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Meadowview Heroes #1
Finding the One: (Meadowview Book 5)
Art photographer Mac Johns moved to the small town of Meadowview to reinvigorate his artistic career. And he’s finally found his muse—the gorgeous and amazingly sexy woman with whom he just had a one-night-stand. Trudy Prendergast is a former model whose career in high fashion tanked after nude photographs of her were publically insulted. In a really bad case of mistaken identity, Trudy signs a contract with Mac, thinking she’d be modeling for his sculptor father. Whoops! When passion heats up between them again, Mac lets Trudy out of the contract, unwilling to risk her career even though his photographs of her could put him back on the map as one of the world’s best art photographers. Finding someone who could see Trudy for her true self once seemed impossible. But Mac seems to see her—to truly see her beauty, inside and out. And when Trudy discovers what Mac has given up to protect her, she’s suddenly torn between two lose the lucrative contract she’s been working so hard to win…or lose Mac.
234 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2014
38 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle French
26 books46 followersRochelle French is a bestselling romance novelist and the author of the Meadowview series and the Vineyard Springs series. Her books feature contemporary characters falling in love in small town settings. She currently lives in Northern California in the same small town where she grew up, where she spends her days writing, hiking in the woods, or swimming in the river. She loves to hear from readers and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 11, 2015
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
This was my first book by author Rochelle French and I enjoyed it very much; a sensuous romance between a model and a photographer but it’s not even a little bit what you are thinking, I promise because I thought the same thing and this book is so much more. A model with a body image problem, a photographer whose muse refuses to pose for him, quite a bit of misunderstanding, and a love neither one thought they’d find made Finding the One and entertaining and interesting love story.
Trudy Prendergast’s life had had its ups and downs and if she were to look closely she’d say way more downs and than ups. She needs the contract for a famous sculptor so she doesn’t lose her loft and so she can continue to pay her huge medical bills. The last thing on her mind is a sexy man but somehow she finds herself in the company of one at the party she’d hoped to meet the sculptor.
Mac Johns can’t help but watch the woman with the fiery red hair as she tries to get out of a most interesting situation. He is drawn to her and he knows that she is the muse he’s been looking for but first he must meet her and hopefully talk her into other things before he gets her to pose for him. He hasn’t been this interested in anything in a long time and even he can admit she might just be what he needs to get his career back on track.
I enjoyed watching these two bounce off each other and their many, many miscues. There was something in the way they related to each other that was special and even at the start there was a deep connection between them. That’s not to say they didn’t have some issues because they had plenty and some of their issues had issues but when it was just them together without the world or their pasts rearing up they were quite magical together. Mac appreciated every bit of Trudy’s body and let her know it but Trudy didn’t believe it and was so hung up on everything that had caused not only her scars but her weight gain that it sometimes overtook the story and weighed it down. I hated that she carried her secrets and burdens all alone and didn’t even share them with her sister who was also her best friend but more than that as she and Mac got closer she didn’t trust him enough to tell him and subsequently pushed him away.
Overall I did enjoy Finding The One and found the town of Meadowview to be quaint and of course its residents intrusive because that’s what small towns are all about but most of all I loved that these two people were both willing to sacrifice their careers to make the other one happy and that my friends is what love is all about.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
This was my first book by author Rochelle French and I enjoyed it very much; a sensuous romance between a model and a photographer but it’s not even a little bit what you are thinking, I promise because I thought the same thing and this book is so much more. A model with a body image problem, a photographer whose muse refuses to pose for him, quite a bit of misunderstanding, and a love neither one thought they’d find made Finding the One and entertaining and interesting love story.
Trudy Prendergast’s life had had its ups and downs and if she were to look closely she’d say way more downs and than ups. She needs the contract for a famous sculptor so she doesn’t lose her loft and so she can continue to pay her huge medical bills. The last thing on her mind is a sexy man but somehow she finds herself in the company of one at the party she’d hoped to meet the sculptor.
Mac Johns can’t help but watch the woman with the fiery red hair as she tries to get out of a most interesting situation. He is drawn to her and he knows that she is the muse he’s been looking for but first he must meet her and hopefully talk her into other things before he gets her to pose for him. He hasn’t been this interested in anything in a long time and even he can admit she might just be what he needs to get his career back on track.
I enjoyed watching these two bounce off each other and their many, many miscues. There was something in the way they related to each other that was special and even at the start there was a deep connection between them. That’s not to say they didn’t have some issues because they had plenty and some of their issues had issues but when it was just them together without the world or their pasts rearing up they were quite magical together. Mac appreciated every bit of Trudy’s body and let her know it but Trudy didn’t believe it and was so hung up on everything that had caused not only her scars but her weight gain that it sometimes overtook the story and weighed it down. I hated that she carried her secrets and burdens all alone and didn’t even share them with her sister who was also her best friend but more than that as she and Mac got closer she didn’t trust him enough to tell him and subsequently pushed him away.
Overall I did enjoy Finding The One and found the town of Meadowview to be quaint and of course its residents intrusive because that’s what small towns are all about but most of all I loved that these two people were both willing to sacrifice their careers to make the other one happy and that my friends is what love is all about.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
April 10, 2015
**This book was provided by NetGalley for my review and enjoyment.
You'll love this book if: You like sweet romance stories where girl and boy eventually pull their head out of their rears and realize the are meant to be together. Ha!
THE STORY: Artistic photographer Mac Johns is attending a party for his infamous artist father when he is instantly taken by a fiery redhead across the room. Mac recognizes in her the fierceness he desires in a model for his up and coming art series. We the reader immediately pen Mac as a rowdy playboy type, then find quite quickly he is made of so much more than first meets the eye.
As Mac and Trudy become acquainted, Mac continues to see in her the exact mix of strength and vulnerability he imagined for his Warrior Woman; his muse. After one (horribly bad and embarrassing) night together, Mac realizes that Trudy has mixed up Mac and his father. They do share the same name after all- easy mistake! Mac still wants Trudy to pose as his Warrior Woman, and attempts to set her straight while offering her the position... through a letter.
The lines of communication become superbly crossed, personal image is weighed against that of forging an authentic self, and two broken down individuals will examine where their hearts truly lie.
Side note: There were some rough grammatical errors needing attention in this book such as omitted words and wrong tenses. It wasn't too much of a distraction though.
You'll love this book if: You like sweet romance stories where girl and boy eventually pull their head out of their rears and realize the are meant to be together. Ha!
THE STORY: Artistic photographer Mac Johns is attending a party for his infamous artist father when he is instantly taken by a fiery redhead across the room. Mac recognizes in her the fierceness he desires in a model for his up and coming art series. We the reader immediately pen Mac as a rowdy playboy type, then find quite quickly he is made of so much more than first meets the eye.
As Mac and Trudy become acquainted, Mac continues to see in her the exact mix of strength and vulnerability he imagined for his Warrior Woman; his muse. After one (horribly bad and embarrassing) night together, Mac realizes that Trudy has mixed up Mac and his father. They do share the same name after all- easy mistake! Mac still wants Trudy to pose as his Warrior Woman, and attempts to set her straight while offering her the position... through a letter.
The lines of communication become superbly crossed, personal image is weighed against that of forging an authentic self, and two broken down individuals will examine where their hearts truly lie.
Side note: There were some rough grammatical errors needing attention in this book such as omitted words and wrong tenses. It wasn't too much of a distraction though.
December 10, 2015
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Trudy and her sister have not had easy lives being given to the state by their mother and moved from foster home to foster home. Her sister is happily married with several children. A family like they both wanted. Trudy was not as resilient and has many emotional scars that she refuses to face. Many of those are in part to her physical scars and a horrible occurrence in her modeling career. Her life is falling apart with no work until she gets an awesome chance to work with a famous sculpture, Mac's father. Mac is an artist and his medium is photography. He is on the cusp of regaining his confidence and another showing, all he needs is a muse. Mac sees Trudy at a gather and is inspired by her strong appearance. Or is there an irresistible attraction between them. The contract Trudy thinks she has is actually with Mac.
A wonderful story of loving one self enough to love another. Trudy has withheld so much pain and hurt from her sister. Her sister feels bad because she did not even she beneath the facade Trudy kept up. Trudy must decide to let go of hurt before she can open up to another. Mac must be confident in his abilities and talent and patience with Trudy as she is searching for her footing.
Trudy and her sister have not had easy lives being given to the state by their mother and moved from foster home to foster home. Her sister is happily married with several children. A family like they both wanted. Trudy was not as resilient and has many emotional scars that she refuses to face. Many of those are in part to her physical scars and a horrible occurrence in her modeling career. Her life is falling apart with no work until she gets an awesome chance to work with a famous sculpture, Mac's father. Mac is an artist and his medium is photography. He is on the cusp of regaining his confidence and another showing, all he needs is a muse. Mac sees Trudy at a gather and is inspired by her strong appearance. Or is there an irresistible attraction between them. The contract Trudy thinks she has is actually with Mac.
A wonderful story of loving one self enough to love another. Trudy has withheld so much pain and hurt from her sister. Her sister feels bad because she did not even she beneath the facade Trudy kept up. Trudy must decide to let go of hurt before she can open up to another. Mac must be confident in his abilities and talent and patience with Trudy as she is searching for her footing.
June 20, 2018
Finding the One
Loved the book. It has heart, fun, laughter, hardship and lots of love and support. The heroine a strong beautiful caring woman struggles with her internal and external demons. Mac the hero recognizes the strong independent vulnerable woman and wants to capture her essence through photography and falls madly in love.
Loved the book. It has heart, fun, laughter, hardship and lots of love and support. The heroine a strong beautiful caring woman struggles with her internal and external demons. Mac the hero recognizes the strong independent vulnerable woman and wants to capture her essence through photography and falls madly in love.
January 22, 2020
I read these awhile ago review to follow.
December 15, 2015
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
This book is book number 5 in the Meadowview Heat series and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend that the reader start at book 1 and read them all!! The author does a great job of re-introducing the characters and a bit of their back story in this one so that the reader can just pick up here and not miss a beat. The author also does an amazing job at mixing drama, comedy, romance and a touch of sarcasm in this book.
This book is about Mac and Trudy - two lesser known characters in Meadowview, but two very important characters nonetheless. Trudy has been burned in the past and is not looking for love, a boyfriend or any drama....Mac is burnt out after his mother passes away and his photography suffers...the two meet at an event that draws them together and at the same time makes them dislike each other just a bit (think of cleavage fishing for grapes and a man laughing at this...). Trudy is determined to win a modeling contract and Mac is determined to convince Trudy that she should be his muse....
The author makes the characters instantly likable and relatable and they feel like friends from the first paragraph. She is a master at making the reader laugh, cry, tear up and feel like they are on one of the world's faster roller coasters. This book is a non-stop twist, turn, looping coaster that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat wondering what is going to happen next. I feel like the author takes the reader on a journey straight into the pages of her novel and never lets them leave (but in an amazing way). I have said time and time again that I would love to live in MeadowView. It feels as if I have been there so often that it is a real place! I am already looking forward to the next book in the series, but at the same time am dreading it because there are only 2 more after this one....
Add this one and all of her others to your TBR list - you won't be sorry and before long you will want to move right into MeadowView with me!! Don't miss out on this amazing town, characters and author! Enjoy this one and her previous books!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
This book is book number 5 in the Meadowview Heat series and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend that the reader start at book 1 and read them all!! The author does a great job of re-introducing the characters and a bit of their back story in this one so that the reader can just pick up here and not miss a beat. The author also does an amazing job at mixing drama, comedy, romance and a touch of sarcasm in this book.
This book is about Mac and Trudy - two lesser known characters in Meadowview, but two very important characters nonetheless. Trudy has been burned in the past and is not looking for love, a boyfriend or any drama....Mac is burnt out after his mother passes away and his photography suffers...the two meet at an event that draws them together and at the same time makes them dislike each other just a bit (think of cleavage fishing for grapes and a man laughing at this...). Trudy is determined to win a modeling contract and Mac is determined to convince Trudy that she should be his muse....
The author makes the characters instantly likable and relatable and they feel like friends from the first paragraph. She is a master at making the reader laugh, cry, tear up and feel like they are on one of the world's faster roller coasters. This book is a non-stop twist, turn, looping coaster that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat wondering what is going to happen next. I feel like the author takes the reader on a journey straight into the pages of her novel and never lets them leave (but in an amazing way). I have said time and time again that I would love to live in MeadowView. It feels as if I have been there so often that it is a real place! I am already looking forward to the next book in the series, but at the same time am dreading it because there are only 2 more after this one....
Add this one and all of her others to your TBR list - you won't be sorry and before long you will want to move right into MeadowView with me!! Don't miss out on this amazing town, characters and author! Enjoy this one and her previous books!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
May 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, with its mix of humour and bruised egos. Right from the opening, where Trudy is trying to figure out how to remove a grape from her cleavage in a classy manner, I knew this would be fun. And it definitely is, including one of the most awkward sex scenes I’ve read in a while and continuing with a destructive goat, a braying donkey and doll fashion shows. It’s cute and fun and Mac and Trudy are so perfect together.
Of course nothing is that easy or straightforward, and while Mac has a few hangups about his art, the pain in this book really belongs to Trudy. I thought her troubles were handled really well, from the way she felt to the way she pulled back from her sister, right through her revelations and the way she’s encouraged (and pushed) to move past it and into the future. There’s no quick fix here (that would be impossible), but I liked how her issues were neither brushed off nor blown up to make her feel less or somehow broken. Yes, it makes her a little irrational at times, but in understandable ways. I thought it was handled gracefully, although I would have liked if she and Mac had talked more about the future and what it meant for them.
Overall this was a lovely read, not too long, nothing too emotional but not overly sweet either. It’s fun, it has deeper moments and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Fans of the series will enjoy brief glimpses of old characters, but newcomers to Meadowview won’t feel left out either.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Of course nothing is that easy or straightforward, and while Mac has a few hangups about his art, the pain in this book really belongs to Trudy. I thought her troubles were handled really well, from the way she felt to the way she pulled back from her sister, right through her revelations and the way she’s encouraged (and pushed) to move past it and into the future. There’s no quick fix here (that would be impossible), but I liked how her issues were neither brushed off nor blown up to make her feel less or somehow broken. Yes, it makes her a little irrational at times, but in understandable ways. I thought it was handled gracefully, although I would have liked if she and Mac had talked more about the future and what it meant for them.
Overall this was a lovely read, not too long, nothing too emotional but not overly sweet either. It’s fun, it has deeper moments and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Fans of the series will enjoy brief glimpses of old characters, but newcomers to Meadowview won’t feel left out either.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
April 23, 2015
I received a copy of this book to read and review via Netgalley
Finding the One is book 5 in the Meadowview Series.
Mac Johns a photographer who lives in small town Meadowview is looking for his new muse for his Warrior Woman series. At a gallery event he thinks that he may have just found her and boy was she a fiery red head at that. Trudy attends the event in hopes of getting the job with world-famous sculptor Gregor Johansson. She is in desperate need to find a job quick or she will lose her house. Upon meeting Mac at the gala they decide to get a little bit more friendly. The night turns out horrible. When Trudy finds out that she indeed got the job she is totally shocked at who she really will be working for. Not wanting to be part of his Warrior Woman piece she declines the invitation. However their on again off again romance starts to develop. Mac see Trudy as his real Warrior Woman and his sister Doe tried to get her to open up and understand that she really is the woman of Mac's dreams and also a true Warrior Woman. This book is full of surprises along the way as well as heart felt struggle, and healing of oneself.
Finding the One is book 5 in the Meadowview Series.
Mac Johns a photographer who lives in small town Meadowview is looking for his new muse for his Warrior Woman series. At a gallery event he thinks that he may have just found her and boy was she a fiery red head at that. Trudy attends the event in hopes of getting the job with world-famous sculptor Gregor Johansson. She is in desperate need to find a job quick or she will lose her house. Upon meeting Mac at the gala they decide to get a little bit more friendly. The night turns out horrible. When Trudy finds out that she indeed got the job she is totally shocked at who she really will be working for. Not wanting to be part of his Warrior Woman piece she declines the invitation. However their on again off again romance starts to develop. Mac see Trudy as his real Warrior Woman and his sister Doe tried to get her to open up and understand that she really is the woman of Mac's dreams and also a true Warrior Woman. This book is full of surprises along the way as well as heart felt struggle, and healing of oneself.
May 23, 2016
This is book number 5 Rochelle’s Meadowview series and is definitely a worthy entry. While it can totally be read stand-alone, you have a better feel for some of the supporting characters if you read the earlier books first.
Trudy Prendergast is looking for a fresh start and a new long-term job that will keep her from falling that last step into foreclosure. Mac is an artistic photographer trying to find his muse after his last show tanked. When Mac first sees Trudy, he is immediately drawn to her. As one thing after another happens to them, and they keep trying for “do-overs” with their relationship. Will they finally make the deep lasting connection that they both are feeling? This book is full of likable characters as well as a meddlesome goat. Rochelle has an engaging writing style and this book is an easy 5-star recommendation.
Trudy Prendergast is looking for a fresh start and a new long-term job that will keep her from falling that last step into foreclosure. Mac is an artistic photographer trying to find his muse after his last show tanked. When Mac first sees Trudy, he is immediately drawn to her. As one thing after another happens to them, and they keep trying for “do-overs” with their relationship. Will they finally make the deep lasting connection that they both are feeling? This book is full of likable characters as well as a meddlesome goat. Rochelle has an engaging writing style and this book is an easy 5-star recommendation.
April 27, 2015
Mac and Trudy are two people who are looking to start over. Mac is looking for a way to breath new life into his artistic career and Trudy is trying to get past a heartbreaking career mishap in he modeling career. Ms. French does a great job drawing you in to the emotional states of the characters. You empathize for the obstacles they have had to overcome and yearn for these two to get their happy ending. A worthwhile read from a very gifted author. Received a copy of this book for an honest review.
June 15, 2015
***ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
The fifth in the Meadowview Heat series is just the second I've read so I can pretty much say, it functions well as a stand-alone.
This was a funny book with lots of funny situations but it didn't shy away from some serious topics. Issues were dealt with in a compassionate but not glaring way. A lot of missed communications and miscommunications.
The characters and situations were engaging and entertaining. Short and sweet though..
I found Doe more intriguing however, and hope her story gets told next.
The fifth in the Meadowview Heat series is just the second I've read so I can pretty much say, it functions well as a stand-alone.
This was a funny book with lots of funny situations but it didn't shy away from some serious topics. Issues were dealt with in a compassionate but not glaring way. A lot of missed communications and miscommunications.
The characters and situations were engaging and entertaining. Short and sweet though..
I found Doe more intriguing however, and hope her story gets told next.
September 30, 2016
I'm sure I got this as a Kindle freebie. I must have only seen that it was a #1 of a series, not that it was actually #5 within a different series because I'm a stickler for reading things in order. Overall it was just ok for me. While I enjoyed Trudy and her sister's relationship as well as Mac and his sister's, those struck me as more genuine than Mac and Trudy.
August 1, 2016
Another amazing story. I loved that we are starting to meet some new characters from Meadowview. The author is expanding to include some folks from away, but the characters are just as colorful as the originals. I love that you can read these stories as a stand alone, or as a series.
August 7, 2016
Great
I read a lot of stories... Some books I have to try to get through, but this one was not one of them.. She pulled me into her story with the the first paragraph... Great characters and perspective about self image and doubt.. Romantic and fun loved it
I read a lot of stories... Some books I have to try to get through, but this one was not one of them.. She pulled me into her story with the the first paragraph... Great characters and perspective about self image and doubt.. Romantic and fun loved it
December 8, 2015
An unexpected romance between an artist and a model, dealing with hard issues that can happen to people.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews