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Shelter in a Soldier's Arms / Donovan's Child
A PLACE TO STAY
Shelter—it was such a basic need, and one that single mom Ashley Churchill had always been able to provide for her little girl. Until her luck turned, and the only protection she could find was in her stony and taciturn boss, security specialist Jeff Ritter. Jeff warned he was only offering to share his home, not his life, and that suited Ashley just fine. She would make it on her own.
And yet, Jeff's broad shoulders were oh-so tempting to lean on, and in his arms, Ashley found a whole new kind of shelter—a home. But no matter how close they became, Jeff always barricaded a part of himself away. And Ashley wondered if he could ever allow himself to come in from the storm and find his own shelter…with her.
BONUS BOOK INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!
Donovan's Child by New York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer
Pain and loss had consumed the Donovan McRae that Abilene Bravo had known. She couldn't erase his past, but she just might be able to give him a future.
Shelter—it was such a basic need, and one that single mom Ashley Churchill had always been able to provide for her little girl. Until her luck turned, and the only protection she could find was in her stony and taciturn boss, security specialist Jeff Ritter. Jeff warned he was only offering to share his home, not his life, and that suited Ashley just fine. She would make it on her own.
And yet, Jeff's broad shoulders were oh-so tempting to lean on, and in his arms, Ashley found a whole new kind of shelter—a home. But no matter how close they became, Jeff always barricaded a part of himself away. And Ashley wondered if he could ever allow himself to come in from the storm and find his own shelter…with her.
BONUS BOOK INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!
Donovan's Child by New York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer
Pain and loss had consumed the Donovan McRae that Abilene Bravo had known. She couldn't erase his past, but she just might be able to give him a future.
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 30, 2014
54 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.5k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 31, 2017
2.5 for both stories. meh.
January 9, 2016
This is two stories in one book.
Shelter In A Soldier's Arms by Susan Mallery. Ashley Churchill cleans offices at night. She takes her daughter Maggie with her. She is working to put herself though college. Security Specialist Jeff Ritter gets a silent notice that someone is in his building when no one should be there. Jeff goes there to check it out. He noticed the little girl, Maggie, first. Maggie said her mama was sleeping. Jeff went to Ashley. He new she looked sick. He felt of her forehead. She has a fever and felt terrible. Jeff said he would take them home. He didn't figure she should drive in her condition. When they get to her place the apartment building is flooded. All the people go to a shelter. Next day the shelter call Jeff to let him know they can't keep her there since she is sick. Jeff takes her to his place. A lot goes on while they live with Jeff. A very good read.
Donovan's Child by Christine Rimmer. Donovan McRae is a famous architect. He is working on a building for children who don't have anyplace to go. After a fall from a mountain that puts him in a wheelchair he is looking for someone to be in charge of this new children's building. After loosing his son five years ago he stays in his house. Abilene Bravo goes to his place to help Donovan design the new building. At times he is mean to Abilene. Abilene tries to bring him out of his funk. She ends up falling in love with him. Donovan says he can't love anyone. He doesn't know how since his son died. A lot goes on in this book. A very good read.
Shelter In A Soldier's Arms by Susan Mallery. Ashley Churchill cleans offices at night. She takes her daughter Maggie with her. She is working to put herself though college. Security Specialist Jeff Ritter gets a silent notice that someone is in his building when no one should be there. Jeff goes there to check it out. He noticed the little girl, Maggie, first. Maggie said her mama was sleeping. Jeff went to Ashley. He new she looked sick. He felt of her forehead. She has a fever and felt terrible. Jeff said he would take them home. He didn't figure she should drive in her condition. When they get to her place the apartment building is flooded. All the people go to a shelter. Next day the shelter call Jeff to let him know they can't keep her there since she is sick. Jeff takes her to his place. A lot goes on while they live with Jeff. A very good read.
Donovan's Child by Christine Rimmer. Donovan McRae is a famous architect. He is working on a building for children who don't have anyplace to go. After a fall from a mountain that puts him in a wheelchair he is looking for someone to be in charge of this new children's building. After loosing his son five years ago he stays in his house. Abilene Bravo goes to his place to help Donovan design the new building. At times he is mean to Abilene. Abilene tries to bring him out of his funk. She ends up falling in love with him. Donovan says he can't love anyone. He doesn't know how since his son died. A lot goes on in this book. A very good read.
November 21, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed both of these stories! In Mallery's story, a down-on-her-luck single mom finds herself the recipient of her boss's kindness . . . but we soon realize that she's helping him as much as he's helping her. Jeff is a former soldier, now owner of a security firm who still puts his life on the line for his clients. He is emotionally scarred by his time in the military as well as by a failed marriage. But his attraction to AShley and her adorable daughter Maggie slowly shows him that he can heal and hope for more from his life.
In Rimmer's story, Donovan is broken but when Abilene shows up to work with him, she quickly realizes that the physical injuries are nothing compared to the emotional scars Donovan carries around. The more time she spends with him, the more she comes to care for him and wants to help him--but she doesn't even know what caused the scars let alone how to help him fix them. But she knows that her love is worth fighting for and worth trying so she refuses to give up.
I'm a dedicated Mallery fan, but am new to Rimmer. However, I'll definitely add her to my list of authors to watch for. She has a similar style and feel to Mallery and I love that the main character of this story was in a wheelchair but was still a strong, capable hero (if he could only overcome his mental anguish).
In Rimmer's story, Donovan is broken but when Abilene shows up to work with him, she quickly realizes that the physical injuries are nothing compared to the emotional scars Donovan carries around. The more time she spends with him, the more she comes to care for him and wants to help him--but she doesn't even know what caused the scars let alone how to help him fix them. But she knows that her love is worth fighting for and worth trying so she refuses to give up.
I'm a dedicated Mallery fan, but am new to Rimmer. However, I'll definitely add her to my list of authors to watch for. She has a similar style and feel to Mallery and I love that the main character of this story was in a wheelchair but was still a strong, capable hero (if he could only overcome his mental anguish).
June 30, 2017
Jeff was a soldier through and through but could helping Ashley and her daughter soften him enough to change his idea of who and what he was in Shelter in a Soldier's Arms.
Abeline was an up and coming architect who won an intership with her idol. When the project finally gets going she discovered a very changed and injured man who would rather had cancelled the project then deal with anyone but that was not what Abeline would accept and neither would she condone the outlook Donovan had on his life and future in Donovan's Child.
Both stories were very good and kept you wanting to read more.
Abeline was an up and coming architect who won an intership with her idol. When the project finally gets going she discovered a very changed and injured man who would rather had cancelled the project then deal with anyone but that was not what Abeline would accept and neither would she condone the outlook Donovan had on his life and future in Donovan's Child.
Both stories were very good and kept you wanting to read more.
October 29, 2021
Entertaining
Jeff and Ashley were an unlikely couple. Ashley worked for Jeff's company cleaning offices. When Ashley became sick and lost her apartment Jeff took in Ashley and her daughter. This is a feel good story wherein a strong woman who needs a break finds the love of her life.
Jeff and Ashley were an unlikely couple. Ashley worked for Jeff's company cleaning offices. When Ashley became sick and lost her apartment Jeff took in Ashley and her daughter. This is a feel good story wherein a strong woman who needs a break finds the love of her life.
September 6, 2020
4 stars for Susan Mallery’s story about a former soldier turned security specialist and a single mother working her way through college.
DNF Christine Rimmer’s story. I gave up after three chapters because the male character was so obnoxious.
DNF Christine Rimmer’s story. I gave up after three chapters because the male character was so obnoxious.
September 16, 2017
Cute Braincandy that was surprisingly sweet.
October 9, 2017
Only 'shelter in a soldier's arms. Loved it. A cute, sweet romance.
December 17, 2018
Soldier book was ok, DNF the second book. B
January 25, 2023
Both stories were amazing!!
May 30, 2015
Never have read a bad book by Susan Mallery.
I love this story about a single mother who is having a tough time and things can happen for the good in both her and her child's life.
Ashley Churchill is a single mom who works a full-time job at night and attends college classes during the day. She has a gorgeous little 5 year old daughter named Maggie.
The book starts out that Ashley has fainted to to having the flu while she's at work cleaning the office's of Ritter/Rankin Security. Her daughter had the flu the week previously and she has contacted it now. Ashley brings Maggie to work with her while she cleans at night. She makes her up a pallet on a couch in the office for her to sleep while she cleans. The arrangement was working out just fine, until she fainted. Maggie had woke up looking for her mommy.
Because Ashley needs to be out of the building at a certain time or the alarm will go off silently alerting Jeff Ritter owner of the security office. Maggie sets off the alarm and Jeff gets the information alert in his car. He sets off to check out the problem at his building and meets Maggie. She leads him to her mommy and tells him; "her mommy is sleeping.
Well this is when Ashley comes too and she see's him. He knows she's burning up with fever. He tells her he owns the building and she now fears that she will lose her job for bringing Maggie to work with her. Jeff tells Ashley he's taking her home because she's too sick to drive. When they get to her apartment events happen that Ashley winds up going to a shelter with her daughter because they can't stay in her apartment because of a water main break.
Ashley get's to the shelter with Maggie and falls into a feverish slumber because of her being so sick and the director can't seem to get her to responds she call's Jeff Ritter because she finds his card in Ashley's jacket.
Jeff Ritter comes to the shelter and brings both her and Maggie into his home to stay while she get's better.
This is where the fun begins. Jeff is so set in stone that nothing can penetrate his walls that he's build. It's a fun story to watch how a little girl can affect such a giant of a man such as Jeff.
One of the highlights of this read is reading how this Special Force Soldier can lower his guard enough to fix a little 5 yr old girls hair. Bow's involved people. I think if you read this story you may find yourself tearing up a time of two.
I love this story about a single mother who is having a tough time and things can happen for the good in both her and her child's life.
Ashley Churchill is a single mom who works a full-time job at night and attends college classes during the day. She has a gorgeous little 5 year old daughter named Maggie.
The book starts out that Ashley has fainted to to having the flu while she's at work cleaning the office's of Ritter/Rankin Security. Her daughter had the flu the week previously and she has contacted it now. Ashley brings Maggie to work with her while she cleans at night. She makes her up a pallet on a couch in the office for her to sleep while she cleans. The arrangement was working out just fine, until she fainted. Maggie had woke up looking for her mommy.
Because Ashley needs to be out of the building at a certain time or the alarm will go off silently alerting Jeff Ritter owner of the security office. Maggie sets off the alarm and Jeff gets the information alert in his car. He sets off to check out the problem at his building and meets Maggie. She leads him to her mommy and tells him; "her mommy is sleeping.
Well this is when Ashley comes too and she see's him. He knows she's burning up with fever. He tells her he owns the building and she now fears that she will lose her job for bringing Maggie to work with her. Jeff tells Ashley he's taking her home because she's too sick to drive. When they get to her apartment events happen that Ashley winds up going to a shelter with her daughter because they can't stay in her apartment because of a water main break.
Ashley get's to the shelter with Maggie and falls into a feverish slumber because of her being so sick and the director can't seem to get her to responds she call's Jeff Ritter because she finds his card in Ashley's jacket.
Jeff Ritter comes to the shelter and brings both her and Maggie into his home to stay while she get's better.
This is where the fun begins. Jeff is so set in stone that nothing can penetrate his walls that he's build. It's a fun story to watch how a little girl can affect such a giant of a man such as Jeff.
One of the highlights of this read is reading how this Special Force Soldier can lower his guard enough to fix a little 5 yr old girls hair. Bow's involved people. I think if you read this story you may find yourself tearing up a time of two.
February 24, 2015
Shelter in a Soldier’s Arms is by Susan Mallery. It is a great book and an easy read. It comes with a Bonus book by Christine Rimmer, Donovan’s Child. It too is a good book.
Ashley Churchill is working nights cleaning the officer of Ritter/Rankin Security. She goes to school during the day and takes care of her little girl. She can’t afford a babysitter so she brings Maggie with her and she sleeps while Ashley cleans. There is no one in the building but her so no one knows about Maggie. That is until one night, Ashley is sick and while she is cleaning, she evidently faints and then falls asleep in the hallway. The next morning, Jeff Ritter comes to work early and finds Maggie and Ashley. When he wakes Ashley, she explains and hopes she doesn’t lose her job now that the boss knows about Maggie. What will she do if he fires her?
Jeff Ritter is a partner in the security business, a specialist in security and an ex-soldier. He has had experience with all kinds of evil people and adults in the security business. What he doesn’t have experience with is a blue-eyed little girl dressed in kitten pajamas and carrying a stuffed white kitten. She seriously told him to be quiet so her Mommy could rest. She worked hard and needed her rest. That is when Jeff sees Ashley sitting on the floor and semiconscious and running a fever. What is he to do with this little girl and her Mommy.
He then does something that is completely out of character for him and surprises everyone who knows him. He takes Ashley and her daughter home only to find her apartment is closed due to a flooding incident and the inhabitants are going to a shelter. He leaves his business card with Ashley in case she needs anything. A little while later, the shelter calls that Ashley is really sick and can’t stay at the shelter with everyone else. So, he goes and gets them and takes them to his house. This is the beginning of lots of complications for Jeff and Ashley.
Donovan’s Child is about Abilene Bravo and her fellowship with architect Donovan McRae. The fellowship had been put off for a year; but now he calls her. Why wait a year? What plans does he have for her? She finds the Donovan McRae she knew gone and a rude, dismissive person in his place. What happened to change him? Could he be changed back?
Ashley Churchill is working nights cleaning the officer of Ritter/Rankin Security. She goes to school during the day and takes care of her little girl. She can’t afford a babysitter so she brings Maggie with her and she sleeps while Ashley cleans. There is no one in the building but her so no one knows about Maggie. That is until one night, Ashley is sick and while she is cleaning, she evidently faints and then falls asleep in the hallway. The next morning, Jeff Ritter comes to work early and finds Maggie and Ashley. When he wakes Ashley, she explains and hopes she doesn’t lose her job now that the boss knows about Maggie. What will she do if he fires her?
Jeff Ritter is a partner in the security business, a specialist in security and an ex-soldier. He has had experience with all kinds of evil people and adults in the security business. What he doesn’t have experience with is a blue-eyed little girl dressed in kitten pajamas and carrying a stuffed white kitten. She seriously told him to be quiet so her Mommy could rest. She worked hard and needed her rest. That is when Jeff sees Ashley sitting on the floor and semiconscious and running a fever. What is he to do with this little girl and her Mommy.
He then does something that is completely out of character for him and surprises everyone who knows him. He takes Ashley and her daughter home only to find her apartment is closed due to a flooding incident and the inhabitants are going to a shelter. He leaves his business card with Ashley in case she needs anything. A little while later, the shelter calls that Ashley is really sick and can’t stay at the shelter with everyone else. So, he goes and gets them and takes them to his house. This is the beginning of lots of complications for Jeff and Ashley.
Donovan’s Child is about Abilene Bravo and her fellowship with architect Donovan McRae. The fellowship had been put off for a year; but now he calls her. Why wait a year? What plans does he have for her? She finds the Donovan McRae she knew gone and a rude, dismissive person in his place. What happened to change him? Could he be changed back?
March 24, 2016
Two stories in one: The first, SHELTER IN A SOLDIER'S ARMS, focuses on Ashley Churchill, single mother, struggling to keep her little girl safe and secure. She's working as a cleaner of a security firm when the flu knocks her down. The owner, Jeff Ritter, finds her nearly unconscious, and brings her home. After learning what she's been doing, he hires her as his housekeeper, but what starts out as a business arrangement becomes much more, in spite of Jeff's insistence that he doesn't deserve the protection he offers others.
The second story, DONOVAN'S CHILD, features an up-and-coming architecture student who wins a fellowship with the man whose work she has always admired. But the man Abilene thinks she knows has changed since a series of life-changing events have battered his body and his heart. Only after Donovan tells her about the son he lost does she begin to truly understand his pain. She's insistent on helping him come back to professional life. Will that mean she can break through to him personally? Or will his decision to say good-bye to her after assuring that she finds a place in a prestigious firm remain firm? Read and find out.
The second story, DONOVAN'S CHILD, features an up-and-coming architecture student who wins a fellowship with the man whose work she has always admired. But the man Abilene thinks she knows has changed since a series of life-changing events have battered his body and his heart. Only after Donovan tells her about the son he lost does she begin to truly understand his pain. She's insistent on helping him come back to professional life. Will that mean she can break through to him personally? Or will his decision to say good-bye to her after assuring that she finds a place in a prestigious firm remain firm? Read and find out.
July 12, 2016
Shelter in a Soldier's Arms is a story of strength, survival and compassion. Ashley is a single mother, going to college, working nights and battling the flu. Jeff is a former soldier who now runs a security company. He responds to an alarm at his office and finds a little girl walking in the halls and his night time custodian passed out on the floor. He takes them home only to discover that their home is flooded. Jeff saves them from being homeless by taking them to his home. He offers Ashley a job as his housekeeper. They spend time together and feelings grow between them and also for Ashley's daughter. Great story.
A bonus story by Christine Rimmer called Donovan's Child is included in this book.
Abilene is an apprentice architect and has won the chance to work with Donovan who is a famous architect. Donovan was involved in a climbing accident and is now in a wheelchair. He has become a mean, surly man battling his injuries and memories from a loss in his past. Abilene feels the need to help him get back to living while battling his attitudes. This is a well written story.
A bonus story by Christine Rimmer called Donovan's Child is included in this book.
Abilene is an apprentice architect and has won the chance to work with Donovan who is a famous architect. Donovan was involved in a climbing accident and is now in a wheelchair. He has become a mean, surly man battling his injuries and memories from a loss in his past. Abilene feels the need to help him get back to living while battling his attitudes. This is a well written story.
April 16, 2020
Shelter In A Soldier's Arms:
A total fairy tale come true. Ashley was taken in by Jeff. She cleans his offices at night. Unfortunately, her daughter gets her so sick she can't function properly. A few twists and turns later, they live with Jeff. He says he doesn't know how to love. I think it's he can't say the words. His actions speak louder than words.
Donovan's Child:
This story is a tear jerker. Abilene takes an intership type position with Donovan McRae. He is a rude, obnoxious man. He's isolated himself from everyone. Abilene pushes. They end up in bed. After awhile, he pushes her away. I laughed and cried with this book.
A total fairy tale come true. Ashley was taken in by Jeff. She cleans his offices at night. Unfortunately, her daughter gets her so sick she can't function properly. A few twists and turns later, they live with Jeff. He says he doesn't know how to love. I think it's he can't say the words. His actions speak louder than words.
Donovan's Child:
This story is a tear jerker. Abilene takes an intership type position with Donovan McRae. He is a rude, obnoxious man. He's isolated himself from everyone. Abilene pushes. They end up in bed. After awhile, he pushes her away. I laughed and cried with this book.
February 19, 2015
Great reads
I have read Susan Mallery before and have loved her Fool's Gold Series and Shelter in a Soldier's Arms was just as great. I had never read Christine Rimmer before but after reading Donovan's Child I will be reading more of her books.
I have read Susan Mallery before and have loved her Fool's Gold Series and Shelter in a Soldier's Arms was just as great. I had never read Christine Rimmer before but after reading Donovan's Child I will be reading more of her books.
December 5, 2015
Good book. But it was Donovan's Child that I really enjoyed. The narrator did a really good job.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews