Small-Town Bachelor

Sheffield Siblings #1

by Jill Kemerer

A Place to Call Home

When Reed Hamilton arrives in Lake Endwell for a family wedding, he expects to do his part as best man then head back to the big city. But when a a tornado postpones the wedding, the town is in shambles and Reed is injured. Thankfully maid of honor Claire Sheffield offers him one of her cottages to recuperate in. Dedicated to her family and her dream job at the zoo, Claire is all about roots. She's this city slicker's opposite, yet as they help the town rebuild, Reed is captivated by her stunning looks and caring ways. He can't ask Claire to leave the life she loves for him, but he also can't imagine ever leaving her behind…

Genres: Love Inspired, Romance, Inspirational, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Christian Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 17, 2015

About the author

Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town romance novels often featuring cowboys. She is a multi-published author of Christian romance novels with Harlequin Love Inspired. Nearly a million of her books have sold worldwide.

A former electrical engineer, Jill now writes full-time. Her essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books, and long walks outdoors. She rarely passes up a bookstore and spends too much time at the library. She resides in Ohio with her husband. They have two adult children. For more information, visit her website, jillkemerer.com.

Reviews

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kicking this book off with a tornado was such a smart move. That hooked me in right away. Following that up with a pair of playful, rescued otters? Yes please! I’m a sucker for those little critters.

This was a pretty cute story. While not all of it was to my taste, I appreciated the plot twists and setting and the weather and critters involved.

One thing I really liked was that a character had to face her super controlling nature and decide whether or not she was going to continue telling everyone in her life what to do with theirs. That nature made it challenging for me to root for her, but that moment was definitely a good one.

Something I disliked was how physical attraction was a huge focus in the story. It seemed, at times, to be the main reason why certain characters made certain decisions. It also got awkward to keep hearing them think of each other as “hot” and “devastatingly” handsome. They sounded like they were fifteen instead of in their early thirties. The story felt shallow at times because of this, but there was a lot more depth in the second half.

The boat on those cover was completely gorgeous. The one in the book, however, was a pontoon boat with an engine. What happened to matching the cover art with what the author wrote in the story? The cover would have been just as beautiful with a pontoon boat – and the cast that ought to have been on a certain somebody’s leg.

I struggled to understand the Sheffield family’s dynamic at times. It seemed like any important conversations they had jump started with a huge screaming match. This isn’t normal in my world. Civilized conversations would have been a nice change. Again, this made the characters seem a fraction of their real ages. I was glad to see some apologies happen, but no one ever really apologized for screaming at one another. I found that odd.

I’m looking forward to reading more in this series to see how the author’s writing has grown over the years.

Content: crude sexual term, replacement expletive, drugs, alcohol, swearing by “the love of all that’s good in the world”

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire and Reed's story starts out with a bang, as he shields her during a tornado and ends up with a broken leg. They have a nice easy friendship going as she helps him out during the long recuperation period, but things get tense when he talks about making other plans. Both have trust issues and problems with close relationships, so they have a lot to work through.

I've enjoyed getting to know the Sheffield family, especially Aunt Sally and her wisdom handed out over pie and coffee. They feel like real people, and they have struggles that many can relate to.
Look forward to reading more in this cozy small town series.

[Jody Hedlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet romance! The beginning opens with a bang, turning life upside-down (literally!) for the hero and heroine. I loved how the author explored family dynamics on many different levels showing the importance of family, the roles we can take within our families, along with the tendency for misunderstandings and blame. All of the emotional exploration really added depth to the story. The characters were well developed with quirks that made them loveable!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good characters and story.

[Jane]

Dnf -- may try again another time??

I read book #4 in this series, Yuletide Redemption, and liked it so much I went and bought the first three books in the series as well as the fifth book so I could read about all the other members of this fun family (I even bought the first book of the next, brand new series, The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride). All of these books have glowing reviews and high ratings so you can’t go wrong, right? Well. Umm. Well….

I started reading book #5 because the cover was perfect for a book challenge I was doing. I made it about 30% through and then temporarily misplaced the book. Oops! Up to that point it was almost as good as Yuletide Redemption. So, until I could find where I misplaced that book, I decided to start at the beginning of the series and read book #1.….

Oh, why did I do that??!! Ugh. I seriously think I must have gotten a different edition of the book from all the other reviewers. Either that, or my Love-Inspired-cheesiness-quotient has hit its max. This book feels like something the author wrote when she was young and hadn’t quite perfected her craft. Right from the first page, so many little details don’t quite fit and the story just doesn’t flow like book #4 did. The physical attraction tinglys are waaay too soon, waaay too often, and waaay over-the-top. And the melodramatic thoughts are ridiculous. Where is the stronger Christian message and slowly growing relationship I thought that I had read in book #4?!? This is not at all a bad book, but my time is limited and I’m taking way too much of it to stop and write down criticisms as I read (I have several pages worth!!). Therefore, I’m not engaged in the story and I miss the fun parts. I’m going to quit reading for now. Maybe I’ll come back to it later? Or just skip it and try book #1 of the new series?

[Jeanne Takenaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a girl who loves her small town meets a successful city boy and some interesting weather is thrown into the mix? A fun romance between two people and families drawn together is the sweet result.

I loved this debut novel by Jill Kemerer. Her characters are realistic, the story flows well and the dialogue is great. Stories with some unexpected twists catch me every time, and this novel’s got them. I laughed in places and teared up in others. I loved watching Claire and Reed’s characters grow and learn. Kemerer’s characters are realistic and well-rounded.

And Lake Endwell? If I could pack up and move there I would. Kemerer's descriptions brought this small town to life!

I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jill Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flirty, fun romance! The dialogue is quick-paced and witty. I was laughing and smiling as I read, and I even teared up at the end. Kemerer penned a great romance and delightful characters. The book doesn't lag anywhere... it holds attention the whole way through. I especially liked that the writing was honed. No overwriting or underwriting. The perfect amount to know what's going on in the character's heads and keep us feeling every emotion with them. She's on my authors not to be missed list. I can't wait for the next book from her!
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that moves along quickly and happily. It starts out with a tornado and ends with talk of tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes. :)

Claire is decorating for her sister's wedding and Reed has come to town for his brother's wedding. When they survive the tornado together they bond over it. And then the story gets some drama and some adventure and some love mixed all together. It's heartbreaking to witness some of the relationships but very eye opening when they are resolved. Over all, it was just a feel good, happy story of love forgiveness, communication and 'otterly' adorable people. Looking forward to seeing more books from this author.

[Susan Tuttle]

Jill Kemerer's debut only has me waiting for her next book in this series. Already this charming town feels like home. I loved her characters, her flair for humor, and her ability to reel you straight into the heart of this book. Kemerer provided flawed and realistic leads with believable growth that was neither rushed nor held back. This provided for the perfect story pace that prevented you from wanting to set the book down. A wonderful debut with witty dialogue and unique characters, I'm looking forward to seeing more from this author.

[Jessica Patch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Kemerer’s debut delivers all the feelings! A strong, capable hero mixed with a quirky, sweet heroine makes for a swoon-worthy romance along the backdrop of a charming small town. Kemerer’s detail for description gave me more than a good story, but a satisfying experience while her humor and fun characters had me wishing to go have coffee and hang out with them for picnics and movie night! I’m looking forward to more books in her Lake Endwell series.

[Becky]

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut romance! Claire is a small-town girl who joins forces with Reed (a big city guy only in town long enough to recuperate from an injury) to help rebuild Lake Endwell after a tornado sweeps through. The characters were thoroughly likable, I loved the lakeside setting, and I thought Claire's large and quirky family added great depth. Well written and heartwarming!

Big congrats to my friend Jill.

[Anna Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @38pgs.

First, the author's voice is that of a tween. It's not pleasant to read.

Second, the sheer amount of sentence fragments is enough to drive anyone crazy. HOW does this stuff get published?!?!?! Absolutely terrible writing.

Third, he's not a small-town bachelor, he's from CHICAGO, for the love of Mike. The title *doesn't* fit. She has short black hair - the cover *doesn't* fit. You don't have to read more than the first SIX PAGES to get this information, so I'm wondering why it's all WRONG on the cover/title?

Fourth, she would NOT be keeping vulnerable baby otters in her house for a zoo if 1) she's not working for the zoo and 2) she's not there all day to take care of them. Not. A. Chance. Zoos don't just take random animals from people. Especially where common and indigenous animals are concerned - they have breeding programs, for that.

Fifth, he's cranky, bossy, arrogant, and awful. He hates his family, cares only about work, and is flirty because 'hey, hey, baby'... but that's NOT admirable. In *any* way.

Sixth, in the first 38 pages, the ONLY mention of anything spiritual is a bunch of five word prayers - the kind pagans send up - when a TORNADO rips the roof off their heads and drops a tree on them. INSIDE a restaurant. There's no faith driving this train wreck.

Like I said, bad writing. The characterizations aren't pleasant, the dialogue is choppy, the writing is fragmented, the action isn't built upon it's just dumped on the reader, and I just saw NO reason to continue. It's hit or miss with 'Love Inspired' - this was a miss by MILES and MILES.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed Hamilton expected to spend a few days in Lake Endwell. What he wasn’t expecting was a tornado!

I loved this story! I love how Claire helps Reed, and he learns to lean on others during rough times. And I won’t say anymore, because I’d rather you read their story for yourself.

What does eventually happen? I’ll let you find out for yourself.

Happy Reading!

[Michelle Lunsford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming tale of finding love (even when you think you aren't looking for it), offering and receiving forgiveness, and the blessings (along with the trials and complications too) of family. Interesting characters, and a delightful small town setting provide a great atmosphere for this tale of faith and romance. A quick read, but an enjoyable one.

[Amy McCune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice easy read. Not too much drama, just a good overall Christian romance.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book's storyline was okay. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. Claire's character was okay. I liked Reed's character. I liked the ending.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a calm day. Suddenly the chairs start to move, the kitchen table starts to slide, and the China on the counter falls and breaks. The walls begin to vibrate and the wind howls. Someone yells, “Head for cover!”, but all that can be heard is the roar of the wind. Then the ceiling is ripped off. One last rush, and it's all over. Reed Hamilton arrives in Lake Endwell for a family wedding, he expects to do his part as best man then head back to the big city. But when a tornado postpones the wedding, the town is in shambles and Reed is injured. Thankfully Claire Sheffield offers him a place to stay. This is a summary of the book Small Town Bachelor. This book is interesting because the author used good characterization and a good setting in this book.
This book does a good job of clearly displaying the characteristics of each person. Claire Sheffield is a person who likes to hover over people. “How are you feeling?” “Do you want a drink? A painkiller?” Reed inhaled with a hiss. He wanted to tell her he was fine. “Hey, how are you feeling?” Claire set the spatula on the counter and went to Reed. “What can I get for you? Do you need anything?” “Are you okay?” She stretched her neck to see down the hall. Empty. “Need me to help?” “Want me to stay?” “Maybe you should lie down.” This evidence from the book shows that Claire is a hovering person who will try to help anyone she likes that needs help. There's more characterization of characters that this book displays. Reed Hamilton is a person who can be teasing and relaxed one moment and mad or closed off the next. “Like my new look? Admit it, you’re jealous.” “Insanely jealous, want me to sign it for you?” “Of course, I saved you a big spot. There. By my knee.” He pointed to his leg. “Thanks again, for being there during the tornado, for protecting me.” He slid his hand out from under hers. “I didn't do much.” “Didn't do much?” She said. “I could have……” “It was nothing.” To abrupt, his tone, but he couldn't help it. “Using my sympathy against me.” “I have to use any weapons I can.” “Uh-huh.” She flicked her fingernails. “I'm glad to see you're in less pain.” This evidence shows that Reed changes his mood really fast because he doesn't want to express to much of his feelings to people. These are two examples of the characterization shown in this book. This book shows how each character acts and their likes and dislikes.
This book does a good job of clearly stating the setting. The setting is taken place in a town and Claire's house. “That's the real reason you've been putting in a pond?” The otters dove in with a splash. After paddling awhile, they floated on their backs. What a mess. The winds had wreaked havoc back there. The entire forest seemed to have fallen on her lawn, and her two lounge chairs had disappeared. The patio umbrella dangled upside down against the corner of the fence. This evidence proves that the setting had been changed cause a pond was built and a tornado happened that made a mess and broke down trees. This is some good examples of the setting in this book. This shows the setting in this story and helps you understand where this is taking place and what time period it takes place.
The author uses good characterization and a good setting and that is why this book is interesting. This book is interesting and keeps you wanting to read more. Reading this book gives you a good idea on how important it is to have good characterization to keep the story not dull. This is a great book and should be read by all people that like to read love inspired books.

[Pam Graber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grief can do funny things. It can tear a family apart or bond them so strongly that outsiders don't seem to be welcomed into the group. The death of Reed Hamilton's mother shattered his relationship with his father, making him believe that he was the reason she drove drunk and died. The death of Claire Sheffield's mother in childbirth, turned Claire into a "little mother" for her siblings. When a tornado strands big-city Reed in small-town Lake Endwell with a broken leg, it is Claire's care for him that has him thinking maybe...
She's committed to staying. He's convinced he needs to go. Can they find a way to be together?
I enjoyed this quick read. It was well-paced and the conflict seemed very real. Well done!

[Ml Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to move to Lake Endwell. Aahhh! The sweet life of living near a small lake in Michigan. Jill Kemerer captures the essence of this setting perfectly. From the community coming together in trying circumstances to the Christian values they share, it's all there. The love stories are warm and believable. Sometimes the greatest love story isn't one that's romantic, but one that brings families together. Reed and Claire bring us both. Just a warning, the first chapter will leave your heart pounding. You'll need a reminder to breathe.

[Wendy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kemerer knows romance! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Small-Town Bachelor. I was quickly swept up in the story and I appreciated the depth of this novel. As someone who normally doesn’t read romance, I was pleasantly surprised at how attached I got to the characters and how much I found myself drawn in by their love story. A must-read romance selection! Can’t wait to read more of Kemerer’s books!

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this in the blog tour around its release. It was a fun enjoyable read. Good thoughts on what we do because it is easier or has become comfortable rather than possibly what God wants for our life. I look forward to more books by this author.

[Jennifer Shirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this little gem while on spring break. Enjoyed the characters and immediately felt like I was part of their small-town world. Charming and sweet.

[Rachel Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read romance, but I am so glad I read this one! It is a great story with characters you can connect with. I look forward to reading more books by Kemerer!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is better than a sweet small-town romance!!

[Shelli Littleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story! I couldn't put it down.

[Jackie Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.

I think you'll enjoy the journey these two take on the way to true love.