of Piper and Ava, and the distinct voice of Nora who was sometimes jaded, sometimes upset, and sometimes just an older version of sweetness like her sisters. I loved the character development of not just the main characters and children, but also friends and family. So many kind and supporting people for Tally. Such supportive and genuine friends for both Tally and Jake.
I loved that there was passion and love, but it wasn't in your face or overdone. That passion was sweet and sincere, leaving the lingering rosey feeling of true love.
I was totally caught unaware at times as bits of humor erupted out of the blue making me laugh out loud. What a great feeling. All too soon the book was over, and even the ending was perfect. I loved "The Courtship Coach" and recommend it highly!
I want to thank NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read an ARC and express my unedited opinions of this book.
This was a first time read for me by this author and I had no particular expectations going into but I ended up really enjoying it. The story was wholesome and sweet and absolutely melted my heart! The characters were well-crafted with realistic qualities that made them relatable. Tally was absolutely lovely and I could really connect with her character and her struggle with social anxiety. Jake was a wonderful, loving dad and I loved the way he connected with Tally and helped her come out of her shell, so much so that she felt comfortable around him. It was great seeing these two grow throughout the story. The story had depth and was filled with realistic moments which made this such a heartwarming read. A delightful story that makes me want to find more of this author's work to read! Thank you to NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for the chance to read this book.
This was a fun read featuring a painfully shy, almost 30 year old woman, a doting older single father, and 3 cute little girls. The connection was quick between Tally and Jake, but it wasn't an easy path for them. I loved the way Tally was able to open up and give Jake a hard time, and it was sweet reading about the relationship between father and daughters.
The story was high on the cheese factor at points, but I was prepared for that, so I felt like it didn't detract from the enjoyment of the story.
I didn't realise this was the third book in a series, so now I must read the first two and wait for the fourth.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I LOVED IT ⭐
My goal this year is to read less smut or spicy books and focus more on clean stories with no swearing and faith base themes. AND let me tell you…
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING AND MORE 💞🥹 Tally and Jack are so wholesome. Their chemistry, their burdens, all of it was beautifully written. And the kids! OMG, I loved them because they were written like real kids not overly annoying, just children grieving their mother 💔
I didn’t give it 5⭐ only because… WHY mention Taylor Swift? I’m so tired of books constantly making references to her 🥹 but otherwhise, this book gave me love, laughs and put a smile on my face💞
This book kept me intrigued the entire time! The way Krista was able to develop Tally with so much depth and emotion. The way I felt connected to her and her feelings!! Jake the single, perfect dad with his 3 girls and Tally together- just swoon. I loved them. I loved this story. I’m needing more information about what happens next!! I’m so frustrated because the timeline seemed rushed at the end, I needed more Tally- I wasn’t ready to let her go. Thank you so much to the publisher, Krista Noorman, and Netgalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
S – Setting [3.5] P – Plot [4.0] E – Engagement [4.0] C – Characters [4.0] S – Style [4.0] _______________________________
Jake and Tally
This was another sweet romance. I loved Ellie in the second book, but I could relate to Tally a lot more. I thought she was pretty mature here, even with the 12yr age gap. The third act breakup was not just some bs, I thought it was relevant to Jake’s situation. 😊
Unlike the other two books, this book did not have an epilogue. I’m guessing Tally will be pregnant in the 4th book? 😍
Read if you like: *age gap *single dad *nanny/boss *tight knit friend group Also a good read for those who want a lighter story without heavy drama or supsense but still want a story with some heart. The characters are ones you come to like and the little girls are cuties. This is a series but I think you can hop right in. Though may be more fully enjoyable starting with book #1 for fuller understanding of who each person is of this tight friend group.
This book is not it. Tally was incredibly immature and inexperienced in life. Her dating her older boss just felt like he was taking advantage of her. Then Tally wanted him to tell the kids after dating for basically zero time. Gross. A proposal at 4 months when she's never dated before?! Yuck.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!
it's the third of four books but you don't have to ready all of them. This is standalone and you don't need the other stories
alone paranting dad and the Nanny there could be more advantages then that but Tally loves the three girls and after a few weeks they love her too and there is the dad who is willing to not fall in love with her.
This book had parts that were incredible and sweet. I loved the beginning meet cute and second meet, The writing was good and kept the story going. I totally felt Tally as a character and enjoyed her transformation. The kids were so on point, some of their antics made me laugh hard.
A really cute and sweet romance! I loved how great of a Dad he was and how he always prioritized his daughters over everything. The age gap was a little much for me but I was happy with how it ended. I also appreciated how they waited until marriage to be intimate. Lots of adorable and funny scenes!
Not my favorite in the series. The portrait of a stay-at-home mum, who has been a babysitter for several years doesn't resonate with me. The age gap is only referred to in silly details (you old man, you Young'en). Meh
Another sweet, kissy romance by Noorman! I love how comfortable I feel with her characters as if I already knew them. Her books are so easy to get swept away with.