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Seven Brides, Seven Brothers #0.5
When You Believe
PREQUEL: How Maggie and Alec Donahue met and fell in love.
Maggie Kilcannon is living with relatives in Breeze Point, Cape Cod after leaving her native land of Ireland. Having tragically lost her parents in a plane crash, Maggie is weary about loving anyone, lest she emerge broken-hearted once again. When she meets handsome Alec Donahue, a soldier on leave, she falls head over heels in love with him. But can she learn to live with the uncertainty of losing him in the line of duty?
Alec Donahue has always wanted to proudly serve his country as a soldier for the United States of America. He’s kept his eyes on the prize until he meets the beautiful and spirited Maggie while on leave. Maggie doesn’t believe in loving someone who might leave her, even though Alec wants to offer her a lifetime as her soul mate. Can Alec make Maggie believe in happily ever after?
Maggie Kilcannon is living with relatives in Breeze Point, Cape Cod after leaving her native land of Ireland. Having tragically lost her parents in a plane crash, Maggie is weary about loving anyone, lest she emerge broken-hearted once again. When she meets handsome Alec Donahue, a soldier on leave, she falls head over heels in love with him. But can she learn to live with the uncertainty of losing him in the line of duty?
Alec Donahue has always wanted to proudly serve his country as a soldier for the United States of America. He’s kept his eyes on the prize until he meets the beautiful and spirited Maggie while on leave. Maggie doesn’t believe in loving someone who might leave her, even though Alec wants to offer her a lifetime as her soul mate. Can Alec make Maggie believe in happily ever after?
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2015
56 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Belle Calhoune
95 books434 followersBelle Calhoune writes heartwarming, inspirational romance novels set in small, cozy towns. Married to her college sweetheart and living in southern Connecticut, she is the mother of two girls. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she is one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library allowed her to become an avid reader who aspired to be a romance writer. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, spending time in Cape Cod, traveling and enjoying time with friends and family.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 31, 2018
When You Believe was a cute prequel to the Seven Brides, Seven Brothers series. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but after reading this story I am open to continuing the series. I liked the characters and it was interesting how the story was kind of a reminiscing for the MCs about their journey and what they had gone through as a couple. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it!
May 29, 2021
A sweet story, I read it in a day because it kept me interested. As a prequel to the Seven Brides Seven Brothers series, it has piqued my interest so it’s on to the first book in the series.
This story lays the groundwork for the Donahue family. It was interesting to see how Maggie and Alec met, how they worked through their struggles, and how they dreamed together for the future.
The characters were well developed and enjoyable. The family dynamics were heartwarming, the romance clean. I look forward to more of this family.
This story lays the groundwork for the Donahue family. It was interesting to see how Maggie and Alec met, how they worked through their struggles, and how they dreamed together for the future.
The characters were well developed and enjoyable. The family dynamics were heartwarming, the romance clean. I look forward to more of this family.
March 4, 2015
When You Believe by Belle Cahoune
This is a prequel to a series of books about the Donahue family. Belle Calhoune writes a moving inspirational story of how Maggie and Alec Donahue meet and fall in love. The story covers issues in depth such as the inability of each to really discuss their feeling over the loss of two babies and Maggie blames herself. But can Maggie continue to live the feeling of helplessness and fear that she experiences as Alec returns to duty each time. Alec returns home from the Army and is at a loss to be able to express and discuss his feelings. Can Alec help Maggie thru all of this and offer her a lifetime with him as her mate? Christmas is a special time in the Donahue household and never more so than this Christmas. Read this wonderful story to see how they work out their problems with the help of God. I was given this book to read and write a review. I love it. In fact, I plan to read the seven books that follow this one in the Donahue family series.
This is a prequel to a series of books about the Donahue family. Belle Calhoune writes a moving inspirational story of how Maggie and Alec Donahue meet and fall in love. The story covers issues in depth such as the inability of each to really discuss their feeling over the loss of two babies and Maggie blames herself. But can Maggie continue to live the feeling of helplessness and fear that she experiences as Alec returns to duty each time. Alec returns home from the Army and is at a loss to be able to express and discuss his feelings. Can Alec help Maggie thru all of this and offer her a lifetime with him as her mate? Christmas is a special time in the Donahue household and never more so than this Christmas. Read this wonderful story to see how they work out their problems with the help of God. I was given this book to read and write a review. I love it. In fact, I plan to read the seven books that follow this one in the Donahue family series.
January 12, 2017
I have loved my time with the wonderful Donahue family. My favourite book was number 7, Mac Delilah's story. Mac reminded me a lot of my husband. A true romantic who just wants to give the world to the woman he loves. I look forward to reading more of Belle Calhoune's books. I think I'm going to move on to the Secrets of Savannah series next.
February 29, 2020
This was a fantastic book. I read it in two days. Didn't want to put it down.
June 1, 2020
Must read
This is where it all began! An amazing story of difficult times,, but love prevailed! Just the beginning of Donahue Strong!
This is where it all began! An amazing story of difficult times,, but love prevailed! Just the beginning of Donahue Strong!
January 21, 2017
WORTH THE RISK
You can't really live if you don't take risks at least sometimes. Maggie was terribly afraid of losing another person she loved though, so in her mind, the possibility of loving Alec Donahue, a soldier on leave, was just too much to think about. She couldn't possibly survive another loss if something happened to him and he didn't come home.
Alec grew up in a boisterous family with lots of love and support. Girls were constantly chasing after him, but he wasn't ready to settle down yet. Date, sure, but nothing serious. Until he met Maggie. Something changed then, and even he wasn't sure what it was, but the girl wasn't the one doing the chasing this time. These feelings were all new to him and he didn't know how to handle them. All he knew was that Maggie had to know how he felt before he went back overseas...just in case.
This was a book that left me crying at the end. This was another case where I didn't know there was a prequel until I'd already read the first two books in the series, so once I knew about this one, I had to go back and read it. We find out how Maggie and Alec met and the trials they went through even before their marriage and when their marriage was still young. Those trials prepared them to be the loving parents seven orphan boys would need. Past experiences always prepare us for future situations, and Alec and Maggie worked through it all together to become the couple everyone dreamed of being at their age and the parents everyone wished they had. I loved this one too.
You can't really live if you don't take risks at least sometimes. Maggie was terribly afraid of losing another person she loved though, so in her mind, the possibility of loving Alec Donahue, a soldier on leave, was just too much to think about. She couldn't possibly survive another loss if something happened to him and he didn't come home.
Alec grew up in a boisterous family with lots of love and support. Girls were constantly chasing after him, but he wasn't ready to settle down yet. Date, sure, but nothing serious. Until he met Maggie. Something changed then, and even he wasn't sure what it was, but the girl wasn't the one doing the chasing this time. These feelings were all new to him and he didn't know how to handle them. All he knew was that Maggie had to know how he felt before he went back overseas...just in case.
This was a book that left me crying at the end. This was another case where I didn't know there was a prequel until I'd already read the first two books in the series, so once I knew about this one, I had to go back and read it. We find out how Maggie and Alec met and the trials they went through even before their marriage and when their marriage was still young. Those trials prepared them to be the loving parents seven orphan boys would need. Past experiences always prepare us for future situations, and Alec and Maggie worked through it all together to become the couple everyone dreamed of being at their age and the parents everyone wished they had. I loved this one too.
May 3, 2017
When I first started this book series, I was most intrigued by the series name "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", as that's one of my most favorite musicals of all time. But almost immediately after I read the first page, I fell in love with the characters. They had such a strong connection to their faith and used it to strengthen their relationships with everyone around them, and I was so amazed by how they kept everything together in the midst of numerous conflicts and obstacles. No relationship was perfect, that much I know to be true, but what was really amazing to me was how, no matter what was thrown in their way, whether it was good or bad, Maggie and Alec stood together in the face of these challenges, met them head-on, and came through stronger on the other side.
April 11, 2017
When You Believe is a prequel to Seven Brides Seven Brothers by Belle Calhoune. It takes place in Breeze Point, Cape Cod. It is the story of how Alec and Maggie Donahue met and married. Their life wasn’t easy at first with Alec deployed to the Middle East and Maggie left in Breeze Point. Maggie’s parents had died in a plane crash when she was twelve. She was the only survivor in the plane. She lived in Ireland with her grandparents and went to school in Scotland. After her grandparents died, she came to Breeze Point to live with her uncle and aunt. It was here she met Alec at a Christmas tree lot under some difficult circumstances.
The story is sweet and yet you must have Kleenex handy. It is a wonderful short romance.
The story is sweet and yet you must have Kleenex handy. It is a wonderful short romance.
February 11, 2015
This book, just like all the others, pulls you right in. I love the way that Alec and Maggie met and then reading Alec's and Maggie's love story helps you to understand the traditions and beliefs they instilled in the boys. Seeing them struggle and prevail makes you appreciate their character and integrity that shows through in the other books of the series. I loved the glimpses of Maggie's personality and strong family ties which help you understand her so much more. If possible, I fell in love with these characters as they fell in love with each other. On a personal note, I wish this book had been first, but that is just my preference.
March 6, 2015
Prequel The Donahue's
This is a book about Maggie and Alec. She lost her parents and has never really gotten over the loss. She meets Alec, a soldier, on leave and they fall in love. Can she really be with him and risk losing someone else she cares about so much? When he leaves will he come back? Then she has miscarriage's and fears they will never have a family. They are not able to communicate with each other. Can they make their marriage work or is it too late for their marriage and a family? I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
This is a book about Maggie and Alec. She lost her parents and has never really gotten over the loss. She meets Alec, a soldier, on leave and they fall in love. Can she really be with him and risk losing someone else she cares about so much? When he leaves will he come back? Then she has miscarriage's and fears they will never have a family. They are not able to communicate with each other. Can they make their marriage work or is it too late for their marriage and a family? I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
February 10, 2015
This is the first book in this series I have read and I loved it. Wonderful, strong family and lovable characters. Enjoyed learning about the meeting of Alec and Maggie and how their relationship developed. Will be looking into the rest of the series. I was given a copy of the book by the author for a fair review.
November 9, 2016
A delightful and endearing look back to the beginning and courtship of the Donahue brothers’ parentals! I actually first read this about nine months ago, and it was a fun re-read! My favorite quotes are: “God always hears our prayers, even when we don’t think He is listening.” And “When you believe, anything can happen.”
February 13, 2015
What a wonderful love story! I loved how it didn't start at the beginning and I loved the genuine love shared between Alec and Maggie. I'm so happy that she found her happily ever after!
I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2015
Love Conquerors All
It was great to learn the history of Alex and Maggie's relationship. I would have loved a little more insight as to how they were the chosen parents for their sons.
It was great to learn the history of Alex and Maggie's relationship. I would have loved a little more insight as to how they were the chosen parents for their sons.
January 22, 2016
When You Believe is a cute story of a couple falling in love and the way they handle adversity through their marriage. I liked that Ms. Calhoune explored some of the issues that happen in marriage. This story wasn't just about their courtship.
February 10, 2016
Alec and Maggie Donahue are two very special people. Watching how their story begins and what happens during their marriage is beautiful. What they did for their seven sons is truly remarkable. You will feel God working throughout this whole book.
July 9, 2016
This novel tells how Alec and Maggie met and married, I'm glad I read it last. It didn't seem to have the "punch" that I would have expected, so I was a bit disappointed in it.
There are still typos and grammatical errors that should have been corrected in the editing.
There are still typos and grammatical errors that should have been corrected in the editing.
July 23, 2016
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
What a beautiful, romantic love story!!!! The real thing!!!! And how true. It takes patience, humor, and a whole bunch of love to make a marriage work!!! I loved this story. It shows what can happen when two people are willing to be open and honest with each other.
What a beautiful, romantic love story!!!! The real thing!!!! And how true. It takes patience, humor, and a whole bunch of love to make a marriage work!!! I loved this story. It shows what can happen when two people are willing to be open and honest with each other.
November 27, 2016
Cute, quick read. I guess it's a prequel- the story of how 2 people met who would later go on to foster 7 boys. There were parts I skimmed because it was very Nicholas sparks predictable. A few little twists but nothing crazy.
February 5, 2015
I looking in on their love story
I love getting a glimpse at how their love story started and grown from the very beginning to the very presents and how the family got started.
I love getting a glimpse at how their love story started and grown from the very beginning to the very presents and how the family got started.
February 21, 2015
Another great story in this series!!! It was fun to walk memory lane with them.
August 27, 2015
This book is awesome.
I loved the story of Maggie and Alec. I have enjoyed reading all of the books in the series. I would recommend this series to everyone.
I loved the story of Maggie and Alec. I have enjoyed reading all of the books in the series. I would recommend this series to everyone.
August 3, 2016
PREQUEL: How Maggie and Alec Donahue met and fell in love.
April 25, 2017
The finale fell a little short of the finale.
I would have liked to know about their decision to adopt,and their feelings when adopting each boy. I felt like the story stopped rather than ended.
I would have liked to know about their decision to adopt,and their feelings when adopting each boy. I felt like the story stopped rather than ended.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews