Marrying the Mechanic

Summer Creek #7

by Shanna Hatfield

A heartwarming journey of love, growth, and the bonds that tie hearts together even when life leads down unexpected paths. Mechanic Jace Easton grapples with the sudden changes happening around him. His younger sister, Tassie, has always relied on him, but now she’s off traipsing around the globe with the prince of her dreams. As Tassie prepares to step into her future, Jace is confronted with the harsh truth that she has matured, and so has her best friend, Deena. The deepening attraction he feels for Deena—a pull that becomes increasingly difficult to ignore—leaves him further unsettled and struggling to accept his new reality.

Deena Durant may earn her living welding farm equipment, but her true passion lies in crafting metal sculptures. Alongside her artistic dreams, she clings to the hope that Jace might eventually see her as more than his sister’s friend. Until then, she conceals her feelings and does her best to encourage him as everything familiar shifts into unchartered territory.

When Jace and Deena work together to help Tassie’s dreams come true, will they discover their own path to true love?

Marrying the Mechanic is a celebration of unexpected love, personal growth, and the power of relationships in a wholesome, small-town romance.

Genres: Inspirational, Romance

411 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

About the author

A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.

In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield

Reviews

[Vicki F · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you realize your sister's best friend is all grown up? That's exactly what Jace thought when he saw this gorgeous woman approaching him then realized it was Deena. The Deena he had watched grow up with his little sister. Delve into Marrying the Mechanic by Shanna Hatfield to see what romance can develop.

Released Oct. 24th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace’s little sister has grown up and is in love with Prince Eli from Briden. How could this be? Will she come back home from her visit to Briden to stay with him in Summer Creek, so she can continue to help him run their farm and the convenience store with his mechanic shop on one end? He CANNOT run it without Tassie! No way! And what’s up with Deena. Tassie’s best friend, acting, and looking so grown up? How could this BE? They were just little girls playing in the creek, riding horses, just a couple of years ago, weren’t they? Jace was four years older than Tassie, and remembers the day his Mama came home from the hospital with her and placed her in his arms. She was so pink, and she was HIS baby sister. Their Dad had passed away and their Mama died when Tassie was still real young. He was doing his best to keep them from being separated when old, grumpy acting Great Uncle Mel showed up and took both of them to his home in Summer Creek. They knew he came to love each of them very much, even with his grumpy disposition. He took them to church, fed and clothed them, and gave them his home to make as their own. Now, he would never wish to live any other place other than Summer Creek. But, he was lonely. He’d try to date, but one date with the girls, always wearing fake nails, fake eyelashes, just turned him off. Now, Deena had caught his eye when she stopped to help him when the u-joint went out on his old clunker of a truck and he was stranded on the side of the road. She had a dress on, instead of her welding clothes, and her hair was long and beautiful, not hiding behind her welding hood. Wow! He had about come to terms with Tassie being an adult, but little Deena, too!?! He couldn’t take his eyes off of her as she drove him to town to get the part he needed and drive him back out to his truck. After that day, all he could think of was Deena. That she was grown! That she was beautiful and kind! Deena had been in love with Jace ever since she and Tassie became friends in elementary school!! There wasn’t anyone she felt like this about, but Jace! But Jace still didn’t know it. Would he ever realize? Deena wasn’t just the local machine shop owner, along with her Dad, keeping the family company going, but she loved welding parts together and making beautiful sculptures. When Tassie comes flying back home, with Prince Eli, after meeting his parents, and touring their small country of Briden, they announce their engagement and impending marriage-in his country. Tassie will be Princess Tassie Granville! Jace and Deena are thrown together for Tassie’s sake, to help her pack and do all that was involved with her getting ready to move, Jace finally realizes how perfect he and Deena are together, as a couple. As they fly to Briden together and are thrown into a winter wonderland, Jace can’t stand it any longer. He knows he is in love with Deena…I can’t spoil any of the rest of this amazingly fantastic book, but there’s SO MUCH MORE to know! Please get this book for yourself! I think it may be Shanna Hatfield’s best book ever, I am on her ARC team, and this is my honest opinion! 🙏♥️🙏♥️

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

*"Marrying the Mechanic" by Shanna Hatfield**

I have had the pleasure of reading numerous books by Shanna Hatfield, and I eagerly anticipate diving into more of her works in the future. Her stories consistently bring me immense joy, primarily because of her well-crafted characters and the undeniably charming small-town romances she portrays. Each narrative unfolds in a way that feels both sweet and inspiring, capturing the essence of love and life in a heartwarming manner.

The themes woven throughout her books often encompass family bonds, the warmth of friendship, the exhilaration and trials of romance, as well as the inevitability of heartbreak and the enduring power of love. Additionally, there are subtle threads of faith incorporated into the stories, such as moments of characters praying over meals or attending church services, which add depth to the overall experience. One aspect I particularly appreciate is how Hatfield emphasizes the significance of family and the irreplaceable role they play in our lives.

In "Marrying the Mechanic," we are invited on a poignant journey filled with love, personal growth, and the unbreakable connections that tie hearts together, even when life takes unforeseen turns. At the centre of the story is Jace Easton, a talented mechanic who is grappling with a whirlwind of changes surrounding him. His younger sister, Tassie, has traditionally relied on him for guidance and support. However, with her newfound independence and adventurous spirit, she is now traipsing around the globe with the prince of her dreams, preparing to step into a new chapter of her life. This transition forces Jace to confront the reality that Tassie has matured and changed in ways he did not foresee.

Complicating matters further is Jace’s growing awareness of his deepening feelings for Deena Durant, Tassie's best friend. Deena is not only a skilled welder, earning her living by working on farm equipment, but she also possesses a hidden passion for art, specifically in crafting stunning metal sculptures. As Jace finds himself increasingly drawn to Deena, he struggles with this attraction, which feels unsettling against the backdrop of all the changes he is experiencing. The emotional tension between them becomes an obstacle he must navigate as he comes to terms with his new reality.

Meanwhile, Deena harbours a strong hope that one day Jace will see her in a different light—a yearning that she keeps tucked away beneath layers of encouragement and friendship. As she supports him through these tumultuous times, she also grapples with her feelings, longing for the moment when their friendship may blossom into something more.

Together, Jace and Deena join forces to help make Tassie’s dreams come true. As they collaborate and spend time together, they begin to explore their own desires and aspirations. Ultimately, will they be able to carve out their own unique path to true love amidst the changes swirling around them? Their journey promises to be filled with heartwarming discoveries and tender moments as they navigate their newfound feelings in the backdrop of a close-knit community.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are about to change in a most dramatic way for small town mechanic and convenience store owner Jace Easton. First, he accidently encounters his childhood friend Deena Durant and for the first time he doesn't see her as the little girl he chums around with as a youth, but a lovely, attractive and very much grown-up young woman. Poor Deena has pined after Jace her entire life but he stubbornly only sees her as the best friend of his own sister, Tassie. That is the second problem to unsettle his routine! It seems Tassie has fallen in love with, good grief, a prince! Eli is that prince and he is hopelessly in love with Tassie. Orphaned at an early age, Jace has always protected and taken care of Tassie and is struggling to realize she is to be married and move with Prince Eli to the tiny European kingdom of Briden. Deena's occupation in the tiny community of Summer Creek is the professional welder of all things. She is certainly good at it but her real artistic talent is creating and fabricating metal art sculptures. When it becomes known of this incredible talent, she suddenly is in great demand throughout the area. With the two most important people in his life maturing with prominence, he feels lost. When sister Tassie invites many in Summer Creek to her royal wedding in briden, including Jace and Deena, it finally sparks growing romantic feelings between them. Can Jace overcome his feelings of inadequacy and realize Deena is the one for him? This is romance # 7 in the author's superlative Summer Creek series. This reviewer would be remiss if he didn't highlight some of the wonderful characters from previous stories. If I could choose a fictitious place to live it would be Summer Creek! It is everyone's idyllic small town. On the surface it seems entirely ordinary, quaint and sleepy, But, where can you meet a world class New York Chef, a genuine royal princess, a billionaire developer, a young lady in the witness protection program, a cowboy married to a former juvenile delinquent who has turned historical developer and savior of sleepy little Summer Creek, and the town mascot, who is a goat, and eats anything? I hope this little review has spurred interest in reading Marrying the Mechanic and the rest of the matchless Summer Creek series.

[Tayler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

"Marrying the Mechanic" is an undeniably sweet small-town romance that brings a charming, low-drama love story to life. The book focuses on the developing relationship between two endearing characters, set against the backdrop of a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone’s business. The dynamic between the protagonists is cute, with a lot of tender moments that will make you smile, though the romance itself stays mostly on the sweet side with no real spice.

I appreciated the simplicity and warmth of the narrative, but I did feel the ending was a bit rushed. The pacing in the final chapters didn’t quite match the build-up from earlier in the story, and I would have liked a bit more time to fully savor the resolution of the characters’ journey.

All in all, Marrying the Mechanic is a perfect read for fans of low-angst, heartwarming small-town romances. It's not overly complicated, and while it might lack some intensity, it’s sure to leave you with a smile on your face. A delightful, no-pressure romance for a cozy afternoon read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marrying the Mechanic is the latest book written by the incredible writer, Shanna Hatfield. Every book I have read by her has been wonderfully written and attention holding, including this one. Mechanic Jace Easton is at a crossroads in his life. He is surprised the find how fast the years have passed and his little sister is grown, now off on her own adventures. Where do es that leave him? Add to that his little sister’s best friend, Deena has grown up too. Jace begins to see Deena differently but wonders if he should or what to do about it.

I love that Deena has a career that is different from what we usually read. I appreciate her confidence in work and enjoyed seeing her grow in other areas. These two are friends first which is a wonderful foundation for a relationship in real life. Inf fact, that is another love of this story that I have, these are everyday people, the kind you want to get to know. The kind that are easy to become invested in their story, then are rooting for them all the way. A great read from beginning to end.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to vacation in Summer Creek! Jace helped raise his little sister when they lost both parents and had to go live with their Great Uncle. He was a very protective and caring big brother—and that carried over to his sister’s little best friend, Deena. Deena is now a welder (taking over the family business) and artist. When Jace sees her dressed up he is totally blown away—she is no longer a tomboy and no longer a little girl—and causes feelings he doesn’t know how to handle! Little does he know that Deena has loved him as long as she can remember—and not like a brother! Shanna Hatfield weaves a sweet love story with friends that are like family, sleepy home towns and faraway places. You will see the sites and taste the cookies. Don’t miss this sweet, clean, inspirational story. This is a standalone book but you will want to go back and read the stories of the other characters you meet.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deena knew how to make her dreams come true.

Deena is a resourceful, brave, caring, and loving woman that knows what makes her heart tick….art welding and Jace Easton…only Jace doesn’t notice her, until the day he does. Jace has faced many losses and hardships in life and works hard to be a good man, but he’s loosing himself in the shuffle. His sister is marrying, his work is hectic, and Deena walks in to change his life.

Their journey to their future is filled with family, friends, happiness, romance, heartbreak, and love. It is a clean and wholesome romance. There is a small amount of faith elements (praying over meals or situations and attending church). I liked the emphasis placed on family and how much they mean to you.

I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this sweet story. I love the whole series. Jace and Deena are perfect for each other, if Jace would only realize it. Deena has been in love with him for years and Jace is oblivious. When he breaks down by the road, Deena pulls over to help and Jace can't believe his eye. Deena isn't just his sister's friend; she is a full-grown woman. When did that happen? Jace is dealing with the fact that his sister has fallen in love with a prince from another country and will be leaving him and their hometown. It has always been them and now it will be just him. He can't seem to wrap his head around that. Her fiancée is a great guy, but Jace just doesn't want to let go. Now, he has this attraction to Deena. Too many changes at once. Will Jace finally realize that he is in love with Deena? Will he let his sister go?

[Linda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the death of their parents, Jace Easton helped his uncle raise his sister, Tassie. Twenty years later, Tassie has found the prince of her dreams, Eli Granville, and Jace realizes she is not a kid anymore.

Deena Durant is Tassie's best friend. Deena has had a crush on Jace since she was four years old. Since Jace still sees her as a little girl instead of a grown woman, Deena believes she will never marry.

Marrying The Mechanic is the seventh book in the Summer Creek series by Shanna Hatfield. This contemporary story contains not one but two romances. Not only does the author return to this small town and all its beloved citizens, but she also takes us for another royal visit to the country of Briden. I loved it!

I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace and his sister, Tassie had lost their parents when they were young and moved to Summer Creek, OR to live with their uncle. He has since passed away so it's only the two of them now. Tassie has met a prince and fallen in love. Jace has always taken care of her. He is depressed that she'll be marrying and moving to Briden with her prince. Deena and Tassie have been best friends since they were kids. Deena has always loved Jace, but he always saw her as Tassie's friend. He runs into Deena one day when she is dressed for a baby shower. Deena is a welder and is always wearing coveralls and a helmet. When Jace sees her dressed up, he realizes that she's grown up. They start to date and draw closer, but Jace doesn't want to stand in the way of her growing career. He's "just a mechanic" and she has a great future ahead of her. Such a great book with great characters.

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet small-town romance that included appearances by the neighborhood goat. Deena had been in love with Jace for so long that she despaired of ever having her feelings returned, but she found herself unable to move on to someone else. Jace only ever saw Deena as the young girl that was best friends with his sister Tassie, but all of a sudden, Jace is forced to realize that Tassie and Deena are all grown up, beautiful young ladies. And, just like that, his attraction for Deena explodes, and she is all that he can think about. I loved their developing relationship, their easy conversations, their star gazing, and their genuine care for each other that was shown in so many different ways. I laughed, I cried, and I really enjoyed the book!

[Cindy y · Rating 5 out of 5]

We head back to Summer Creek! This book is like a two-for-one because we not only get to see Jace and Deena's story, but we get to see Tassie and Eli - and the beginning of their HEA!
I loved Jace's transition from grumpy, harried business owner, his begrudging acceptance of Eli into Tassie's life (and his as well) to being the loving brother and boyfriend to Deena.
I also liked the depth of the characters - not just a "grease monkey", but Jace also does car restoration. Deena runs her dad's welding shop, but also makes amazing art with her welding.
The author weaves in the other characters in this series so we see updates on them, but it is done very naturally and not like we are recapping the other stories.

[Catherine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you mix the overwhelmed, run down mechanic with a stunning beauty who is talented, hard working and an amazing daughter? Well you will have to read Marrying the mechanic to find out! This story had so many elements to it, fun interactions, total awestruck moments, the annoying protective brother routine and a royal romance. I loved the interactions between Jace and Deena and the way they let themselves be vulnerable and therefore real with each other. Add in a meddling father, pushy friends and do they stand a chance? You’ll have to read this wonderful story to find out - I promise you, you’ll enjoy every minute. Best read in one setting so make sure you have plenty of time!

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great love story between Deana and Jace. They have known each other most of their lives. Jace thought of Deana as his younger sister's best friend. She had been in love with him as far back as she could remember.

He didn't realize she had grown into a beautiful woman, until she helped him when his truck broke down on the side of the road. Could this be the start of something good for them? Or would Jace continue looking at her like his little sister's best friend? You'll definitely want to read this story to see what happens. You won't be disappointed.

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Elaine Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful love story set in Summer Creek. Deena has been in love with Jace since she first met him at 4 years old, but he has a hard time seeing her as anything other than his sister's best friend. When he finally becomes aware that she is an attractive woman, all grown up, he can't stop thinking and dreaming about her. Their love story grows from friends to more with a little bit of fairy tale like magic when his sister marries a prince and they all fly to Briden for a Christmas wedding. Shanna writes such wonderful, believable characters that I feel if I met them on the street I would know them. This is the best Summer Creek romance yet.

[Wilma Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful addition to the Summer Creek series deserving the 5+ star rating. Jace and Deena are great characters and definitely belong together. So much going on in this book. It takes awhile for Jace to realize Deena has grown from a child into a beautiful woman. Deena is absolutely lovely. She is a woman doing a job that is considered by many to be a man’s job. She rocks in the profession and takes it further to make works of art. It was exciting to make a trip to Briden during the Christmas season. It was wonderful to see characters from prior books and see where their lives are. It is so much fun to play catch up with everyone.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, romantic tale of love. It felt like a Hallmark movie. I liked the characters of Jace and Deena who had been friends for years because Deena was best friends with Jace's sister, Tassie. It was fun to watch their attraction and their budding romance with many ups and downs as true love finally found its way into both of their hearts. I enjoyed reading about Tassie and her prince, Eli as everyone traveled to Briden to attend their royal wedding. I also enjoyed reading about the sculptures Deena welded together. This was such a sweet and heartfelt story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Mitchy Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer Creek series is my favorite series from this author. In Marrying the Mechanic, the story focuses on the wedding of Tassie and Eli who met in an earlier novel. Deena and Jace, who have known each other since childhood, begin their journey from friends to falling in love. There are bumps and struggles along the way, but eventually love wins out. I love revisiting with all of the characters from previous books. Summer Creek is a fun and quirky town, and a place I would love to visit. I truly enjoyed this book. It is a very good hearted and happy story. I look forward to the next one in the Summer Creek series.

[Karen Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for the whole series

What can I say, I'm a sucker for good, clean romance books! I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the stories in the Summer Creek books! Sure, the stories are light and fluffy, which makes them just tight when you need light and fluffy! I love my WWII novels, and I love a book which makes you think, but at the same time, when you just want to curl up in a chair and meet some new people, Summer Creek is a great place to go on vacation! Plus you never have to worry about any cringey moments! I can't believe it took me this long to finally write a review! Keep them coming, fellow redhead Shanna!

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deena and Jace have known each other for about twenty years. She has been his sister's best friend, and in love with him, all that time. He looks out for her the same way he does his little sister. Sigh. Will he ever see that she has grown up?

The story was wonderful! It had me laughing out loud from the get-go, but there were some serious moments too. I loved the characters and was happy to see other couples from previous books in the series.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite series! This installment, that could be read as a standalone (although I don’t recommend it), was another favorite. This author captured the essence of the characters and brought them to life for me. It was so easy to picture the story going on around me. I was so invested in Deena and Jace’s romance that I cried and laughed, out loud, as I read. I was anticipating their union with bated breath. It was magical for me and left me with happiness in my heart. I highly recommend, if you seek a satisfying romance.

[Desiree Luhnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jace has had a lot of hurt in his life.He keeps his head down and keeps doing what needs to be done. He’s always protected his sister Tassie ever since their parents died, and her best friend Deena too. Now Tassie is gone and he’s doing the work of three people just trying to hold on. Deena’s had some hurts of her own to deal with as well. One being her love for Jace.
Family and found family, trust and letting go are all woven into this sweet story. I admit I may have shed a tear or two in the beginning but I promise there is a beautiful happily-ever-after at the end.

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace the town mechanic is a protective big brother and isn’t sure about his sister Tassies new relationship. Deena has been in love with her best friends brother forever. Both Jace and Deena work hard and have lots of responsibilities to their families. Deena has tried to open herself up to love but her love for Jace runs deep. When life makes Jace realize that his baby sister is grown and so is her long time best friend Deena, he takes a new look at how Deena has changed. This is a sweet, clean romance read with great characters!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace is running ragged since Tassie left with her prince for a short visit that has turned into over a month! Deena is Tassie's best friend and they keep texting each other, so she is more informed than Jace is over her absence. Deena has secretly loved Jace from afar since childhood and her father knows of her infatuation - can he finally see the light at the end of the tunnel? Shanna always writes a great story - this one will keep you entertained and unable to get anything done but read! I read a beta version and freely leave my opinion.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️




Jace y Deena se han conocido toda su vida, ya que ella es la mejor amiga de su hermana. Ella siempre tuvo un enamoramiento por él, pero él nunca la vio de esa manera hasta que un día ella lo salva de quedarse varado.

Me gustó que la relación se desarrollara poco a poco y que no todo girara en torno a eso, sino que también se centrara en ellos decidiendo qué hacer en el futuro con sus vidas, independientemente de si eran pareja o no.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marrying the Mechanic

Jace and Deena have a sweet story. Deena has had a crush on Jace since she was a child but she has always just been his little sister’s best friend to him. When Deena rescues Jace from being stranded while she is all dressed up for a special occasion, he notices her attractiveness. He doesn’t have time for a relationship with anyone since his sister has gone overseas with her boyfriend, Prince Eli. How can he have a relationship with anyone? Be sure to read their story.

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story

This is a sweet friend's to Lovers story with a little Princess Bride thrown in.
Deena and Jace have known each other for most of their lives. Jace was the oldest so he watched out for his sister and her best friend Deena, who had a crush on Jace for a long time. Jace saw his sister and Deena as little girls still, it wasn't until his sister fell in love and became engaged to a Prince. That's when he saw Deena in a whole new light.
Such a sweet story!

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Series

I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. I loved Jace and Deena’s story. These two were so meant to be together. She's his sister's best friend and she has loved him as long as she can remember. He's always thought of her as his kid sister's friend until he sees her in a dress and not her work overalls. I loved watching these two fall. Their story grabbed my attention from the beginning. A really great read.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Jace's turn to find love. But will he realize it? Can he let go of the fact that his little sister has found love with her Prince? When did she grow up and not need him anymore? Then, there's her best friend Deena who is an incredible welder and can build parts for the repairs he does as the towns mechanic. When did that little girl in welders coveralls become such a beautiful, feminine woman? So many changes in life, can he or will he keep up with those changes?