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Shelter Bay #2
Едно лято
Бившият военен фотограф Гейбриъл Сейнт Джеймс e пристигнал да снима насватбата на най-добрия си приятел.
Ангажиментът е временно отклонение от по-голям проект по заснемането на природни обекти из цяла Америка и Гейбриъл няма намерение да се застоява в Шелтър Бей, докато в обектива му не попада младата и привлекателна ветеринарна лекарка Черити.
Самата тя не търси сериозна връзка, а спокойствие и възможност за самостоятелна лекарска практика. Но съдбата има други планове! Когато ексцентричната й майка се пренася при нея, за да преодолее поредното си любовно разочарование, създаването на сериозна връзка между Черити и Гейбриъл се превръща в нейна бойна задача.
Дали сватбените й планове ще се увенчаят с успех или това ще бъде поредното разочарование за романтичното й сърце?
Ангажиментът е временно отклонение от по-голям проект по заснемането на природни обекти из цяла Америка и Гейбриъл няма намерение да се застоява в Шелтър Бей, докато в обектива му не попада младата и привлекателна ветеринарна лекарка Черити.
Самата тя не търси сериозна връзка, а спокойствие и възможност за самостоятелна лекарска практика. Но съдбата има други планове! Когато ексцентричната й майка се пренася при нея, за да преодолее поредното си любовно разочарование, създаването на сериозна връзка между Черити и Гейбриъл се превръща в нейна бойна задача.
Дали сватбените й планове ще се увенчаят с успех или това ще бъде поредното разочарование за романтичното й сърце?
248 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
118 people are currently reading
879 people want to read
About the author
JoAnn Ross
238 books800 followersNew York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross has written over a hundred novels for a bunch of publishers. Two of her titles have been excerpted in Cosmo and her books have also been published by the Doubleday, Rhapsody, Literary Guild, and Mystery Guild book clubs.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 23, 2011
I enjoyed another Shelter Bay story. Charity meets Gabriel St James while he is taking wedding photographs at his buddy Cole's wedding, she finds him attractive but he's leaving.
She later finds out through friends that Gabe is an ex-marine award winning war photojournalist. Charity moved to town almost two years ago after she called of her high-profile wedding. She has been busy setting up her veterinarian practice and shelter and is a pro in making people adopt pets. She hasn't dated at all. She comes from her family where her parents had serial marriages so she thought carefully with her head about her's but still made a mistake.
Two things happen, her mother comes home crying that her husband may be a liar and she meets Gabe again when on his way out of town he comes across a dog being abandoned and injured. Gabe has no interest in roots, he tries to keep himself aloof even in his photographs. He was a sullen teenager with alcoholic parents and the camera saved him. He tried the marriage route that didn't work out. He has no plans of staying tries hard to resist taking the dog but Charity hoists him on her and even convinces him to stay for the camp that is organized for foster kids.
There is another story-line with an angry foster kid Johnny and his sister Angel who the system has separated. Their mother was not mentally sound.
I enjoyed the book how Charity and Gabe start a no-strings thing but you can see it is deeper. My problem was mainly that at one point in the starting Gabe's problem with PTSD was implied but then never talked about again.
But if you like small-town stories with good characters you should read this.
Rating 3.5
She later finds out through friends that Gabe is an ex-marine award winning war photojournalist. Charity moved to town almost two years ago after she called of her high-profile wedding. She has been busy setting up her veterinarian practice and shelter and is a pro in making people adopt pets. She hasn't dated at all. She comes from her family where her parents had serial marriages so she thought carefully with her head about her's but still made a mistake.
Two things happen, her mother comes home crying that her husband may be a liar and she meets Gabe again when on his way out of town he comes across a dog being abandoned and injured. Gabe has no interest in roots, he tries to keep himself aloof even in his photographs. He was a sullen teenager with alcoholic parents and the camera saved him. He tried the marriage route that didn't work out. He has no plans of staying tries hard to resist taking the dog but Charity hoists him on her and even convinces him to stay for the camp that is organized for foster kids.
There is another story-line with an angry foster kid Johnny and his sister Angel who the system has separated. Their mother was not mentally sound.
I enjoyed the book how Charity and Gabe start a no-strings thing but you can see it is deeper. My problem was mainly that at one point in the starting Gabe's problem with PTSD was implied but then never talked about again.
But if you like small-town stories with good characters you should read this.
Rating 3.5
June 8, 2011
I really enjoyed returning to Shelter Bay. What can I say, I love these small town romances, and Ross really excels are writing them.
July 29, 2011
I'm such a ho for JoAnn Ross. She's one who can go from the sweet, small town romance to the alpha military hero without blinking an eye. I know that a lot of people didn't absolutely love her High Risk series, but I admit to lapping them up like a slobbering drunk.
I have to say, though, I do love the way Ross writes small town. Smart people, just a teeny tiny bit of the crazy in them, and lots of friendship and love to go around. The secondary characters were terrific, adding all the support to the hero and heroine. I adored that Charity and Gabe both were so supportive of the foster care camp, and that Charity felt so strongly for the kids and fell in love with a pair of siblings and chose to adopt them.
Gabe is a Marine photographer, and acts every inch of the hard Marine when he's facing off in an uncomfortable situation. As he got to know Charity, he softened until he was a ball of goo. I loved watching him fall for her. He loosened and opened up like a flower in bloom. I loved watching Charity manipulate him into keeping the rescued dog and helping out at the camp, and pretty much anything else that she wanted. He was so easily maneuvered.
Charity was already much more open to a relationship, although she had her own baggage. I enjoyed watching her relationship with her mother grow and come to a place of understanding. I really liked how both these characters evolved, which was why when Gabe still denied that he was in it permanently I wanted to smack him upside the head.
Ross, however, doesn't make us or Charity suffer too much, as Gabe only makes it 2 hours before he comes groveling back. Full of awesome.
A crusty hero with a squishy marshmallow center, and a competent, smart, sexy heroine. What more can you ask for?
Rating: 4.25 out of 5.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Lori.
I have to say, though, I do love the way Ross writes small town. Smart people, just a teeny tiny bit of the crazy in them, and lots of friendship and love to go around. The secondary characters were terrific, adding all the support to the hero and heroine. I adored that Charity and Gabe both were so supportive of the foster care camp, and that Charity felt so strongly for the kids and fell in love with a pair of siblings and chose to adopt them.
Gabe is a Marine photographer, and acts every inch of the hard Marine when he's facing off in an uncomfortable situation. As he got to know Charity, he softened until he was a ball of goo. I loved watching him fall for her. He loosened and opened up like a flower in bloom. I loved watching Charity manipulate him into keeping the rescued dog and helping out at the camp, and pretty much anything else that she wanted. He was so easily maneuvered.
Charity was already much more open to a relationship, although she had her own baggage. I enjoyed watching her relationship with her mother grow and come to a place of understanding. I really liked how both these characters evolved, which was why when Gabe still denied that he was in it permanently I wanted to smack him upside the head.
Ross, however, doesn't make us or Charity suffer too much, as Gabe only makes it 2 hours before he comes groveling back. Full of awesome.
A crusty hero with a squishy marshmallow center, and a competent, smart, sexy heroine. What more can you ask for?
Rating: 4.25 out of 5.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Lori.
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October 19, 2014I love Ross's older work but I think I've just outgrown the small town kitsch she seems to be writing these days. Still a fantastic author - this book just didn't work for me.
August 29, 2016
3.5 stars.
October 23, 2020
A Shelter Bay novel in which veterinarian Charity Tiernan spots the photographer at the wedding of a good friend and concludes he doesn't look happy. He isn't. Gabriel St. James, recently mustered out of the Marine Corps, but ever a Marine, is only taking pictures of the happy couple because it's his best friend's and buddy's wedding, not that he's into the happy-ever-after vibes of the event.
But rather than leave, he soon discovers some of the magic of Shelter Bay after he saves an abandoned dog from being run over, takes him to Charity's clinic and loses his heart to her--though he's not clear about that loss yet. Or at least he refuses to acknowledge it.
Charity has her own issues about marriage, punctuated by her walking out of her own wedding two years eariier; but a one-night stand for sex only with the emanently-sexy Marine is something she might enjoy, and boy howdy, does she. However, complications begin to pile up when Charity's mother shows up, convinced that her sixth (or is it seventh?) husband is cheating on her. Then there's the camping activity that Gabe gets roped into, where he meets and recognizes himself in one of the foster boys there who is determined to protect his little sister. But how can he do that when his mentally ill mother suddenly shows up?
With these and other issues to deal with, simply loving each other isn't the only thing these two engaging characters have to deal with. And, as Charity anticipates, Gabe decides to continue his trip around the country to the last three of the states in which he's supposed to take pictures: now that he's captured key scenes in Oregon and 46 other states, all that he has left is Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. But leaving now represents the kind of loss he never expected to endure. Can he tolerate that?
Charity, too, is broken by Gabe's decision to leave and finally decides she'll give him two weeks. Happily for her, it doesn't take Gabe that long to realize his mistake, encouraged by a challenging encounter by the boy who so reminds him of himself. A worthy read for anyone looking to imagine themselves in situations rife with humanity, family, and numerous kinds of love.
But rather than leave, he soon discovers some of the magic of Shelter Bay after he saves an abandoned dog from being run over, takes him to Charity's clinic and loses his heart to her--though he's not clear about that loss yet. Or at least he refuses to acknowledge it.
Charity has her own issues about marriage, punctuated by her walking out of her own wedding two years eariier; but a one-night stand for sex only with the emanently-sexy Marine is something she might enjoy, and boy howdy, does she. However, complications begin to pile up when Charity's mother shows up, convinced that her sixth (or is it seventh?) husband is cheating on her. Then there's the camping activity that Gabe gets roped into, where he meets and recognizes himself in one of the foster boys there who is determined to protect his little sister. But how can he do that when his mentally ill mother suddenly shows up?
With these and other issues to deal with, simply loving each other isn't the only thing these two engaging characters have to deal with. And, as Charity anticipates, Gabe decides to continue his trip around the country to the last three of the states in which he's supposed to take pictures: now that he's captured key scenes in Oregon and 46 other states, all that he has left is Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. But leaving now represents the kind of loss he never expected to endure. Can he tolerate that?
Charity, too, is broken by Gabe's decision to leave and finally decides she'll give him two weeks. Happily for her, it doesn't take Gabe that long to realize his mistake, encouraged by a challenging encounter by the boy who so reminds him of himself. A worthy read for anyone looking to imagine themselves in situations rife with humanity, family, and numerous kinds of love.
August 23, 2018
I went looking for a breezy end of summer read. As I often do, I chose One Summer for the book cover. . . wrap around porch, Adirondack chairs, window boxes overflowing with flowers, all overlooking the seashore. Five stars for designer Mimi Bark who read the descriptions of the veterinarian's clinic/home then illustrated it to a 't'.
This was my first read by author JoAnn Ross. One Summer is the second in the Shelter Bay series. I have not read book one, and, One Summer can stand on it's own. I get Ms. Ross'es support for our military veterans, but characterizing, almost without exception, every adult male in the book as combat veteran is a little much considering the setting is not, nor near, a military installation. The book is also fairly doggy. But, since the main character is a small animal doctor and runs a no kill shelter, the ubiquitous canines get a pass.
I enjoyed picturesque Shelter Bay community and meeting its assorted shopkeepers, residents, and visitors. The story line is okay, occasionally interesting, but also drug at times. The conclusion is abrupt and fairly unbelievable.
I'll probably look for book three in the series to see what else is happening along the Oregon coastline in Shelter Bay.
This was my first read by author JoAnn Ross. One Summer is the second in the Shelter Bay series. I have not read book one, and, One Summer can stand on it's own. I get Ms. Ross'es support for our military veterans, but characterizing, almost without exception, every adult male in the book as combat veteran is a little much considering the setting is not, nor near, a military installation. The book is also fairly doggy. But, since the main character is a small animal doctor and runs a no kill shelter, the ubiquitous canines get a pass.
I enjoyed picturesque Shelter Bay community and meeting its assorted shopkeepers, residents, and visitors. The story line is okay, occasionally interesting, but also drug at times. The conclusion is abrupt and fairly unbelievable.
I'll probably look for book three in the series to see what else is happening along the Oregon coastline in Shelter Bay.
January 29, 2018
This is the story of Gabriel St. John and Charity Tiernan. Charity is the vet in the town of Shelter Bay and Gabe is in town for the wedding of a fellow Marine. Gabe is a world class photojournalist who is traveling all the states to take pictures for a new book. Gabe has shut himself off from people until he meets Charity who decides to take a chance on him. Throw in some foster kids who need support and you have a feel good story with some humor. The book was a quick easy read.
September 11, 2012
One Summer A Shelter Bay Novel by Joann Ross
Charity is starting over again after walking away from Ethan before they married. She's a veterinarian in Shelter Bay, Oregon.
Gabriel St. James is back in town after going across the US taking pictures for a job. He's traveled easily in the pull behind the truck mobile home. He's a world famous photographer and also an ex Marine.
There are other subplots with Charity's mother and others in town. Also Johnny and his sister Angel who are once again at a foster home. Their mother was locked in a mental institution and they are going from home to home.
They had met at the wedding of their friend.
She talks to him when they go out for a meal, on the beach.
She tells him of the foster camp, Camp Rainbow and she tries to talk him into volunteering as she plans to do.
When the fire breaks out it brings them all together but death follows...
Love the place this is located and the things in the area, very well described. Hot steamy sex just adds to this book and now I can't wait to get the other ones n this series!
Charity is starting over again after walking away from Ethan before they married. She's a veterinarian in Shelter Bay, Oregon.
Gabriel St. James is back in town after going across the US taking pictures for a job. He's traveled easily in the pull behind the truck mobile home. He's a world famous photographer and also an ex Marine.
There are other subplots with Charity's mother and others in town. Also Johnny and his sister Angel who are once again at a foster home. Their mother was locked in a mental institution and they are going from home to home.
They had met at the wedding of their friend.
She talks to him when they go out for a meal, on the beach.
She tells him of the foster camp, Camp Rainbow and she tries to talk him into volunteering as she plans to do.
When the fire breaks out it brings them all together but death follows...
Love the place this is located and the things in the area, very well described. Hot steamy sex just adds to this book and now I can't wait to get the other ones n this series!
July 22, 2011
Really great book! As good as the first one in the series. Now I can't wait for the next one. This book as a little slower pass then the books I have been reading lately but one you get into it, the slower pace gives you time to get to know Gade and Charity. They are great together and handle each other well. I love that they call the rescued dog mutt almost the hole book. I wanted that to be his name but they do name him close to the end. They ending is heart warming and just fills you with the love these to have well after Gabe gets his head out. I must read series.
June 20, 2011
I do love the way Ross writes small town. Smart people, just a teeny tiny bit crazy, a crusty hero with a marshmallow center, and a competent, smart, sexy heroine. Full review to come.
September 13, 2011
What a fantastic read. You do not want to miss this one.
February 5, 2017
Whether summer, spring or any season of the year, this is a nice, delightful read. Makes you want to date all over, which shows how encapsulating the story is.
July 3, 2017
Author: JoAnn Ross
First published: 2011
Length: 389 pages
Setting: Contemporary. Shelter Bay, Oregon.
Sex: Explicit. Infrequent.
Hero: Former Marine Photographer.
Heroine: Veterinarian.
Trigger: Stories of children in foster care, not having an easy time.
Trigger: Stories of mentally unwell mother abusing her children.
Includes: excerpt from On Lavender Lane
It was fine. There was nothing particularly wrong with it but it also wasn’t overly exciting. It was a perfectly good read.
It was one of those books that could easily have been more. It could have been meatier. The characters could have been better explored. The “suspense”fun motivator with Johnny and Angel could have had substance.
It just didn’t.
It was a nice enough romance with a nod to a military background and difficult childhood for our Hero, but… yeah.
I read it. I enjoyed it. It could have been better.
2.5 stars. Rounded up. It fits well enough into the series.
Shelter Bay:
Book 1 The Homecoming - Sax Douchett and Kara Conway
Book 2 One Summer - Gabriel St. James and Charity Tiernan
Book 3 On Lavender Lane - Lucas Chaffee and Madeline Durand
Book 4 Moonshell Beach - J.T. Douchett and Mary Joyce
Book 5 Sea Glass Winter - Dillon Slater and Claire Templeton
Book 6 Castaway Cove - Mac Culhane and Annie Shepherd
Book 7 Christmas in Shelter Bay - Cole Douchett and Kelli Carpenter
Book 8 You Again - Meghann Quinn and Adam Wayne
Book 9 Beyond the Sea - Conn Brennan and Sedona Sullivan
Book 10 Sunset Point - Tess Lombardi and Nate Breslin
High Risk:
Book 1 Freefall - Zach Tremayne and Sabrina Swan
Book 2 Crossfire - Caitlin Cavanaugh and Quinn McKade
Book 3 Shattered - Kirby Campbell and Shane Garrett
Book 4 Breakpoint - Dallas O'Halloran and Julianne Decatur
References:
Author's website: http://www.joannross.com
Author on w’pedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JoAnn_Ross
(ISBN 9780451234001)
-CR-
First published: 2011
Length: 389 pages
Setting: Contemporary. Shelter Bay, Oregon.
Sex: Explicit. Infrequent.
Hero: Former Marine Photographer.
Heroine: Veterinarian.
Trigger: Stories of children in foster care, not having an easy time.
Trigger: Stories of mentally unwell mother abusing her children.
Includes: excerpt from On Lavender Lane
It was fine. There was nothing particularly wrong with it but it also wasn’t overly exciting. It was a perfectly good read.
It was one of those books that could easily have been more. It could have been meatier. The characters could have been better explored. The “suspense”fun motivator with Johnny and Angel could have had substance.
It just didn’t.
It was a nice enough romance with a nod to a military background and difficult childhood for our Hero, but… yeah.
I read it. I enjoyed it. It could have been better.
2.5 stars. Rounded up. It fits well enough into the series.
Shelter Bay:
Book 1 The Homecoming - Sax Douchett and Kara Conway
Book 2 One Summer - Gabriel St. James and Charity Tiernan
Book 3 On Lavender Lane - Lucas Chaffee and Madeline Durand
Book 4 Moonshell Beach - J.T. Douchett and Mary Joyce
Book 5 Sea Glass Winter - Dillon Slater and Claire Templeton
Book 6 Castaway Cove - Mac Culhane and Annie Shepherd
Book 7 Christmas in Shelter Bay - Cole Douchett and Kelli Carpenter
Book 8 You Again - Meghann Quinn and Adam Wayne
Book 9 Beyond the Sea - Conn Brennan and Sedona Sullivan
Book 10 Sunset Point - Tess Lombardi and Nate Breslin
High Risk:
Book 1 Freefall - Zach Tremayne and Sabrina Swan
Book 2 Crossfire - Caitlin Cavanaugh and Quinn McKade
Book 3 Shattered - Kirby Campbell and Shane Garrett
Book 4 Breakpoint - Dallas O'Halloran and Julianne Decatur
References:
Author's website: http://www.joannross.com
Author on w’pedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JoAnn_Ross
(ISBN 9780451234001)
-CR-
July 25, 2018
Gabriel St. James, former Marine war photographer, has been asked to take photos of his fellow soldier's wedding when he sees an intriguing young woman. Christy is a guest at the reception who notices the good looking guy taking pictures. But she is on her way out the door because as the town's veterinarian she has an early surgery scheduled early the next morning. Fate brings these two back together when Gabe rescues a dog who is in need of medical attention.
Part of this story focuses on children who are in foster care and get separated from their siblings. Since Gabe had a rocky childhood as the son of two alcoholic parents he identifies with other kids who come from dysfunctional home situations. He has worked for years to make himself stop feeling emotions - as a neglected child and as a soldier serving in war zones. Will he be able to overcome the barriers he built around himself so he can give and receive love?
Part of this story focuses on children who are in foster care and get separated from their siblings. Since Gabe had a rocky childhood as the son of two alcoholic parents he identifies with other kids who come from dysfunctional home situations. He has worked for years to make himself stop feeling emotions - as a neglected child and as a soldier serving in war zones. Will he be able to overcome the barriers he built around himself so he can give and receive love?
August 25, 2024
Когато бившият военен фотограф Гейбриъл Сейнт Джеймс пристига в градчето Шелтър Бей, за да снима сватбата на най-добрият си приятел, в плановете му не влиза да се застоява, особено да се влюби във ветеринарната лекарка. Но съдбата си знае работата.
От своя страна Чарити не търси сериозна връзка, особено след провалената й сватба.
Но една среща ще промени всичко... а не трябваше да е повече от летен флирт.
Освен любовната история, в книгата авторката вмъква и темата за деца лишени от родителска грижа, но е описана по начин да не натоварва читателя. "И след всяка буря, идва слънце." Това важи определено за двете деца, чийто живот е разказан в книгата.
История за любов, за трудните моменти и как след всичко преживяно отново щастието ни спохожда.
Това е първата ми среща с авторката и определено мога да кажа, че книгата се нарежда сред любимите ми.
От своя страна Чарити не търси сериозна връзка, особено след провалената й сватба.
Но една среща ще промени всичко... а не трябваше да е повече от летен флирт.
Освен любовната история, в книгата авторката вмъква и темата за деца лишени от родителска грижа, но е описана по начин да не натоварва читателя. "И след всяка буря, идва слънце." Това важи определено за двете деца, чийто живот е разказан в книгата.
История за любов, за трудните моменти и как след всичко преживяно отново щастието ни спохожда.
Това е първата ми среща с авторката и определено мога да кажа, че книгата се нарежда сред любимите ми.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2023
good GOD ...what the hell is going on with Goodreads today (and the error codes are for so many reasons ...wonder if any1 else is having issues??! gur!!) ... geez!! such a pain ...i wonder if authors know what readers go through when reviewing their books ...the website is not acting right and keep getting a error code ...i don't have all damn day for this ... sorry to complain but you gotta understand. so through my local library leaning program ...i got several books from JoAnn's collection ... 6 total ...these first four from this series ...and 2 from other series' ... so which will i pick as much favorite .... this is not the book cover i read ...i rather prefer the one i did. what a pain ...i always look for the one i read but don't often find it on Goodreads.
April 4, 2025
One Summer by JoAnn Ross is a feel good romance that stays with you. It’s about passion and two people finding their way back to love in a town that feels like home.
What I loved:
The slow-burn romance that feels organic.
The depth of Gabe’s character—he’s not just another brooding hero.
Charity’s unwavering kindness, which makes her truly special.
The rescued dogs that serve as a beautiful metaphor for healing.
What could have been better:
A little more unpredictability would have made the plot even stronger.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you love small-town romances with emotional weight.
Read my full review at https://www.tusharmangl.com/2025/04/o...
What I loved:
The slow-burn romance that feels organic.
The depth of Gabe’s character—he’s not just another brooding hero.
Charity’s unwavering kindness, which makes her truly special.
The rescued dogs that serve as a beautiful metaphor for healing.
What could have been better:
A little more unpredictability would have made the plot even stronger.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you love small-town romances with emotional weight.
Read my full review at https://www.tusharmangl.com/2025/04/o...
June 27, 2025
This overlaps with the first book, The Homecoming. Gabriel St. James, former marine, war photographer, has agreed to do the photographs for his friend, Cole, and his bride, Kellie, in Shelter Bay. During the wedding, he meets Charity Tiernan, local veterinarian, who has an extraordinary way of persuading people to adopt pets. And Gabe runs into that force when he rescues a dog outside of Shelter Bay, and tries to leave it with Charity. And somehow, instead of going on his way to Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii, doing a photograph journey of the states, he stays in Shelter Bay, gets roped into working with Charity at a camp for foster kids. A secondary story is about Johnny and Angel, two of the foster children at the camp. Great story.
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October 25, 2016Former Marine photojournalist Gabriel St. James was in Shelter Bay, OR to take wedding pictures of fellow sniper scout Cole Douchett. Gabe was out of the Marine's after taking pictures in Iraq and Afghanistan when he was diagnosed with PTSD and sent home. He was an excellent photographer and had won a Pulitzer Prize. He wasn't enjoying himself taking wedding photos and it was noticed by the town veterinarian. He wasn't given her name but she mentioned to him that it was OK to enjoy himself. Then she was called away to deliver some puppies at her clinic that needed assistance.
Gabe didn't think he would see her again but as he was heading out of town toward Washington, he witnessed someone tossing out an abused dog from their van. The dog's collar got caught and he was drug a bit. Gabe picked up the dog, looked up the nearest vet and as luck would have it, it was the clinic run by Charity Tiernan. Charity came to town after calling off her wedding in Chicago. She had spent a summer vacation in Oregon as a child and she returned due to the memories. Gabe showed up with the dog and she talked him into returning the next day to keep for awhile as she had no room for the dog in her full shelter clinic.
She went into town the next day and ran into Adele Douchett. She had symptoms of Alzheimer's but unlike Alzheimer's, she wouldn't get worse and she might get better. She had fallen and hit her head. Adele left home to get some yarn and ended up forgetting what she left home for and didn't remember how to get back home. Charity helped her without being judgmental about her condition. Adele was very appreciative of Charity's help. They went to the local bakery to get a couple of cupcakes. Adele's husband had returned home by the time they were finished eating and came looking for Adele and took her home. Charity was envious of the love they still had for one another after years of being married.
Charity's mother came to visit. She was married for the sixth time and came to stay with Charity while her husband was out of town. Amanda was worried that her husband was cheating on her but was afraid to ask him directly. She came to pout at Charity's place and to wait for him to get back home and come looking for her. She was excited when she overheard Gabe asking Charity out on a date.
Charity and Gabe ended up sleeping together, quite often. There were supposed to be no strings attached but they ended up falling in love. Charity admitted to Gabe after a time that the reason she had called off her wedding wasn't the fact that he was being sued for paternity of another woman's child but rather that her ex-fiancée had a vasectomy and hadn't told her. Charity had wanted a large family and they had talked about it numerous times. It was all a big lie.
Amanda couldn't locate her husband and was upset, thinking her marriage was over again. He went to Hawaii without her and she thought he was having an affair. He had gone to Hawaii to pick up a sailboat. He had left tickets for her to fly out and join him but she had been upset and left their house before he could call her and tell her where the tickets were. He found out where she went and sailed the boat to Shelter Bay rather than back home to Seattle and came to the yacht harbor to pick her up. She got over being mad when she realized what he was up to.
Charity talked Gabe into working at a camp for adopted siblings in town for a few weeks. Gabe was happy to extend his stay a bit. He was still planning on leaving for Washington after the summer was over. The camp was for siblings who were separated in the foster system to be able to spend a few weeks together during the summer. Two of those siblings were Johnny and Angel. Their mother had issues and was often complaining of hearing voices. She claimed she was protecting them from the devil and would often lock them up in closets without food. They were eventually taken from her and given to her mother. Their grandmother didn't want the two of them and they were turned over to the state and entered to foster system. That summer, their mother had found them and come to the camp. She set the cabin on fire that they were in and nearly killed them. She did end up killing herself. Angel's father came to claim her but quickly backed out of that situation when Angel ran away and due to her fits, he thought she might be crazy like her mother. She wasn't. It was just an act to keep her from getting adopted and permanently separated from her brother.
After the fire and their mother's funeral, Charity became a foster parent for the two of them. Angel had run from her father while they were waiting for the DNA test results and Gabe, Johnny, and Charity all went to get her from one of the caves near the camp and the coast. They got to her before the cave was buried as the tide was coming in.
It was a day or so later when Amanda's husband came sailing to the harbor and Gabe decided it was time to leave town. Johnny confronted Gabe as he was leaving and called him out for taking off. He left Gabe some pictures that he had taken during their time at camp and Gabe looked at them when he stopped soon after leaving town. In the pictures he saw himself looking at Charity in the same way that his friend, Cole, had looked at his new bride when he was taking the wedding photos. He realized that he was in love with Charity and he didn't want to leave her. He went back and proposed to Charity and they decided to attempt to adopt Johnny and Angel.
Gabe didn't think he would see her again but as he was heading out of town toward Washington, he witnessed someone tossing out an abused dog from their van. The dog's collar got caught and he was drug a bit. Gabe picked up the dog, looked up the nearest vet and as luck would have it, it was the clinic run by Charity Tiernan. Charity came to town after calling off her wedding in Chicago. She had spent a summer vacation in Oregon as a child and she returned due to the memories. Gabe showed up with the dog and she talked him into returning the next day to keep for awhile as she had no room for the dog in her full shelter clinic.
She went into town the next day and ran into Adele Douchett. She had symptoms of Alzheimer's but unlike Alzheimer's, she wouldn't get worse and she might get better. She had fallen and hit her head. Adele left home to get some yarn and ended up forgetting what she left home for and didn't remember how to get back home. Charity helped her without being judgmental about her condition. Adele was very appreciative of Charity's help. They went to the local bakery to get a couple of cupcakes. Adele's husband had returned home by the time they were finished eating and came looking for Adele and took her home. Charity was envious of the love they still had for one another after years of being married.
Charity's mother came to visit. She was married for the sixth time and came to stay with Charity while her husband was out of town. Amanda was worried that her husband was cheating on her but was afraid to ask him directly. She came to pout at Charity's place and to wait for him to get back home and come looking for her. She was excited when she overheard Gabe asking Charity out on a date.
Charity and Gabe ended up sleeping together, quite often. There were supposed to be no strings attached but they ended up falling in love. Charity admitted to Gabe after a time that the reason she had called off her wedding wasn't the fact that he was being sued for paternity of another woman's child but rather that her ex-fiancée had a vasectomy and hadn't told her. Charity had wanted a large family and they had talked about it numerous times. It was all a big lie.
Amanda couldn't locate her husband and was upset, thinking her marriage was over again. He went to Hawaii without her and she thought he was having an affair. He had gone to Hawaii to pick up a sailboat. He had left tickets for her to fly out and join him but she had been upset and left their house before he could call her and tell her where the tickets were. He found out where she went and sailed the boat to Shelter Bay rather than back home to Seattle and came to the yacht harbor to pick her up. She got over being mad when she realized what he was up to.
Charity talked Gabe into working at a camp for adopted siblings in town for a few weeks. Gabe was happy to extend his stay a bit. He was still planning on leaving for Washington after the summer was over. The camp was for siblings who were separated in the foster system to be able to spend a few weeks together during the summer. Two of those siblings were Johnny and Angel. Their mother had issues and was often complaining of hearing voices. She claimed she was protecting them from the devil and would often lock them up in closets without food. They were eventually taken from her and given to her mother. Their grandmother didn't want the two of them and they were turned over to the state and entered to foster system. That summer, their mother had found them and come to the camp. She set the cabin on fire that they were in and nearly killed them. She did end up killing herself. Angel's father came to claim her but quickly backed out of that situation when Angel ran away and due to her fits, he thought she might be crazy like her mother. She wasn't. It was just an act to keep her from getting adopted and permanently separated from her brother.
After the fire and their mother's funeral, Charity became a foster parent for the two of them. Angel had run from her father while they were waiting for the DNA test results and Gabe, Johnny, and Charity all went to get her from one of the caves near the camp and the coast. They got to her before the cave was buried as the tide was coming in.
It was a day or so later when Amanda's husband came sailing to the harbor and Gabe decided it was time to leave town. Johnny confronted Gabe as he was leaving and called him out for taking off. He left Gabe some pictures that he had taken during their time at camp and Gabe looked at them when he stopped soon after leaving town. In the pictures he saw himself looking at Charity in the same way that his friend, Cole, had looked at his new bride when he was taking the wedding photos. He realized that he was in love with Charity and he didn't want to leave her. He went back and proposed to Charity and they decided to attempt to adopt Johnny and Angel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2018
This is a new author for me and I am now a fan. The story is fun, interesting, romantic and is set in my home state. Gabe is an ex-Marine photojournalist and is in Shelter Bay taking pictures of his friend's wedding when he meets Charity. When Gabe rescues a dog that had been thrown from a car, he heads to the nearest animal hospital. Charity is the Vet there and ends up convincing Gabe to foster the dog.
February 13, 2023
The last chapter of this book made me cry..
And made me fall in love with Gabe...
The hard crusty outer shell that had always protected the hidden heart within, begins to flake off in bits and pieces... What's inside is something most women would cherish. Strong, protective, powerful in ways easy to see. The man sees a world through a different lens... Take Gabriel home with you tonight.
And made me fall in love with Gabe...
The hard crusty outer shell that had always protected the hidden heart within, begins to flake off in bits and pieces... What's inside is something most women would cherish. Strong, protective, powerful in ways easy to see. The man sees a world through a different lens... Take Gabriel home with you tonight.
September 11, 2019
You'll cry because you are sad, and then you'll cry because you are happy. What an emotional story filled with love, showing that people can overcome their pasts and find solace with others. Also, who doesn't like imagining a sexy Marine?
October 27, 2023
Love Heals Even the Hardest Hearts
I've read a lot of Jo Ann Ross' s books. Have loved them all, but this has to be one of my favorites. I especially loved how the author took very life altering situations and injected humor to create a wonderful story. I would highly recommend.
I've read a lot of Jo Ann Ross' s books. Have loved them all, but this has to be one of my favorites. I especially loved how the author took very life altering situations and injected humor to create a wonderful story. I would highly recommend.
February 28, 2018
She is a vet. Rescue puppies. Puppies and kids, gotta love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2019
Rounded up because I enjoyed the way Johnny tries to look out for his sister. Charity struck me as too good to be true, but I enjoyed lots of other relations that are depicted.
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July 11, 2020Great read right to the end
This book was a great read from beginning to end. It had me yelling at characters, smiling, laughing. I hope there is a continuation of this story.
This book was a great read from beginning to end. It had me yelling at characters, smiling, laughing. I hope there is a continuation of this story.
September 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The character development was good and it wasn't just gratuitous sex. I'd read more from her.
November 10, 2020
Marine photographer falls in love with a veterinarian
March 14, 2021
3.5***
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