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When You Smile for Me
A lonely model.
A troubled warrior.
A mystery that begs to be solved.
International model Laurel James has a perfect life—at least in the eye of the world. But her private life is shattered by a secret long-kept by her Dad who confesses he’s not her biological father ... and everything she’s ever known is a lie.
The identity of the man who abandoned her is out there and she’s going to find it, even if she has to put her career on hold. Her only clue is an old photo. But she’s no detective, and worse, she’s the target of a pesky superfan.
Enter Major Jude Buchanan. Stateside after meritorious combat experience, he’s on the hunt for a worthy cause to fight—anything to distract him from pestering syptoms of PTSD. So when the opportunity to be Laurel’s bodyguard while assisting her search for her father arises, he accepts.
But when Laurel’s superfan proves to be the stalker Jude believes him to be, he’s caught in the crossfire. Now, Laurel will have to make a choice—the truth, or the happy ending she never saw coming. What will it take to rescue the man she hired to keep her safe?
And is the answer to the mystery the one thing that can save them both?
A troubled warrior.
A mystery that begs to be solved.
International model Laurel James has a perfect life—at least in the eye of the world. But her private life is shattered by a secret long-kept by her Dad who confesses he’s not her biological father ... and everything she’s ever known is a lie.
The identity of the man who abandoned her is out there and she’s going to find it, even if she has to put her career on hold. Her only clue is an old photo. But she’s no detective, and worse, she’s the target of a pesky superfan.
Enter Major Jude Buchanan. Stateside after meritorious combat experience, he’s on the hunt for a worthy cause to fight—anything to distract him from pestering syptoms of PTSD. So when the opportunity to be Laurel’s bodyguard while assisting her search for her father arises, he accepts.
But when Laurel’s superfan proves to be the stalker Jude believes him to be, he’s caught in the crossfire. Now, Laurel will have to make a choice—the truth, or the happy ending she never saw coming. What will it take to rescue the man she hired to keep her safe?
And is the answer to the mystery the one thing that can save them both?
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2024
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Mary A. Felkins
15 books101 followersMary A. Felkins is a multi-published, award-winning author of closed door romance whose novels deliver no shortage of sizzle, sass, and passion. She is a blogger and a member of ACFW, My Book Therapy, Novel Academy, and FHLCW. (Faith Hope and Love Christian Writers)
She can be lured from her creative writing space if presented with an unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick—although she’d likely pass out. If she likes your first or last name, expect it to show up in one of her novels.
To receive Mary’s author newsletters with social and exclusive author updates, subscribe via email at www.maryfelkins.com. FREE novella to new subscribers!
She can be lured from her creative writing space if presented with an unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick—although she’d likely pass out. If she likes your first or last name, expect it to show up in one of her novels.
To receive Mary’s author newsletters with social and exclusive author updates, subscribe via email at www.maryfelkins.com. FREE novella to new subscribers!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 25, 2024
If John Cena ever acted in a Christian romance, he'd star as Jude!!!
Serious and diligent, this broken soldier can't get out of the war -- even as he desperately wants to. As the title poetically suggests, he is matched with none other than a model whose smile is to die for.
Felkins beautifully brings in past characters (and their stories!) into this third book. This one especially brings to light the sacrifice of our military as well as their unique strengths that make them the heroes they are. As we expect and adore, Felkins weaves in language to capture each POV, strengthening the novel ... and, in the case of the former marine, the story's intensity!
A story of healing and hope, of identity and redemption. Felkins's gift in weaving a gritty romance doesn't disappoint!
Serious and diligent, this broken soldier can't get out of the war -- even as he desperately wants to. As the title poetically suggests, he is matched with none other than a model whose smile is to die for.
Felkins beautifully brings in past characters (and their stories!) into this third book. This one especially brings to light the sacrifice of our military as well as their unique strengths that make them the heroes they are. As we expect and adore, Felkins weaves in language to capture each POV, strengthening the novel ... and, in the case of the former marine, the story's intensity!
A story of healing and hope, of identity and redemption. Felkins's gift in weaving a gritty romance doesn't disappoint!
January 24, 2024
What a sweet romance, two opposites, both fighting their own inner war, and falling in love. Love is fragile at first - and Jude the warrior, brought up in a dysfunctional family at that, must find his way. He's a strong believer in God, but hasn't been able to loosen his control (of everything). Model Laurel James arrives at Moreland Manor, and hires (instantly) the handsome Jude. But even as a believer, her smile in times of trouble have become a facade. Enter Everly, Gabe, Serenity and Owen to the rescue. Perhaps with a new revelation as well. But when trouble comes can Jude come to Laurel's rescue, or does she diffuse a tense situation? How will it pierce the armor of the man she hired? The author skillfully weaves words, painting a picture of the characters, their families, and the drama that goes with it all.
January 29, 2024
Great Ending To An Amazing Series.
Another fantastic romantic suspense by Mary A. Felkins! When You Smile For Me is book three in the Heart of Moreland Manor series.
International model Laurel James has a perfect life—at least in the eye of the world. But her private life is shattered by a secret long kept by her Dad who confesses he’s not her biological father ... and everything she’s ever known is a lie.
Enter Major Jude Buchanan. When the opportunity to be Laurel’s bodyguard while assisting her search for her father arises, he accepts.
This book boasts great character development, really intense action, a strong mystery, great dialogue, and a definite faith thread. I especially loved how she brought the story together at the end.
I received a complimentary e-galley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Another fantastic romantic suspense by Mary A. Felkins! When You Smile For Me is book three in the Heart of Moreland Manor series.
International model Laurel James has a perfect life—at least in the eye of the world. But her private life is shattered by a secret long kept by her Dad who confesses he’s not her biological father ... and everything she’s ever known is a lie.
Enter Major Jude Buchanan. When the opportunity to be Laurel’s bodyguard while assisting her search for her father arises, he accepts.
This book boasts great character development, really intense action, a strong mystery, great dialogue, and a definite faith thread. I especially loved how she brought the story together at the end.
I received a complimentary e-galley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 9, 2025
world’s top model meets highly decorated marine with PTSD while her mother, a world recognized movie star recovers from a stroke and her father reveals he’s not really her dad. Whew‼️
Emotions are in turmoil on several fronts. Star Cora Lindbergh has history with Everley and Serenity’s mom Marigold and Moreland. While filming in New Orleans she has a massive stroke and put in drug-induced coma. Model Laura James cancels all “shoots” for next month. She prefers privacy of Moreland Manor to a NO hotel because she has a stalker after a lingerie publication. While exploring a building moved onto the property before Pete, dad of sisters, died, a surprise: a dated signature of Cora Lindbergh.
Read to discover all the surprises!
Emotions are in turmoil on several fronts. Star Cora Lindbergh has history with Everley and Serenity’s mom Marigold and Moreland. While filming in New Orleans she has a massive stroke and put in drug-induced coma. Model Laura James cancels all “shoots” for next month. She prefers privacy of Moreland Manor to a NO hotel because she has a stalker after a lingerie publication. While exploring a building moved onto the property before Pete, dad of sisters, died, a surprise: a dated signature of Cora Lindbergh.
Read to discover all the surprises!
February 27, 2024
This book features an important subject matter--that of PTSD. I appreciate the author's handling of a delicate subject, even to the point of giving an insider's view of therapy sessions.
I also love the setting of New Orleans.
However, the characters were too wooden to me, too obsessive about their different issues, as if they couldn't live outside of those arenas. The individuals I know with PTSD, for example, are not suffering from it every single second of their lives--they will be doing fine and then there's a trigger. Even if this is realistic, it makes for some difficult reading.
Blessings to the author.
I also love the setting of New Orleans.
However, the characters were too wooden to me, too obsessive about their different issues, as if they couldn't live outside of those arenas. The individuals I know with PTSD, for example, are not suffering from it every single second of their lives--they will be doing fine and then there's a trigger. Even if this is realistic, it makes for some difficult reading.
Blessings to the author.
February 12, 2024
When You Smile for Me is the perfect blend of two hearts that strive to meet each other’s needs through tough times and make each other better people in the end. I always enjoy reading Mary’s rich character descriptions and this story delivers. Join this high profile fashion model and muscular war hero on a romantic journey that includes mystery and suspense sure to entertain and inspire. This is a well-crafted love story that I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews