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Copperhead Creek #1
A Chance to Come True
Caity Jones wasted a lot of years waiting for the “two kids, a dog and a white picket fence” dream to come true, but she’s ready to move on now. Letting go of society’s idea of the perfect life, she’s purchased a five-acre property in the small rural town of Willows. She’s determined to live a solitary life and become a writer. And that means staying away from men altogether.
Tom Murray owns and runs the local feed store in Willows. His marriage was a failure but his family is strong, and he can’t imagine a world that didn’t include his three young children. He’s an uncomplicated man, living an uncomplicated life—and he has every intention of keeping it that way.
Both are mature … both have baggage … and both have agendas that don’t include romance.
And then they meet.
Author Biography:
S M Spencer grew up reading the romantic suspense works of incredible authors such as Daphne du Maurier and Mary Stewart. Their books stirred in her a passion that would last a lifetime—to write stories that would stay with readers long after they’d finished the books.
Although S M Spencer grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area she now lives in Australia and writes clean romance, mystery and fantasy books from the home that she shares with her husband, horses, cats and dogs.
Tom Murray owns and runs the local feed store in Willows. His marriage was a failure but his family is strong, and he can’t imagine a world that didn’t include his three young children. He’s an uncomplicated man, living an uncomplicated life—and he has every intention of keeping it that way.
Both are mature … both have baggage … and both have agendas that don’t include romance.
And then they meet.
Author Biography:
S M Spencer grew up reading the romantic suspense works of incredible authors such as Daphne du Maurier and Mary Stewart. Their books stirred in her a passion that would last a lifetime—to write stories that would stay with readers long after they’d finished the books.
Although S M Spencer grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area she now lives in Australia and writes clean romance, mystery and fantasy books from the home that she shares with her husband, horses, cats and dogs.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2015
420 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Spencer
15 books430 followersAt the age of five S M Spencer's life changed when she was plonked onto a black & white pony for a photograph. From that day on all she wanted was a horse. She spent the next eleven years writing stories about the horses she pretended to ride through the rolling hills of coastal California until she got a job and bought her first horse at the age of sixteen.
In the 1980's her life changed again when her employer offered her a role Australia. This was the beginning of an adventure of which she has never tired.
Still living in Australia she now writes from the semi-rural home she shares with her husband, horses, cats and dogs--not to mention the mob of kangaroos that share the paddocks with the horses from time to time.
Her current series, Romancing the Californian Cowboys, is contemporary romance with just a touch of spice, lots of horses, and both Australian and American characters.
Her second series is the Copperhead Creek Australian Romance series. This is light contemporary/rural romance as well as a murder mystery in book six, set within the Golden Triangle outside Melbourne. All books can be read as stand-alone titles.
The first series she wrote is a YA paranormal romance trilogy, Absent Shadows, which is set mostly in Australia.
Follow S M Spencer on FaceBook (S M Spencer - Author) or twitter (@SMSpencerAuthor)
In the 1980's her life changed again when her employer offered her a role Australia. This was the beginning of an adventure of which she has never tired.
Still living in Australia she now writes from the semi-rural home she shares with her husband, horses, cats and dogs--not to mention the mob of kangaroos that share the paddocks with the horses from time to time.
Her current series, Romancing the Californian Cowboys, is contemporary romance with just a touch of spice, lots of horses, and both Australian and American characters.
Her second series is the Copperhead Creek Australian Romance series. This is light contemporary/rural romance as well as a murder mystery in book six, set within the Golden Triangle outside Melbourne. All books can be read as stand-alone titles.
The first series she wrote is a YA paranormal romance trilogy, Absent Shadows, which is set mostly in Australia.
Follow S M Spencer on FaceBook (S M Spencer - Author) or twitter (@SMSpencerAuthor)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 12, 2015
A Chance to Come True by S M Spencer is wonderfully sweet romance novella that takes the reader into small-town Australia where second chances at love are possible.
Caity Jones left a dead-end relationship and a job she detested to move to a small parcel of land in the rural town of Willows - along with her prized horse. Tom Murray is the feed store owner that she buys livestock feed from and a man Caity would like to know better. But Tom, Caity discover, has had his share of heart-ache in the relationship department as well. Caity has never been married, but would love to be one day. Tom's wife left him and their children to reunite with her high school sweetheart, leaving Tom and the children devastated. Caity likes Tom and his children, but is concerned that his heart in now unavailable. Tom likes Caity, but does not want to get hurt again.
Can these two friends become more than just acquaintances and let a second chance at love sweep them each off of their feet? No spoilers here - you have to read the book to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance story of two damaged souls looking for a better life and finding one another along the way. I would recommend it to those who like clean romance stories that have happy endings.
Caity Jones left a dead-end relationship and a job she detested to move to a small parcel of land in the rural town of Willows - along with her prized horse. Tom Murray is the feed store owner that she buys livestock feed from and a man Caity would like to know better. But Tom, Caity discover, has had his share of heart-ache in the relationship department as well. Caity has never been married, but would love to be one day. Tom's wife left him and their children to reunite with her high school sweetheart, leaving Tom and the children devastated. Caity likes Tom and his children, but is concerned that his heart in now unavailable. Tom likes Caity, but does not want to get hurt again.
Can these two friends become more than just acquaintances and let a second chance at love sweep them each off of their feet? No spoilers here - you have to read the book to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance story of two damaged souls looking for a better life and finding one another along the way. I would recommend it to those who like clean romance stories that have happy endings.
July 18, 2016
We are proud to announce that A CHANCE TO COME TRUE by S.M. Spencer is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
March 29, 2017
A good romance, but the book has some serious pacing and editing issues. A good editor could probably whip this into shape and make it a five-star book, but right now I can’t give it more than three.
January 23, 2018
Another yawn-fest. Not having any luck these days.
February 24, 2016
I was drawn to this story because I loved the cover (I love horses!) and I'm a sucker for romance novels--there, I said it. I'm not ashamed of my love of books about love. In a sentence: this book didn't disappoint.
First of all, it's set in what many of the characters refer to as "bush" country of Australia. This means that, besides being a cool location, there are, naturally, a lot of words and phrases not familiar to me, an American. Most of the time I didn't find it confusing, and it actually added to the story's charm.
I enjoyed the chemistry of the characters quite a bit, save a few cliche moments (for example: upon their first encounter in the feed store, the main male character makes the main female character feel more like a woman than any other man before him) and some rather immature behavior scattered throughout where I wanted to reach through my Kindle and shake pretty much everyone.
Sometimes I felt sure of where the story was going, but a few times I was surprised, so that was nice.
While I do think there were some technical writing issues that could be improved upon, the story itself held my attention. I found myself wanting to sit down and read this book (believe me, it's not always the case). And even now, as I've just finished this book, I'm kind of bummed that I have to wait for a second installment. Hurry up, Ms. Spencer! :-)
First of all, it's set in what many of the characters refer to as "bush" country of Australia. This means that, besides being a cool location, there are, naturally, a lot of words and phrases not familiar to me, an American. Most of the time I didn't find it confusing, and it actually added to the story's charm.
I enjoyed the chemistry of the characters quite a bit, save a few cliche moments (for example: upon their first encounter in the feed store, the main male character makes the main female character feel more like a woman than any other man before him) and some rather immature behavior scattered throughout where I wanted to reach through my Kindle and shake pretty much everyone.
Sometimes I felt sure of where the story was going, but a few times I was surprised, so that was nice.
While I do think there were some technical writing issues that could be improved upon, the story itself held my attention. I found myself wanting to sit down and read this book (believe me, it's not always the case). And even now, as I've just finished this book, I'm kind of bummed that I have to wait for a second installment. Hurry up, Ms. Spencer! :-)
June 22, 2017
This is an Australian romance, and if you speak American English, there will be scattered words that make you think 'now what does that mean?' It, the scenery and more are reminders of the place this all occurs.
When loving relationships end with frigid hatred, can the abandoned person love freely again if they can't let go of the hurt and anger?
When a strring of bad relaionships leaves our heroine feeling unlovable, she has sworn off men and the idea of a family in a picket fenced yard. Leaving the city for a home with an acerage where she can keep her horse seems like peaceful, quiet, heaven. A writer with writer's block, can she work through that road block and be successfull? Moreover, can she keep the handsome man who owns tthe feed store at arm's length? Even when his son falls in love with the horse, becomming a frequent visitor?
How can one close their heart to love when the chemistry is so strong?
When loving relationships end with frigid hatred, can the abandoned person love freely again if they can't let go of the hurt and anger?
When a strring of bad relaionships leaves our heroine feeling unlovable, she has sworn off men and the idea of a family in a picket fenced yard. Leaving the city for a home with an acerage where she can keep her horse seems like peaceful, quiet, heaven. A writer with writer's block, can she work through that road block and be successfull? Moreover, can she keep the handsome man who owns tthe feed store at arm's length? Even when his son falls in love with the horse, becomming a frequent visitor?
How can one close their heart to love when the chemistry is so strong?
August 20, 2021
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include A CHANCE TO COME TRUE (Copperhead Creek #1) by S M SPENCER in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
AIBA Book of the Day: 12 August, 2021: 250/42451
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment :
This book has been awarded the Awesome Indies Badge of Approval. This means that it meets or exceeds the standard of editing and craftsmanship of books published by major mainstream publishers. It is worthy of your attention.
Our reviewer said: This is a pleasant, easy reading romance, set in an Australian country town. Though it’s an ordinary and fairly predictable story, it’s well enough written and produced, and I think it would be enjoyed by readers of contemporary romance.
AIBA Book of the Day: 12 August, 2021: 250/42451
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment :
This book has been awarded the Awesome Indies Badge of Approval. This means that it meets or exceeds the standard of editing and craftsmanship of books published by major mainstream publishers. It is worthy of your attention.
Our reviewer said: This is a pleasant, easy reading romance, set in an Australian country town. Though it’s an ordinary and fairly predictable story, it’s well enough written and produced, and I think it would be enjoyed by readers of contemporary romance.
September 13, 2019
Hi readers - this series is romance with just a touch of 🌶. The characters are adults, however, and there are adult scenes/situations, it’s just that sex is behind closed doors and there is little, if any, foul language. If you enjoy this book, check out the next in the series, A Chance to Get it Right, or go back and pick of the free prequel, Taking a Chance, to see how Lora discovered Willows in the beginning.
January 29, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much! I'll admit the beginning was a little slow for my taste, but the pace picked up when the main characters met - and so did the heat! I enjoyed the author's descriptive writing style, as well as the surprises she included in the storyline towards the end. I learned a lot about horses, too; as you can tell from the beautiful cover, the main character owns a horse. I would definitely recommend this book to all contemporary romance readers!
March 24, 2017
This was a solid 3 star until the end.
Caity moves to a small town where she buys a few acres and a little house. She meets Tom, a divorced father of three and naturally they are instantly attracted to each other. The usual sorts of doubts and miscommunication occur as the couple inexorably move towards a happy ending. extremely low steam and almost no angst. Good dialogue although nothing super exciting, but perfectly pleasant but of clean fluff.
And then we get to the end. Did the author suddenly realise there was not a lot of drama so she just added in an ex behaving criminally for funsies? Then it is treated very lightly. And just as suddenly that is over and we have an epilogue with no real denouement.
I may read book 2 but not right now.
Caity moves to a small town where she buys a few acres and a little house. She meets Tom, a divorced father of three and naturally they are instantly attracted to each other. The usual sorts of doubts and miscommunication occur as the couple inexorably move towards a happy ending. extremely low steam and almost no angst. Good dialogue although nothing super exciting, but perfectly pleasant but of clean fluff.
And then we get to the end. Did the author suddenly realise there was not a lot of drama so she just added in an ex behaving criminally for funsies? Then it is treated very lightly. And just as suddenly that is over and we have an epilogue with no real denouement.
I may read book 2 but not right now.
June 13, 2019
Sweet and satisfying romance from Down Under
There's not a lot new or different about the second chance romance between a woman on the edge of modern spinsterhood, and a man afraid of risking it all - again - on a woman who may not stay. What's great about it? The author's sympathetic and low key portrayal of their dilemma of the heart, and their efforts to untangle their own fears from their budding attraction for one another. It felt real, genuine, and sweet. What's not to like? The nasty ex-boyfriend who attempts rape, and the way the hero and heroine handle (or don't handle) the incident. Potential trigger here for some readers - be advised. The majority of us will enjoy the book.
There's not a lot new or different about the second chance romance between a woman on the edge of modern spinsterhood, and a man afraid of risking it all - again - on a woman who may not stay. What's great about it? The author's sympathetic and low key portrayal of their dilemma of the heart, and their efforts to untangle their own fears from their budding attraction for one another. It felt real, genuine, and sweet. What's not to like? The nasty ex-boyfriend who attempts rape, and the way the hero and heroine handle (or don't handle) the incident. Potential trigger here for some readers - be advised. The majority of us will enjoy the book.
June 15, 2017
A clean, decent read, but predictable.
I was a bit put out with the way Caity treated Tom, and he was kind of an asshole, too. He was always jumping to conclusions and having to apologize later. In addition, he always had a one-sided view of his ex-wife, and it was not flattering. We only find out more when the ex-wife and Caity meet in the hotel cafeteria.
There was really no conclusion to the incident with Graham (Caity's egotistical ex-boyfriend) or in the epilogue. The story just ends with out any tying up loose ends and leaves the reader hanging.
This could have been a very fine piece of work, but unfortunately, it needed work.
I was a bit put out with the way Caity treated Tom, and he was kind of an asshole, too. He was always jumping to conclusions and having to apologize later. In addition, he always had a one-sided view of his ex-wife, and it was not flattering. We only find out more when the ex-wife and Caity meet in the hotel cafeteria.
There was really no conclusion to the incident with Graham (Caity's egotistical ex-boyfriend) or in the epilogue. The story just ends with out any tying up loose ends and leaves the reader hanging.
This could have been a very fine piece of work, but unfortunately, it needed work.
December 12, 2017
Writer begins
Going to a quiet, more rural area to write, even if you haven't ever written a book, well that makes for a challenging task. Add in the need for the local feed store owners assistance for local businesses helping with fence issues for a beloved horse and property needing care. Did I mention very good looking feed store owner? Anyway, books can be harder to write when you really don't know what you want to write about, but the local interests, can help in many ways.
Going to a quiet, more rural area to write, even if you haven't ever written a book, well that makes for a challenging task. Add in the need for the local feed store owners assistance for local businesses helping with fence issues for a beloved horse and property needing care. Did I mention very good looking feed store owner? Anyway, books can be harder to write when you really don't know what you want to write about, but the local interests, can help in many ways.
May 8, 2018
I really liked this book by M. S. Spencer. Well written, delightful tale of romance of an older man, with children, and an adventurous woman. Instant attraction when Tom and Caity met. Tom wasn't looking for love but when he found it, he knew exactly what he had to do. Caity wanted a family and Tom's family was perfect for her. Really loved the family dynamics, the feeling of unconditional love between Tom, his father, and the children. Some snags on the way to an HEA but that's life. I recommend this book to everyone that likes a good romance.
July 3, 2018
Caity is a woman looking to escape her broken heart and live alone with her horse on a small farm, trying to become a writer. Tom is a father of 3, bitter after his ex wife walked out on their family.
They meet, sparks fly, and they each have to face their ghosts. They also have to face their own
Internal doubts, and mess up things between them based on those fears.
It all works out, of course, and this sweet story ends happily. Nice read.
KU
They meet, sparks fly, and they each have to face their ghosts. They also have to face their own
Internal doubts, and mess up things between them based on those fears.
It all works out, of course, and this sweet story ends happily. Nice read.
KU
January 18, 2018
A Chance to Come True
A Chance to Come True was a nice break from all the torrid romances out there. I read it all in one day as I couldn't put it down once I started! I all ready read the second in the series and am looking forward to reading the next one! It's a book I would not be ashamed to share with my daughters and granddaughters!
A Chance to Come True was a nice break from all the torrid romances out there. I read it all in one day as I couldn't put it down once I started! I all ready read the second in the series and am looking forward to reading the next one! It's a book I would not be ashamed to share with my daughters and granddaughters!
December 1, 2020
A chance to come true
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story but didn’t like how the author portrayed Caity. She seemed to have some spine but kept going back and forth about if she thought Tom really liked her or not and she didn’t want a man in her life after her ex. Then her ex shows up and she’s all friendly with him. It just made her seem fickle.
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story but didn’t like how the author portrayed Caity. She seemed to have some spine but kept going back and forth about if she thought Tom really liked her or not and she didn’t want a man in her life after her ex. Then her ex shows up and she’s all friendly with him. It just made her seem fickle.
October 13, 2017
Free Ebook, part of series
She moves to a new town and a new lifestyle after a breakup. She’s happy just being alone and starting to write. He’s a single Dad with 3 kids and runs the feed store, each is afraid but so drawn to each other
She moves to a new town and a new lifestyle after a breakup. She’s happy just being alone and starting to write. He’s a single Dad with 3 kids and runs the feed store, each is afraid but so drawn to each other
May 9, 2017
Nice, sweet romance
This is a nice,sweet heart felt romantic story. There is not any exciting action or intrigue but the feelings of the characters seem real.
This is a nice,sweet heart felt romantic story. There is not any exciting action or intrigue but the feelings of the characters seem real.
June 12, 2017
Good
this book is one that shows how when you decide to change your life and your career.a great read and a good ending.
this book is one that shows how when you decide to change your life and your career.a great read and a good ending.
October 16, 2017
A Chance to Come True
Simple and sweet. I loved this little story about Tom and Caity. Both havd been burned in the past, both cautious but both also open to love.
Simple and sweet. I loved this little story about Tom and Caity. Both havd been burned in the past, both cautious but both also open to love.
January 22, 2018
great story cant want to get stuck into the next one
February 28, 2018
An Endearing Romance!
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a heart warming romance. The characters were lovable and the story was endearing.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a heart warming romance. The characters were lovable and the story was endearing.
July 24, 2018
Good Book
Book well worth reading. Has a nice plot, with lots of interesting twists and will keep you guessing. Fun to read and a good love story.
Book well worth reading. Has a nice plot, with lots of interesting twists and will keep you guessing. Fun to read and a good love story.
May 6, 2020
3 star
Liked the characters. Felt a bit like the ending was compressed and it was more beginning than middle or end. But I'm pickier than a lot of readers, so might just be me.
Liked the characters. Felt a bit like the ending was compressed and it was more beginning than middle or end. But I'm pickier than a lot of readers, so might just be me.
December 8, 2021
Great book
September 11, 2025
A lovely light romance set in a small town. Some nice characters in this first book set the scene for a series that I’m sure will be great.
September 27, 2016
A Warm-Hearted Wonderful Romance
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed A Chance to Come True by S M Spencer. It was a warm, inviting, captivating, emotional, roller coaster romance.
I love how complex the characters were and how they developed throughout the story. It allowed you to get below the surface and really get to know them and their motivations. I love that there were misunderstandings and challenges that the characters had to work through, and that it wasn't just once, but multiple times/issues. It showed a more real life view of relationships and people rather than the usual candy coated romance novel with one minor bump in the road and then they find their way back together and live happily ever after. This book was way more meatier than that and I greatly appreciate that.
I love how Mrs. Spencer described Tom from the viewpoint of Cait - not the greatest looking man she'd ever met, but something else, something unseen about him that she was attracted to. Looks fade, but personalities stick around a lot longer. I find it refreshing that a person's spirit means more than their looks. We need more of that, especially when describing female characters.
This story contains sexual encounters (but not with graphic detail), an attempted forcible encounter (by a secondary minor character), and some minor violence - punches thrown, plus some domestic violence (to a secondary minor character). Also, since this is a story set in Australia, and the author herself has spent the better part of the last few decades in Australia, there are quite a few cultural differences, phrases and such, that might not be familiar to those unacquainted with Australia. I don't feel that I understood all of them, but I do think I got the gist of most of them. Too bad Kindles don't come with definitions for cultural phrases! lol But, I don't think any of that detracted from the wonderful story that was told. It all just makes it deeper and richer.
I am very grateful I chose to read and review this book. I am thoroughly pleased with it and I can't wait to read more from Mrs. Spencer, especially in this series, Copperhead Creek - Australian Romance. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us, S M Spencer!
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed A Chance to Come True by S M Spencer. It was a warm, inviting, captivating, emotional, roller coaster romance.
I love how complex the characters were and how they developed throughout the story. It allowed you to get below the surface and really get to know them and their motivations. I love that there were misunderstandings and challenges that the characters had to work through, and that it wasn't just once, but multiple times/issues. It showed a more real life view of relationships and people rather than the usual candy coated romance novel with one minor bump in the road and then they find their way back together and live happily ever after. This book was way more meatier than that and I greatly appreciate that.
I love how Mrs. Spencer described Tom from the viewpoint of Cait - not the greatest looking man she'd ever met, but something else, something unseen about him that she was attracted to. Looks fade, but personalities stick around a lot longer. I find it refreshing that a person's spirit means more than their looks. We need more of that, especially when describing female characters.
This story contains sexual encounters (but not with graphic detail), an attempted forcible encounter (by a secondary minor character), and some minor violence - punches thrown, plus some domestic violence (to a secondary minor character). Also, since this is a story set in Australia, and the author herself has spent the better part of the last few decades in Australia, there are quite a few cultural differences, phrases and such, that might not be familiar to those unacquainted with Australia. I don't feel that I understood all of them, but I do think I got the gist of most of them. Too bad Kindles don't come with definitions for cultural phrases! lol But, I don't think any of that detracted from the wonderful story that was told. It all just makes it deeper and richer.
I am very grateful I chose to read and review this book. I am thoroughly pleased with it and I can't wait to read more from Mrs. Spencer, especially in this series, Copperhead Creek - Australian Romance. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us, S M Spencer!
July 5, 2018
I surely liked this clean romantic story of a city gal moving to a small town , about given up on romance , but then there is a guy who has a feed store she keeps bumping into , my , but he has 3 kids, does he have a wife?! Great story ! I really hated for it to end.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews