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Vacation Sweethearts #1
Smile for Me
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
She is laid back.
He is uptight.
Never the twain shall…kiss?
A deadline-driven workaholic assistant school principal who meticulously plans his schedule months in advance meets an easygoing art teacher and studio potter with no sense of time, living her life as the seasons come and go. When they cross paths again at the Summer by the Sea Day Camp sponsored by his church in Nassau, Bahamas, how can they get along if they cannot see eye to eye?
Byron’s Burden…
This is what I’ve always wanted, right? Then why does this assistant headmaster position hem me in? I feel constricted, restricted, afflicted. I fear I have taken a wrong turn in my career.
What is God’s will for my life? And what does Tina think about—
Tina? What does she have anything to do with my career decisions?
Tina’s Turn…
Go to the Bahamas, they said. It will be fun, they said.
Well, arriving in Nassau, I feel I could enjoy myself if Byron’s not around. I made it, right? I’m here! That’s good enough for me, but apparently it’s not good enough for Mr. Uptight.
Why does he bother me so? I don’t need his approval—
Oh yes, I do. As a volunteer art teacher at the day camp, I have to answer to Byron for four weeks. Well, thank God it’s only for four weeks. And then I’m outta here, and he’ll be out of my hair.
She is laid back.
He is uptight.
Never the twain shall…kiss?
A deadline-driven workaholic assistant school principal who meticulously plans his schedule months in advance meets an easygoing art teacher and studio potter with no sense of time, living her life as the seasons come and go. When they cross paths again at the Summer by the Sea Day Camp sponsored by his church in Nassau, Bahamas, how can they get along if they cannot see eye to eye?
Byron’s Burden…
This is what I’ve always wanted, right? Then why does this assistant headmaster position hem me in? I feel constricted, restricted, afflicted. I fear I have taken a wrong turn in my career.
What is God’s will for my life? And what does Tina think about—
Tina? What does she have anything to do with my career decisions?
Tina’s Turn…
Go to the Bahamas, they said. It will be fun, they said.
Well, arriving in Nassau, I feel I could enjoy myself if Byron’s not around. I made it, right? I’m here! That’s good enough for me, but apparently it’s not good enough for Mr. Uptight.
Why does he bother me so? I don’t need his approval—
Oh yes, I do. As a volunteer art teacher at the day camp, I have to answer to Byron for four weeks. Well, thank God it’s only for four weeks. And then I’m outta here, and he’ll be out of my hair.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2016
306 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Jan Thompson
63 books143 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian coastal city and beach town romance with flavors of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with elements of mystery, and inspirational international thrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance. Her books are for readers who love inspiring stories of faith, family, and friends.
Jan loves to hear from her readers. Join her mailing list to receive book publication news, sales and specials, cover reveals, and exclusive details and content.
Book News: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Author Website: JanThompson.com
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Jan loves to hear from her readers. Join her mailing list to receive book publication news, sales and specials, cover reveals, and exclusive details and content.
Book News: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Author Website: JanThompson.com
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 27, 2018
I thought to pick out a nice short novella to fill in this day, since I'm under a tight deadline and no time to read a long book. Lo and behold, this ain't no novella! It is seriously long!
I did skim this book a lot as it was more telling than showing and there was a lot of author intrusion, but there was a fun, innocent, humorous twist to this story that kept me interested and wondering what would go wrong or happen next.
Tina is a flighty heroine, colorful, flamboyant, in your face clueless, and oh so clumsy. Brian is straightlaced, a rule-follower, ten minutes early or he's late, and oh so chained to a planner. Tina drives him nuts. Bryon drives her nuts. Is there any hope at all for this couple?
I liked how Bryon has to mentally adjust his thoughts and thinking about Tina, determined to think positively about her since she is volunteering as a missionary. And how Tina tried to work with Bryon's schedule instead of deliberately antagonizing him.
A good read. I would read more by this author. I like the humor.
I bought a copy in the Whispers of Love collection. No review was required
I did skim this book a lot as it was more telling than showing and there was a lot of author intrusion, but there was a fun, innocent, humorous twist to this story that kept me interested and wondering what would go wrong or happen next.
Tina is a flighty heroine, colorful, flamboyant, in your face clueless, and oh so clumsy. Brian is straightlaced, a rule-follower, ten minutes early or he's late, and oh so chained to a planner. Tina drives him nuts. Bryon drives her nuts. Is there any hope at all for this couple?
I liked how Bryon has to mentally adjust his thoughts and thinking about Tina, determined to think positively about her since she is volunteering as a missionary. And how Tina tried to work with Bryon's schedule instead of deliberately antagonizing him.
A good read. I would read more by this author. I like the humor.
I bought a copy in the Whispers of Love collection. No review was required
July 28, 2016
Smile For Me : International Contemporary Christian Romance Novel (Vacation Sweethearts
Book-1)
By: Jan Thompson
Smile For Me is the first book in Vacation Sweethearts series. Jan Thompson writes Christian romance novel and she drew me in right at the start and did not let go till the end. I really enjoyed Smile For Me and looking forward to reading book two in the series. This is Byron’s and Tina’s story and they take us to the Bahamas . Tina is an art teacher and Studio potter. She is going to the Bahamas to Summer By The Sea Day Camp to help teach. The camp needs help . Byron is a workaholic assistance school principal and is never late. He cannot stand for anyone to be late. He meets with Tina who he met two years ago and remembers her really well. He would like to stay away from her. She also wishes to stay away from him What will the two do, is it possible for the two to never cross paths ? Tina is always late ,forgets ,and losing everything. Tina drives Byron nuts two years ago. What will happen this year? This is a very sweet story.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
Book-1)
By: Jan Thompson
Smile For Me is the first book in Vacation Sweethearts series. Jan Thompson writes Christian romance novel and she drew me in right at the start and did not let go till the end. I really enjoyed Smile For Me and looking forward to reading book two in the series. This is Byron’s and Tina’s story and they take us to the Bahamas . Tina is an art teacher and Studio potter. She is going to the Bahamas to Summer By The Sea Day Camp to help teach. The camp needs help . Byron is a workaholic assistance school principal and is never late. He cannot stand for anyone to be late. He meets with Tina who he met two years ago and remembers her really well. He would like to stay away from her. She also wishes to stay away from him What will the two do, is it possible for the two to never cross paths ? Tina is always late ,forgets ,and losing everything. Tina drives Byron nuts two years ago. What will happen this year? This is a very sweet story.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
August 9, 2016
I was so happy to get a full-length novel from this author! I've read most of her novellas, and I almost always found myself wishing the plot was a little more developed or the conversations a little less rushed. This book solved those issues for me and let me see this author for as good as she really is! This book retains the things I already love about Jan Thompson's books - her multicultural characters and deep spiritual communities - and adds to them better plot and character development! Hurray!
I loved the two settings of the Bahamas and Savannah, Georgia, and I loved getting to know these two characters and their families and friends. The growth of both characters was well-executed - they started out quite flawed and showed definite growth throughout the story. This was an altogether good, clean, and uplifting summer read!
I loved the two settings of the Bahamas and Savannah, Georgia, and I loved getting to know these two characters and their families and friends. The growth of both characters was well-executed - they started out quite flawed and showed definite growth throughout the story. This was an altogether good, clean, and uplifting summer read!
August 29, 2016
Wow is all I can say. I fell in love with both Tina and Byron. Both characters were compelling. I kept wondering if they would ever get together. In additions to wonderful characters and great writing, I loved the inspirational thread throughout the book. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
July 16, 2016
Tina was back in the Bahamas answering God's call.
It had been 2 years since had been on this mission because of Byron.
This time they worked through their differences proving opposites do attract.
This was a nice romance in this series.
It had been 2 years since had been on this mission because of Byron.
This time they worked through their differences proving opposites do attract.
This was a nice romance in this series.
August 16, 2016
It was good to read something a little different in the name of romance. This story is in a collection with new authors to me. Tina n Byron's story.
May 18, 2023
This story takes us to the beautiful Caribbean Islands and what a fun time! I loved all the descriptions this author gave of the beautiful scenery, the flowers, and the colors, and there were times I actually felt the sand beneath my feet and the wind in my hair.
Now, this book actually had so much more than just scenery. It had crazy tension between the two main characters, fun dialogue, a wild rainstorm, delightful romance, and wonderful God-given lessons.
I also had fun revisiting some of the author’s past characters from some of her other books.
This book was a story about finding God’s direction and not charging ahead of Him. It’s also about looking at others and finding their qualities and not faults.
I enjoy reading Jan Thompson’s books they always have wonderful life lessons, and she weaves God’s Word into each of her stories. Her stories flow so smoothly with great dialogue and wonderful word pictures. Each one has a realness and honesty that brings the issues each of her characters deal with, in a relatable way.
There's hope and love in this story and these are things we can all use.
I highly recommend you read this book! Who knows, you might just feel like taking a trip to the Islands to enjoy the sun and surf.
Now, this book actually had so much more than just scenery. It had crazy tension between the two main characters, fun dialogue, a wild rainstorm, delightful romance, and wonderful God-given lessons.
I also had fun revisiting some of the author’s past characters from some of her other books.
This book was a story about finding God’s direction and not charging ahead of Him. It’s also about looking at others and finding their qualities and not faults.
I enjoy reading Jan Thompson’s books they always have wonderful life lessons, and she weaves God’s Word into each of her stories. Her stories flow so smoothly with great dialogue and wonderful word pictures. Each one has a realness and honesty that brings the issues each of her characters deal with, in a relatable way.
There's hope and love in this story and these are things we can all use.
I highly recommend you read this book! Who knows, you might just feel like taking a trip to the Islands to enjoy the sun and surf.
June 15, 2017
Godly story
I loved the way the characters had a strong faith woven into everything they do. It was inspiring. I was concerned about reading a cross- culture romance (not cross-racial) because that's a big strike against a marriage, and I thought those differences would be ignored. But with the characters equally living the same strong faith, that was their real culture and the other culture differences were minimal, not that I'd know if that was true....I've never traveled there....so it seemed more of a real possibility. I didn't feel much about the happy ending though. The characters really didn't have much time together so I was still in a disbelief stage. I also wondered why the found father hadn't looked up and cared about his kids previously if he was such a mature Christian.
I loved the way the characters had a strong faith woven into everything they do. It was inspiring. I was concerned about reading a cross- culture romance (not cross-racial) because that's a big strike against a marriage, and I thought those differences would be ignored. But with the characters equally living the same strong faith, that was their real culture and the other culture differences were minimal, not that I'd know if that was true....I've never traveled there....so it seemed more of a real possibility. I didn't feel much about the happy ending though. The characters really didn't have much time together so I was still in a disbelief stage. I also wondered why the found father hadn't looked up and cared about his kids previously if he was such a mature Christian.
November 27, 2019
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel Smile for Me: Sweet Summer in the Bahamas... Inspirational Christian Beach Town Biracial Romance Novel (Vacation Sweethearts Book 1)by Jan Thompson and this review was given freely. Praise, contemplation and a sweet but rocky romance.
Riverside Chapel, Savannah's volunteer art teacher Clementine Gracielle "Tina" MacFarland returns to Paradise Island in the Bahamas for a summer mission trip where she reunites with Assistant Headmaster Byron Moss at the Summer by the Sea Day Camp. The clashing personalities of two years ago morphs into attraction and love. A heavy emphasis is placed on scripture, praise to God, placing God first and ensuring one's choices reflect God's choices. The excerpts of the clean but rocky romance are interspersed with family drama and scenes related to the school.
I purchased a copy of the novel Smile for Me: Sweet Summer in the Bahamas... Inspirational Christian Beach Town Biracial Romance Novel (Vacation Sweethearts Book 1)by Jan Thompson and this review was given freely. Praise, contemplation and a sweet but rocky romance.
Riverside Chapel, Savannah's volunteer art teacher Clementine Gracielle "Tina" MacFarland returns to Paradise Island in the Bahamas for a summer mission trip where she reunites with Assistant Headmaster Byron Moss at the Summer by the Sea Day Camp. The clashing personalities of two years ago morphs into attraction and love. A heavy emphasis is placed on scripture, praise to God, placing God first and ensuring one's choices reflect God's choices. The excerpts of the clean but rocky romance are interspersed with family drama and scenes related to the school.
May 29, 2017
A Very Good Story
I enjoyed this book. The main part of the story is based in the Bahamas, which is where I want to visit!
Tina and Byron are complete opposite in personality. Byron is very meticulous, never late to anything, and has his life planned. Tina, is from Georgia, but goes to Nassau, to teach art for three weeks. She is late to everything, and is definitely laid back. Byron has always thought he wanted to be the one in charge of the school, but when it almost happens, will he still want it?
Can they get over their personality differences and work together?
Definitely a clean, inspirational book.
I enjoyed this book. The main part of the story is based in the Bahamas, which is where I want to visit!
Tina and Byron are complete opposite in personality. Byron is very meticulous, never late to anything, and has his life planned. Tina, is from Georgia, but goes to Nassau, to teach art for three weeks. She is late to everything, and is definitely laid back. Byron has always thought he wanted to be the one in charge of the school, but when it almost happens, will he still want it?
Can they get over their personality differences and work together?
Definitely a clean, inspirational book.
July 5, 2017
Rooted in scripture
Set mainly in the Bahamas I enjoyed the connectedness to the island and it's culture. It provided a wonderful setting for this story of finding and listening to God for His direction in life and not your own. Something that is relevant for everyone! The best part was the scripture passages used between the characters and the prayers with one another. It wasn't just a clean, Christian romance...it was rooted in Biblical truths and we saw how the author carried that out in the story line. I'll read more of her books!
Set mainly in the Bahamas I enjoyed the connectedness to the island and it's culture. It provided a wonderful setting for this story of finding and listening to God for His direction in life and not your own. Something that is relevant for everyone! The best part was the scripture passages used between the characters and the prayers with one another. It wasn't just a clean, Christian romance...it was rooted in Biblical truths and we saw how the author carried that out in the story line. I'll read more of her books!
October 2, 2024
What a lovely tale. From the start, there was conflict between Byron and Tina. They simply gave out the wrong vibes to one another. While Tina resided in the United States, Byron lived in the Bahamas. They cross paths again when Tina travels to the Bahamas to serve as a missionary at the school where she was a teacher two years earlier. Tina is a touch awkward, and Byron is a stickler for detail. Will they be able to discover love in each other? I advise you to read this book and look up the solutions. Outstanding work by Jan Thompson.
March 3, 2021
A lovely, clean romance with faith and how it is applied to daily living woven through the entire story. I loved the book and will be reading more from this author. Only God can bring two such different people together and sometimes it is just for us to learn some lessons and then move on. It is not always so easy for us to see God's longer-term plan and we still have to make some difficult choices. It is inspiring to see how these characters remained open to and trusting in the Lord.
October 23, 2023
Tina MacFarland is an art teacher who volunteers for three weeks at the Summer by the Sea Day Camp in Nassau, Bahamas. Byron Moss runs the Chapel by the Sea Day Camp keeping things organized. Tina and Byron have clashed before at the Day Camp. Tina and Byron’s faith in Christ are the only thing they have in common until they form a mutual attraction to each other. I really enjoyed this delightful Christian romance novel.
May 19, 2017
This story took me a while to read, but only because life has been so crazy. A few minutes here, a few minutes there. I did really enjoy the story though. And the writing was a fast pace. I'd have sped right through it if I'd had the time. Two favorite scenes from the book without spoiling it. The bus axel incident and the iPhone on the way to the island incident. If you want to know, you'll just have to read it!
July 22, 2018
They say opposites attract. Byron is an organized list maker. Don't mess with his schedule. Tina is more of a free spirit. The joy of life lives in her heart. She is a successful businesswoman, but she knows how to have fun. They fall in love. Uh oh. A very enjoyable romance in a tropical setting. Jan Thompson gives me a great excuse to sit for hours!
June 18, 2017
Great Chrsitian book.
If you fail to read this book you will miss a good romance and people learning to cope with life situations using prayer. Scripture, and hep from pastors family and friends
If you fail to read this book you will miss a good romance and people learning to cope with life situations using prayer. Scripture, and hep from pastors family and friends
August 26, 2017
Great Christian romance
I chose this rating because I thoroughly enjoyed this romance novel. I loved that scriptures were interwoven into the story. So many writers think you have to have swearing and sexual content for a good story, not so. I avoid those books.
I chose this rating because I thoroughly enjoyed this romance novel. I loved that scriptures were interwoven into the story. So many writers think you have to have swearing and sexual content for a good story, not so. I avoid those books.
August 6, 2020
I don't usually give a bad review or dislike a book but this one fits that category. Plus this book is so long & just drags out about the same old thing between Tine & Bryon. I didn't like either one of them & their attitudes toward one another. I'm surprised they got together at the end.
June 5, 2021
Mission trip Nassau Bahamas. Art teacher Tina MacFarland faces Byron Moss, the obnoxious assistant principal of the Chapel by the Sea Christian School again.
A good read with lots of relationship scenes. The characters are interesting, the plot moving. A good summertime read.
A good read with lots of relationship scenes. The characters are interesting, the plot moving. A good summertime read.
October 18, 2023
Not bad
It was a decent read but not as good as some of the other books I’ve read from this author. It was a little slower paced for my taste although I am glad that everything worked out ok in the end and I do intend to read more from this author.
It was a decent read but not as good as some of the other books I’ve read from this author. It was a little slower paced for my taste although I am glad that everything worked out ok in the end and I do intend to read more from this author.
January 15, 2025
Smile for Me
This is the first book in this series and it is all about having faith in God and letting him direct our paths and knowing it is him and not self A good international Christian romance
This is the first book in this series and it is all about having faith in God and letting him direct our paths and knowing it is him and not self A good international Christian romance
June 7, 2017
I liked this book, It talked a lot about God and how if we trust in him he will lead us and protect us.
June 30, 2017
This is a quirky story about two creative people with a lack of good communication skills. What's not to like? You looking for a happy, cute story? This is the one!
July 30, 2017
Was ok.
September 27, 2017
Boring.
January 25, 2019
It was nice, but would have been stronger had the story been shown in more places rather than told.
December 10, 2021
I loved it. Such a cute story about two people who are opposites. I enjoyed it very much.
April 1, 2022
Best Book that I have read
I loved the Bible and scriptures being quoted and all the prayers. Way to go Jan! Best to you in the future.
I loved the Bible and scriptures being quoted and all the prayers. Way to go Jan! Best to you in the future.
April 30, 2022
God leads
I really enjoyed this book. Book waa filled with God working out the details of Tina and Byrne's lives. Filled with twist and turns to keep your interest.
I really enjoyed this book. Book waa filled with God working out the details of Tina and Byrne's lives. Filled with twist and turns to keep your interest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews