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Safe Harbors #3

Swing Vote

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He came to fly. She taught him to land.

Marc North, a former Cobra pilot, lost more than his career when an IED exploded; it shattered his plans for marriage too. After being dumped by his girlfriend and spending more than a year in rehab, all he wants is to fly again. And he gets his chance in a rural boomtown in southern Utah, where he partners with a combat buddy in a helicopter sightseeing business.

But Marc doesn't just find himself caught up in the thrill of flying again. He also gets pulled into the hotly contested local politics of the boomtown, thanks to his partner’s sister, the local election official.

At work, McKenzie Terkildsen struggles to keep control of a dangerously contentious election. At home, she shares the challenge of raising younger half-brothers with her older stepbrother. He complicates things by inviting a Marine buddy to stay with them while the two build a business together. As a council member takes liberty with facts and stirs the already caustic election brew, the last thing McKenzie needs is one more guy messing up her life—or her heart.

Books in the Safe Harbors Series
• A Change of Plans (#1)
• Torn Canvas (#2)
• Swing Vote (#3)
• The Widow and the Professor (#4)
• Whispers of Forever (#5)
• Rescue Me (#6) (Coming 2026)

Unknown Binding

First published September 30, 2017

140 people are currently reading
372 people want to read

About the author

Donna K. Weaver

95 books460 followers
USA Today best-selling and award-winning author - wife-mother-grandmother-Navy brat-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd-online gamer.

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5 stars
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58 (31%)
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11 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author 95 books460 followers
October 6, 2025
I'm biased. I know it. I love these characters, and I hope readers will too.

ETA--Listened to the audiobook again to refresh my memory as I begin Ike's happily ever after. You can listen to the audiobook for free on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/c/DonnaKWeave...
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,574 reviews89 followers
October 11, 2017
This heart-warming book handles a numbers of topics that give the reader something to chew on. Firstly the issue of wounded veterans and their struggles when they return from war. There is only so much family can do for these men and women, as ultimately they have to reach a point where they need to make new life choices, and it’s never easy. Mark finds a reprieve from stewing over the incident that almost destroyed his leg in the desert when his friend Ike persuades him to join him in starting up a venture. Moving to the small town Mark realises that adjusting to a new life with Ike, his sister Mackenzie, and two younger brothers Caleb and Noah, is not as simple as he at first thought. On arrival he is confronted with prejudice and denigrated before he even has a chance to make his mark in the new town. The attraction between Mark and Mackenzie is immediate, but both parties are cautious about moving forward, having had their fingers burnt. The second contentious subject being dealt with is that of prejudice in a small town. It never fails to amaze me that people will use anything as an excuse for prejudice, whether it is religion, race or in this case being a Newcomer or an Old-timer of the town. The tension between the two groups of people was palpable and led to disaster. On an inspirational note, the third area covered in this book is family and that one’s family doesn't have to be made up of blood relatives. Marc’s family has already formed a nucleus of friends who are closer than blood relatives, and Mackenzie finds herself being drawn into their midst together with her three brothers. Donna Weavers brings out once again that it isn't necessary to have bedroom scenes as a filler in a book, making this story one that can be read by most age groups. I loved the main characters in this story and the addition of the two young rascals kept it light with hilarious moments. Although this book is part of a series, it is a standalone and ends on a very positive note. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Pennie Morgan.
2,366 reviews10 followers
July 2, 2020
Oh my! This book is full of so many good feelings make sure you have time to finish it once you pick it up because you won't want to put it down once you start! The characters are very well written and you will be cheering them along the entire way. It is thought provoking and as the mother of a veteran it brought me to tears at times but it was well worth all of them. This is definitely a standalone since I have not read any of the others in this series and was not lost at all. I'm not going to give anything away other than to say I definitely recommend this one.

I have now had the pleasure of enjoying the previous books in this series and still deem this could be read (or listened to) as a standalone. This time through was enjoyed by me as an audible and the narrator was perfection and still brought me to tears with all the emotion I enjoyed the first time through. I still recommend it!

**Received this ARC for an honest review**
Profile Image for Lisa.
338 reviews18 followers
October 12, 2017
Swing Vote was one of those books that leaves you wishing there had been more and I mean that in a good way! It’s about family and not just conventional family. It’s about how we can become family even without being related. There are tender moments, laugh-out-loud moments, and sigh worthy moments. The two main characters, Marc North and McKenzie Terkildsen are believable, likeable, and strong. Their romance seems natural and develops over time. The book is part of a series, but Weaver provides enough backstory, so a reader really isn’t lost. I received an ARC; however, I also purchased the book. It’s a lovely, clean book I'll read again.
Profile Image for Nari.
1,275 reviews12 followers
October 11, 2017
This book is a story about finding your place and your own home. Marc has a strong family support system which has helped him get through the last two years of recovering from an injury caused by an explosion. Marc is ready to move on from recovering and become independent again. He moves to Canyonland Utah to start a business with his friend. Mckenzie has been trying to raise her two younger brothers since the lost of her parents. Her job as county recorder is difficult in a town being torn apart by the old timers and new comers fighting. Can Marc and Mckenzie find what they need in each other or will the friction in town pull them apart? I loved the relationships in Marc's family and their support. Mckenzie's younger brothers Caleb and Noah were fun to read about. Ike was a interesting character and I wonder if he will get his own story. Overall, this is a great book with romance and suspense.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,288 reviews35 followers
October 11, 2017
Swing Vote by Donna K. Weaver is a fantastic addition to the Safe Harbors series.

Marc is Lyn's younger brother (from Change of Plans) and part of the blended family created from the trauma of the events that occurred there.  I loved seeing the relationship between the various people I have gotten to know through these stories and seeing hints of where they are now and how they are doing.  The "family" video call was great - with tons of characters I've gotten to know and love through the series.

This story was very touching as well.  Both Marc and McKenzie were dealing with grief and the loss of parents and loved ones.  They were uncertain about trusting their hearts to anyone else, yet both showed deep love for their families.  (Lyn referred to Marc as "the baby whisperer" because of his ability to get her young daughter to relax enough to take a nap.)

The overall mood of the story is pensive and hopeful, with some suspense and some levity interjected but not overused.  As with other stories by this author, the novel was a poignant, emotional journey through the ups and downs in the lives of the characters.

I enjoyed reading about the small town politics and learning more about the dangers involved with Life-Flight missions.  Ike and McKenzie's young brothers were adorable.

Swing Vote was a great blend of realistic, relatable characters and a compelling story-line that drew me in and carried me along to the conclusion.

 This review was originally posted on Among the Reads

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for Bella.
693 reviews31 followers
October 10, 2017
Oh I LOVED this book! I completely fell in love with the hero from about the third page, but it's the heroine who truly stole my heart. Two more perfectly suited characters you couldn't wish for... But just how they figure it out for themselves is magical. I laughed, squeezed my Kindle tight, swore under my breath... held my breath! This is a well-written, enjoyable read that I didn't put down once I started it, and I'm sure you won't either! Safe Harbors #3 but a stand-alone HEA; no prior reading required.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,200 reviews15 followers
April 5, 2022
I listened to the audiobook on YouTube. I really enjoyed the narrator.

I was so glad Mark got his own book as well. He is such a good guy and deserved a HEA. Makenzie is another great character. I loved getting to know her and her family. I could easily see a spin off series including her friends. The crazy election and city contention was an interesting plot. Growing up in a small town and now living in a biggish city for my area I can understand a little of the feelings going on. I enjoyed how Mark and Mackenzie helped each other and grew closer together through their trials.
Profile Image for Lady The Owls.
389 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2017
Bravo! I loved the book the characters and how things developed. It was a great read and one I got caught up in. I love an author that can make me do that to were I want to be the main character or one of the friends. Master piece of work
Profile Image for BP34.
6,384 reviews48 followers
October 16, 2017
Wow, grab your box of Kleenex. A tear jerker with lots of emotions. No shortage of drama or suspense. People all struggling with loss in their own way. A love story about Marc and Mackenzie. Wow, this was a great story and it's hard not to fall in love with Mackenzie and Marc. I received an advance copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.
1,767 reviews10 followers
October 29, 2017
An excellent read. Love Marc North's story. Enjoyed it when the others face timed him and we got to see what was happening with everyone. Would recommend this book to everyone. The author did a great job of showing what it is like to come home after the war. Well done!
Profile Image for Jenny H.
544 reviews
October 11, 2017
I enjoyed Marc and McKenzie's story. The characters were great - well written and developed. The plot was great - well paced with drama and romance and healing. IT was sweet and heartfelt and romantic and enjoyable to read. This was a great addition to the Safe Harbors series, if you haven't read the other - pick them today. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
558 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It is a great story told in a clean and romantic fashion. I will recommend it to any and everyone!
Profile Image for Lis Carey.
2,214 reviews138 followers
October 13, 2017
Marc North and Ike Gordon are two ex-Marines who need to build new lives. Ike came home to a new life waiting for him; his father and stepmother died within weeks of each other, and his stepsister, Mackenzie Terkildsen, needs his help raising their two younger half-brothers, Noah and Caleb. He resigned his Marine career, and went home to Utah.

Marc, on the other hand, lost his Marine career to a devastating injury in an IED explosion. He didn't lose his leg, and defying expectations, he is walking well again. He's not alone; his sister Lyn was part of the cruise that was interrupted by a pirate hijacking, and he is now part of the extended, chosen family that formed out of the survival of that disaster.

But that doesn't give him a career, and both he and Ike need to work. They're helicopter pilots, and Ike's home town of Canyonland, Utah, is now a boomtown, with a new launch site and new industries. They join together to start a new business, giving helicopter tours of the picturesque and currently underserved area, for tourists and new residents alike. What Marc isn't prepared for is how tense the clashes between Newcomers and Oldtimers have made the small town politics they'll have to negotiate to get their business fully permitted and off the ground.

Once again, this is a story of people in conflict, and people coming together to form families and communities. Newcomers and Oldtimers have legitimate concerns, and both sides have their share of pig-headed idiots who don't think they should have to compromise because, obviously, they're right.

Mackenzie, as City Recorder, has to work with both sides and try to keep the peace, at least at City Hall.

The romantic storyline in this book follows Mackenzie and Marc. Marc had been, he thought, on the verge of becoming engaged to a girl in Georgia, Scarlett, before the IED changed his life. Then he got a Dear John letter from her while he was lying in a hospital bed still in doubt as to whether he'd walk again. Mackenzie got involved with a guy she thought she was falling in love with--but he couldn't handle becoming part of a ready-made family with two pre-teen boys to raise. They're both a little bruised--and Ike, with his love of practical jokes, and set up a doozie by giving Marc the impression that Mackenize, or "Terk" as he consistently called her, was another brother, not a sister.

It's a warm-hearted, pleasing book, with others from the Safe Harbors extended family making brief appearances. Not great literature, but a pleasant read.

Recommended.

I may have received a free electronic galley of this book from the author, or bought it. I don't recall, and am not quickly finding that information. In any case, I am reviewing it voluntarily.
Profile Image for MB.
29 reviews
January 24, 2018
Good good story

I enjoyed this book a lot. It began and continued a good story with good characters that quickly became your friends.
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,897 reviews40 followers
October 18, 2017
Romance, clean, fiction, series, but stand alone.
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but still a fun read. The setting, the small town political climate, the business, the way things came together for the couple after some initial awkwardness made for a fun read. The rescue and the heightened subsequent radio silence by the chopper made for some ffreat suspense. If you like some action with a bit of romance, along with some small town dynamics, this was a great read. DKW captures the small town setting so well. Short love interest conflict, but more awkward that real, and made for a nice foil for the H. Having read the other books in this series it was nice to see a quick visit from a few of the other characters in past novels. Not necessary to read those though. This was a nice continuation of the series, but in a totally different setting and place.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, and the gift in no way influenced my opinion.
Profile Image for Sherry Ellis.
Author 11 books509 followers
July 18, 2018
It isn't often that a substantial story is mixed into a romance novel. It's usually all about the relationship. But Swing Vote mixes several plot threads together to form a satisfying read. There's small town politics involving an upcoming election. There's a military Cobra pilot struggling with his disabilities after being wounded in action. There's two friends trying to start a business. And of course the romance, which is well-done and more than just two bodies coming together in the heat of passion.

The story is well-written with plot twists, action, and strong characters. Even though it is part of a series, it can stand alone. There is no sense that something is missing. Recommended for those who enjoy action and romance.
Profile Image for Yolanda.
247 reviews
February 25, 2018
This was a wonderful, feel good story. The characters in this story were so real, they made me want to hang out with them. The story line had some good twists and was believable. Donna Weaver held my interest throughout, from the interactions between Marc and Ike, and Ike’s young brothers, to the budding relationship between Marc and McKenzie. (Scott R. Smith did a great job with the narration of the audiobook. His voices for both male and female characters were all distinguishable and he brought the story to life. I would definitely listen to another audiobook he narrated.) I highly recommend this sweet romance!
315 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2018
Excellent!

Starting Over after injuries and after failed love affairs is not easy. You question your feelings and search the feelings of the people around you. Trying to chose your family. A very good book everyone should read.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews102 followers
September 5, 2018
New Beginnings

Marc has lived staying with his sister Lyn since his injury, but doing work with his is friend Ike seemed to make sense. But he was told about Trek (Mackenzie) he thought she was a guy until they meet in the kitchen in the dark. Good and bad but a wonderful story.
Profile Image for Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review.
2,421 reviews31 followers
October 11, 2017
It is always a pleasure to read books written by this gifted author. She has an engaging and mature writing style. Excellent story. Highly recommended.
12.8k reviews191 followers
October 25, 2017
Marc’s career is done when an IED blows up. It tough, he just want to be a pilot again. Just loved this book, kept me intrigued until the very end. Received an ARC.
2,328 reviews18 followers
October 30, 2017
A great read about Marc who was injured and is still recuperating from it years later and his Marine friend’s, Ike, step sister, McKenzie. Both have struggles with their past, Marc with his injuries and PTSD and McKenzie having to take on the mom roll when her mom and step dad passed away. She’s now raising and responsible for her two younger brothers and Ike has come home to help her while he comes up with a business plan to help his family out. Ike calls Marc to become his business partner and to set the ball rolling.
When Marc comes to stay with the family he can’t help but notice McKenzie and tries to get her to notice him in a romantic way. Unfortunately McKenzie with all the pressures around her, her brothers, her job, her past relationship, makes her wary of Marc and where it could lead.
A great read that is thorough and builds their relationship, becoming friends first and with Marc chipping away at her defences slowly. I loved Marc, he was sweet and kind and he had a great support system when it came to his family and friends. McKenzie was hot and cold towards Marc for a while and at times I wanted to shake her and her excuse didn’t make sense to me, Marc knows all the responsibilities she has including her brothers since he lives with them, so he understands and knows what family means. Otherwise a sweet romance with great action and suspense at the end that had my heart pounding, waiting to see how it all ends.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
Profile Image for Megan Hamsher.
81 reviews33 followers
April 13, 2019
Swing Vote is Book #3 in Safe Harbors series by Donna K. Weaver.
It's contemporary and a clean romance, although not Christian fiction.

One wounded but recovering former Marine.
One former Marine trying to figure out his role in family and business.
Two young boys looking for another male figure.
One stubborn gal who keeps all the boys in line.
And one community with Oldtimers vs Newcomers ...
But can they learn to be a true family,
and will the business actually be a success?

Marc, Ian, McKenzie, and the 2 young boys easily snuck into my heart and didn't want to say goodbye to them!
Hank, on the other hand .. let's just say he's part of the literal "trouble-making old crowd...."
Don't even get me started on Marc's "former girlfriend" - she was a real piece of work.

I loved how Marc's horrible experiences and struggles facing PTSD was able to help McKenzie.

Although I probably would have enjoyed the book a little bit more if I had read the previous books,
I didn't feel lost either.

I look forward to reading other books by Donna!
2,384 reviews12 followers
Read
May 14, 2021
5. Book 3: Swing Vote:5 stars
I received a free copy of the novel Swing Vote: Safe Harbor: Book 3 by Donna K Weaver and this review was given freely.
This is another excellent full length and action packed clean romance featuring medically discharged Marc who is recovering from the mental and physical effects of an IED explosion with the help of his extended unconventional family. Marc moves in with his ex-Marine buddy Ike's unconventional family in a town which is going through growing pain. The characters and the plot are complex. Irony, humor, action, intrigue, small town politics, family drama, realistic characters, brief updates on prior series couples, violence, and Marc and McKenzie's rocky romance make this a well-rounded must read with something for everyone.
1,507 reviews13 followers
June 14, 2024
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. After an IED injures Marc North’s leg and ends his military career, he moves to Utah to start a helicopter business with his friend. There aren’t many places to rent in their small town, so he ends up staying with his friend, his two young brothers and his sister, McKenzie Terkildsen who works for the town mayor and is raising her two young brothers since their parents died. She is gun shy after having one boyfriend leave her because of her responsibilities. Marc is in a similar situation because his girlfriend dumped him when he was injured. An uplifting story that’s worth reading. It explores working through hard situations and making the best of the situation.
Profile Image for Heather.
275 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2017
Great continuation of the series

I think my favorite book in this series has been about Jori, but this one is a great reunion of characters, and it was nice to get to know Marc. I love Southern Utah, so I enjoyed the setting. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, you’ll enjoy this book - but I’d still recommend reading the other books first. The other characters do make appearances, and you’ll enjoy those parts more if you have read their stories first.

Clean, with just some mild kissing. Some violence, but nothing too graphic.
1,353 reviews
October 14, 2017
Swing Vote is the third book in the Safe Harbors series. Marc's life fell apart around him after he got injured so bad that he lost his career and his plans for a future. His buddy gives him a chance to change his life. But starting over is harder than he expects. Will he be able to put back the pieces of his life? I enjoyed Marc and Mackenzie's story.
1,816 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2018
Donna's stories are intriguing and unique. In this one she has captured the essence of a small town's struggle as it goes...the newcomers versus the old-timers. It laid a great background for the romance of Marc and McKenzie. I would recommend each book in this series, in order of possible...you won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews