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Ripple Effect Romance #5
Second Chances 101
Thirty-seven-year-old Francie Davis is sure her luck has changed when she lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition. But when her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie learns that the last person you expect to fall in love with might be the one that’s the most perfect for you.
133 pages, ebook
First published February 18, 2014
253 people are currently reading
1160 people want to read
About the author
Donna K. Weaver
87 books459 followersUSA 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 10, 2016
I liked this one. Our lead characters are older than I normally read (Francie is 37 and Alex is early 40s), both have teenaged kids. I actually enjoyed reading about more mature characters (and was a little bummed that I'm closer in age to them than my usual YA books).
We met Francie briefly in Lost and Found, I thought she was a little aloof in that and was curious how she would come across as a lead in this one. I liked her. She's had it pretty rough and after losing her husband and her son going off to college she gets a new start in life. Alex is still getting over a bitter divorce and trying to figure out a way to relate to his goth daughter. They don't get off on the best terms, but I like how their relationship develops. They are good for each other. I wish this were a full-length novel! I think this is a story that would benefit being a little longer. I would love to delve into all the different relationships and I would like a little more romantic development between Francie and Alex. I felt the end was a little rushed (as far as their story goes).
Overall, a cute read. I loved the setting and characters.
Content
Clean
We met Francie briefly in Lost and Found, I thought she was a little aloof in that and was curious how she would come across as a lead in this one. I liked her. She's had it pretty rough and after losing her husband and her son going off to college she gets a new start in life. Alex is still getting over a bitter divorce and trying to figure out a way to relate to his goth daughter. They don't get off on the best terms, but I like how their relationship develops. They are good for each other. I wish this were a full-length novel! I think this is a story that would benefit being a little longer. I would love to delve into all the different relationships and I would like a little more romantic development between Francie and Alex. I felt the end was a little rushed (as far as their story goes).
Overall, a cute read. I loved the setting and characters.
Content
Clean
May 5, 2014
First off, I have to say this turned out to be my favorite cover of the series. (Aren't those colors beautiful?) And this story really surprised me as well--in a good way. These days, it's not often that a book can capture my attention right away, but this one did. From the first chapter, I was sucked it and didn't put it down until I'd finished. That's a huge compliment to Donna and her writing. LOVED this book. It's a beautifully written story and a perfect addition to this series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
September 10, 2020
Yes, I loved this book, but I'm biased. I listened to the audiobook, and Tiffany Williams did a wonderful job with the narration.
Did you notice the cameo appearance of one of the characters from the Safe Harbors series? That's going to lead to another story that will bring Sam, Francie, and Alex in the that world.
Did you notice the cameo appearance of one of the characters from the Safe Harbors series? That's going to lead to another story that will bring Sam, Francie, and Alex in the that world.
May 14, 2014
I was excited to read a story where the characters are closer to my age. I liked this story, but it wasn't my favorite. I think this would work better as a full-length novel. Since Francie and Alex are older, their romance is more complex (his daughter and ex-wife and her son) and it was gradual at the beginning but then felt rushed in order to get to the happy ending.
Having said that, this really is a great addition to this series! I didn't think I got a good feel for Francie in the last book and the impression I got was that she was pretty uptight so I honestly wasn't sure if I would like her or not. I enjoyed reading her back story and finding out how she got where she is. Her husband has died and her son, Rafe, is going away to Harvard. She decides it's time to attend her local college but money is tight so she's also going to work on campus. She's working as an administrative assistant for two professors and it's not easy. They're both attracted to her and one of them flirts with her and makes her uncomfortable while the other one yelled at her on her first day and keeps his distance.
The professor who keeps his distance is Alex. He has a lot to deal with between his daughter and ex-wife and doesn't feel like he has the time to train a new assistant. He feels bad for the way he treated her on the first day so decides he'll make it up to her somehow.
Francie meets a student named Rose and they become friends. We know that Rose is actually Sam, Alex's daughter, but Francie doesn't know that. Francie offers to teach her how to preserve fruit and bake bread so Sam starts going to Francie's house and helps fill the hole left by her son, Rafe.
This is a great story about second chances, of course, but also hope, healing and finding somewhere to belong. It turns out that I loved Francie and am glad I got to learn more about her! I'm sad that there's only one more book in this series because it's been so much fun to read!
I received a copy of this to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Having said that, this really is a great addition to this series! I didn't think I got a good feel for Francie in the last book and the impression I got was that she was pretty uptight so I honestly wasn't sure if I would like her or not. I enjoyed reading her back story and finding out how she got where she is. Her husband has died and her son, Rafe, is going away to Harvard. She decides it's time to attend her local college but money is tight so she's also going to work on campus. She's working as an administrative assistant for two professors and it's not easy. They're both attracted to her and one of them flirts with her and makes her uncomfortable while the other one yelled at her on her first day and keeps his distance.
The professor who keeps his distance is Alex. He has a lot to deal with between his daughter and ex-wife and doesn't feel like he has the time to train a new assistant. He feels bad for the way he treated her on the first day so decides he'll make it up to her somehow.
Francie meets a student named Rose and they become friends. We know that Rose is actually Sam, Alex's daughter, but Francie doesn't know that. Francie offers to teach her how to preserve fruit and bake bread so Sam starts going to Francie's house and helps fill the hole left by her son, Rafe.
This is a great story about second chances, of course, but also hope, healing and finding somewhere to belong. It turns out that I loved Francie and am glad I got to learn more about her! I'm sad that there's only one more book in this series because it's been so much fun to read!
I received a copy of this to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
May 15, 2014
I thought maybe Francie would get her own story told in this book. This is a character we met in Lost and Found, the previous book in this series. I'm glad Francie has her own story. She isn't anything like what I imagined her to be when I read the other book. There is so much more personality and depth to her than I first thought.
One thing that sets this book apart from the others is that the characters in this book are older and more experienced in life. They have experienced many deeper struggles. They both have grown children. There is a sense of maturity there.
I love how Francie tends to mother all those around her. She can't help but take care and look out for other people. Her compassion makes her a great character. She has spent years being a strong woman, taking care of almost everything by herself. I love how there is just no hesitation. If there is something to be done, she just does it. Like fixing the roof. ;) You just need to read it to find out the fun scene behind that one.
This was a great addition to the Ripple Effect Romance series. These books are quick and easy to read. You are guaranteed a happily ever after ending which really makes me happy!
One thing that sets this book apart from the others is that the characters in this book are older and more experienced in life. They have experienced many deeper struggles. They both have grown children. There is a sense of maturity there.
I love how Francie tends to mother all those around her. She can't help but take care and look out for other people. Her compassion makes her a great character. She has spent years being a strong woman, taking care of almost everything by herself. I love how there is just no hesitation. If there is something to be done, she just does it. Like fixing the roof. ;) You just need to read it to find out the fun scene behind that one.
This was a great addition to the Ripple Effect Romance series. These books are quick and easy to read. You are guaranteed a happily ever after ending which really makes me happy!
July 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this one, especially since it involved more mature adults. Francie Davis is a recently widowed mom who is sending her son off to college (Harvard) and she is finally able to start community college and work there full time to subsidize her way. Her boss is Alex who is struggling with his own problems including his ex-wife and daughter. This one was great from beginning to end, from the slow burn between Francie and Alex to Sam seeking out Francie to learn about veggies and cooking. Definitely a recommend from me. Oh, and I had this one on audio and loved the narrator!
November 19, 2020
I loved Francie and Alex's story! I've had a copy of this kindle book for a little while and have thought about it off and on over the years. I've seen them in a couple later books by this author and wondered about their story. I'm so glad that I finally was able to dive into their story.
They have some moments in their backgrounds that are hard and have had quite an impact on them. And their initial meeting isn't a meet cute by any means. Sort of a meet disaster, need a massive do-over. But I really loved how they realize that people make mistakes and are willing to forgive and move forward. Which is probably good because they're going to have a few more interactions that will need understanding and forgiveness.
I loved seeing the other connections in the story come about and unfold. They made me smile and made my heart happy for Alex and Francie. I loved Francie's home life and how kind and gentle she is. As well as her willingness to reach out to others whom she can sense are struggling and need help.
The sweet love story and friendship that develops between Alex and Francie was great. I really enjoyed it and kept hoping that they could work out their differences and find hope, joy and love with each other. *Happy sigh*
I listened to an audio version. The narrator was delightful. I loved the feeling of family and healing that the story left me with.
Content: Clean. Some of the topics discussed are divorce, untoward advances (secondary characters), and emotional manipulation. All of these topics were address very well and not graphic in nature.
Happy Reading!!!
They have some moments in their backgrounds that are hard and have had quite an impact on them. And their initial meeting isn't a meet cute by any means. Sort of a meet disaster, need a massive do-over. But I really loved how they realize that people make mistakes and are willing to forgive and move forward. Which is probably good because they're going to have a few more interactions that will need understanding and forgiveness.
I loved seeing the other connections in the story come about and unfold. They made me smile and made my heart happy for Alex and Francie. I loved Francie's home life and how kind and gentle she is. As well as her willingness to reach out to others whom she can sense are struggling and need help.
The sweet love story and friendship that develops between Alex and Francie was great. I really enjoyed it and kept hoping that they could work out their differences and find hope, joy and love with each other. *Happy sigh*
I listened to an audio version. The narrator was delightful. I loved the feeling of family and healing that the story left me with.
Content: Clean. Some of the topics discussed are divorce, untoward advances (secondary characters), and emotional manipulation. All of these topics were address very well and not graphic in nature.
Happy Reading!!!
November 26, 2017
Sweet Romance
I loved reading about Francie-the widowed mother that eats only out of her garden and is going back to school-and Alex-the divorced dad that is Francie's boss. I especially like their kids! I was sad at how fast they went from starting to date to a proposal. A little crazy, but it was done very nicely.
I loved reading about Francie-the widowed mother that eats only out of her garden and is going back to school-and Alex-the divorced dad that is Francie's boss. I especially like their kids! I was sad at how fast they went from starting to date to a proposal. A little crazy, but it was done very nicely.
May 13, 2014
It was wonderful to read an addition to the Ripple Effect Romance series that dealt with two adults approaching middle age. It's a nice change of pace to show that "older" folks can fall in love and have a chance at happiness.
Francie is a widow. Her marriage was not a happy. Her son is headed for Harvard and she decides to go back to school. It's her time to learn and grow. She doesn't have a lot of money, so she takes a job as an Administrative Assistant for two of the History Professors. The first day does not leave a good impression, it's a very discouraging day. But Francie continues on and finds that there is more to one of the Professors than a gruff exterior.
Ales is the History Professor and dealing with the burden of a troubled daughter and a vindictive ex-wife. Have a sweet and attractive Administrative Assistant was not part of his plan.
I loved the relationships formed in this book. Francie proves to be a positive force for both Alex and his daughter, Sam. Her sweet nature pulls people in and she is able to help them work out problems and see a light in their situation.
This book is quick, it's a novella. I thought that Donna K. Weaver did a great job with character development and the plot in the shortened story. It would have made a great full length novel, but that is not the plan in this series. I really felt a connection to Francie. She is an amazing character.
This book can stand alone, but it is fun to read the full series in order, just to see the ripple effect that is part of the plan for the series.
Francie is a widow. Her marriage was not a happy. Her son is headed for Harvard and she decides to go back to school. It's her time to learn and grow. She doesn't have a lot of money, so she takes a job as an Administrative Assistant for two of the History Professors. The first day does not leave a good impression, it's a very discouraging day. But Francie continues on and finds that there is more to one of the Professors than a gruff exterior.
Ales is the History Professor and dealing with the burden of a troubled daughter and a vindictive ex-wife. Have a sweet and attractive Administrative Assistant was not part of his plan.
I loved the relationships formed in this book. Francie proves to be a positive force for both Alex and his daughter, Sam. Her sweet nature pulls people in and she is able to help them work out problems and see a light in their situation.
This book is quick, it's a novella. I thought that Donna K. Weaver did a great job with character development and the plot in the shortened story. It would have made a great full length novel, but that is not the plan in this series. I really felt a connection to Francie. She is an amazing character.
This book can stand alone, but it is fun to read the full series in order, just to see the ripple effect that is part of the plan for the series.
October 31, 2014
I've really enjoyed this series. Each author has such a different way of writing, yet the stories all tie together so well. My heart went out to Francie. It can't be easy to basically start over in your late 30s, yet she manages to do it fairly well. I loved how Francie went back to the basics in life. She doesn't have money, so she grows and harvests a very large garden, so that she's able to cut her food costs drastically. I love how she's willing to share that knowledge with others, especially Rose. Sometimes some hard work brings such a great sense of accomplishment and a person's value is restored.
My heart always went out to her boss, Alex. Life isn't always fair and it can be pretty hard. Unfortunately, Francie's first meeting with him didn't go well. Even though he let his anger get the best of him, it was obvious that his emotions don't define who he is and he went to great strides to try and fix his mistake.
I really enjoyed the romance in this one. The characters were a little older and more experienced, yet it was still gradual and tentative. The Epilogue was especially great!
Content: no language or violence; brief mention of underage drinking/partying and sex in exchange for favors, but they're portrayed in a way that shows it's wrong.
**I received a copy in exchange for an honest review**
My heart always went out to her boss, Alex. Life isn't always fair and it can be pretty hard. Unfortunately, Francie's first meeting with him didn't go well. Even though he let his anger get the best of him, it was obvious that his emotions don't define who he is and he went to great strides to try and fix his mistake.
I really enjoyed the romance in this one. The characters were a little older and more experienced, yet it was still gradual and tentative. The Epilogue was especially great!
Content: no language or violence; brief mention of underage drinking/partying and sex in exchange for favors, but they're portrayed in a way that shows it's wrong.
**I received a copy in exchange for an honest review**
May 12, 2014
This installment in the Ripple Effect Romance series stood out for me as it is entirely different from the previous four novellas. That I already picked up when I read the book summary. Second Chances 101 is all about character development and, well, second chances and letting go of the past.
If you’ve been following this series, you would remember Francie from the previous book, Lost and Found. I loved that in this book the characters were much older than the ones in the previous books, and I could even relate with the joys and sorrows they experience with their teenaged kids as I’m also mom to a fifteen-year-old. All the characters, including the secondary characters, were a joy to read. They each brought something a little special to this sweet romance.
The story moves at a steady pace, but at the end I felt the romance between Francie and Alex was a little rushed. It had great potential for a full-length novel though. Overall I was delighted at how everything fell into place for the two main characters. Both of them have suffered a great deal in the past, and even though they end up together, they have to learn how to have faith again before they can trust each other completely. I love the inspiring message this quick read sends, and in all honesty this has been my favorite addition to this series!
If you’ve been following this series, you would remember Francie from the previous book, Lost and Found. I loved that in this book the characters were much older than the ones in the previous books, and I could even relate with the joys and sorrows they experience with their teenaged kids as I’m also mom to a fifteen-year-old. All the characters, including the secondary characters, were a joy to read. They each brought something a little special to this sweet romance.
The story moves at a steady pace, but at the end I felt the romance between Francie and Alex was a little rushed. It had great potential for a full-length novel though. Overall I was delighted at how everything fell into place for the two main characters. Both of them have suffered a great deal in the past, and even though they end up together, they have to learn how to have faith again before they can trust each other completely. I love the inspiring message this quick read sends, and in all honesty this has been my favorite addition to this series!
January 30, 2017
This is the fifth book in the series, each book of which is written by a different author. Although books two and three probably should be read in sequence, this fourth offering can easily be read as a standalone book as the interplay with characters from previous books in the series is minimal. I must admit that it took me a bit to get into the story. I found the opening chapters to be rather dark and gloomy with lots of negativism as the stage was set for the main story to follow. In fact, I was actually tempted to close the book and return it before the real story began as all that gloom and doom really turned me off. But I stayed with it and am really glad I did. As I reflect on the story as a unit I have concluded that the author really knew what she was doing in taking the approach she did. The negative beginning allowed the positives that followed all the more sweet. I will reveal no spoilers here, but will simply offer my recommendation that, if you enjoy clean romance with happily ever after endings, you will really enjoy this offering.
May 19, 2014
3.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. But it isn’t one of my favorites in the series.
I think it’s toward the bottom because it felt too short and fast. And I know this is a novella and it’s supposed to be short, but I was left wanting more. I wasn’t quite satisfied when this installment ended.
With that said, I loved the story. I loved the characters. Alex is a sweetheart–kind, caring, loving. Francie is brave and going after what she wants after putting her dreams aside for so many years. Rose is a mixed up young woman who has a good heart. I loved her friendship with Francie. You root for them all. You want them all to be happy in the end.
Would I recommend it: Yes. Read the whole Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/05/bl...
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. But it isn’t one of my favorites in the series.
I think it’s toward the bottom because it felt too short and fast. And I know this is a novella and it’s supposed to be short, but I was left wanting more. I wasn’t quite satisfied when this installment ended.
With that said, I loved the story. I loved the characters. Alex is a sweetheart–kind, caring, loving. Francie is brave and going after what she wants after putting her dreams aside for so many years. Rose is a mixed up young woman who has a good heart. I loved her friendship with Francie. You root for them all. You want them all to be happy in the end.
Would I recommend it: Yes. Read the whole Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/05/bl...
April 16, 2014
book 5 of the Ripple Effect novella series. Francie is a sweet woman that has had some hard times in her life, from her family disowning her to an abusive husband. She gets a second chance after he dies and is able to attend a local university.
I liked the interaction between Francie and Sam/Rose - she gives Sam/Rose what she needs, a sense of balance and just a friendly ear to listen plus teaching her cooking skills that she hasn't gotten at home. Then there is Alex, Sam/Rose's father and also Francie's boss at the university. Apparently he is quite the hunk from the author's description...and he sees something in Francie that he has been missing.
The one thing I have noticed in all of these novellas is that the relationships happen very quickly and it was no different here. But still a great story.
I liked the interaction between Francie and Sam/Rose - she gives Sam/Rose what she needs, a sense of balance and just a friendly ear to listen plus teaching her cooking skills that she hasn't gotten at home. Then there is Alex, Sam/Rose's father and also Francie's boss at the university. Apparently he is quite the hunk from the author's description...and he sees something in Francie that he has been missing.
The one thing I have noticed in all of these novellas is that the relationships happen very quickly and it was no different here. But still a great story.
March 11, 2014
Great story about a woman, Francie, who lives in a historical home, gardens, and cooks vegetarian dishes that had my mouth watering. Her troubled marriage over due to her husband's death, she is now faced with starting over and going back to college. Enter Alex, a somewhat short-tempered history professor who is suffering from the demise of a troubled marriage himself. Add to that an emotionally abusive ex-wife, a surly teenaged daughter and trying to navigate online dating, and his life only gets more complicated when he starts to fall for his lovely new assistant, Francie. I really enjoyed the way Weaver wove all of these characters together, and how they were all able to help and heal each other. How "the powers that be" will bring us together with the right person, at the right time, if we will simply open our hearts to the possibility. Enjoy!
May 8, 2014
Thirty-seven-year-old Francie Davis is sure her luck has changed when she lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition. But after her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie learns that the last person you expect to fall in love with might be the one that’s the most perfect for you.
The characters in this book are so easy to love. Francie is getting a second chance in more ways than one. After a very tumultuous marriage, I enjoyed watching Francie find her footing, not only in life but also in love. The side characters are fantastic as well. Francie’s son and Alex’s daughter add a ton to the story. I highly recommend this one for people who love sweet romances that leave you feeling like second chances are possible, no matter what circumstances life has given you.
The characters in this book are so easy to love. Francie is getting a second chance in more ways than one. After a very tumultuous marriage, I enjoyed watching Francie find her footing, not only in life but also in love. The side characters are fantastic as well. Francie’s son and Alex’s daughter add a ton to the story. I highly recommend this one for people who love sweet romances that leave you feeling like second chances are possible, no matter what circumstances life has given you.
May 14, 2014
This novella series was so much fun to read. Very fast reading, clean, funny and romantic. I loved how the books intertwined with each other by using a character mentioned in the previous book for the current book. They don't have to be read in order, but the character development will make more sense if you do.
Book 5: Second Chances
This is the story about Francie (mentioned in book 4), a widowed woman who goes back to school while balancing two jobs as well. She lives in an old house alone while her son is in college and struggles to maintain the house, her jobs, and school. Along the way she meets Professor Alex and a girl named Rose at school and develops good relationships with them. I love how the story shows Francie's simple life and her struggles, but that shes always so caring and loving to others regardless of how busy she is. True example of service to others!
Book 5: Second Chances
This is the story about Francie (mentioned in book 4), a widowed woman who goes back to school while balancing two jobs as well. She lives in an old house alone while her son is in college and struggles to maintain the house, her jobs, and school. Along the way she meets Professor Alex and a girl named Rose at school and develops good relationships with them. I love how the story shows Francie's simple life and her struggles, but that shes always so caring and loving to others regardless of how busy she is. True example of service to others!
June 11, 2014
Thirty-something Francie is a widow. The relationship with her late husband wasn’t a wonderful one, but she has a fresh start with a new job and college classes. Money is tight and she’s alone since her son is starting college himself.
Alex is a professor who’s her boss. With Francie as his new assistant, they begin things on the wrong foot, mad at each other. He’s always on edge since his ex-wife is poison and his daughter is moody.
It was interesting and sweet seeing the two come together romantically with the obstacles in their path. Francie is an amazing character, down-to-earth, strong, and hard-working. She’s extremely likable. The reader gets to see Alex’s soft side and the pain he’s experienced with family issues. This is a highly enjoyable romance story.
Alex is a professor who’s her boss. With Francie as his new assistant, they begin things on the wrong foot, mad at each other. He’s always on edge since his ex-wife is poison and his daughter is moody.
It was interesting and sweet seeing the two come together romantically with the obstacles in their path. Francie is an amazing character, down-to-earth, strong, and hard-working. She’s extremely likable. The reader gets to see Alex’s soft side and the pain he’s experienced with family issues. This is a highly enjoyable romance story.
October 8, 2015
This novella was great fun! It is a satisfying, clean, ooey-gooey love story perfect for teen or adult. I liked that the main characters are not twenty (even "older" people can fall in love). There were all the right tingles and surprises of falling in love. The narrator did an excellent job bringing the author's voice to life (I wonder if she'd narrate my books?), and I would relish the opportunity to hear Tiffany Williams read another of Donna Weaver's books. I see that this book is part of a series of novellas, of which I think I read one other (which I also enjoyed). They are all clean romance but with very different situations and characters.
*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2015
I loved Francie as she steps out of her old life to make a new start. She's a strong character with deep emotion equal to her life's experiences. I enjoyed that it isn't New Adult age, affirming that it's never too late to change and grow and love!
June 25, 2014
This is great! Such a fun, quick read that really keeps you turning the pages. The characters are phenomenal and I just keep wanting more! Can't wait to read more of the Ripple Effect, and also get my hands on Weaver's newest book, Torn Canvas! She's such a fantastic writer!
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July 23, 2016Review to come.
July 21, 2014
Thank you for writing an older love story. I appreciate reading about second chance at love. And how it affects their kids.
December 26, 2014
Proof that after divorce or being a widow you can find a romance. Sweet, cute and fast read.
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December 18, 2021Francie Davis has struggled for years to support her family. Her husband, crippled badly in an accident years ago, and embittered by it, has died a few months ago, leaving only Francie and their son, Rafe, now heading off to college. He'll be attending Harvard on scholarship. Francie will only be supporting herself, now, but will be doing it on her own, without Rafe's help in the vegetable garden which has largely fed them for years. But Francie has her own dreams, long on hold, and she's now pursuing them.
Francie has gotten a job at the local college, and the benefits include a 3/4 discount on tuition. She'll be a full time student, and a full time worker--while trying to complete the harvesting that was not yet completed when Rafe left North Carolina for Massachusetts.
Alex Diederik is a history professor at that same local college, sharing office support with Prof. Kevin Eldred, and has a daughter, Samantha, who is also a student there. They're going through a rough period in their relationship, because Samantha, or "Sam," finds herself defending her divorced parents against each other. Vicki has remarried, a French man whom Alex, and we later learn Sam, both find rather creepy
Francie, in her job capacity, is assigned as the office support for Professors Diederik and Eldred.
Let it be noted here that it's hard to imagine that Vicki's new husband is much creepier than Eldred, who is preying on female students.
Francie first sees Alex and Sam when Sam is leaving her father's office at the end of a heated argument. They aren't introduced, and Francie assumes she's a student. Sam later sees Francie in the cafeteria, looking very much like the student she also is, and introduces herself by her middle name only, "Rose."
Francie and Rose become friends, while Alex and Francie gradually recover from their first meeting, where Alex was apparently berating a student. Then a history club project brings Alex out to what he doesn't know is Francie's house. She inherited it from her grandmother, and it has recently been added to the historic register. This is the start of Alex and Francie, Alex and Sam, and Francie and Sam all connecting better and more closely.
It's a nicely done novella, with everybody growing a bit as human beings, and a very nice little romancce.
I bought this book.
Francie has gotten a job at the local college, and the benefits include a 3/4 discount on tuition. She'll be a full time student, and a full time worker--while trying to complete the harvesting that was not yet completed when Rafe left North Carolina for Massachusetts.
Alex Diederik is a history professor at that same local college, sharing office support with Prof. Kevin Eldred, and has a daughter, Samantha, who is also a student there. They're going through a rough period in their relationship, because Samantha, or "Sam," finds herself defending her divorced parents against each other. Vicki has remarried, a French man whom Alex, and we later learn Sam, both find rather creepy
Francie, in her job capacity, is assigned as the office support for Professors Diederik and Eldred.
Let it be noted here that it's hard to imagine that Vicki's new husband is much creepier than Eldred, who is preying on female students.
Francie first sees Alex and Sam when Sam is leaving her father's office at the end of a heated argument. They aren't introduced, and Francie assumes she's a student. Sam later sees Francie in the cafeteria, looking very much like the student she also is, and introduces herself by her middle name only, "Rose."
Francie and Rose become friends, while Alex and Francie gradually recover from their first meeting, where Alex was apparently berating a student. Then a history club project brings Alex out to what he doesn't know is Francie's house. She inherited it from her grandmother, and it has recently been added to the historic register. This is the start of Alex and Francie, Alex and Sam, and Francie and Sam all connecting better and more closely.
It's a nicely done novella, with everybody growing a bit as human beings, and a very nice little romancce.
I bought this book.
December 19, 2021
Francie Davis has struggled for years to support her family. Her husband, crippled badly in an accident years ago, and embittered by it, has died a few months ago, leaving only Francie and their son, Rafe, now heading off to college. He'll be attending Harvard on scholarship. Francie will only be supporting herself, now, but will be doing it on her own, without Rafe's help in the vegetable garden which has largely fed them for years. But Francie has her own dreams, long on hold, and she's now pursuing them.
Francie has gotten a job at the local college, and the benefits include a 3/4 discount on tuition. She'll be a full time student, and a full time worker--while trying to complete the harvesting that was not yet completed when Rafe left North Carolina for Massachusetts.
Alex Diederik is a history professor at that same local college, sharing office support with Prof. Kevin Eldred, and has a daughter, Samantha, who is also a student there. They're going through a rough period in their relationship, because Samantha, or "Sam," finds herself defending her divorced parents against each other. Vicki has remarried, a French man whom Alex, and we later learn Sam, both find rather creepy
Francie, in her job capacity, is assigned as the office support for Professors Diederik and Eldred.
Let it be noted here that it's hard to imagine that Vicki's new husband is much creepier than Eldred, who is preying on female students.
Francie first sees Alex and Sam when Sam is leaving her father's office at the end of a heated argument. They aren't introduced, and Francie assumes she's a student. Sam later sees Francie in the cafeteria, looking very much like the student she also is, and introduces herself by her middle name only, "Rose."
Francie and Rose become friends, while Alex and Francie gradually recover from their first meeting, where Alex was apparently berating a student. Then a history club project brings Alex out to what he doesn't know is Francie's house. She inherited it from her grandmother, and it has recently been added to the historic register. This is the start of Alex and Francie, Alex and Sam, and Francie and Sam all connecting better and more closely.
It's a nicely done novella, with everybody growing a bit as human beings, and a very nice little romance.
I bought this book.
Francie has gotten a job at the local college, and the benefits include a 3/4 discount on tuition. She'll be a full time student, and a full time worker--while trying to complete the harvesting that was not yet completed when Rafe left North Carolina for Massachusetts.
Alex Diederik is a history professor at that same local college, sharing office support with Prof. Kevin Eldred, and has a daughter, Samantha, who is also a student there. They're going through a rough period in their relationship, because Samantha, or "Sam," finds herself defending her divorced parents against each other. Vicki has remarried, a French man whom Alex, and we later learn Sam, both find rather creepy
Francie, in her job capacity, is assigned as the office support for Professors Diederik and Eldred.
Let it be noted here that it's hard to imagine that Vicki's new husband is much creepier than Eldred, who is preying on female students.
Francie first sees Alex and Sam when Sam is leaving her father's office at the end of a heated argument. They aren't introduced, and Francie assumes she's a student. Sam later sees Francie in the cafeteria, looking very much like the student she also is, and introduces herself by her middle name only, "Rose."
Francie and Rose become friends, while Alex and Francie gradually recover from their first meeting, where Alex was apparently berating a student. Then a history club project brings Alex out to what he doesn't know is Francie's house. She inherited it from her grandmother, and it has recently been added to the historic register. This is the start of Alex and Francie, Alex and Sam, and Francie and Sam all connecting better and more closely.
It's a nicely done novella, with everybody growing a bit as human beings, and a very nice little romance.
I bought this book.
September 10, 2017
This novella was pretty well written. It features Francie (a single mother dealing with her only child leaving for college and going back to college herself to get an education while working full time) and Alex, a college professor who Francie assists in her new job. When he yells at her on her first day on the job, she wants to stay far away from the man. But as weeks go by and she gets to know him better, she realizes he isn’t as gruff or abrupt as he pretended to be. He’s a good guy. And when she inadvertently meets his daughter and likes her too, she starts learning lessons in second chances. This held my interest the whole way through and had cool characters I liked. I’m not a big fan of novellas, but this was a pretty good one. The only thing I didn’t love about it was the quick ending. It seemed to jump through a pretty big chunk of time to get to the happily ever after, but I could easily forgive it for the rest of the plot that was nicely done.
April 11, 2020
Francie working two jobs for her son, Rafe to have the opportunities and it had paid off, He got a scholarship for Harvard. He could be stubborn and she didn’t want him to turn it down. She got accept at the state college, going full time, and got a full time job to pay the tuition.
Sam looking at his daughter and thought the goth was just a faze, now it was the ghastly make up and the change of eating. Thanking school was starting, only to learn about a grant for those reentering school. Another words teachers are to train these helpers, so they can get tuition paid.
Overall a good story of finding love and acceptance for who they were.
Sam looking at his daughter and thought the goth was just a faze, now it was the ghastly make up and the change of eating. Thanking school was starting, only to learn about a grant for those reentering school. Another words teachers are to train these helpers, so they can get tuition paid.
Overall a good story of finding love and acceptance for who they were.
May 4, 2022
lovely story
Sweet, clean romance between a single mom whose son has just left for college and her professor boss, also a single parent, with a delightful–but-confused daughter and a vicious ex-wife. Great characters and I love the interactions between each of them, plus the romance. The author did a good job of contrasting workplace romance versus harassment. I especially liked Francie and of the way she worked her garden and cooking because she had no money To speak of.
This is part of the Safe Harbors series, falling between books 3 and 4, but only has a tenuous link to it. I still loved it though and would recommend it.
Sweet, clean romance between a single mom whose son has just left for college and her professor boss, also a single parent, with a delightful–but-confused daughter and a vicious ex-wife. Great characters and I love the interactions between each of them, plus the romance. The author did a good job of contrasting workplace romance versus harassment. I especially liked Francie and of the way she worked her garden and cooking because she had no money To speak of.
This is part of the Safe Harbors series, falling between books 3 and 4, but only has a tenuous link to it. I still loved it though and would recommend it.
August 23, 2017
Starting New
This was a wonderful story. Francie get to go college the same time her son is off to Harvard on a scholarship. She will work full time at the University and be a full time student. Little did she know how many new people come into her life. And one of them ius her second chance at love.
This was a wonderful story. Francie get to go college the same time her son is off to Harvard on a scholarship. She will work full time at the University and be a full time student. Little did she know how many new people come into her life. And one of them ius her second chance at love.
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