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Modern Conveniences #1
Love in a Fix
Modern Conveniences- a new series featuring contemporary marriages of convenience.
Despite Lyndsey Allen's best efforts to stay afloat, she faces foreclosure. With a young child to consider she needs a miracle and quick, but pride won't let her accept money from a longtime friend.
When Shep Patterson promised his best friend that he'd look after Lyndsey should anything happen to him, he never imagined that would include marriage, yet a proposal slips from his mouth.
Lyndsey accepts his proposal, shocking them both. Will their marriage of convenience hold just as many surprises?
Despite Lyndsey Allen's best efforts to stay afloat, she faces foreclosure. With a young child to consider she needs a miracle and quick, but pride won't let her accept money from a longtime friend.
When Shep Patterson promised his best friend that he'd look after Lyndsey should anything happen to him, he never imagined that would include marriage, yet a proposal slips from his mouth.
Lyndsey accepts his proposal, shocking them both. Will their marriage of convenience hold just as many surprises?
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2016
619 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Leah Atwood
94 books124 followersLeah is a small-town girl at heart and currently lives in a rural town in South Louisiana, though Maryland will always be home. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in International Business but gave up a career in sales and marketing to follow love, a decision she's never regretted.
Always a dreamer, she loves to think of times gone by and discover what the American West was really like as the frontier was bring tamed. Because time-travel doesn't really exist, she uses her stories as an outlet to transport back in time and experience the days of old. Never one to ignore inspiration, she is also branching out into contemporary romance.
Her works have reached best-seller status and have topped the categories of Western and Inspirational Romance. She gives thanks to God for blessing her with the amazing opportunity to share her faith in a way to inspire people and bring a smile to their faces.
10 Random Facts about Leah
1) Her favorite book is A Moveable Feast
2) She was once in a governor's inaugural parade
3) Her daughter and she share the same initials
4) Diet soda is her coffee. Every morning must with a glass of the fizzy beverage.
5) On the day of her daughter's birth, Leah's family was so excited they ran out to the car and locked all the keys inside the house. Her husband had to break in the house through a window before they could leave for the hospital
6) She loves to garden despite her black thumb
7) When Leah was a kid, she and her cousin would write their own songs
8) Her favorite movie is Gone with the Wind
9) Holidays bring out her inner child
10) She has a mild obsession with anything pumpkin
Always a dreamer, she loves to think of times gone by and discover what the American West was really like as the frontier was bring tamed. Because time-travel doesn't really exist, she uses her stories as an outlet to transport back in time and experience the days of old. Never one to ignore inspiration, she is also branching out into contemporary romance.
Her works have reached best-seller status and have topped the categories of Western and Inspirational Romance. She gives thanks to God for blessing her with the amazing opportunity to share her faith in a way to inspire people and bring a smile to their faces.
10 Random Facts about Leah
1) Her favorite book is A Moveable Feast
2) She was once in a governor's inaugural parade
3) Her daughter and she share the same initials
4) Diet soda is her coffee. Every morning must with a glass of the fizzy beverage.
5) On the day of her daughter's birth, Leah's family was so excited they ran out to the car and locked all the keys inside the house. Her husband had to break in the house through a window before they could leave for the hospital
6) She loves to garden despite her black thumb
7) When Leah was a kid, she and her cousin would write their own songs
8) Her favorite movie is Gone with the Wind
9) Holidays bring out her inner child
10) She has a mild obsession with anything pumpkin
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 23, 2017
I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit more than I expected to. Though the marriage itself did feel a bit rushed... the fact that the couple had known each other & been friends for years made that not bother me as much as it otherwise might have. And I like how realistic and understandable the issues were that they faced in their relationship.
I don't know when I read this-- I can't find it on my GR bookshelf-- but I know I've read it before so I'm marking it as a re-read. :P
I don't know when I read this-- I can't find it on my GR bookshelf-- but I know I've read it before so I'm marking it as a re-read. :P
January 23, 2019
This was a sweet story. The romance was not really the focus of the story, and it was never the physical attraction that moved the story along. Yet, at the same time, it was a romance, only a different sort, one that came after marriage.
I liked both main characters and felt the author did a good job of conveying their heartache and the reason for the marriage without making me feel uncomfortable.
Though there were some prayers, the characters went to church, and a few Bible verses were quoted, it wasn't a very strong Christian story. They didn't really even pray over the big decisions. But all told, I did enjoy the story, and didn't find anything to object to.
I liked both main characters and felt the author did a good job of conveying their heartache and the reason for the marriage without making me feel uncomfortable.
Though there were some prayers, the characters went to church, and a few Bible verses were quoted, it wasn't a very strong Christian story. They didn't really even pray over the big decisions. But all told, I did enjoy the story, and didn't find anything to object to.
November 11, 2016
3+ Stars
November 7, 2016
A lovely contemporary marriage of convenience story that is believable enough to be enjoyable. It features a financially struggling single mum who becomes desperate enough to consider marriage to her dead husband's good friend. Is is God's will they get married?
April 11, 2019
I really liked the way this couple was set up as friends who had been friends in company with their spouses for years, rather than random strangers suddenly thrown together. The honesty they showed with each other was both really refreshing and, honestly, a bit of a drawback. That sounds strange, but I'll try to explain. I don't particularly like books where the couple's communication problems are the only cause of friction, but it was a little unbelievable that they would become this honest and vulnerable with each other this quickly, especially after the walls Lyndsey had put up at the beginning. Also, there wasn't anything going on externally to cause conflict, which made most of the book feel like sailing on a cloud--a nice sensation, but not a lot of substance. So, not that I wanted them to stop; it just would have been nice if it had taken a bit longer to get there, or if something else had been going on to raise the stakes a bit.
Also, just a minor quibble, but sometimes it seemed to take too long to describe a character's actions when they really weren't important to what was going on. Mostly a style preference on my part.
Overall, though, it's nice to have a story where the characters do communicate--even if a little too well and too quickly--and I liked the spiritual thread and the way they cared for each other.
3.5 stars
Content--veiled talk about intimacy between a husband and wife, usually in the context of having children; mentions and suspicions of couples being pregnant out of wedlock; mentions of sickness and deaths
Also, just a minor quibble, but sometimes it seemed to take too long to describe a character's actions when they really weren't important to what was going on. Mostly a style preference on my part.
Overall, though, it's nice to have a story where the characters do communicate--even if a little too well and too quickly--and I liked the spiritual thread and the way they cared for each other.
3.5 stars
Content--veiled talk about intimacy between a husband and wife, usually in the context of having children; mentions and suspicions of couples being pregnant out of wedlock; mentions of sickness and deaths
March 4, 2024
Clean, easy read
I appreciated that this book was faith-based (Christian), and clean. No inappropriate scenes, language, etc. Unfortunately, I just felt like it was way too predictable and cheesy. A quick, easy read for someone needing something simple.
I appreciated that this book was faith-based (Christian), and clean. No inappropriate scenes, language, etc. Unfortunately, I just felt like it was way too predictable and cheesy. A quick, easy read for someone needing something simple.
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August 15, 2016Love in a Fix, written by Leah Atwood, is a sweet inspirational romance. I just loved how Atwood developed this story! I believe my favorite character is Shep. He's is a widower who's wife died of cancer 4 years ago. He's owns his own home repair company and finds himself helping his best friends widow with a home repair. Lyndsey's husband, Mark, died unexpectently in an auto accident 2 yrs prior and she struggles to make ends meet for her and her little boy. While circumstances have brought Lyndsey to an all time low, she does the unthinkable and sells their house so she can afford life. When Shep helps her move and sees how low her finances have gotten, he proposes to her out of desperation. A modern day marriage of convenience...can they truly find joy in the midst of both of their grief for their dead spouses? Would they ever find love? A great read! I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2020
I loved, loved, loved this sweet story! I listened to over half of it on audio book and the narration was really good. Then, I switched to reading it on ebook, as that was more convenient for me at the time, and I zoomed through the story, hardly able to set it down.
The growth from friends to a married couple to actual attraction and love was beautifully and believably done. This marriage of convenience story was a sweet read and the relationship between Lyndsey and Shep was so wonderful. I also enjoyed that the little boy was believable in this novel.
This was my first book to read from this author and now I look forward to reading many more.
*I've actually listened to this audio book three times over the last two years now. It is definitely a favorite.*
The growth from friends to a married couple to actual attraction and love was beautifully and believably done. This marriage of convenience story was a sweet read and the relationship between Lyndsey and Shep was so wonderful. I also enjoyed that the little boy was believable in this novel.
This was my first book to read from this author and now I look forward to reading many more.
*I've actually listened to this audio book three times over the last two years now. It is definitely a favorite.*
January 31, 2016
I had the honor to review this wonderful book for the author. Lyndsey didn't know what she would do after losing her husband. Trying on her own to raise Josh and trying to make it on her own isn't working. When Shep offers his help she keeps refusing. Once she finds out about the agreement Shep made things start to change. Shep and Lyndsey are both still suffering there losses. This story is truly remarkable with the way it ends. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. This book deserves a higher rating than a 5 star.
January 24, 2017
A sweet marriage of convenience story that is believable. Both of the main characters have experienced tragedy and don't want to go through that again. Josh, the heroine's son, is adorable.
The only thing I questioned was why they were married by the justice of the peace. They said they intended to put God at the center of the marriage, and a church wedding--even a tiny one no more elaborate than the ceremony in the courthouse--would have been a better way to show that. But that wasn't a big enough annoyance to lower the rating.
The only thing I questioned was why they were married by the justice of the peace. They said they intended to put God at the center of the marriage, and a church wedding--even a tiny one no more elaborate than the ceremony in the courthouse--would have been a better way to show that. But that wasn't a big enough annoyance to lower the rating.
January 26, 2016
I love this author's books and this one was no exception. I got it as soon as it was available and read it in one setting because I was enjoying the story and didn't want to put it down. It is a wonderful combination of romance and faith and beautiful story of Lindsey and Seth finding their second chance at love after they had both lost their spouses. I am certainly looking forward to the book 2 in the Modern Conveniences series.
January 28, 2016
What a beautiful romance and story of a marriage of convenience.
This book shows us that with a firm foundation in the Lord , you can be given a second chance to find love.
The theme verses about being happy about trials in life knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience makes me think.
An advance copy was given in exchange for an honest review..
This book shows us that with a firm foundation in the Lord , you can be given a second chance to find love.
The theme verses about being happy about trials in life knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience makes me think.
An advance copy was given in exchange for an honest review..
January 31, 2016
Great story of two people who thought they'd never find love again. But they do, where they'd least expect to. I enjoyed watching this relationship grow and deepen. Great characters to root for and a satisfying ending. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review .
October 22, 2016
Christian romance. I thought it was well-written and well-edited. I'd read more from this author.
October 29, 2018
I'm not sure if this was my first read from this author but if it's not, I couldn't quite remember the other/s.
Anyways, I liked this story. It's a bit different from your usual romance, in that it's a second chance on love. Both main characters lost their spouses, one from cancer and another from a car accident. They are both grieving and although they've been friends for a while, this time they had a different perspective of their circumstance and Shep (the hero) proposes marriage to Lyndsey in an effort to help her through her struggles in single parenting.
They agreed that it would only be a marriage of convenience but then realizes that they can still be open to love despite having loved before.
I like the idea of second chance love, especially to those that have already been married but life circumstances caused them to lose that love. It is very relatable, especially with the addition of the secondary characters (in laws) and how to deal with a child from another relationship/marriage. It was also relatable to see the characters react to each other based on prior experiences, especially with how they lost their spouses. Many of us unconsciously compare people and we saw that both main characters did that to each other based on their experiences with their past spouses.
Over all I thought the story line was good. The only thing I didn't like was the name of the guy, Shep. I'm sorry, but it sounded weird when I was reading it. Why couldn't he just be named Shepherd or even Seth. Why that name? I don't know, I found it weird.
Anyways, I liked this story. It's a bit different from your usual romance, in that it's a second chance on love. Both main characters lost their spouses, one from cancer and another from a car accident. They are both grieving and although they've been friends for a while, this time they had a different perspective of their circumstance and Shep (the hero) proposes marriage to Lyndsey in an effort to help her through her struggles in single parenting.
They agreed that it would only be a marriage of convenience but then realizes that they can still be open to love despite having loved before.
I like the idea of second chance love, especially to those that have already been married but life circumstances caused them to lose that love. It is very relatable, especially with the addition of the secondary characters (in laws) and how to deal with a child from another relationship/marriage. It was also relatable to see the characters react to each other based on prior experiences, especially with how they lost their spouses. Many of us unconsciously compare people and we saw that both main characters did that to each other based on their experiences with their past spouses.
Over all I thought the story line was good. The only thing I didn't like was the name of the guy, Shep. I'm sorry, but it sounded weird when I was reading it. Why couldn't he just be named Shepherd or even Seth. Why that name? I don't know, I found it weird.
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June 13, 2022Life has it's ups and downs, look to God for guidance and His love.
Lyndsey and Mark were best friends with Mirando and Shepard. They enjoyed being together and had a lot in common. Mirando developed cancer and died leaving Shepard alone and lost. Four years later Mark died in a wreck, leaving Lyndsey with a young son and little money. After Mirando died, Mark had asked Shepard to look after his family if anything ever happened to him. Shepard had agreed. When he found out Lindsey was struggling to make ends meet he tried to help any way he could, but Lyndsey refused his attempt to help. Read to see if Lindsey will except help from him or be willing to lose her home to save face. Will her in-laws let her move in with them?
Lyndsey and Mark were best friends with Mirando and Shepard. They enjoyed being together and had a lot in common. Mirando developed cancer and died leaving Shepard alone and lost. Four years later Mark died in a wreck, leaving Lyndsey with a young son and little money. After Mirando died, Mark had asked Shepard to look after his family if anything ever happened to him. Shepard had agreed. When he found out Lindsey was struggling to make ends meet he tried to help any way he could, but Lyndsey refused his attempt to help. Read to see if Lindsey will except help from him or be willing to lose her home to save face. Will her in-laws let her move in with them?
September 28, 2018
This book was so sweet, heart-warming, and well-written that I immediately bought and read the next two, plus the bonus novella Waiting on Love.
Shep is such a solid, caring guy. Lyndsey has a young son and more than enough determination to see them both through. I loved that though both had lost spouses, they acknowledged their previous marriages as important parts of their pasts that were not to be forgotten, but also no longer center stage of their lives. It was pleasing to watch them learn to blend their new lives through this marriage of convenience and fall in love for real. Well worth the read.
Shep is such a solid, caring guy. Lyndsey has a young son and more than enough determination to see them both through. I loved that though both had lost spouses, they acknowledged their previous marriages as important parts of their pasts that were not to be forgotten, but also no longer center stage of their lives. It was pleasing to watch them learn to blend their new lives through this marriage of convenience and fall in love for real. Well worth the read.
November 29, 2018
2nd marriage
Heartwarming story of 2 friends marrying after the death of both their spouses. Shep views this as a way to get home cooked meals, combat loneliness & to have a family he missed with his first wife. Lyndsey views this as security for her & son Josh. He will have a father in his life, she wants a family after having lost her parents when she was 8 & was raised in foster homes. Both think they will never be able to love again, but feel their friendship is a strong basis for marriage
Both want more children & hope with their faith in God they can attain their goals for a happy future. A good clean read.
Heartwarming story of 2 friends marrying after the death of both their spouses. Shep views this as a way to get home cooked meals, combat loneliness & to have a family he missed with his first wife. Lyndsey views this as security for her & son Josh. He will have a father in his life, she wants a family after having lost her parents when she was 8 & was raised in foster homes. Both think they will never be able to love again, but feel their friendship is a strong basis for marriage
Both want more children & hope with their faith in God they can attain their goals for a happy future. A good clean read.
December 28, 2018
Widowed single mother Lyndsey has a lot of financial problems, but pride prevents her from accepting the offer of help from widower Shep, him and his deceased wife good friends of Lyndsey and her husband.
When Shep surprisingly proposes marriage, both of the adults believe it to be one of convenience, because they do not think they can love another person as they have loved their spouses. But God has other plans.
Well written and with sympathetic and realistic protagonists, this book is just a delight to read and follow the events that unfold, with many a twist and turn.
I am sure I will follow this author and this series further.
When Shep surprisingly proposes marriage, both of the adults believe it to be one of convenience, because they do not think they can love another person as they have loved their spouses. But God has other plans.
Well written and with sympathetic and realistic protagonists, this book is just a delight to read and follow the events that unfold, with many a twist and turn.
I am sure I will follow this author and this series further.
January 5, 2018
Book 1
I liked this book for a lot of reasons. I loved howthey both wanted God’s will in their lives. I liked that the story didn’t end when they got married. They had their first bad argument, and they let time pass and Anger stop them from working it out for quite a while and then it was resolved. Their arrangement was unique, but they had typical problems that a normal husband and wife would have.
I liked this book for a lot of reasons. I loved howthey both wanted God’s will in their lives. I liked that the story didn’t end when they got married. They had their first bad argument, and they let time pass and Anger stop them from working it out for quite a while and then it was resolved. Their arrangement was unique, but they had typical problems that a normal husband and wife would have.
April 27, 2018
Friendship is all you need
I enjoyed this book- sometimes life throws so many pains and heartache at is- but count it all as Joy... is a great reminder. Listening to the book on audio didn’t do it justice but as life gets busy- it is a good way to get a fictional book in every now and then.
Two friends find comfort in each other and through prayer- I would be interested in reading more books about Shep and Lyndsey .
I enjoyed this book- sometimes life throws so many pains and heartache at is- but count it all as Joy... is a great reminder. Listening to the book on audio didn’t do it justice but as life gets busy- it is a good way to get a fictional book in every now and then.
Two friends find comfort in each other and through prayer- I would be interested in reading more books about Shep and Lyndsey .
October 8, 2017
Do you enjoy Hallmark Channel movies?
Then Leah Atwood is the author to hang out with!
"Love in a Fix" takes an old custom of marrying outside of love and puts it in a modern scenario.
Predictably, the outcome isn't much of a surprise ....
The characters were easy to identify with and easy to get attached to.
I look forward to reading other books by Leah Atwood!
Then Leah Atwood is the author to hang out with!
"Love in a Fix" takes an old custom of marrying outside of love and puts it in a modern scenario.
Predictably, the outcome isn't much of a surprise ....
The characters were easy to identify with and easy to get attached to.
I look forward to reading other books by Leah Atwood!
December 1, 2018
Love Again
Step and Lyndsey lost so much when their spouses died within months of each other. Both had been their spouses best friend. What better way to cope than trusting your deceased spouse's best friend for help and support. Grief was gradually replaced with new feelings. Good story of hope and new beginnings.
Step and Lyndsey lost so much when their spouses died within months of each other. Both had been their spouses best friend. What better way to cope than trusting your deceased spouse's best friend for help and support. Grief was gradually replaced with new feelings. Good story of hope and new beginnings.
August 20, 2017
Really good
Leah Atwood is new author for me and I wasn't sure what to expect. What a wonderful surprise this book was. I loved it, it was well written and well developed. The characters were awesome and real. I can't wasting read more books by this author.
Leah Atwood is new author for me and I wasn't sure what to expect. What a wonderful surprise this book was. I loved it, it was well written and well developed. The characters were awesome and real. I can't wasting read more books by this author.
September 26, 2017
This story did not take long to read, but it I really enjoyed it. I liked how Lyndsey and Shep started out as friends but ended up realizing they could love each other. Usually marriage of convenience stories are in historical settings, but I really liked this modern one. I would recommend it.
September 17, 2018
Satisfying
Really enjoyed this one. The struggle of a single mom trying to keep her life in track for herself and her young son are familiar to many of us. After the death of her husband the challenges are overwhelming. Is there restoration? Read to find out
Really enjoyed this one. The struggle of a single mom trying to keep her life in track for herself and her young son are familiar to many of us. After the death of her husband the challenges are overwhelming. Is there restoration? Read to find out
September 30, 2018
Unpredictable
This story has some unexpected twists. It illustrates God's providence and plan for good. The characters are not idealized as in some stories where all of the characters seem so perfect.
This story has some unexpected twists. It illustrates God's providence and plan for good. The characters are not idealized as in some stories where all of the characters seem so perfect.
September 27, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by this one! I expected it to abruptly end after they got married, but the author took the time to show how their relationship grew and changed. It also had a very genuine look at the conflicts and glitches of blending a family. I was really impressed with this one!
November 3, 2018
Hard to put down
Good characterization. Easy to read and hard to put down. Addresses issues with step children and with adjusting to the realization you can marry again after the death of your spouse.
Good characterization. Easy to read and hard to put down. Addresses issues with step children and with adjusting to the realization you can marry again after the death of your spouse.
January 19, 2019
Tears , laughter , love , and leaning on the Lord during each of those times . ..this book has it all ! This is a stand alone title -- just what I was looking for this Saturday !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews