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Cranberry Creek Book Club

Falling for my First Crush

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I never fire-proofed my heart, and now that my old crush is back, it’s in danger of getting scorched!

Joe Lawrence, my oldest sister’s best friend and my all-time heartthrob crush, just walked back into my life, after being away for years.

I thought I was over him.

Afterall, I was just a silly child.

But my heart whispers otherwise.

To Joe, I was always just his ‘kid sister,’

Yet I was foolish enough to think someday, when I was all grown up, he’d finally see me.

Well, I’m all grown up.

And Joe’s back, fighting fires in Cranberry Creek.

Nurse and firefighter, we’re thrust together into emergencies that require extremely close quarters, quick wits, and blazing honesty.

Realizing the stellar team we make, we spearhead a fundraiser for veterans. Smoldering gazes, lingering touches, and sparks undeniably ignite between us.

But as Joe wrestles with the torch he’s always carried for my sister, I’m afraid he may choose his old flame, and my heart will extinguish into ashes for good.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

7 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Callie More

7 books41 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Chia.
593 reviews10 followers
August 5, 2024
"Falling for My First Crush" is a captivating journey through the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery. This novel, with its rich narrative and deeply relatable characters, draws readers into a story of enduring affection and personal growth.

The Jackie's emotional arc is beautifully portrayed, from her childhood crush on Joe to the eventual realization of her true feelings. The chapters leading up to the poignant Tribute event are filled with heartfelt moments and introspection. The way the story intertwines Jackie’s reflections on her past with her present-day life provides a moving exploration of how love can evolve over time.

The climax of the book, where she reveals her pregnancy to Joe, is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. The genuine reactions and the subsequent joy of the couple underscore the depth of their relationship and the fulfillment of their dreams. The way the author captures Joe’s surprise and elation, alongside Jackie’s nervous anticipation, brings a satisfying and heartfelt resolution to their story.

Supporting characters and their interactions, like the Moretti family and The Lits, add further layers to the narrative, enriching the overall experience. The community’s involvement in the Tribute and the couple’s personal milestones create a vibrant backdrop for the central love story.

"Falling for My First Crush" is an endearing tale that resonates with anyone who has ever loved deeply and navigated the ups and downs of relationships. The novel’s combination of emotional depth, relatable characters, and a satisfying conclusion makes it a must-read.
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I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily reviewing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,231 reviews23 followers
August 2, 2024
Callie’s latest book in the Cranberry Creek Lit Group
is about Jackie who as the youngest of four sisters developed a crush on a boy who was in love with her older sister when he was in high school and she was in middle school. In their book club they study a book each month and this time it is Little Women which fits Jackie’s situation perfectly!

Joe moved away but has come back but still is in love with Jackie’s sister. She has a boyfriend but Joe still wants her and it frustrates Jackie. She gets Joe to help her on a project but his obsession over her sister ruins her feelings towards him. Finally her sister tells him that Jackie has been in love with him since she met him and he’d better do something about it!

This book shows how slowly sometimes love takes before the other person finally realizes the one they love is right in front of them all along! The guy is so obsessed with the one sister he never sees the other sister who really loves him until years later and that is when they’re working on a project! And even then he still wants the other sister! It takes a lot of love to forgive someone like that but Jackie does just that!

Callie shows us true love does forgive the foolishness
of what our heart wants when it is pointed out in no uncertain terms! I enjoyed this book as I have this series and highly recommend it as one I know you’ll enjoy reading and sharing with your friends and family as a book they’ll also enjoy reading!

Pick it up today and when you’re done why not get the rest of the series- they’re just as great as this book is!!
Profile Image for Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading).
795 reviews17 followers
August 2, 2024
Falling for my First Crush is a contemporary romance by Callie More, and is the fifth book of the Cranberry Creek Book Club Series. Each book is a separate story, focusing on a different member of the book club of the small town of Cranberry Creek in smalltown USA.

The title itself is pretty explanatory. Pediatric (and floater) nurse Jackie has a busy life at work, but always makes time for her friends and their book club. With many of her friends finding their perfect partners, she is a bit lonely. Then ex-military and now firefighter, Joe, returns to town. Jackie had always crushed on Joe, though Joe always crushed on Jackie's older sister. But Joe had left and now he's back.

The book club is ready Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. One thing I've really enjoyed about this series is how the book club's title of the month has elements woven into the romance that is unfolding. There are a number of little references, but the overarching story of Jackie and sisters - their relationships together and their love for each other - is a great call back to the March sisters in the classic novel.

As for Joe and Jackie, they certainly have their ups and downs throughout the book. Joe is a bit of a blockhead and it takes him way too long to realise what exactly is going on with him and Jackie. He also takes a lot of missteps. But there is so much heart in the journey that Joe and Jackie take to each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
335 reviews5 followers
August 5, 2024
Really enjoyed reading this book. Loved the characters and their interactions. The H is a home town boy who after high school joined the military. After completing his service he worked out west fighting forest fires. Now he is back in town working as a firefighter and also is an EMT. He also volunteers to help other veterans who need help. When he is at the hospital he meets the h who is a RN in obstetrics and also is certified for transport. When the H and h meet in the hospital for the first time they go for coffee to catch up on the past because the H lost connection to the family he was once very close to. When he brings up the h’s oldest sister who he had a crush on when he was younger the h is furious and leaves. He doesn’t know why. Days later he is invited to dinner at the h’s family home. When he gets there he finds out that the oldest sister, with whom he has a long standing crush, has invited her current boyfriend who happens to work with the H. During the meal the H over come with jealousy flings a meatball at the boyfriend. So embarrassing himself he leaves. Later he apologized to everyone. When the h and the H are called together for a transport of a newborn baby they realize they can work well together. Later they work together to put together a fundraiser to raise money to help the program at the hospital that helps returning veterans who experienced PTSD. The h’s sister is in the program. They are successful in their efforts and the H also realizes that the woman he loves is not the oldest sister but the youngest the h. They finally get their HEA.
Profile Image for Hilma.
596 reviews
August 2, 2024
Falling for my First Crush by Callie More is a book in The Cranberry Creek Book Club series and this time the book that is being read by the book club is Little Women by Louise May Alcott. And once again Callie More had made her story around a book and I loved how she does that. Each book in this series is a standalone, but is it also an interconnected series.

In this book Jackie finds out that her neighbor Joe is back in town. He was a part of her family for many years and she always had a crush on him, but he was in love with her sister. She thinks she is over him, and he thinks he still has feelings for her sister.

From the first I enjoyed reading this book, it has a nice flowing writing style and a dual POV. As Joe and Jackie get into a project to help another sister, their relationship shifts. Callie More touched beside romance, also a bit of the drama and angst one goes to being in the military and dangerous situations. Sabina, the one with a trauma, you can really feel for.

I loved how this story and the book that’s being read are woven into each other. This book feels like a sort of modern Little Women story. The ending was a bit rushed, but all in all Falling for my First Crush is a sweet romance story, a story I enjoyed and I can’t wait to read more books in this series, and I am very curious which book will be read then.
Profile Image for Sheri Bolinger.
355 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2024
The Lits are back! This time we get to see if Jackie will get her HEA! So, Jackie, a maternity nurse but one who floats where she is needed also, is reunited with childhood best friend and family friend of all her older sisters, Joe. Joe is back in Cranberry Creek as a firefighter after having served in the Navy and then out west fighting wildfires. Having been gone for over 10 years he is surprised to see this grownup version of Jackie and to hear of Sabina's tramatic brain injury incurred during her second tour of duty. As Joe, Jackie and her sisters all reunite and deal with some pretty heavy issues, which Callie More handled very well throughout this whole book, we see differing views of struggles, both mental and emotional. We get to see two very clueless people try to figure each other out 😄 and who care about the people around them and we see the Lits in action once again as they relate a book to real life. They also step in and help support a great cause and their amazing friend. I absolutely love these books. Thanks so much for writing these! I love them!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
531 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2024
The Little Women of Cranberry Creek

So this is another book in the Cranberry Creek series which is set around a group of friends who have a book club. Each book in the series is dedicated to one of the greatest friends and the book they read in book club mimic their life - sometimes they realize it and sometimes they don’t.

I found that I liked this book less than the others in the series. However the scene where Joe was launching a meatball across the table had me DYING of laughter!

I think that this book had several things about it that made me not like it as much as the others in the series.

First, it took until Chapter 17 before Joe starts to think of Jackie as more than Maia’s little sister and his friend.

Second, I found Joe to be kinda an ass about the whole situation. He even knows that he’s using Jackie in a way to see Maia as he comments about how he feels guilty for it.

Third, and finally BAM! The ending. Of course everyone knows what the ending is going to be but the book was only 20 chapters (and an epilogue) long so to go 17 chapters with nothing to 3 chapters and I love you was too fast.

3 stars
Profile Image for Shell.
133 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2024
As a kid, Jackie fell in love with her neighbour and family friend, Joe, but he’s always been in love with her sister Maia. Now Jackie is a nurse, and Joe has just moved back to their hometown of Cranberry Creek working as a firefighter. The two keep running into each other and Jackie tries to convince herself that she doesn’t still have a crush on Joe. This book is inspired by ‘Little Women’, which Jackie’s book club reads and discusses during the novel.
These characters were real. The author didn’t shy away from detailing their negative emotions like petulance, self-centeredness, and jealousy, which are completely normal human emotions and reactions. Unfortunately this made the characters less likable for me. They felt immature. Jackie couldn’t decide if she liked Joe or not, but kept getting annoyed with him when he mentioned her sister. Joe initially thought it would be okay to spend time with Jackie in the hopes that it would lead to spending time with her sister. Regardless, they had good chemistry and both had a cute “I think I’m in love with him/her” realisation when talking to friends.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,126 reviews30 followers
August 9, 2024
Falling for my First Crush by Callie More had multiple storylines that added layers to the story. Jackie and Joe, along with her sisters, were friends growing up. He left town when he joined the military and they lost touch. When he returns to their small town as a firefighter things take an interesting turn.

Jackie’s always had a crush on him but he’s only had eyes for her older sister. Is he reconnecting with Jackie just to get closer to Maia? There are some twists and turns to the story as well as a multitude of characters and Joe’s foster dog. The story has a good flow and is told by Jackie or Joe’s point of view in alternating chapters.

This clean small town romance is filled with family and friends, a book club, jobs and careers, injuries, some darkness and a caring community. There is some closure and a happily ever after but the ending was rushed and we didn’t get to savor the love and how it was revealed. This is the only book I’ve read in the series but will return for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Millsieey.
164 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2024
Oh, how I love Cranberry Creek and the book club girlies. This is another excellent book by the wonderful author Callie More. This is the second book by Callie More I have had the pleasure of reading, and More certainly delivered again. I love how each book in the series focuses on one of the book club girls but still incorporates interactions with "The Lits."

This book delved into some heavy topics, which I felt More handled with love and care. I would love to learn more about the Moretti sisters in another book—maybe a sneaky spin-off series about them. 😉

My only criticism of this book was the ending. I felt it all came to a head within a few sentences, and then the book was more thoroughly wrapped up in the epilogue. I would have loved another chapter exploring Joe's realization of his feelings for Jackie and delving into that a little more before declarations of love were made. Overall, another enjoyable read in the Cranberry Creek Book Club Series by Callie More.
350 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2024
Is a sweet small town, friends to lovers, age gap romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ----- “Cranberry Creek knows how to hold on to people or draw them back. It inspires loyalty." ----- "Listen when she wants to talk. Be a presence, no matter what.” ----- the best things in life- those things really truly worth attaining- are worth working for; sometimes even waiting for. ----- if you aren’t actively trying, you’re already failing. ----- We all grow and change, and that does have an impact on all the relationships in our lives. That doesn’t mean that the impact has to be perceived in a negative way.” -----
Who is Joe in love with Maia or Jackie?
What is Julius up to? What is Maia up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Jackie and Joe's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books and can't wait to read her next book.
Profile Image for Janine.
1,056 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2024
4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

A really enjoyable read, and a great addition to this series!

For all his life experiences, Joe starts off a bit oblivious, but once he realises some truths, at least he doesn't waste any time going after what he wants.

Jackie is dealing with a lot, and I appreciated how this story highlighted some of the difficulties military veterans face. Some difficult topics are addressed in a brilliant way, and I loved how Joe and Jackie are working on a way to help Sabina and other veterans battling like her.

As with the other books in this series, I enjoyed how the book club book had similar themes to the FMC, and I loved how this helped Jackie to deal with a lot of the situations in the book in a better way, and used what she learned while reading to help with her personal growth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
541 reviews8 followers
August 11, 2024
I love reading Callie More's books. She sends me through several emotions throughout the book. There is happiness, then sad, then made, then happy again.

Jackie - nurse - youngest of 4 sisters - crush on Joe from childhood until now.

Joe - Firefighter and former best friend to all the sisters and wanted to be with Maia, still had a crush on her.

Sister's Best Friend
Childhood Crush
Friends to Lovers
Small Town

It has been 10 years she Jackie had seen Joe. They reunite at the hospital that she works at. Joe is there to volunteer with the Wounded Veterans program which Jackie's sister Sabina is a participant. The reunion with Jackie didn't Jonas he had planned. He was hoping that they were the type of friends that could go back to being the way they used to be and just go on. Jackie is hesitant due to him cutting all communication from her and her entire family.

Who will Joe choose Maia or Jackie? What will Jackie do if he chooses Maia? Will she continue her paining lessons to control her stress?
Profile Image for Alexis Rios.
34 reviews
August 6, 2024
What happens when your childhood crush, who happened to be in love with your older sister, comes back to town after so many years? This is what Jackie has to answer when she sees Joe back in town. Does she still feel the same? Does he? Adulting is hard when it comes to dealing with old and new feeling of the heart.

Great story about Jackie and Joe. Liked all the characters and details of the story. It had a little of everything. First time reading this author and won’t be the last. Really like that this small town story revolved around a nurse and a firefighter something different and honorable. Really liked the mention of what happens when our hero’s come back home and what can help. Also really liked that main fmc was in a book club and to read about their meeting and now in intrested in reading Little Women. Overall great and cozy read.
Profile Image for J Williams.
258 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Jackie is a nurse and youngest sister of her four sisters. Maia, is the oldest and her best friend is Joe. Jackie has a crush on Joe while Joe has feelings for Maia. Joe left town 10 years ago joined the military then was fighting fires before he finally returned home. Jackie and Joe meet again at the hospital where Jackie works as a OB Nurse. Jackie also works supporting veterans as one of her sister's Sabina suffers from an injury. Joe and Jackie end up meeting again while they both are there to help with veterans. I will be honest I liked Jackie more than Joe because she was kind and deserved to have someone love her and not use her to get to her sister. Joe is slow on the uptake, I wanted to smack him a little so he would realize a lot quicker that Jackie was the one for him.
Profile Image for Ineta.
1,195 reviews11 followers
August 9, 2024
One more book in Cranberry Creek Book Club Series. Love the way how these stories are made around the Book Club books. This time the book is Little Women. It is always very interesting to read how they find similarities between book and their real lives. The best part of the story.
Loved Moretti sisters' story, their history with Joe. And especially Jackie's irritation with him (he only ever had eyes for Maria). As they work together for organizing Fallen Soldiers Tribute fundraiser and all their ups and downs.
This Author's books always feels like home because of Cranberry Creek community, many other familiar characters, Book Club's friendship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for HEATHER.
1,191 reviews18 followers
July 31, 2024
This was the first book I have read by Callie More and I had a good time reading it. This book has some sensitive subjects so make sure you read trigger warnings. I really enjoyed Jackie and Joe's story. They were friends back in the day and now they get a chance to get to know each other again. I felt like the characters and story were well written. I liked how she compared the sisters in this book to Little Women. This was a quick read that will leave you smiling at the end. I would definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading more of her books.

Thank you Callie More for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,228 reviews14 followers
August 1, 2024
TRIGGER WARNING: Deals with complications during labor as well as the aftermath for some active duty veterans.

Each book can be a standalone however the characters are interconnected and show up throughout the series. This is book 5. She's the youngest of four girls and has grown up to be a nurse. He's returning after serving in the military and is now a firefighter. The storyline resembles the classic Little Women with a modern twist. I enjoyed this story even more than the others. Hopefully there's more interconnect books about the extended characters coming.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
Profile Image for Elly Christmas.
116 reviews
August 6, 2024
This Cranberry Creek Book Club is about Jackie and her childhood crush Joe. He has recently come back to Cranberry Creek. It has been 10 years since he left. Joe came back thinking and believing he was still in love with Jackie's sister Maia. But after seeing and spending time with Jackie. Joe realizes feeling just like people change.

This was a cute reconnecting love story. Jackie and Joe were apart for 10 years. They both do soul-searching and realize they love each other. This was just as the other Cranberry Creek Book Club books a wholesome quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Berta Greenleaf Richardson.
1,210 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2024
The two MCs are so sweet. Jackie has been in love with an older friend of the family. As for Joe, he thinks he is still in love with his childhood friend Maia, Jackie's older sister. This book also delves into our wounded warriors back from war, all the trauma, PTSD, and depression that is taking so many of their lives. So along with the lighthearted second chance love story, there is a heavier issue that people need to be aware of and help others with. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
August 1, 2024
She is a trauma nurse and he is a firefighter
She had such a crush in him as a teen, but he dated her sister.
She is so stressed and a friend tells her she needs to paint to relieve the stress - and it works!!!! They meet up often in the hospital - she still has a crush and he still likes her sister. He won’t believe her when she tells him her sister is in a serious relationship!! This seriously a great book. Loved it!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own
Profile Image for Trina Jones.
2,692 reviews38 followers
August 2, 2024
This was a great book. I enjoyed this story. It was a steamy romance page turner and the suspense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. Jackie and Joe were childhood friends. It was a sweet moment between them was there some feelings going on between them in this moment. Was rekindled there friendship will let to romance love affair.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
1,349 reviews13 followers
August 3, 2024
I love all things Callie More, and this does not disappoint! Jackie is currently working as a nurse; as a teenager she had a crush on Joe Lawrence but he liked her sister Maia. Jackie finds out that Joe is back in town after being in the Military. He is working as a firefighter, and volunteers at the Veteran program. Is Joe still into Jackie's sister Maia, or is he over her? Could he notice Jackie, and all her hard work? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Callie More!!!
1,207 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading Falling for my First Crush, I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to keep reading so I could see what was going to happen next. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone, so I won't go into details. Please read the book blurb for some information about the book. I recommend reading this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
1,938 reviews11 followers
August 3, 2024
I enjoyed reading this story. Jackie has known Joe since she was 11, and also crushed on him since then. After being away for years, Joe is back. He’s a firefighter and she’s a nurse. They reconnect on an emergency run with a newborn to the NICU in a nearby hospital. Is Joe still enamored with Jackie’s sister and is Jackie’s crush really gone? Read this story to see. Great storyline and characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for MyBookNest7.
193 reviews
August 6, 2024
I always love my visit to Cranberry Creek and it never ceases to surprise me that each visit is a tiny bit better than the last time! As much as I was looking forward to this story, I am beyond glad that it has made exactly as happy as I expected. I loved that despite all the time it takes Joe to see what has always been in front of him, we get to see him finally get there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,201 reviews
August 18, 2024
This is an entertaining and humorous story that pulls you in from the start and holds your attention to the finish. The storyline is intriguing as the story elements unfold. The characters are well written with each of them having depth to their personalities. The dialogue is fun witty banter that is laugh out loud on several occasions. I enjoyed this book. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie Juhl.
1,409 reviews12 followers
August 19, 2024
Falling for my First Crush was another great book by Callie More. It is book 5 of the Cranberry Creek Book Club Series. This is the story about Jackie and Joe is about two childhood friends reuniting. Joe sees a grown up version of Jackie and its kind of funny seeing the mixed signals throughout the book. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
947 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2024
Sweet, heartwarming story.

A super sweet and heartwarming story with Jackie and Joe, two highly motivated and caring individuals, who were childhood friends. I was thoroughly entertained by the loving and caring characters and the depth of this beautiful story. I highly recommend this book.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,092 reviews37 followers
August 13, 2024
A sweet, small town, friends to more romance between a nurse and firefighter that will quickly draw you in. These wonderful characters are relatable and realistic. The book is entertaining, heartwarming and easy to read. A lovely story about growth through struggles. A wonderful read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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