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Love in Lenox #2

A Season to Love

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At this point in her life, bravery is not a trait Willa Hart would readily claim. She believes her seven-year-old daughter, Savannah, who never knew her father and successfully tackled chemotherapy, is truly the courageous one. Yet after Willa has a fateful encounter with handsome young doctor Patrick McCade, her outlook—and her view of herself—begins to change.

Patrick, a thrill-seeking world traveler and temporary resident of Lenox, Oregon, sets out to show Willa the value of adventure, even within her tiny town. But just when their friendship shows signs of turning into something more, Patrick’s life as a traveling doctor calls him back. Will his last days in town signal the end of their journey, or will Patrick and Willa find the courage to transform a single season into a lifetime?

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2016

186 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read

About the author

Nicole Deese

19 books2,166 followers
Nicole Deese is a Christy and Carol Award-winning, bestselling author of hope-filled, humorous, and heartfelt contemporary romance novels. When she's not sorting out character arcs and story plots of her own, she can usually be found listening to an audiobook and multitasking at least four different chores at once. She’s a hoarder of sparkling water, a lover of long walks and even longer talks with friends, and a seeker of fun and adventure at all times.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.

To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.

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Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,157 reviews703 followers
February 3, 2016


This has been nominated for a 2016 Swoony Award. Share the love and vote for it here.

I've been looking forward to this one for a long time. I loved A Cliché Christmas and was so excited when I learned the author was writing another book in this series. We met Willa in the previous book, she has really been put through the ringer, and I was looking forward to seeing her get her HEA. It doesn't come easy though.

Willa is a great character, she has really been through a lot and has built up some nice walls to try and keep herself safe. I loved the growth of her character and how she was willing to put in the work to help herself heal and to start living again. Patrick was great, even if I did want to shake him a couple of times. Their relationship was fun to watch, poor Willa doesn't make things easy for Patrick. I liked that things grow from a friendship, which I think is a great way to start a relationship.

I thought the author did a good job of keeping the focus on Willa and Patrick, but still work in past characters. I love the small town charm. Overall, a fun read, I really enjoyed it.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None-mild, nothing preachy

Source: Review copy
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews582 followers
September 13, 2017
This book. All the feels. I love the strength in Willa even though she doesn't always see it. The hardships she has endured were rough and it's not surprising she suffers from anxiety. She's trying so hard to be the best mom for her daughter who is ready to live life as a normal kid again, but her fears are debilitating. Willa's loving sibling relationship with her brother Weston becomes a bit volatile as he pushes Willa too often and too far out of her comfort zone. The way that Patrick helps her overcome her fears is so thoughtful, because he knows he can't do it for her, but he can encourage and support her to do it for herself. They have great banter as well as thought-provoking conversations, and the romantic tension builds as they grow more attracted to each other but have the looming deadline of Patrick's departure preventing them from taking the next step. The author skillfully employs the "showing" technique rather than telling, and I easily connected with the characters and felt their emotions as I read. I loved Willa's compassion and motherly instincts for Alex, the teenage half-sister of her boss with a dysfunctional childhood, who adds another dimension to the story and a couple of her scenes brought tears to my eyes. This was the first book I read by Nicole Deese and I quickly found her other available books and loved them as well! She's now a must-read author for me :)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; this is my honest review)
Profile Image for Booknut 101.
849 reviews995 followers
January 11, 2016
**You can view the original review + gifs and more over on my blog**

Nicole Deese is the Queen of Clean Romance.

Her stories are always full of beautiful words to live by, characters that will wrap themselves around your heart, and romances that will sweep you off your feet. A Season to Love is another win for Ms. Deese and one of my personal favourites.

Book cover: Not only are Willa and Patrick too cute for words (#relationshipgoals) but the fact that whoever designed the cover art managed to sneak a sunset/sunrise in there...I am over the moon! (I will explain the significance of sunsets later ;))

Overall the book cover reflects the theme of this book: comfort, courage, and full of love.


Plot: A Season to Love is like a house.

The 'foundations' of the house are Nicole's own life experiences. Using her brilliant writing skills she has turned her own challenges and losses in life into words of wisdom and lessons on life - words and lessons that set the stage for her characters. They shape the journey her characters will face, a journey that will push them to live fully and courageously despite life's trials.

The 'walls' of the house are the facets of the plot. You have Willa's journey as one, with the loss of her husband, the battling of her daughter's illness, and her fight to retain hope. On the flip side we have Patrick's tale, of a man who is also a son - a son that wants to prove himself to his father, whilst remaining true to himself. Whilst Patrick aims to live to the fullest and see it all, Willa struggles to see beyond the day-to-day fears that keep her locked in the past.

But when you place these 'walls' - their lives - together, they come to create something new, something wonderful. Adding the 'roof' on top, the sheltering aspect and support from their family and loved ones, they create a home. A house where they are free to start over, and start together, on a journey where each one can lend support to the other and they won't have to stand on their own ever again.

A place where love can reign.

Building such a 'house' is difficult. A Season to Love shows us that above all love needs to be patient. It takes time to find ourselves and to trust in something as delicate and as overwhelming as love. But it's ultimately worth it.


Favourite quote:
'Sunsets are a reminder that every day will come to an end. No matter how hard, or how trying, or how all-consuming a single twenty-four-hour period might feel...every day can be as different as every sunset.'
Profile Image for Tara.
339 reviews
January 25, 2016
Do you ever start a book and have a feeling that you're going to love it? Like can't do laundry, take my kindle into the bathroom, type of can't-put-it-down love? That's how I felt about this one as soon as Willa and Patrick met in Chapter Two. And then I got a migraine and wanted to cry mostly because I couldn't open my eyes to read...but as soon as meds kicked in and I slept it off, I was right back at it. After I fed my children, of course. ;-)

Let me start out by saying this was such an incredible book. Not just the romance. These characters were so real, so likable, so relatable. I want to be friends with them. I want to double date with them. But you know, they're fictional and all. So that kind of puts a damper on that.

I know Willa had a hard time seeing herself as strong at first, but she was. I can't begin to imagine the heart wrenching reality that she faced every day. I would be 100% like her if I lost my husband, then a few short years later, found out one of my boys had cancer. So her cautiousness was completely understandable. But her fear held her back from so much for so long. Until she met Patrick. (*Enter swooning here*)

Patrick was amazing. He could very well be my favorite male character ever. Not only was he a ruggedly handsome thrill-seeking, world-traveling doctor (*fans self*), but he was amazing with Savannah and Willa. He understood Willa better than even some of her family did. He knew she was more than capable of anything...it was just her fear holding her back. And while Weston understood her, Patrick knew how to get her to face her fears...he was equally patient and persistent. He never forced her to do something, but lovingly encouraged her and he was exactly the support she needed to face and conquer her fears. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is read at weddings all the time, but I don't know that I've stopped to soak in the order of the words. "Love is patient..." I'm not saying it's the most important characteristic of love, but it could be. Without patience, how can we love? We can't because love IS patient. And wow, I've never seen a character portray that more accurately than Patrick with Willa. It wasn't as if Willa was some exasperating woman who just couldn't give into love. She had real, justifiable fears...she wanted to overcome them, but she couldn't on her own. She needed the loving, patient, determined support of the right partner. And that was Patrick.

And in the end, she was the person to make Patrick see what he was missing: a place to belong.

I had so many favorite moments between Willa and Patrick. The auction--where their life lessons began. The sunsets. And it was a simple scene, but I loved the grocery shopping texts when Willa, Savannah and Alex were shopping. Before my husband and I started dating, he would always seem to text when I was grocery shopping, and I would be slowly pushing my cart, probably with a stupid grin on my face. So that little scene made me smile. Also, her victorious hike at sunset. And of course, Thanksgiving night. But my favorite romantic part might be the brownie scene. Umm, yes. Be still my heart. (Side note: as I was reading, I pictured Patrick as Theo James...he doesn't have blue eyes, but he has the scruff and ruggedly handsome with ruddy hair thing DOWN PAT. He's got the smile-- http://40.media.tumblr.com/d70277063a...
And the smolder-- http://www.divergentlexicon.com/wp-co...
So I think he'd make a great Patrick. As for Willa...maybe Kate Bosworth?)

Ms. Deese has such a way of writing a real, tangible story. The way she described little things such as looks they gave each other, or the way Patrick was sitting, or even a head tilt... it is written in such a way that is so easy to picture. Like I was experiencing the story firsthand. She has a gift.

There is just so much I loved about this book (in case that was hard to tell by now)...apart from what I've said above, I loved seeing Georgia and Weston again. Sometimes in sequels, you get tiny glimpses or mentions of the characters you grew to love in the previous book. But that's not the case here. Weston and Georgia were very present side characters throughout the book. And Savannah--so adorable. And Alex? Loved that girl! It could be because sarcasm is my native language. But she was a fun character and I loved the relationship that bloomed between her and Willa and Savannah--and even Patrick. (And if she gets her own book or her own romantic storyline, there could be some fun tension with her oh-so-"hated" jock Preston...) I also hope Sydney gets her own story. She needs the right guy to ruffle her up a bit. And Davis. Poor guy has so much love to offer the right woman.

So, basically, if I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would!!!! Best book I've read in a LONG time! I wanted to devour it and at the same time take my time to make it last as long as possible. Devouring won out. The only downside is that now every other book I read in 2016 has to follow this one. Sorry, future books. You have a tough road ahead and big shoes to fill. ;-)

As I read Ms. Deese's acknowledgments at the end of the book, it made me love her even more...because now I know of another mama of two boys who is obsessed with LaCroix. I'm not alone! :) Please keep drinking LaCroix, Ms. Deese...so you can keep writing...and I can keep reading!!

Source: NetGalley. I received this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions above are my own.
Profile Image for Renee.
1,388 reviews222 followers
July 26, 2021
A charming, well-told story! Since I'm a longtime historical fiction fan, the contemporary romance (with no mystery or dual timeline involved) authors whose backlists I've binge read make a pretty short list: Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, Becky Wade, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Dorothea Benton Frank. So now I can add Nicole Deese. I love her writing style & the characters she creates. I'm glad she has a book list for me to enjoy into the future!
Profile Image for Staci.
2,295 reviews664 followers
August 29, 2018
Bravo! I so enjoyed this contemporary romance novel!!

Willa is in a near constant state of fear following two tragic events. While I liked Willa, especially the love she showed for a non-conforming teenager, it was really Patrick and secondary character Alex that made the novel for me.

There were a couple of things that I wasn't sure about. First, Willa lost her husband seven years prior. Although I would definitely see she'd be ready to move on with her life, I was surprised that there was little in the way of references to her first husband. Second, Patrick's change of heart in one area seemed abrupt to me.

Beyond those two things, I completely loved this novel. The dry humor was right on point for me.
Profile Image for Andrea Cox.
Author 4 books1,741 followers
March 5, 2019
Fear and grief are crippling.

A Season to Love by Nicole Deese showcased both emotions in such a poignant fashion I'm certain this story, its characters, and the incredible journey toward healing will stick with me for many seasons to come. This was my first Deese book, but it definitely won't be the last. Her perspective is quite unique, and she created a beautiful romance that superseded the serious nature of the plot. The wit and spicy supporting cast perfectly lightened up the grip of turmoil and apprehension that threatened to choke the leading lady. This novel contained a creative quality I really admire and strive to master in my own writing.

The audio version of A Season to Love, which I listened to for part of my reading time, was well read. I especially liked the emotions the narrator inflected at just the right moments for the optimum impact. I would gladly listen to other novels read by Cristina Panfilio.
5/20/16

Again, I really loved this one! Such a romantic story… and the narration was superb. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series soon.
3/4/19
Profile Image for Baylie.
83 reviews73 followers
November 25, 2022
This is a phenomenal book. I related so much to the main character. The faith and theme of courage, hope, and love was so beautiful. The audio isn’t the best ever but the actual book, storyline, and characters are phenomenal. One of my favorite Nicole Deese books 💞
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
774 reviews141 followers
February 26, 2017
5 Beautiful, Amazing Stars!

My second read of A Season to Love and I have to say I loved it just as much if not more the second time around! *dreamy sigh*

Willa's life hasn't been the easiest.. far from it in fact. Between losing her husband unexpectedly and her daughter, Savannah, being diagnosed with cancer, she has stopped living her life. She is just existing and doing everything she can to keep her family safe and close at all times. Although she has promised Savannah that things will change now that she is cancer free, she is scared to death to even try. Her brother, Weston, pushes her to do more, to get out and live her life. But she still just can't bring herself to do it. It's going to take a lot more than Weston's pushing to break down the walls she has built up and start truly living again.

Enter Patrick. *dreamy sigh*

Patrick is only in Lenox for a very short period of time helping in his father's medical practice while he is away. Mr. Adventurer, who lives life to the fullest, is just what the doctor ordered for Willa... literally. ;) Who better to help her break out of her shell and see that she has had the power within her the whole time to become who she was meant to be? She just needs a little, or at times, a big push in the right direction. I absolutely LOVED watching their relationship grow and evolve into more over time. I have said it before in other reviews and I will say it again because it is so, so true. These two were seriously perfect for each other! They brought out the best in each other and lifted each other up during the difficult times. These two are seriously AMAZING!

While the romance was sweet (and I loved every minute of it), this story really was about self discovery and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.. not only for Willa but for Patrick as well. It was amazing to watch Willa grasp onto her freedom and sore! The last scene at Cougar Mountain was by far the BEST one to show how truly amazing Willa is and how far she had come from the beginning of the book! I am not ashamed to admit that I cried cleansing, happy tears for her during that scene. :)

One paragraph in that scene sums up everything for both Willa and Patrick perfectly in my opinion. Even though it was Willa's thoughts, it definitely can be applied to Patrick's life as well. "How many paths had I avoided in life? How many times had I been content to stop at 'close enough' - too afraid to push ahead? To afraid to let go?" It really makes you think about their relationship and what a huge part they played in each others lives. <3

And can I just tell you how much I loved Alex?! From the moment her appearance was mentioned (down to her hair color), I knew she would be an important part of the story and that she would be one of my favorite side characters. There's just something about those spunky, sassy characters that get me every single time... ;)

A Season to Love is one of the best stories I have read! I was sucked in from the very beginning. I stayed up way too late reading and woke up way too early just to finish it! I was hoping after I read A Cliché Christmas that Willa would get her own HEA and I was seriously blown away at how amazing her story was! It is one that I will forever treasure. It was just what I needed to read at this time in my life. Seriously AMAZING! If you have not read this series yet then my suggestion is to go grab both books and read them right now! You will NOT be disappointed! :)

After only reading two books by Nicole Deese, I am hooked! I'm definitely looking forward to other books by her! She is officially on my favorite authors list! Gotta love it when you find new authors! <3

And of course one of my favorite parts of reviewing... my casting choice! I think I am in love! ;) Hehe.

description

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
February 26, 2016
When your book world friends start raving about a book and an author, you listen. Then you run as fast as your fingers can take you to every review place you have access to in order to secure a review copy to read for yourself. Well, this may not be how it works for you but this is how it works for me and this is exactly how it happened for me and this book. (Thank you NetGalley and Waterfall Press!)

A Season to Love is just classic clean romance. It has all the elements I look for when reading. The characters were real and personable. They had strengths and flaws. They make mistakes and they have moments of absolute awesome. There was emotion and feeling that drew me in and kept me so invested in not just the characters, but the story and most especially, the ending.

Willa is scared. There isn't any other good way to put it. She has been through an awful lot and to some degree it's understandable, but the problem is, once you start shutting people out and living life in a bubble of fear, it becomes habit and you become even more scared. That's how Patrick finds Willa and because of his adventurous life- full of living and exploring- he is determined to help Willa break out of her cage and really live.

Friendship is the base of Patrick and Willa's relationship. They move slowly because that is the only way Willa can move. It was so good, so satisfying, to see Patrick's patience and Willa's transformation.

There is also great cast of supporting characters in this book. That's so important.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I ran out right away and picked up a previous book by this author ( A Cliche Christmas) which I am looking forward to reading. I actually got it from Amazon and added the audible for only $1.99. This will be one for the car! :)

Content: kissing
Profile Image for Victoria Bylin.
Author 48 books495 followers
February 23, 2018
The true sign of a good book--I teared up at the perfect romantic ending. The story is told in first person, so the reader is in Willa's head (and heart) for the whole story. She's a dynamite heroine--imperfect, struggling to be brave, a mom, and someone I could relate to. Patrick rocks as a hero :) In fact, he's almost too good to be true, but that's part of the story. Recommended for all readers of contemporary romance, Hallmark movie fans, anyone who needs a dose of hope and a break from the craziness of everyday life.
Profile Image for Bethany Meadows.
172 reviews38 followers
September 9, 2022
Sigh….such a sweet well-written book. The character development was fabulous. Patrick was SO sweet. The way he tugged Willa out of her comfort zone and helped her face her fears with such tender care = swoony 😍. I have a new favorite contemporary romance author. I can’t wait to read everything she’s written.

Also if your looking for a great fall read, this takes place during the fall!
Profile Image for Kara.
688 reviews75 followers
March 29, 2016
Oh people, this story. It's SO GOOD. Seriously! Ms. Deese swept me away into Willa's life and there I happily stayed until the final page. I loved this story so, so much! I know I say that about a lot of books, but trust me, this one is truly special. It's not even so much the adorable romance between Willa and Patrick, although don't get me wrong, when those two get in close proximity to one another....wowzers! There ain't no denyin' they got chemistry, mmkay? ;)

Yet as much as I love them together, this story is really Willa's and I fell in love with her immediately. It's her fears I could so relate to and her doubts and questions that I understood. It didn't take long at all for me to feel extra protective of her! Even as I understood the reasons why her family and friends were worried for her (as was I!), I still spent every moment feeling her frustration as she struggled through her daily life all while dealing with people who always had the best of intentions but not the best of ways to fulfill said intentions (her brother in particular. I wanted to wring his neck a few times!). Maybe because I could see how hard she was struggling to get a grip on her life. She needed a major push, no doubt about it, but every time her hackles would rise, so would mine. And I was with her every single hard step out of her comfort zone and into a new courageous life.

A certain someone's help in learning to tame her fears certainly helped matters along quite nicely too. ;) Which is to say that I loved the quiet romance that slowly developed! While there's plenty of chemistry between the two, I particularly enjoyed how Patrick knew to give Willa her space. And that she needed a friend and a mentor of sorts on her road to fearlessness. His gentle pushing using an old mentor's travel journal was just the thing Willa needed.

Willa's journey moved me! I was swept into her life for a few hundred pages and loved every minute of watching her grow braver and stronger. She's a character that is still rattling around in my head days later and has become a part of my heart now. I highly recommend getting to know her! I really don't think you'll be disappointed. :)

**I received a complimentary copy from Waterfall Press via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 46 books458 followers
December 8, 2021
I don't even know why I bothered to finish this book. I guess I just kept hoping some of the magic I found in the pages of Before I Called You Mine would happen in this book. Instead, this was like my least favorite kind of Hallmark movie. There were some sweet parts, but I didn't like the romance and much of the book just kind of fell flat.
Profile Image for Varina Denman.
Author 5 books309 followers
January 25, 2016
Nicole Deese has done it again. A Season to Love is another sweet romance that makes me sigh with contentedness. A must read.
Profile Image for Autumn.
26 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2016
Here is another captivating read put out by Nicole Deese. In "A Season To Love" you will fall in love with Willa, her daughter Savannah and Dr. Patrick. Nicole's characters are like no other author's that I've read. As a reader, you are connected to these characters instantly; you understand their struggles, love them and their personalities, and you want them to thrive.

In this specific book, Willa is a woman who lives her life in the grip of fear due to trials, loss and hardships that she has experienced. She is surrounded by an incredible support system; consisting of her brother, her soon to be sister-in-law, young daughter and her new found friend Dr. McCade. At the same time that Willa is trying to overcome her fears, assisted by the good doctor, we find out that he has some of his own issues with fear. Willa and Dr. McCade both learn that fear should have no hold on them or allow their fears to run their lives. It's a beautiful story of hope and breaking the bonds of fear in order to live in freedom!

So many people can relate to Willa's story of loss and allowing fear to mold their lives. This book will give a glimpse of how hope can reign and freedom prevail in the midst of struggles.

I truly enjoy reading all of Nicole's books. She gives a great storyline, she has amazing characters that you love, the interaction between characters gives you laughs and sometimes tears, the romantic storyline captures the romance in a "clean" way and there is always something that the reader can connect with. "A Season To Love" does not disappoint in any one of these categories. You will walk away after reading this book with a smile on your face, a lightness in your heart and an ambition to be brave!
Profile Image for yuvi • ia.
188 reviews105 followers
September 14, 2025
It's been a while since a contemporary book made me feel so much. Nicole Deese writes such lovable characters. I enjoyed the quiet romance between Willa and Patrick. I also loved that Patrick was willing to give Willa space, to adjust and to heal herself. The bond between Weston and Willa was so endearing. I am also intrigued about Alex..would love to read her story too, if it's ever written.
Suffice to say, Nicole Deese is now my go-to author for good contemporary romances.

“Sunsets are a reminder that every day will come to an end. And no matter how hard, or how trying, or how all-consuming that twenty-four-hour period might feel...every day can be as different as every sunset.”
Profile Image for Kara Isaac.
Author 7 books693 followers
March 18, 2016
If I could give this six stars I would! This was a book that had my lingering over every page not wanting it to ever end. The writing was incredible, the chemistry palpable, and the main characters authentic and vulnerable. I laughed, I cried, and I may have even fanned myself a time or two ;-)
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,905 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2017
This could have easily been a really annoying story. There were so many tropes that I normally avoid for my own emotional and mental health- the loss of a spouse, one of the MCs with one foot out the door, and yet I found this story strangely compelling. The author wisely began this story at a time when the h was ready to move on from her deceased husband. She wasn't feeling guilty about falling in love with someone new; she still have fond memories of her first love but knew that he was in her past. Possibility of annoyance #1 sidestepped. However, both MCs knew that the H would be leaving soon with no future of settling down. The h knew that she loved her hometown and would never want to live anywhere else. Oh, what should they do? Continue hanging out and falling in love with each other, that's what.

Now I'm glad that the h was strong enough to be let herself be vulnerable and fall in love again. I'm glad that the H was nice enough to want to help the h start living again, but if he really had her best interests at heart, he would have left her alone. I guess I'm just annoyed with the "Oh well, I'm not sure how this will turn out, it'll probably turn out pretty crappy, but I'm willing to give it a go and hope for the best" approach. It's just not smart. And while a story about mature individuals making prudent decisions all the time would probably have bored me to tears, this story frustrated me. The resolution also felt a little rushed and failed to convince me. And don't even get me started on how this story felt like the "Help Willa Have a Life Again" project. It felt a little judgmental. Where she was emotionally at the beginning of the story felt so normal (except for the stalking thing) and the people in her life kept pushing her to do things she didn't feel ready for her. Honestly, I felt a little bad for her. Overall, I enjoyed how clean this story was, but the plot itself left me feeling underwhelmed. The message of it felt a little too preachy and not organic enough and the angst annoyed instead of frustrated deliciously.
3,915 reviews1,763 followers
July 11, 2016
So, it's official, I have a new go-to author after reading this entrancing story. I was plummeted into Willa's angst from the very first page -- and Willa is the queen of angst. With good reason. She's had to deal with multiple major tragedies in her life, not the least of which was nursing her daughter through cancer. Deese manages to capture every emotional nuance and I was tied up in knots for most of the read. Because while little Savannah is all set to live life big, Willa is still clinging to the safety of control.

Patrick is all about seizing the moment -- not looking back or too far ahead. He's done amazing things in his life and intends to do many more. And I might just need to mention right here and now that he is a seriously droolworthy hero. Phew! Not quite sure I can even articulate just why he makes me weak in the knees...I think it's better if you discover him for yourself. And be prepared to enjoy the journey!

The romance is...indescribably sublime. Excuse me as I begin fanning myself as I recollect their charged encounters. Friendship with undercurrents of something much deeper. Goodness, but this story zings. You'll feel alive, refreshed and ready to conquer your greatest fear by the time you reach the end. (Which comes all too soon, I might add.)

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 I love the way the author embraces this bit of biblical wisdom in A Season to Love. It's repeated over and over again in varying ways with not only the hero and heroine, but with secondary characters as well. It really made an impact on me.

And for readers who are already fans of this series -- you'll be happy to note that Weston and Georgia play a prominent role in this one. I'm deliciously intrigued by the chemistry between these two so I'll definitely be hunting down a copy of A Cliché Christmas.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,877 reviews208 followers
April 4, 2017
A Season to Love was such an emotional tale! This contemporary romance had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know how things would work out for the two main characters. A Season to Love is the second book in the Love in Lenox series. It can be read as a stand alone, yet many characters from book one appear in book two, so it will be even more enjoyable to have read book one, A Cliche Christmas.

Even though Patrick and Willa started off in this novel as two characters who were very different from each other, I really felt connected to both of them. I loved the way Patrick worked to help Willa overcome many of her feelings of fear and to learn to embrace life.

There was great chemistry and attraction between these two characters. And the tension was high since Patrick was leaving soon and Willa felt constantly reminded of that fact. Those moments of tension were some of my favorite in the story and made me hope for a happily ever after.

I listened to the audio book version of this story and really enjoyed it. I liked the voices that the narrator used for Patrick and Willa. I wasn’t very fond of the voices she used for a couple of the side characters, yet I became accustomed to the way those characters sounded. Overall, it was a great listening experience. I plan to listen to this book again in the future.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Jennifer Fromke.
Author 3 books89 followers
January 19, 2016
Simply swoony!

I sighed. I swooned. I paged back through the story thinking, can there be just a little bit more? Please? A Season to Love satisfies deep in the heart, like eating your own wedding cake.

I love how the heroine (Willa) is dealing with her own issues before the hunky doctor (Patrick) arrives in town. I also love how Patrick seems too flawless at first, yet he ultimately reveals issues of his own. And finally, I love that these two characters appear to be perfectly and heartbreakingly wrong for each other.

Deese has created a character more dreamy than McDreamy. And the woman who falls for him is just like me. And you. Extremely relatable.

The story carries the reader away to an adorable Northwestern town full of interesting people, most of whom are reprised from Deese’s earlier novel entitled “A Cliché Christmas.” Anyone can enjoy this companion story without reading the other, but if you do choose to read both, the characters are consistent and reveal delightful fill-in details.

The story swept me up and kept me reading late into the night as I cheered for fictional characters I find myself still caring about. Highly recommend this romance for those who love LOVE.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. All views are my own.

Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,401 reviews179 followers
January 14, 2016
I have read every one of Nicole Deese's books. I have given them all 5 stars because they are all that good. However, this book takes it to a whole new level. Unfortunately, there are no stars higher than 5. So, in my opinion this book is absolutely her best. I loved her characters, the plot, the ending. In other words, I loved the whole shebang! I felt that I could have been Willa's best friend. I would love to hang out with her. I fell in love with Patrick in the first scene he was in. I won't tell you about it, but just let me tell you that he was adorable!! I mean look at his face on the cover. Adorable. I was also glad to see Wes and Georgia back again in this book. I love them. She also introduced a few new characters that I certainly hope to see again in future books. Needless to say, I am very happy to recommend this book and all of Nicole Deese's books. She has a beautiful way of sharing her stories. You will enjoy them. I know I did.
*I received this book free from the publisher for an honest review.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,736 reviews199 followers
July 5, 2016
I haven't read the first book in the series, A Cliché Christmas (which is about Willa's brother), but this book completely stood on it's own.

I loved both Willa and Patrick. Willa has been through several hard trials in her young life and I felt so badly for her. I loved how her family, especially her brother, were trying to help her socialize again. Patrick was a great romantic interest, but what I think I liked the most was that he definitely had some flaws...not terrible, deal breaking ones, but he definitely wasn't perfect.

The story was such an easy read and I really hope to read more by this author soon. Recommend to anyone that enjoys clean, contemporary romance.

4.5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,825 reviews39 followers
February 1, 2016
I was given a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Clean Romance, contemporary.
This was just a magical book. I wondered at the issues that Willa had, watched as her courage took her beyond her challenges, but loved how magical her relationship with Patrick was. it was so well done. Seeing it all through Willa's eyes, seeing her fears, her courage, and her gradual healing, along with the wisdom she gained with her relationship with Patrick was a beautifully crafted, lovely story. Tender, heartfelt, wrenching at times, it was real life at it's finest. Her relationships with her parents, her brother Weston and his fiancee Georgia, her daughter Savannah, and her boss and Alex were wonderful side stories. Her hard times, were so beautifully contrasted with her healing heart, and the courage she finds with Patrick, another beautiful caring soul. Would highly recommend this to any of my friends! Thank you N. D. for a beautiful escape!
Profile Image for Andrea Cox.
Author 4 books1,741 followers
February 15, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox

Fear and grief are crippling.

A Season to Love by Nicole Deese showcased both emotions in such a poignant fashion I'm certain this story, its characters, and the incredible journey toward healing will stick with me for many seasons to come. This was my first Deese book, but it definitely won't be the last. Her perspective is quite unique, and she created a beautiful romance that superseded the serious nature of the plot. The wit and spicy supporting cast perfectly lightened up the grip of turmoil and apprehension that threatened to choke the leading lady. This novel contained a creative quality I really admire and strive to master in my own writing.

The audio version of A Season to Love, which I listened to for part of my reading time, was well read. I especially liked the emotions the narrator inflected at just the right moments for the optimum impact. I would gladly listen to other novels read by Cristina Panfilio.

I received no compensation for this review.
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,834 reviews1,437 followers
February 12, 2020
3.5 stars, rounded up. I’ve merely had this on my tbr since 2017 and it should never have taken me three years to get around to reading this sweet story. Willa is an engaging character and one who’s facing a lot of setbacks. Early widowhood and her only daughter’s cancer has left her reeling for what sanity she can find in life.

I really wanted to paddle her brother for having the audacity to undermine her decisions about her daughter over and over again. I get that brothers are annoying at times, but he wanted to force her to be who she was before all that grief and he needed to back off and let her be a mom. I liked him less in this book than I did in book 1.

Patrick was a really fun hero. I loved the scenes of how he related to Savannah!

There were some other small things that bugged me, but overall I really loved reading Willa’s journey and would like to own a hard copy book to reread.
Profile Image for Connilyn Cossette.
Author 22 books2,674 followers
Read
November 5, 2016
You will fall in love with this story! A Season to Love hooked me from page one and there was just no putting it down until the last satisfying page. If you are a fan of contemporary romance (or even if you aren't) you will find Nicole Deese to be a unique voice; full of hope, humor, and heart. Willa's story is especially touching for women who have experienced overwhelming anxiety or who have faced circumstances that seem beyond one's control. This story is a great reminder that faith, hope and love endure at all times. Can't wait for Nicole's next one to come out!
Profile Image for Jodi Booth.
230 reviews6 followers
February 12, 2023
Great character development, innocent romance without any smut or cheese, and great messages about beauty being on the other side of fear, God has better plans than we do, etc. My first Deese read was a hit!
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