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A Package Deal: A Small Town, Single Dad, Second Chance Romance
Everyone has a story—but Nelie Peterson’s turned out to be fiction.
At forty, Nelie’s life is perfectly full—thriving restaurant, community involvement, aging father—with zero desire for a second chance with Chet Bingham, the newspaper owner who shattered her trust. But when his young daughters land in Haven, she can’t turn away from their need—or from him.
Fresh from an unexpected custody change, forty-eight-year-old Chet never imagined full-time fatherhood. He’s now juggling parenting and running the town paper. Only one person calms the chaos—the woman who’s given him a snowball’s chance in hell. As her resolve melts under his daughters’ matchmaking and his persistence, he discovers Nelie’s hiding secrets that could destroy them and shake the foundations of their small town.
Witty and warm, A Package Deal serves up a closed-door, heartfelt, later-in-life romance with small-town charm, second chances, and family complications. This lighthearted story proves it’s never too late to find what—and who—truly matters. Buy now!
At forty, Nelie’s life is perfectly full—thriving restaurant, community involvement, aging father—with zero desire for a second chance with Chet Bingham, the newspaper owner who shattered her trust. But when his young daughters land in Haven, she can’t turn away from their need—or from him.
Fresh from an unexpected custody change, forty-eight-year-old Chet never imagined full-time fatherhood. He’s now juggling parenting and running the town paper. Only one person calms the chaos—the woman who’s given him a snowball’s chance in hell. As her resolve melts under his daughters’ matchmaking and his persistence, he discovers Nelie’s hiding secrets that could destroy them and shake the foundations of their small town.
Witty and warm, A Package Deal serves up a closed-door, heartfelt, later-in-life romance with small-town charm, second chances, and family complications. This lighthearted story proves it’s never too late to find what—and who—truly matters. Buy now!
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 29, 2025
Dnf - ❗️❗️This review has spoilers ❗️❗️
So basically this story is about Nelie (40 years old) never married, owner of a restaurant and Chet (48 years old) divorced with two kids; Ava and Piper.
Nelie and Chet were dating when Chet who owns the town newspaper disclosed a personal information about Nelie’s close friend Emily who was running for the Mayor. Which lead to them breaking up. Two months later, Chet got full custody of his two daughters and his hands are full not knowing how to manage, where Nelie stepped in to help on some days.
Now this seems like a cute second chance romance except here comes the plot twist.
All throughout her life, Nelie has known that her parents passed away and the great uncle and aunt took her in and she called them her parents EXCEPT NEWS FLASH her parents never passed away. Her mother is Suzanne who is Jackson’s mother who is Nathan’s grandmother.
Now let’s get into the family tree, Jackson is married to Emily who is close friend with Nelie. They had a baby - Nathan who upon birth is diagnosed with SCID (Severe combined immunodeficiency) AND they need a donor. While none of their immediate family were a match, they called in for Nelie. AND THE FIRST FUCKING THING THAT HER BIRTH MOTHER COULD TELL HER WAS “YOU NEED TO BE TESTED”
Nah sorry but that was real bitchy. Basically she abandoned Nelie because she got pregnant with her when she was in London with a man from Norway and she gave the excuse that “she was too young” and Gus and Stella aka the couple who adopted Nelie were well in the fourties so they conducted some lies.
Excerpt from the book
“I got pregnant the year I studied in London. Your father was from Norway. We were young. He had obligations, and I wanted to come home. Gus and Stella adopted you. And I watched you grow up from a distance.” Her words were void of any emotion. Just facts. Mrs. Hart patted Suzanne’s hand, as if everything would be okay now that she’d told her story.
And then after her world was shattered after 40 years - finding you had family, your mother was alive, you have a brother and a sister, their only response are
Jackson snatched another cookie.
“You’re eating?” Emily shrieked. Nelie didn’t know who was more shocked. Emily, by her husband’s behavior, or the people around the table who’d forgotten she was virtually there.
“Celebrating,” he said around his cookie. “We’ve got another potential donor for Nate.”Nate, the reason they told me.
Call me selfish or whatever I would have walked out of there immediately.
And even after this they were still selfish
“How does a week from Friday sound to you, Nelie?” Dr. Dahl asked, looking excited.
“Not good. Is there another option?” She couldn’t miss the spelling bee. Piper had practiced diligently, and Nelie had volunteered to make cookies.
“Sure, we can wait,” Jackson said, crossing his arms. “It’s only Nate’s life at stake.” Emily swatted him on the arm and glared at him.
So yea dnf after this.
So basically this story is about Nelie (40 years old) never married, owner of a restaurant and Chet (48 years old) divorced with two kids; Ava and Piper.
Nelie and Chet were dating when Chet who owns the town newspaper disclosed a personal information about Nelie’s close friend Emily who was running for the Mayor. Which lead to them breaking up. Two months later, Chet got full custody of his two daughters and his hands are full not knowing how to manage, where Nelie stepped in to help on some days.
Now this seems like a cute second chance romance except here comes the plot twist.
All throughout her life, Nelie has known that her parents passed away and the great uncle and aunt took her in and she called them her parents EXCEPT NEWS FLASH her parents never passed away. Her mother is Suzanne who is Jackson’s mother who is Nathan’s grandmother.
Now let’s get into the family tree, Jackson is married to Emily who is close friend with Nelie. They had a baby - Nathan who upon birth is diagnosed with SCID (Severe combined immunodeficiency) AND they need a donor. While none of their immediate family were a match, they called in for Nelie. AND THE FIRST FUCKING THING THAT HER BIRTH MOTHER COULD TELL HER WAS “YOU NEED TO BE TESTED”
Nah sorry but that was real bitchy. Basically she abandoned Nelie because she got pregnant with her when she was in London with a man from Norway and she gave the excuse that “she was too young” and Gus and Stella aka the couple who adopted Nelie were well in the fourties so they conducted some lies.
Excerpt from the book
“I got pregnant the year I studied in London. Your father was from Norway. We were young. He had obligations, and I wanted to come home. Gus and Stella adopted you. And I watched you grow up from a distance.” Her words were void of any emotion. Just facts. Mrs. Hart patted Suzanne’s hand, as if everything would be okay now that she’d told her story.
And then after her world was shattered after 40 years - finding you had family, your mother was alive, you have a brother and a sister, their only response are
Jackson snatched another cookie.
“You’re eating?” Emily shrieked. Nelie didn’t know who was more shocked. Emily, by her husband’s behavior, or the people around the table who’d forgotten she was virtually there.
“Celebrating,” he said around his cookie. “We’ve got another potential donor for Nate.”Nate, the reason they told me.
Call me selfish or whatever I would have walked out of there immediately.
And even after this they were still selfish
“How does a week from Friday sound to you, Nelie?” Dr. Dahl asked, looking excited.
“Not good. Is there another option?” She couldn’t miss the spelling bee. Piper had practiced diligently, and Nelie had volunteered to make cookies.
“Sure, we can wait,” Jackson said, crossing his arms. “It’s only Nate’s life at stake.” Emily swatted him on the arm and glared at him.
So yea dnf after this.
June 12, 2025
You had me from the moment chocolate cake with caramel and chocolate ganache was mentioned! From there, this sweet, second-chance romance quickly turned into an action-packed story that kept me on my toes from beginning to end.
There were a few twists and turns that I truly didn’t see coming, which added just the right amount of suspense and emotional depth to the story. At first, I didn’t want to like Chet—but he definitely grew on me. I found myself rooting for him more and more with each chapter. I so badly wanted Nelie to open up to him, but her hesitations were completely understandable, especially considering the heartbreaking information she had recently learned.
Nelie was such a strong and resilient character. The way she navigated the overwhelming news she received while balancing her business, Chet’s children, a medical procedure, and the demands of everyday life was nothing short of courageous.
If you’re looking for a quick read filled with love, laughter, and heartfelt family moments, I highly recommend this book!
There were a few twists and turns that I truly didn’t see coming, which added just the right amount of suspense and emotional depth to the story. At first, I didn’t want to like Chet—but he definitely grew on me. I found myself rooting for him more and more with each chapter. I so badly wanted Nelie to open up to him, but her hesitations were completely understandable, especially considering the heartbreaking information she had recently learned.
Nelie was such a strong and resilient character. The way she navigated the overwhelming news she received while balancing her business, Chet’s children, a medical procedure, and the demands of everyday life was nothing short of courageous.
If you’re looking for a quick read filled with love, laughter, and heartfelt family moments, I highly recommend this book!
June 18, 2025
Nellie & Chet
This was a light and frothy second chance romance between compulsive people-pleaser Nellie and divorced, newly single-dad Chet. I liked the way the couple had to work thru their individual relationship baggage and build a foundation of new trust before they really built a solid foundation for the future. It was fun to enjoy Chet's 8 & 10 year old daughters as they acclimate to life in a new town. But the life altering changes in Nellie's existence as long-burried family secrets are revealed were staggering. I was so glad that Chet was patient enough to listen and encourage as Nellie evaluated her choices without trying to impose his wants (other than being with her) on her. This was a fun day of reading that I will enjoy revisiting again in the future.
I received a free advance copy of this story from StoryOrigin and voluntarily chose to share my review.
This was a light and frothy second chance romance between compulsive people-pleaser Nellie and divorced, newly single-dad Chet. I liked the way the couple had to work thru their individual relationship baggage and build a foundation of new trust before they really built a solid foundation for the future. It was fun to enjoy Chet's 8 & 10 year old daughters as they acclimate to life in a new town. But the life altering changes in Nellie's existence as long-burried family secrets are revealed were staggering. I was so glad that Chet was patient enough to listen and encourage as Nellie evaluated her choices without trying to impose his wants (other than being with her) on her. This was a fun day of reading that I will enjoy revisiting again in the future.
I received a free advance copy of this story from StoryOrigin and voluntarily chose to share my review.
June 18, 2025
Well I didn't see that coming and I won't spoil the surprise either. Nelie thought she had to constantly help people and put herself second in order for people to like her. Now she finds out they like her for who she is. And that includes Chet the owner of the local newspaper. Chet gets a surprise of his own when he ends up with custody of his 2 daughters. With Nelie's help he struggles through being a full time Dad. Meanwhile, other members of their group become parents again and need help from family and friends to save their baby's life. Twist, turns, and surprises. It is so fun to look into the lives of all the swans and posse (how the women and men refer to the groups). I would like to be friends with these characters and live in this town. I received an ARC and I am voluntarily reviewing it
November 28, 2025
Nelie and Chet broke up before and Nelie doesn’t want to give Chet a second chance. Chet gets his two girls and becomes a single father. He struggles to get his life together after his two Daugther’s move in. Nelie helps with the girls but finds out some things about her past that unsettle her. Chet knows something’s wrong with Nelie but he can’t figure it out. Will Nelie give Chet a second chance? Will Chet find out the truth about Nelie? This story was a feel good romance story. It’s a quick easy read. I love how the characters were presented and how I got to know the characters. The plot was more then just the romance which added to the story. I definitely want to go read the other books in this series. If you like heartwarming romance this is the book for you. I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2025
3.5* ARC Review – A Package That She Wants
Although I have read other books by this author, this is the first one from this series that I've read. Hidden Gems provided the ARC, and the story sounded interesting. Since I had not read other books from this author’s Haven world, I felt a little behind because I did not know enough about the other characters.
This is a second-chance story of Nelie and Chet, whose relationship started many books ago, but he wants them to try again. Chet is now the primary parent to his daughters and wants to build a life in Haven that would include Nelie. They must resolve their prior issue and see if they can trust each other. Some twists towards the end involve the other characters in town and make me think this might finish up the stories of Haven.
Although I have read other books by this author, this is the first one from this series that I've read. Hidden Gems provided the ARC, and the story sounded interesting. Since I had not read other books from this author’s Haven world, I felt a little behind because I did not know enough about the other characters.
This is a second-chance story of Nelie and Chet, whose relationship started many books ago, but he wants them to try again. Chet is now the primary parent to his daughters and wants to build a life in Haven that would include Nelie. They must resolve their prior issue and see if they can trust each other. Some twists towards the end involve the other characters in town and make me think this might finish up the stories of Haven.
June 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it might be just another romance, but the plot took off like a fox with hounds hot on its trail. Not to post any spoilers, but there were, shall we say, a LOT of surprises, and they kept things interesting right up until the last page. I stayed up three hours past my bedtime to finish it in a single sitting. I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 15, 2025
This second chance romance is lighthearted and compelling with rich characters that had me feeling like I was right there as this story unfolds connecting me to it. I really enjoyed Nellie and Chet as they explored their relationship and how it evolved leading them along the road to happiness.
I a volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I a volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
June 17, 2025
She is happy and wants nothing to do with him again but he has just gained custody of his daughters. Now things are more complicated as they want her to go out with their dad. She is hiding secrets which could ruin it all. See if it stays hidden
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I wanted to see what happened for them
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I wanted to see what happened for them
June 18, 2025
A Package Deal is a clean, witty, second chance, small town, later in life romance. I love that Nelie was the one who could best relate to Chet's daughters.I liked watching this romance develop but never saw some of the twists coming. I became totally absorbed in ms. Gildersleeve's world and was awake until 5:15 am because I could not sleep until I finished this fascinating, well written book!
June 29, 2025
Love the balance of adult things and humor mixed into this sweet second chance romance. It's written with a nice balance of flavor without being super spicy or completely tasteless.
Warning: there is mention of several themes that could be triggering, including adoption, infant health scares, etc. The book navigates them well and has a happy ending, but it may be hard for some to read.
Warning: there is mention of several themes that could be triggering, including adoption, infant health scares, etc. The book navigates them well and has a happy ending, but it may be hard for some to read.
June 12, 2025
I liked the story line, you can definitely see how things could happen the way they did in the beginning. I definitely didn't see the twist that came and it definitely made for a good ending.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews