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The Callaways #9
If I Didn't Know Better
Mia Callaway thought she had the perfect guy and the perfect job…until she didn’t. After a run of bad luck, Mia is looking for an escape, so she agrees to go to Angel’s Bay to clean out her aunt’s house. She has no idea that the wounded soldier next door and his adorable, but also wounded, daughter are about to change her definition of perfect. Add in stolen art, a family secret, and a town where miracles can happen, and Mia’s escape turns out to be the greatest adventure of her life.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2015
3216 people are currently reading
1532 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Freethy
157 books2,710 followersBarbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
April 8, 2016
I just couldn't get into this book. It was good enough to read in my free time but I wasn't super invested in it. The characters were so bland and 'perfect' for each other. And the dialogue was sometimes soul-crushing because it was so staccato and over-explanatory. Who talks like that? You'd probably have to read it to understand but I'm confident that me mentioning would 'break the glass' for you and that's all you would be able to think during the conversations. The storyline was good at first but it started to lose my interest about halfway through. Plus, there were just too many people introduced in the first chapter that has ZERO relevance to the rest of the book. I'm sure if you have read the other books in the series then you would appreciate the cameos. But I didn't. Plus the chemistry was nonexistent to me.
I don't know. This book just wasn't for me.
I don't know. This book just wasn't for me.
October 29, 2015
This was probably my least favourite of the series. I found the family get-togethers overwhelming with names. There are so many kids and cousins, plus they are all married and pregnant and adopting and finding random children on the street...I was exhausted from all of the names by the end of chapter 1.
Mia and Jeremy's story itself was good and the mystery was interesting. The little girl healed way too quickly and perfectly, but I realize it's the nature of trying to solve a bunch of issues at once in one book.
The ending was super abrupt. Bad guy discovered, mystery solved, little girl healed - and then it was over with another family reunion and Mia and Jeremy getting engaged after having been together a couple of weeks. Go Team Callaway!
Mia and Jeremy's story itself was good and the mystery was interesting. The little girl healed way too quickly and perfectly, but I realize it's the nature of trying to solve a bunch of issues at once in one book.
The ending was super abrupt. Bad guy discovered, mystery solved, little girl healed - and then it was over with another family reunion and Mia and Jeremy getting engaged after having been together a couple of weeks. Go Team Callaway!
March 15, 2022
This is a continuation of the Callaway's. The series has now moved to the cousins. In this story Mia is getting over the lost of her job and a man she thought loved her. She's goes to clean out her aunt carly home who passed away. She is instantly introduced by the neighbor Jeremy who has to rescue her from the roof. So start this story where she gets to know Jeremy and his daughter Ashlyn. There is also some suspense. Sweet novel.
October 12, 2017
Blah.
Overly long. I never really connected/cared about the characters. Too much of a series book - you know, where hints are left around about the upcoming books and peeks at the many, many books that came before it.
The mystery was fine, if short.
Basically, if you love Freethy's books then I expect you'll love this one too. But as a stand alone about a "wounded hero" look elsewhere. Hero was far FAR too perfect/alpha. Just not for me.
Overly long. I never really connected/cared about the characters. Too much of a series book - you know, where hints are left around about the upcoming books and peeks at the many, many books that came before it.
The mystery was fine, if short.
Basically, if you love Freethy's books then I expect you'll love this one too. But as a stand alone about a "wounded hero" look elsewhere. Hero was far FAR too perfect/alpha. Just not for me.
August 12, 2019
Fantastic
Loved this book. Great start to the Galloway Cousins spinoff. Lots of great new characters added to the series. A little suspense, a lot of romance and a great story make this a winner.
Loved this book. Great start to the Galloway Cousins spinoff. Lots of great new characters added to the series. A little suspense, a lot of romance and a great story make this a winner.
October 26, 2018
Great
Good one from the author ... I really enjoyed while reading this book and I’ll recommend this book to all my friends.
Good one from the author ... I really enjoyed while reading this book and I’ll recommend this book to all my friends.
March 19, 2017
"If I Didn't Know Better" is written by Barbara Freethy, and it is the 9th book in The Callaways series. It can be read as a stand-alone book. It features Mia Callaway and Jeremy Holt.
Mia recently had some setbacks. She lost her job, her heart was broken, and her Aunt Carly recently died. Mia needs a change of scenery even if it's only for the summer. She decides to go Angel's Bay to clean out her aunt's home. Problem is, she's not able to get in her aunt's house, which leads to a cute-meet moment.
Jeremy and his 8 year old daughter, Ashlyn, just came home with their dinner. But he wasn't expecting to see his new temporary neighbor on the roof in need of help. Ashlyn is fascinated by Mia. Mia isn't always this spontaneous, but she figured if she'd climb onto the roof, she can get inside the already cracked opened window and then let herself in the house. But the window won't budge, so Jeremy gets a ladder to help her get down.
Jeremy and Ashlyn are both wounded and going through their own ordeals. Jeremy got injured after an IED explosion and has to do physical therapy. He recently discovered he has a daughter, but Ashlyn's mother never told Ashlyn about Jeremy. Only that he abandoned them, which isn't true. Ashlyn's mother was killed in a robbery, so Ashlyn has nightmares and doesn't talk much. She's afraid to open up. Once Jeremy found out about Ashlyn, he immediately went and got her from the foster family she was staying with. Jeremy wants Ashlyn to feel loved. He wants to protect her and for her to realize he will always be there for her.
Mia brings out something both in Jeremy and Ashlyn. It's just a beautiful and heartwarming story to see how much all the characters progress, especially Ashlyn. Meanwhile, Mia gets an idea that she would love to share the paintings that people have painted in her aunt's studio. Problem is, there are some people who are weary of this idea. The paintings get damaged.
Who doesn't want Mia to display the paintings for the public to see? Will Jeremy be able to protect her? Will Jeremy and Mia realize this is more than just a summer fling?
I absolutely adored Jeremy and Mia as a couple! They realized their attraction to each other was something they couldn't deny. They loved each other and were truly supportive of one another. Much like Barbara's other books, "If I Didn't Know Better" is very well-written and very family oriented. That's one thing I've always loved about this series. Readers will not want to put this book down!
Mia recently had some setbacks. She lost her job, her heart was broken, and her Aunt Carly recently died. Mia needs a change of scenery even if it's only for the summer. She decides to go Angel's Bay to clean out her aunt's home. Problem is, she's not able to get in her aunt's house, which leads to a cute-meet moment.
Jeremy and his 8 year old daughter, Ashlyn, just came home with their dinner. But he wasn't expecting to see his new temporary neighbor on the roof in need of help. Ashlyn is fascinated by Mia. Mia isn't always this spontaneous, but she figured if she'd climb onto the roof, she can get inside the already cracked opened window and then let herself in the house. But the window won't budge, so Jeremy gets a ladder to help her get down.
Jeremy and Ashlyn are both wounded and going through their own ordeals. Jeremy got injured after an IED explosion and has to do physical therapy. He recently discovered he has a daughter, but Ashlyn's mother never told Ashlyn about Jeremy. Only that he abandoned them, which isn't true. Ashlyn's mother was killed in a robbery, so Ashlyn has nightmares and doesn't talk much. She's afraid to open up. Once Jeremy found out about Ashlyn, he immediately went and got her from the foster family she was staying with. Jeremy wants Ashlyn to feel loved. He wants to protect her and for her to realize he will always be there for her.
Mia brings out something both in Jeremy and Ashlyn. It's just a beautiful and heartwarming story to see how much all the characters progress, especially Ashlyn. Meanwhile, Mia gets an idea that she would love to share the paintings that people have painted in her aunt's studio. Problem is, there are some people who are weary of this idea. The paintings get damaged.
Who doesn't want Mia to display the paintings for the public to see? Will Jeremy be able to protect her? Will Jeremy and Mia realize this is more than just a summer fling?
I absolutely adored Jeremy and Mia as a couple! They realized their attraction to each other was something they couldn't deny. They loved each other and were truly supportive of one another. Much like Barbara's other books, "If I Didn't Know Better" is very well-written and very family oriented. That's one thing I've always loved about this series. Readers will not want to put this book down!
March 16, 2017
Mia Callaway’s aunt Carly died in a boating accident. Someone had to go and clean out her house that was left to Mia’s mother. Mia was into art like her aunt, so she volunteered to go. Besides she had lost her job and found out what a jerk her lover was, so she needed time off. When she got to the house, the key didn’t work so she climbed a trellis to the roof as she saw a window open. The trellis fell and the window wouldn’t open so she was stuck. Her neighbor, Jeremy, who was renting next door, came home and she yelled for help. Jeremy went and got a ladder and helped her off the roof. Jeremy was renting next door and had an eight year old daughter, Ashlyn, that he had just found out about. Jeremy and Ashlyn’s mother had a one night stand and she never let Jeremy know he had a daughter. Ashlyn’s mother was at a quick mart with Ashlyn when a robber came in the store and killed Ashlyn’s mother. Ashlyn had not said much since she saw her mother murdered. Ashlyn took to Mia and wanted to be around her. You will need to read the book to see what happens.
I loved this story, but then all the Callaway stories are good. I felt so bad for Ashlyn and what she had gone through with her mother. I can’t begin to imagine what that would be like and then to go away with a man that was her father and had never met. There were some sweet and heart wrenching scenes between Jeremy and Ashlyn. Jeremy and his father had never gotten along, so he was afraid he wouldn’t know how to be a good father. He was in the Army on Delta team, but had hurt his shoulder and was trying to get it to heal. He had decisions about what his future would be now, especially with a daughter. Mia was a Callaway so she had all kinds of support and a great family. She was upset with herself for getting involved with her ex. She wasn’t happy with her last job, and she needed to decide what to do with her life. I also love how they described aunt Carly and how she helped so many people. I would have loved to have someone like that around. This was a great book, and I strongly encourage you to read it. I voluntarily read a copy of this book that I was given by the author.
I loved this story, but then all the Callaway stories are good. I felt so bad for Ashlyn and what she had gone through with her mother. I can’t begin to imagine what that would be like and then to go away with a man that was her father and had never met. There were some sweet and heart wrenching scenes between Jeremy and Ashlyn. Jeremy and his father had never gotten along, so he was afraid he wouldn’t know how to be a good father. He was in the Army on Delta team, but had hurt his shoulder and was trying to get it to heal. He had decisions about what his future would be now, especially with a daughter. Mia was a Callaway so she had all kinds of support and a great family. She was upset with herself for getting involved with her ex. She wasn’t happy with her last job, and she needed to decide what to do with her life. I also love how they described aunt Carly and how she helped so many people. I would have loved to have someone like that around. This was a great book, and I strongly encourage you to read it. I voluntarily read a copy of this book that I was given by the author.
September 3, 2015
Mia Callaway's life is in a shambles: no job, a broken heart from a cheating man, and the loss of her dear Aunt Carly. Because her mother (who inherited the house) has broken her foot, Mia volunteers to go to Angel Bay to clean out Aunt Carly's house. Carly was an art collector and Mia use to work for a re-known art museum. Mia will be able to separate the treasures from the junk.
Jeremy is an injured military man (Delta) who has recently found out he has an 8 year old daughter. His daughter witnessed the death of her mother and the trauma of living in foster care for a month when she is suddenly united with a father she doesn't know. Through all of this, Ash has shut-down, shut out her father, and basically quit talking. Jeremy is at his wit's end and has tried several things, including counseling, but Ash just isn't responding.
Aunt Carly's house is beside the house Jeremy is renting in Angel Bay. His first sight of Mia is of Mia stuck on her aunt's roof because she can't unlock the door. Jeremy helps Mia down and the three of them share a meal together while she waits for the locksmith to come. Ash really seems to gravitate to Mia and a friendship is formed. One thing leads to another and Mia and Jeremy agree to a summer fling. Ash begins to warm up to Mia but continues to shy away from Jeremy until Carly's studio is vandalized and they call the police to investigate. When Ash sees the police car, she absolutely loses it and for the first time turns to her dad for comfort.
I love the Callaways and the people of Angel Bay who welcome Jeremy, Ash, and Mia to town with open arms. It's a lovely read with some mystery thrown in for good measure.
Jeremy is an injured military man (Delta) who has recently found out he has an 8 year old daughter. His daughter witnessed the death of her mother and the trauma of living in foster care for a month when she is suddenly united with a father she doesn't know. Through all of this, Ash has shut-down, shut out her father, and basically quit talking. Jeremy is at his wit's end and has tried several things, including counseling, but Ash just isn't responding.
Aunt Carly's house is beside the house Jeremy is renting in Angel Bay. His first sight of Mia is of Mia stuck on her aunt's roof because she can't unlock the door. Jeremy helps Mia down and the three of them share a meal together while she waits for the locksmith to come. Ash really seems to gravitate to Mia and a friendship is formed. One thing leads to another and Mia and Jeremy agree to a summer fling. Ash begins to warm up to Mia but continues to shy away from Jeremy until Carly's studio is vandalized and they call the police to investigate. When Ash sees the police car, she absolutely loses it and for the first time turns to her dad for comfort.
I love the Callaways and the people of Angel Bay who welcome Jeremy, Ash, and Mia to town with open arms. It's a lovely read with some mystery thrown in for good measure.
September 7, 2018
Mia Callaway volunteers to clean out her deceased aunt's house in Angel's Bay (CA) after a break-up and losing her job. Jeremy Holt, who until 2 months ago was a Delta soldier, grew up in Angel's Bay. He's brought his newly-discovered daughter here to heal after she witnessed her mother's death in a convenience store robbery. Jeremy and his daughter Ashlyn rent the house next to Mia's aunt's.
Sparks fly, even though neither Mia nor Jeremy know what their individual futures hold and both are reluctant to start a relationship, no matter how fleeting.
Mia's aunt was an artist and allowed fellow artists to live in the cottage behind her house. The only "fee" she asked for was a painting from the visiting artist. Mia decides to set up an art exhibit in town to display the visiting artists' works. Surprisingly, she meets some resistance from artists who still live in town. Someone breaks into the cottage and vandalizes several paintings and smashes pottery.
Mia finds a painting in her aunt's bedroom closet that has another behind it and it appears the second painting could be valuable. This discovery provides a plot twist that's not quite believable.
I liked Mia and Jeremy and Jeremy's daughter. There just wasn't a lot of chemistry between Mia and Jeremy and some of the townspeople were flat. The "danger" plot was, as I said, not quite believable. Hence, the 2-star rating.
Sparks fly, even though neither Mia nor Jeremy know what their individual futures hold and both are reluctant to start a relationship, no matter how fleeting.
Mia's aunt was an artist and allowed fellow artists to live in the cottage behind her house. The only "fee" she asked for was a painting from the visiting artist. Mia decides to set up an art exhibit in town to display the visiting artists' works. Surprisingly, she meets some resistance from artists who still live in town. Someone breaks into the cottage and vandalizes several paintings and smashes pottery.
Mia finds a painting in her aunt's bedroom closet that has another behind it and it appears the second painting could be valuable. This discovery provides a plot twist that's not quite believable.
I liked Mia and Jeremy and Jeremy's daughter. There just wasn't a lot of chemistry between Mia and Jeremy and some of the townspeople were flat. The "danger" plot was, as I said, not quite believable. Hence, the 2-star rating.
March 18, 2016
The Callaways are a family that always pulls me back. I heard about Mia's story and knew I had to read it. Barbara Freethy delivers stories that supply variety and suspense that keeps her readers from getting too comfortable and her stories from being redundant. If I Didn't Know Better has adventure, mystery and at the center of it all is family. Mia's life has been headed in a downward spiral recently that leaves her doubting herself and the choices she has made. Needing to lick her wounds she takes on a task for her mother that places her in the path of a wounded soldier and his equally broken daughter. It seemed like divine intervention brought Jeremy, Ash and Mia together at just the right time. If I Didn't Know Better is a story of healing that brings the hope, family and emotion along for the ride.
August 27, 2015
I love all of Barbara's books but the Angel's Bay series is really special. This one brings Mia and Jeremy together and also Ashlyn Jeremy's daughter. You will love how being in Angel's Bay helps them all heal and find a new life with each other. They all came there to find something that would make them whole again and found it with each other.
September 10, 2016
Want romance with alittle bit of suspense and no sleep because u can't stop reading?? Then this is the book for you. This story is about Mia who is trying to figure out her life and next when she meets Jeremy, the sexy next door neighbor. The question is should she consider a future with all his baggage?
March 3, 2019
(Quote) Kindle Customer: “Trash...half way thru...turned it to soft porn...other reviews did not reveal the lack of morality especially with muddling in talk of angels and miracles...”
About sums it up...and they write it better.
About sums it up...and they write it better.
April 13, 2021
I enjoyed this story so much, Mia and Jeremy and especially his daughter Ashlyn. I was hooked from the first page, some suspense, lots of love, and learning to heal!
5 amazing stars for this one!
5 amazing stars for this one!
December 15, 2019
We love and heal in our own way
Jeremy and Mia are both in Angels Bay trying to get some answers about their future. Jeremy is a new sad and Mia is newly unemployed and grieving her aunt. Their chemistry is tangible from the beginning and their relationship, including their roles with Ashlyn, is sweet and well developed.
The family dynamic and friendships mentioned are engaging and I hope to see more about Jeremy and his dad. I loved seeing more about this community since we caught glimpses of some great characters such as Joe and Charlotte during Nicole’s story. The Callaway’s are a large and fascinating family. This story is part of a series, but beers away from Jacks kids and we are now looking at their cousins!
Jeremy and Mia are both in Angels Bay trying to get some answers about their future. Jeremy is a new sad and Mia is newly unemployed and grieving her aunt. Their chemistry is tangible from the beginning and their relationship, including their roles with Ashlyn, is sweet and well developed.
The family dynamic and friendships mentioned are engaging and I hope to see more about Jeremy and his dad. I loved seeing more about this community since we caught glimpses of some great characters such as Joe and Charlotte during Nicole’s story. The Callaway’s are a large and fascinating family. This story is part of a series, but beers away from Jacks kids and we are now looking at their cousins!
July 15, 2022
Great
This book did not disappoint. I love her books because there is always a mystery and romance. Jeremy was great and so was Mia
This book did not disappoint. I love her books because there is always a mystery and romance. Jeremy was great and so was Mia
July 8, 2019
I read this in an afternoon and enjoyed it. Would be a great beach read. First one I've read by Freethy.
November 20, 2019
Know Better
Easy and fast reading. Sweet story and a charming family relationship between the Callaway's. I would recommend this to any romantic!
Easy and fast reading. Sweet story and a charming family relationship between the Callaway's. I would recommend this to any romantic!
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November 10, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/10/2019)! 🎁
October 19, 2019
If I Didn’t Know Better: Callaway Cousins Book 1: Callaways Book 9 is by Barbara Feethy. This book is about Mia Callaway, the youngest of the Callaway Cousins. Her twin, Kate, was just minutes older. Mia has lost her boyfriend and her job. She has come home to recuperate and decide what to do next. Her Mother’s sister, Aunt Callie, has died and her Mother was to go clear out her house. Instead, Mia is going as her Mother broke her foot. Mia has the time and the connection with her Aunt to want to help clear out her place. She finds herself in Angel’s Bay and the key to her Aunt’s house won’t work.
Jeremy Holt was a Delta Force soldier who had been injured with an IED explosion and was now on sick days getting the therapy needed to get back to full force. He has also just found out he was the father of an eight-year -old daughter who had witnessed the killing of her Mother in a convenience store robbery. Ashlyn has not spoken a word since her Mother’s death. Add to her problems that she had not known of the existence of her Father yet. Having no where to go, Jeremy returned to Angel’s Bay despite swearing he would never be back. Now he has to decide what he is going to do now that he has Ashlyn.
Meeting up with Mia proves to be a godsend as far as Ashlyn is concerned; but her not speaking causes some problems. However, she has taken a liking to Mia and wants to be there all the time. Is this good or bad for Jeremy and Mia?
Jeremy Holt was a Delta Force soldier who had been injured with an IED explosion and was now on sick days getting the therapy needed to get back to full force. He has also just found out he was the father of an eight-year -old daughter who had witnessed the killing of her Mother in a convenience store robbery. Ashlyn has not spoken a word since her Mother’s death. Add to her problems that she had not known of the existence of her Father yet. Having no where to go, Jeremy returned to Angel’s Bay despite swearing he would never be back. Now he has to decide what he is going to do now that he has Ashlyn.
Meeting up with Mia proves to be a godsend as far as Ashlyn is concerned; but her not speaking causes some problems. However, she has taken a liking to Mia and wants to be there all the time. Is this good or bad for Jeremy and Mia?
October 30, 2019
Good "beach" read
Good mix of mystery and romance; a recovering wounded soldier with a daughter and a beautiful art lover who recently lost her job because of a lying lover discover more than a summer fling.
Good mix of mystery and romance; a recovering wounded soldier with a daughter and a beautiful art lover who recently lost her job because of a lying lover discover more than a summer fling.
September 2, 2015
If I Didn't Know Better is the story of two people who have reached a fork in the road and have to decide which path to travel. Mia has recently left her job and her love behind and headed to Angel's Bay, the setting for another series of Barbara Freethy's books. She's there to clean out her beloved aunt's house, supposedly, but what she's really trying to do is find herself and I believe that she thinks that connecting with her aunt through her things that she might herself among the piles and boxes.
Jeremy grew up in Angel's Bay but hasn't substantially returned until now. After finding himself the full-time caregiver of a daughter he didn't know about, he seeks the calm of Angel's Bay to help his daughter heal. To help himself heal. He is also trying to determine his future as an injury on duty with the military has derailed his future. Neither comes to Angel's Bay expecting to find love but that's what they find - love that starts on the roof of a house.
I loved coming back to the Angel's Bay setting and catching up with a few characters, and meeting a few more that hopefully the author will tell us more about in future stories. As with most Barbara Freethy stories, there is a mystery element to this story. Hidden paintings, disgruntled neighbors, and mysterious break-ins all lead Mia to wonder what was going on with her aunt. The mystery drives Mia and Jeremy apart until a pivotal time, when Jeremy finally allows reason to rule over emotion and reaches out to Mia at just the time to save her from danger. The only negative I had was that the ending felt rushed. I felt the story was moving along at a good clip, clues to the mystery were being exposed, the relationship between Mia and Jeremy was growing and then, boom, villain shows himself, a bit of danger and then the mystery is solved. A quick epilogue followed and the book was basically OVER. It felt very abrupt rather than having the culprit revealed more slowly. The ending just felt a bit different than previous Barbara Freethy novels.
Despite the abrupt ending, the story was otherwise well developed and well written. I love the peek back into the San Francisco Callaway family and loved started to get to know the other Callaways and look forward to their stories.
Jeremy grew up in Angel's Bay but hasn't substantially returned until now. After finding himself the full-time caregiver of a daughter he didn't know about, he seeks the calm of Angel's Bay to help his daughter heal. To help himself heal. He is also trying to determine his future as an injury on duty with the military has derailed his future. Neither comes to Angel's Bay expecting to find love but that's what they find - love that starts on the roof of a house.
I loved coming back to the Angel's Bay setting and catching up with a few characters, and meeting a few more that hopefully the author will tell us more about in future stories. As with most Barbara Freethy stories, there is a mystery element to this story. Hidden paintings, disgruntled neighbors, and mysterious break-ins all lead Mia to wonder what was going on with her aunt. The mystery drives Mia and Jeremy apart until a pivotal time, when Jeremy finally allows reason to rule over emotion and reaches out to Mia at just the time to save her from danger. The only negative I had was that the ending felt rushed. I felt the story was moving along at a good clip, clues to the mystery were being exposed, the relationship between Mia and Jeremy was growing and then, boom, villain shows himself, a bit of danger and then the mystery is solved. A quick epilogue followed and the book was basically OVER. It felt very abrupt rather than having the culprit revealed more slowly. The ending just felt a bit different than previous Barbara Freethy novels.
Despite the abrupt ending, the story was otherwise well developed and well written. I love the peek back into the San Francisco Callaway family and loved started to get to know the other Callaways and look forward to their stories.
April 16, 2021
I knew this was going to be a sweet story, not typically my style but at the time I thought, why not, let's give it a go. Chapter one had my head spinning with the introductions of Mia's family, extended family & a host of others showing up at a combo wedding/baby shower. Thankfully, we never heard from most of them again so remembering their names was a moot point.
The setting is Angel's Bay, a small town on the Pacific coast. Mia is spending a few weeks at her aunt's house who has recently passed away. Filled with paintings, items accumulated from her world travels, it's Mia's task to sort through the junk as well as possible treasures.
Jeremy is recovering from a shoulder wound from his most recent tour in the army. He was just notified that he has an eight year old daughter, very much traumatized by the death of her mother, a victim of a shooting. Angel's Bay was his hometown, a quiet & friendly place & seemed like a good area to raise his daughter. The two are renting the house next to Mia's aunt.
Ashlyn doesn't know her father, so naturally is hesitant around him & most likely due to her trauma doesn't speak, except for a few scarce words when in the company of Mia. From their first meeting, Ashlyn responds to Mia, talks with her although sparingly & loves being around her. As new neighbours, a friendship develops between the three.
This is a sweet tame story with near perfect beautiful characters that fall in love. There's a hint of a mystery towards the end which adds interest but it's very short lived. The highlight for me was Ashlyn's growth, her newfound love for her father & attachment to Mia. By the end she was a thriving happy & healthy child making friends & coming out of her shell. A nice story that I enjoyed reading.
The setting is Angel's Bay, a small town on the Pacific coast. Mia is spending a few weeks at her aunt's house who has recently passed away. Filled with paintings, items accumulated from her world travels, it's Mia's task to sort through the junk as well as possible treasures.
Jeremy is recovering from a shoulder wound from his most recent tour in the army. He was just notified that he has an eight year old daughter, very much traumatized by the death of her mother, a victim of a shooting. Angel's Bay was his hometown, a quiet & friendly place & seemed like a good area to raise his daughter. The two are renting the house next to Mia's aunt.
Ashlyn doesn't know her father, so naturally is hesitant around him & most likely due to her trauma doesn't speak, except for a few scarce words when in the company of Mia. From their first meeting, Ashlyn responds to Mia, talks with her although sparingly & loves being around her. As new neighbours, a friendship develops between the three.
This is a sweet tame story with near perfect beautiful characters that fall in love. There's a hint of a mystery towards the end which adds interest but it's very short lived. The highlight for me was Ashlyn's growth, her newfound love for her father & attachment to Mia. By the end she was a thriving happy & healthy child making friends & coming out of her shell. A nice story that I enjoyed reading.
October 16, 2019
Loved this book. Barbara Freethy never disappoints!
November 6, 2019
Mia lost her job that she didn't really enjoy because of a relationship she had with a married man (Mia thought he was divorced). Her aunt Carly died in an accident right around the same time. The family needed someone to go clean out Carly's house since she was an art collector and a pack rat. Mia felt this was the perfect opportunity for her to get away and figure out what her next move was going to be. Mia didn't count on the very attractive, single dad, Jeremy, living next door.
As Mia starts cleaning out the house and comes across the art work of artists that have stayed in the guest house she realizes that some of its really good and should be on display somewhere. As she sets up an art exhibit to display the work, some of the artists start showing up and want their work back as they do not want their art displayed.
One painting with a broken frame is hidden away in Carly's closet. As Carly attempts to fix the broken frame she discovers that there is a very valuable painting hidden underneath it.
Mia has to uncover the mystery of the painting while she is dealing with her feelings and trying not to fall in love with both Jeremy and his daughter. (and she fails and ends up happily in love)
This is yet another wonderful book written by Barbara Freethy and I can't wait to read the next one!
As Mia starts cleaning out the house and comes across the art work of artists that have stayed in the guest house she realizes that some of its really good and should be on display somewhere. As she sets up an art exhibit to display the work, some of the artists start showing up and want their work back as they do not want their art displayed.
One painting with a broken frame is hidden away in Carly's closet. As Carly attempts to fix the broken frame she discovers that there is a very valuable painting hidden underneath it.
Mia has to uncover the mystery of the painting while she is dealing with her feelings and trying not to fall in love with both Jeremy and his daughter. (and she fails and ends up happily in love)
This is yet another wonderful book written by Barbara Freethy and I can't wait to read the next one!
September 22, 2018
With the advent of the "metoo" movement, I found Jeremy and Mia's first sexual encounter to be very disturbing. Jeremy tells Mia he wants to kiss her and "maybe more". She responds with "we shouldn't kiss or ...anything more". He continues by telling her she'd told him she had "unlocked" her cage and the "bird is free to fly". She responds with "not into your arms" and later "I don't want to be with you, Jeremy". Jeremy continues to press her and she admits she's tempted but "I don't want to make another mistake. I don't want to move too fast". Again he counters her argument by reminding her that waiting in her last relationship didn't make it turn out any better. A little later, she responds with " you are very persuasive, Jeremy Holt". He says "I want you". She says "and you always get what you want?" His answer, "usually". Do you see where I'm going with this? Mia continually tells Jeremy that she doesn't want to have sex with him for various reasons. Jeremy won't take no for an answer and eventually wears her down and they have sex. So, if you were a guy reading this book (which most likely would not happen), you could surely get the idea that if you press a woman/girl long enough, you will wear her down and she will have sex with you. Like I said, disturbing. BTW, I couldn't read anymore after that.
November 30, 2018
After the separation from her boyfriend and the subsequent loss of her job, Mia Callaway agrees to clean out her recently deceased Aunt Carly's house in Angel's Bay. Her neighbour next door is wounded soldier Jeremy, who is trying his best to connect with the daughter he only just discovered he had. Both of them have to make decisions about their future, but can that future be together?
A nice plot, good storytelling and very likeable characters make this a good and entertaining book to read. Some of the protagonists' behaviours or reactions were a bit far-fetched and quite unrealistic, but on the whole did not bother me too much. I am still not certain, though, why and how the stolen art was fitting in the story, unless it was to create a conflict between Mia and Jeremy. There, perhaps, is where I would have preferred the story to be a bit longer, to have a bit more depth if that was the intention.
On the whole, a nice and not too long book that will keep a reader entertained for some hours.
A nice plot, good storytelling and very likeable characters make this a good and entertaining book to read. Some of the protagonists' behaviours or reactions were a bit far-fetched and quite unrealistic, but on the whole did not bother me too much. I am still not certain, though, why and how the stolen art was fitting in the story, unless it was to create a conflict between Mia and Jeremy. There, perhaps, is where I would have preferred the story to be a bit longer, to have a bit more depth if that was the intention.
On the whole, a nice and not too long book that will keep a reader entertained for some hours.
March 31, 2016
Barbara has given us another fantastic Calloway story. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series and it seems the stories just keep getting better and better.
This book allows us to travel to Angels Bay and catch up with all the folks there while getting to know Mia and Jeremy better. I have enjoyed reading this book and the chemistry between Mia and Jeremy is off the charts. This is a story of how sometimes in life you come to a crossroad and have to decide which road to follow. Some are not as easy as the other but the reward at the end is really great. This is a sweet story that will make you laugh out loud, cry and read faster in times of suspense.
I am looking forward to more stories about the Calloway family and hope we get to visit Angels Bay again. I would recommend this series by Barbara Freethy. They are romance mixed with suspense and will keep your attention all the way thru. Thanks again Barbara for another great book.
This book allows us to travel to Angels Bay and catch up with all the folks there while getting to know Mia and Jeremy better. I have enjoyed reading this book and the chemistry between Mia and Jeremy is off the charts. This is a story of how sometimes in life you come to a crossroad and have to decide which road to follow. Some are not as easy as the other but the reward at the end is really great. This is a sweet story that will make you laugh out loud, cry and read faster in times of suspense.
I am looking forward to more stories about the Calloway family and hope we get to visit Angels Bay again. I would recommend this series by Barbara Freethy. They are romance mixed with suspense and will keep your attention all the way thru. Thanks again Barbara for another great book.
September 27, 2016
After a difficult breakup that led to the loss of her job at a museum, Mia Callaway took a much-needed vacation to Angel’s Bay to clean out her late aunt’s cluttered home. While there she met Jeremy Holt, an injured special forces soldier who moved back to his hometown to recover from a serious injury and to help the traumatized young daughter he never knew he had.
Mia and Jeremy’s story is a wonderful addition to the Callaway family novels. I felt instantly connected to the characters and their individual struggles to find healing and where they fit in the world. As always with this series, I had a hard time putting it down. I love that the characters I loved in previous Callaway novels as well as the Angel’s Bay stories were included so I could see what happened next with some of them as well. It’s always hard to finish a story and then wonder what happens to them after the book is finished, so these books are the best of both worlds.
Mia and Jeremy’s story is a wonderful addition to the Callaway family novels. I felt instantly connected to the characters and their individual struggles to find healing and where they fit in the world. As always with this series, I had a hard time putting it down. I love that the characters I loved in previous Callaway novels as well as the Angel’s Bay stories were included so I could see what happened next with some of them as well. It’s always hard to finish a story and then wonder what happens to them after the book is finished, so these books are the best of both worlds.
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