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The Donnelly Brothers #1
Winning the Teacher's Heart
A Hometown Reunion
Single mom Becca Norton is surprised to discover her high school crush Jared Donnelly is back in town. The motocross champion hasn't been home in years, but the former bad boy is as gorgeous as she remembers. And his kindness toward her kids melts her heart. But when she learns his true purpose in town is to build a motocross school on land near her home, she has to put on the brakes. Her children's welfare is her priority, and her former in-laws have made it clear they don't approve of Jared or his plans. Soon Becca may have to choose between her heart…and her home.
Single mom Becca Norton is surprised to discover her high school crush Jared Donnelly is back in town. The motocross champion hasn't been home in years, but the former bad boy is as gorgeous as she remembers. And his kindness toward her kids melts her heart. But when she learns his true purpose in town is to build a motocross school on land near her home, she has to put on the brakes. Her children's welfare is her priority, and her former in-laws have made it clear they don't approve of Jared or his plans. Soon Becca may have to choose between her heart…and her home.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2000
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389 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 23, 2015
Becca is a single mom with two wonderful children. She's a little leery of men and for a very good reason. So when the famous motor cross racer Jared Donnelly comes back to town to open his racing school she's nervous and less than thrilled. Jared thinks he's used to the censor from his old home town. But somehow he can't brush it off as easily when he thinks Becca might be thinking badly of him.
The plot was interesting and the characters were entertaining. The romance felt a bit rushed to me, but it was still sweet. It's a clean, Christian read that talks about trust and faith. The story deals with infidelity, drinking, and a little bit of fighting so probably not for the younger readers. I was a little surprised that the author didn't bring in the other brothers more so the reader could get hooked on their characters since this appears to be the start of a series. Overall, it was a nice, enjoyable book.
The plot was interesting and the characters were entertaining. The romance felt a bit rushed to me, but it was still sweet. It's a clean, Christian read that talks about trust and faith. The story deals with infidelity, drinking, and a little bit of fighting so probably not for the younger readers. I was a little surprised that the author didn't bring in the other brothers more so the reader could get hooked on their characters since this appears to be the start of a series. Overall, it was a nice, enjoyable book.
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January 12, 2016"This entry in The Donnelly Brothers series is populated with authentic characters and tactfully addresses the stigma associated with alcoholism" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: The Donnelly Brothers
Miniseries: The Donnelly Brothers
July 14, 2017
This was my first visit to Paradox Lake, but I suspect that I may return. Take one recently retired motocross racer (I will admit to knowing zero about motocross racing) driven to open a motocross school in his home town, and one teacher, determined to do what's best for her quiet community and two young children, mix in an idyllic upstate NY setting, and there are bound to be fireworks. Throw in some meddling ex-inlaws, a surprise half sibling, and a supporting cast of family and friends, with a strong core of faith, and the stage is set for a believable love story with the right amount of inspirational content to make it accessible to both devotees of the subgenre, and newcomers alike. I greatly appreciated the natural unfolding of the love story, how it felt true to the characters, and allowed both characters to move at a pace that felt right for them, both individually and as a couple...and family to be.
May 12, 2024
I enjoyed this clean, Love-Inspired, Romance. I bought this at the local Goodwill store and I've given it a 5* rating. This was interesting in that it covered a different area. This was centered around motorbike racing in a small town. Lots of little tidbits to learn or enjoy in a small town setting.
August 13, 2020
sweet sweet story. I enjoyed it and was glad to finally find out what the probem was with the sherriff and Jared. Kind of a weird twist. However I would read it again and I would recommend it
September 3, 2015
What a beautiful cover!
It only gives you a glimpse at the sweet story hidden inside the pages.
Jean C. Gordon and Love Inspired have released the first in the Donnelly Brothers series, Winning the Teacher's Heart.
Wow, what a great romance!
The author weaves words together to literally bring the story to life. The characters have flaws, but that's what makes them more real. I loved getting to know Jared and Becca. Jared left town years ago and has recently returned wanting to prove he's more than people think. He's ready to put down roots and his one desire is to open a motocross race track. He assumes once everyone hears his plans that they will immediately be excited and support his plans. Just one problem, Jared left his hometown under a dark cloud and his exploits on the motocross racing circuit haven't helped matters.
Becca Norton is a divorced mother of two, young children and a history teacher at the local high school. She remembers Jared from high school and his brother, Connor, is her minister. She sees that Jared is excited about his plans, but she has reservations about the race tract. Of course her ex father-in law wants to shut it down completely and with Becca being on the zoning committee he thinks it's a done deal.
This is a touching story about two people that are reminded over and over again to trust in the Lord in all things. Faith is a hard sometimes when the past keeps haunting us. The characters weave their way into your hearts from page one and will keep you turning the pages. This is a sweet romance interwoven with some humor. I would recommend it to anyone.
I received this book from the author for a honest review without bias or outside influence as stated above.
It only gives you a glimpse at the sweet story hidden inside the pages.
Jean C. Gordon and Love Inspired have released the first in the Donnelly Brothers series, Winning the Teacher's Heart.
Wow, what a great romance!
The author weaves words together to literally bring the story to life. The characters have flaws, but that's what makes them more real. I loved getting to know Jared and Becca. Jared left town years ago and has recently returned wanting to prove he's more than people think. He's ready to put down roots and his one desire is to open a motocross race track. He assumes once everyone hears his plans that they will immediately be excited and support his plans. Just one problem, Jared left his hometown under a dark cloud and his exploits on the motocross racing circuit haven't helped matters.
Becca Norton is a divorced mother of two, young children and a history teacher at the local high school. She remembers Jared from high school and his brother, Connor, is her minister. She sees that Jared is excited about his plans, but she has reservations about the race tract. Of course her ex father-in law wants to shut it down completely and with Becca being on the zoning committee he thinks it's a done deal.
This is a touching story about two people that are reminded over and over again to trust in the Lord in all things. Faith is a hard sometimes when the past keeps haunting us. The characters weave their way into your hearts from page one and will keep you turning the pages. This is a sweet romance interwoven with some humor. I would recommend it to anyone.
I received this book from the author for a honest review without bias or outside influence as stated above.
August 29, 2016
Winning the Teacher's Heart was a great read that I couldn't stop till I completed the story. This book is the first one in The Donnelley Brothers by Jean C. Gordon.
Jared Donnelley has returned to his home town, Paradox Lake. Jared had left town to pursue his motocross racing and to get away from his alcoholic father. Becca Norton is awed with his return as she recalled her high school crush on Jared. Jared returns home to build a motocross track and school for trouble children. He was met with opposition and even Becca's ex-in-laws were against him, which created more problems for her.
Will Jared be able to fulfill his dream? Will the former sheriff continue to stir up trouble because he had a grudge against Jared's father? Read this fantastic story that is filled with well developed characters, which I fell in love with. Characters that are faced with realistic life issues that caused heartaches, grudges, determination, faith, forgiveness and new opportunities to show their true character despite the past. I look forward to reading rest of this series and thankful I have the books already instead of having to wait for a few months for them to be released. Jean C. Gordon definitely creates an amazing read with true to life issues for the characters along with romance being weaved between the hero and heroine.
Jared Donnelley has returned to his home town, Paradox Lake. Jared had left town to pursue his motocross racing and to get away from his alcoholic father. Becca Norton is awed with his return as she recalled her high school crush on Jared. Jared returns home to build a motocross track and school for trouble children. He was met with opposition and even Becca's ex-in-laws were against him, which created more problems for her.
Will Jared be able to fulfill his dream? Will the former sheriff continue to stir up trouble because he had a grudge against Jared's father? Read this fantastic story that is filled with well developed characters, which I fell in love with. Characters that are faced with realistic life issues that caused heartaches, grudges, determination, faith, forgiveness and new opportunities to show their true character despite the past. I look forward to reading rest of this series and thankful I have the books already instead of having to wait for a few months for them to be released. Jean C. Gordon definitely creates an amazing read with true to life issues for the characters along with romance being weaved between the hero and heroine.
July 26, 2016
What an exciting story!
Becca Norton is in a rough spot. She’d like to get to know her high school crush, Jared Donnelly, a little better, but there’s a problem — her in-laws don’t approve of him. I didn’t have any trouble identifying with her . . . and yep, it’s a rough spot to be in.
Like me, Becca spends too much time trying to appease everyone else, and nothing she does really makes her happy — and it doesn’t make the situation any better. Still, she continues to try…
Does it work out? Well, I’m not going to reveal that! But let me assure you that it’s a great story — with some awesome moments for Becca and Jared! And we get to meet some interesting characters along the way.
Jean C. Gordon writes some of the most amazing romances I’ve read! Don’t ask me to choose a favorite; that would be impossible! My suggestion — don’t read just one . . . read them all!
Happy Reading!
April 24, 2015
As an author who writes Adirondack backdrops, I was excited to see this was one as well. I enjoy a dedicated mom premise who has conflict with someone who was always known as the bad boy. It makes for a great romance.
Although I loved the premise and characters, I had trouble with the Adirondack part. I’ve been there many times and I didn’t get the authentic feel from it. I wanted to be transported there. Even the cover isn’t exactly what I was hoping for. Adirondack chairs aren’t enough. Upstate New Yorkers don’t drink soda, it would be pop. Even my friends in Albany drink pop. Little things like this can distract the reader. I understand I’m expecting more as an author who writes about the same area.
But it is a good romance and I do recommend it.
I received Winning the Teacher’s Heart from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Although I loved the premise and characters, I had trouble with the Adirondack part. I’ve been there many times and I didn’t get the authentic feel from it. I wanted to be transported there. Even the cover isn’t exactly what I was hoping for. Adirondack chairs aren’t enough. Upstate New Yorkers don’t drink soda, it would be pop. Even my friends in Albany drink pop. Little things like this can distract the reader. I understand I’m expecting more as an author who writes about the same area.
But it is a good romance and I do recommend it.
I received Winning the Teacher’s Heart from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2015
Becca lives for her kids. Like most divorced moms, she works harder at parenting and making her kids' lives happy. Jared comes back to town and wants to repair the damage to his family's name that his alcoholic father did. But what Jared has planned is not necessarily welcomed or believed to be as advertised to the town. The characters in this book are believable and you could see the scenes played out in any town in America. As it all plays out, long lost secrets come to light- showing that being honest and upfront- though not always received well- is always the best policy. This book was a delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was hard to put down. I was given an advance copy of this book for my honest opinion.
April 8, 2015
Becca Norton was way out of Jared’s league in high school. He was the town bad boy and she was the girl he couldn’t have. He left town after graduation, turned his life around, and now he’s back, but he’s convinced that she’s still too good for him–and her ex-father-in-law agrees.
I absolutely LOVED this book! It was the first one I had ever read by Jean C. Gordon, but I have to say, she did a fabulous job crafting characters that were realistic. I was extremely into this story and was able to picture what was happening every step of the way.
I would love to read the rest of this series and find out what is in store for the other two Donnelly Brothers.
Disclosure: I got a free copy of this book to review from Propeller Consulting, LLC.
I absolutely LOVED this book! It was the first one I had ever read by Jean C. Gordon, but I have to say, she did a fabulous job crafting characters that were realistic. I was extremely into this story and was able to picture what was happening every step of the way.
I would love to read the rest of this series and find out what is in store for the other two Donnelly Brothers.
Disclosure: I got a free copy of this book to review from Propeller Consulting, LLC.
April 24, 2015
Winning the Teacher's Heart is a fabulous book. Author Jean C. Gordon has written such a wonderful storyline that I was totally involved with the characters and with what was happening. There are quite a few characters but I had no problem in distinguishing each one. I really enjoyed reading this book and this is my first book to read by Author Jean C. Gordon. Winning the Teacher's Heart is a Harlequin Love Inspired book and I recommend reading this book. I believe you will truly enjoy reading this book and I'm looking forward to this author's next book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
December 31, 2015
This book is set in the same world as Holiday Homecoming. I enjoy reading the stories set in this world and I hope I can find more. This book was great. It too gave me stress reading it which is the sign of a great author. I was not a fan of he ex-sherrif character. He would be hard to deal with in real life and I was happy to see it came to such a good conclusion with him. I am not so sure it would come out so smoothly in the real world ,,, that is, if I was the one who was in Becca's position.
I hope to read more from this author. Great stories set in a great world.
I hope to read more from this author. Great stories set in a great world.
June 24, 2017
Entertaining and Enjoyable
are words I’ve often used to described the Love Inspired books, and Winning the Teacher’s Heart is a book that also falls into that category. I’ve read Love Inspired books since I was an older teenager, borrowed from my grandmother, and one of the things that I love about them is that they’re perfect books to read quickly but still find yourself fully absorbed into the story. http://www.jamiswords.com/winning-the...
are words I’ve often used to described the Love Inspired books, and Winning the Teacher’s Heart is a book that also falls into that category. I’ve read Love Inspired books since I was an older teenager, borrowed from my grandmother, and one of the things that I love about them is that they’re perfect books to read quickly but still find yourself fully absorbed into the story. http://www.jamiswords.com/winning-the...
May 24, 2015
Winning The Teacher's Heart by Jean C. Gordon is a very good book. Jared Donnelly moves back to his home town wanting to build a motorcross complex on land next to Becca Norton and her two small children. Some in the town are against it. Jared has to prove it's a good idea. Jared is a motorcross champion and want to track for troubled children and any one else. A lot goes on in this book. A must read.
January 3, 2016
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
The book was ok but I really couldn't get into the story or connect with the characters. I might have been able to if there had been some more background on the characters. I don't know if there was a book previous to this one that did that or not but to me that characters and the storyline fell flat.
The book was ok but I really couldn't get into the story or connect with the characters. I might have been able to if there had been some more background on the characters. I don't know if there was a book previous to this one that did that or not but to me that characters and the storyline fell flat.
June 29, 2015
Single mom that was always the good girl and the returning rebel who wants to make things right. Nice characters with real struggles and the long term effect of having an alcoholic parent and small town politics. Nice read.
February 4, 2016
This was an excellent read that was hard to put down. The story line & characters felt so real. I look forward to reading more books by Jean C. Gordon in the very near future.
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January 12, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: The Donnelly Brothers
Miniseries: The Donnelly Brothers
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews