Third Time's a Charm

by Jessica Ames, Delilah Kingston

After nearly thirty years of being everybody's everything, Paige Rhiann is finally learning to be herself. Trading her too-quiet house in Madison, Wisconsin for the sun-soaked shores of Dunedin, Florida seemed like the perfect escape from her empty nest—until local police officer Ben Alcott started showing up at at the exact right time.



Ben sees right through Paige's carefully constructed walls, past the woman who's convinced herself that her season for love is over. His patient persistence and gentle humor remind her of everything she's been missing, but after two failed marriages and years of putting everyone else first, Paige isn't sure she wants to open her heart again.



As fixing flat tires turn into lingering conversations at Honeymoon beach while they walk her golden retriever, Roxy, Paige discovers that maybe it's not too late for second chances—if she's brave enough to take one. But when old fears and fresh doubts threaten to pull her back into her safe zone, she must is protecting her heart worth missing out on what could be?

61 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2025

About the author

Jess Ames is “Mama” to nine, “Mimi” to four, “friend” to all, and an adequate wife. When she’s not writing or editing a book, you can find her hanging out with her husband and kids in “Farmburbia”, cooking, golfing, traveling, and of course… reading.

She’s knocking on the door of fifty, but has the sense of humor of a twelve year old and the body of a fifty-four-year-old (according to her fitness app).

Jess is living the dream of the little girl who wanted to be a writer when she grew up. They are both still waiting for that moment, so she’s writing in the meantime.

Reviews

[Korkoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life Doesn’t Stop When you are Middle Age -
The last thing on Paige’s mind when she moved to town was relationships, as she just wanted to start living for herself, but fate put a twist in her plans. Ben felt an attraction for Paige from the moment he met her, but realised she had her walls up, so he took his time getting to know her, so she could trust him. Spending time together brought Paige and Ben closer, which led to them embarking on a relationship. This is a sweet, emotional, slow build romance about exploring a second chance at love and living life to the fullest. I am sure you will enjoy reading this book just as much as I did.

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

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to learn more about Paige from Everything You've Ever Known in this sweet novela. It was a perfect end of the day read for me - one of those stories I couldn't put down until I finished it, and then I wished there was more. I now can't wait for Everything You've Ever Wanted - Jess Ames has quickly become a favorite author!

[Yinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet later in life romance: how it's okay to take your time in finding love while you're enjoying life. I especially like how patient and understanding Ben is to Paige and all he just wants is to be able to stand by her side.
A nice short read for lounging around outside on a balcony!