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Serenity Landing Second Chances #1
Discovering Home
Jonathan William Langley-Cranston IV has come to terms with the idea that he just might remain single and childless for the rest of his life. It’s not his first choice, but it seems to be what God has for him, at least for now. Until a chance encounter with a familiar face changes his outlook.
MacKenzie Davidson has been a single mom since before her daughter was born. Just once, she’d love not to worry about losing her job or what will happen if her fledgling yarn dyeing business doesn’t take off. A stormy night and flooded road bring the straws that finally break the back of her independent streak.
Her knight-in-shining-SUV comes in the form of American royalty. She’s read enough of the tabloids to know that’s how Jonathan’s family is seen and knows she can’t begin to measure up.
But when he puts everything aside to help her, her daughter, and her now-floundering business, she begins to wonder. Jonathan quickly comes to believe he’s found everything he’s looking for. Will they find their way to each other or will they be ripped apart before discovering home?
MacKenzie Davidson has been a single mom since before her daughter was born. Just once, she’d love not to worry about losing her job or what will happen if her fledgling yarn dyeing business doesn’t take off. A stormy night and flooded road bring the straws that finally break the back of her independent streak.
Her knight-in-shining-SUV comes in the form of American royalty. She’s read enough of the tabloids to know that’s how Jonathan’s family is seen and knows she can’t begin to measure up.
But when he puts everything aside to help her, her daughter, and her now-floundering business, she begins to wonder. Jonathan quickly comes to believe he’s found everything he’s looking for. Will they find their way to each other or will they be ripped apart before discovering home?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2016
563 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Carol Moncado
78 books387 followersWhen she's not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband, four kids, and a dog who weighs less than most hard cover books. She prefers watching NCIS to just about anything, except maybe watching Castle. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not watching her kids - and the dog - race around her big backyard in Southwest Missouri, she's teaching American Government at a local community college. She's a founding member and President of MozArks ACFW, category coordinator for First Impressions, blogger at InspyRomance, and represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 22, 2019
This was a great story, but it wish some of the back stories, like the dancing at the wedding or the marriage would have been included as a prolog. Also, you were told the two bonded and talked but you weren't included so the relationship didn't seem very deep.
June 7, 2019
The characters were interesting: a single mother, her child, and Jonathan, a super rich and famous person who was too good to be true. Lots of info about dying wool and wool fairs.
A few story surprises but basically a simple plot. Well-written but just a bit too long.
A few story surprises but basically a simple plot. Well-written but just a bit too long.
September 15, 2016
First of all....this is FINALLY Jonathan's story! For long time readers of Carol Moncado this is super exciting because Jonathan first showed up in her second book, Finally Mr. Write and becomes a major player in Good Enough for a Princess (free on Amazon!).
Discovering Home is a great standalone, but all of Carol's books are connected, so I'd recommend starting with Finding Mr. Write (free on Amazon!) and reading your way through the various series (see Carol's website for help with book order - http://www.carolmoncado.com/books/tim...)
All of that being said, I feel like Jonathan's story was worth the wait! Jonathan has been through a lot (see most of the previous books as mentioned above) and it's so satisfying for him to finally get his happily ever after.
Note: I read all of Carol's new releases, so when offered a free copy of Discovering Home in exchange for my honest review I jumped at the chance!
Discovering Home is a great standalone, but all of Carol's books are connected, so I'd recommend starting with Finding Mr. Write (free on Amazon!) and reading your way through the various series (see Carol's website for help with book order - http://www.carolmoncado.com/books/tim...)
All of that being said, I feel like Jonathan's story was worth the wait! Jonathan has been through a lot (see most of the previous books as mentioned above) and it's so satisfying for him to finally get his happily ever after.
Note: I read all of Carol's new releases, so when offered a free copy of Discovering Home in exchange for my honest review I jumped at the chance!
March 19, 2019
This first book of the series tells a complete story and can stand alone. Other books are related by common characters.
Meh. Barely 3 stars.
The story has many unique elements once you get past the poor desperate single mother in debt past any hope of digging herself out. She meets a young, handsome, nice guy who is also richer the anyone has any right to be. There are at least a couple of interesting twists. Despite all that, the story never excited me and it felt forced or contrived.
Kenzie is sweet and courageous, but somehow wasn't that extraordinary. I guess another reviewer captures some of it by saying that she is mostly take with little give. Jonathan was a nice guy who had grown past the wild drunken rich kid to be able to recognize the cares of people around him, but he didn't excite me either. Lorelai was a cut kid OK, but she didn't steal my heart. I guess I'm trying to say that the characters lacked something, maybe they lacked being fully developed.
Maybe I was nonplussed by the almost casual way Kenzie went from having faced the choice between feeding either her daughter or herself to having dresses and jewels that might never be worn twice. A huge section was spent on her yarn business. Jonathan poured money into it like water and then Not that the book needed to be longer. During much of that I kept hoping something interesting would happen.
This is a Christian book, but there is almost no preaching. There is some prayer and trust in God, but sporadic - not like it was part of the fabric of their lives, but like seasoning.
Mature themes: Not really. Sex between a married couple is completely described by He kissed her again and the two became one in a dance as old as time itself. There is no real violence. There is reference to alcoholics realizing how much trouble that cause and then having successful rehab.
Meh. Barely 3 stars.
The story has many unique elements once you get past the poor desperate single mother in debt past any hope of digging herself out. She meets a young, handsome, nice guy who is also richer the anyone has any right to be. There are at least a couple of interesting twists. Despite all that, the story never excited me and it felt forced or contrived.
Kenzie is sweet and courageous, but somehow wasn't that extraordinary. I guess another reviewer captures some of it by saying that she is mostly take with little give. Jonathan was a nice guy who had grown past the wild drunken rich kid to be able to recognize the cares of people around him, but he didn't excite me either. Lorelai was a cut kid OK, but she didn't steal my heart. I guess I'm trying to say that the characters lacked something, maybe they lacked being fully developed.
Maybe I was nonplussed by the almost casual way Kenzie went from having faced the choice between feeding either her daughter or herself to having dresses and jewels that might never be worn twice. A huge section was spent on her yarn business. Jonathan poured money into it like water and then Not that the book needed to be longer. During much of that I kept hoping something interesting would happen.
This is a Christian book, but there is almost no preaching. There is some prayer and trust in God, but sporadic - not like it was part of the fabric of their lives, but like seasoning.
Mature themes: Not really. Sex between a married couple is completely described by He kissed her again and the two became one in a dance as old as time itself. There is no real violence. There is reference to alcoholics realizing how much trouble that cause and then having successful rehab.
November 14, 2016
I am a Carol Moncado fan. I've loved reading her books and I'm always on the lookout for more. I'm so glad that Jonathan finally got his own story. He's been showing up in books for awhile now but has never found his happily ever after. Until now.
I felt like this book had a lopsided relationship. I didn't really love MacKenzie and I felt like she sort of ruined the story for me. Jonathan was all give and no take. MacKenzie was all take and very little give. She had some reasons, but still. I just didn't love this relationship. I did love Jonathan though. His kind and generous heart was a beacon of light. It's what kept me reading and invested. I wanted all good things for him.
My dislikes in this book will not deter me from reading more by Carol Moncado. I've loved so many of her books and I will surely be coming back for more.
I felt like this book had a lopsided relationship. I didn't really love MacKenzie and I felt like she sort of ruined the story for me. Jonathan was all give and no take. MacKenzie was all take and very little give. She had some reasons, but still. I just didn't love this relationship. I did love Jonathan though. His kind and generous heart was a beacon of light. It's what kept me reading and invested. I wanted all good things for him.
My dislikes in this book will not deter me from reading more by Carol Moncado. I've loved so many of her books and I will surely be coming back for more.
June 18, 2020
This is the book that wouldn’t end. Every time I thought it was being resolved something else would happen and the characters would go back to questioning their relationship. I found it hard to keep pressing the ‘I believe button’ which also brought down my rating. Someone with Jonathan’s wealth and status likely wouldn’t have a friends and family circle that overlapped with the circle of a single mom struggling to put food on the table. I like the thought of a rags to riches romance but it needs to be believable and this just didn’t work, in my opinion.
It’s an easy read and has a great theme of people leading lives away from Christ being transformed because of Him, very much a Christian version of a Hallmark movie. Unfortunately, though, this book was too unbelievable for me.
It’s an easy read and has a great theme of people leading lives away from Christ being transformed because of Him, very much a Christian version of a Hallmark movie. Unfortunately, though, this book was too unbelievable for me.
May 28, 2023
Love Moncado – But This Book “Not So Much.”
This book was just hard for me to finish, it had too many twists and turns. The female lead at times was not likeable, although her daughter was very cute. Mackenzie rarely looked to God for guidance and it seemed to me there was just too many secrets and lack of honesty. Yes, Moncado’s other books follow a somewhat predictable pattern, but the ones I’ve read to date were enjoyable and I even appreciated their predictableness. So I’ve appreciated Moncado’s work, but this book was tedious and like picking petals off of a daisy, I found myself saying, “I’ll finish this book, I’ll finish it not!” I cannot imagine I would ever re-read this book, but even so, it may be the type of book that appeals to others.
This book was just hard for me to finish, it had too many twists and turns. The female lead at times was not likeable, although her daughter was very cute. Mackenzie rarely looked to God for guidance and it seemed to me there was just too many secrets and lack of honesty. Yes, Moncado’s other books follow a somewhat predictable pattern, but the ones I’ve read to date were enjoyable and I even appreciated their predictableness. So I’ve appreciated Moncado’s work, but this book was tedious and like picking petals off of a daisy, I found myself saying, “I’ll finish this book, I’ll finish it not!” I cannot imagine I would ever re-read this book, but even so, it may be the type of book that appeals to others.
January 24, 2018
Love this author’s book series but disappointed with spoilers
I love how all this author’s book series are interconnected. But I was disappointed with spoilers for The Monarchies of Belles Montagnes series. I followed the information by the author in an intro of another book to read this series before next ones in The Monarchies of Belles Montagnes Series because it would have spoilers. I was disappointed to find so many spoilers in THIS book for that series.
I love how all this author’s book series are interconnected. But I was disappointed with spoilers for The Monarchies of Belles Montagnes series. I followed the information by the author in an intro of another book to read this series before next ones in The Monarchies of Belles Montagnes Series because it would have spoilers. I was disappointed to find so many spoilers in THIS book for that series.
March 22, 2019
A Beautiful Story
Kenzie was a single mom trying to make it through each day. She & her daughter run into a gentleman she met a couple of years before. Jonathan found a little lost dog by her gate at home and decided to rescue it. After giving it a bath & taking him to the vet the run by Wal-Mart to get supplies and he meets Kenzie & her daughter. He ends up rescuing her later, but sends with so much more.
Kenzie was a single mom trying to make it through each day. She & her daughter run into a gentleman she met a couple of years before. Jonathan found a little lost dog by her gate at home and decided to rescue it. After giving it a bath & taking him to the vet the run by Wal-Mart to get supplies and he meets Kenzie & her daughter. He ends up rescuing her later, but sends with so much more.
March 25, 2019
Interesting love story
Clean and no language which are both important to me. The story was long which I like but I have to say the 1/4 of the book that concentrated on the yarn was a little too much. But I endured. The getting together was pretty quick for believability for me but not a real issue in the long run. I liked the characters. Fun to revisit old characters from other books too. Good job.
Clean and no language which are both important to me. The story was long which I like but I have to say the 1/4 of the book that concentrated on the yarn was a little too much. But I endured. The getting together was pretty quick for believability for me but not a real issue in the long run. I liked the characters. Fun to revisit old characters from other books too. Good job.
November 7, 2019
Disappointed
A bit disappointing story. A whole lot of drama. When the resolve one issue there’s another. And they are not really small ones. I really liked the couple at first. But then as the book progressed I really didn’t like her. He was very sweet then wasn’t. And after promising not to act a certain way does so fast. And the ending though happy feet cut off and abrupt.
A bit disappointing story. A whole lot of drama. When the resolve one issue there’s another. And they are not really small ones. I really liked the couple at first. But then as the book progressed I really didn’t like her. He was very sweet then wasn’t. And after promising not to act a certain way does so fast. And the ending though happy feet cut off and abrupt.
July 8, 2017
Another great read from Carol. Jonathan finally gets his story and I'm hoping he and his family will continue popping up from time to time in other books. Carol writes about struggles most will be able to relate to on some level. I enjoy her books and always look forward to what she has coming up.
July 13, 2018
Just when I think it can’ get any better, author comes up with anther characters story. Amazing read
Loved this story of JonThan since I have followed through all the Princess stories. Excited for more of Serenity Landing which includes a small amount of the Prince/Princess stories.
Loved this story of JonThan since I have followed through all the Princess stories. Excited for more of Serenity Landing which includes a small amount of the Prince/Princess stories.
August 25, 2019
A sort of Cinderella story (single poor Mom meets oh-so-good-hearted rich guy), and in parts quite unrealistic - and not because of it being a Christian story, on the contrary.
However, the good narration style makes up for a sometimes weak plot.
On the whole, though, it is a sweet and very likeable romance, something to enjoy on a summer holiday perhaps.
However, the good narration style makes up for a sometimes weak plot.
On the whole, though, it is a sweet and very likeable romance, something to enjoy on a summer holiday perhaps.
March 29, 2020
Loved reading “Discovering Home”
I loved how this book portrays how a chance meeting changes the lives of so many people. We often think of the glamour for celebrities and never having to worry about having enough money, but seldom think about the heartbreak they go through. This book has a little of all. I’m really enjoying Carol’s books!
I loved how this book portrays how a chance meeting changes the lives of so many people. We often think of the glamour for celebrities and never having to worry about having enough money, but seldom think about the heartbreak they go through. This book has a little of all. I’m really enjoying Carol’s books!
April 3, 2025
Great book!
Great book about faith, family, and struggles. There are so many twists and turns that you wonder how in the world struggling single mom facing one difficulty after another to feed and clothe her little girl and one of the most eligible bachelors of the “rich and famous” could possibly end up becoming a solid loving family.
Great book about faith, family, and struggles. There are so many twists and turns that you wonder how in the world struggling single mom facing one difficulty after another to feed and clothe her little girl and one of the most eligible bachelors of the “rich and famous” could possibly end up becoming a solid loving family.
September 23, 2017
Heartwarming story
Kenzie and Jonathan are from two completely different worlds, but they manage to discover love and family together. Interesting twist near the end. Sorry I won't tell, read the book.
Kenzie and Jonathan are from two completely different worlds, but they manage to discover love and family together. Interesting twist near the end. Sorry I won't tell, read the book.
September 23, 2017
A book with heart
I really enjoyed this book. Struggles are a part of life and growth as this one definitely had both. The story was full of hope, love, and faith. I wasn't ready for it to end! I look forward to the next book!
I really enjoyed this book. Struggles are a part of life and growth as this one definitely had both. The story was full of hope, love, and faith. I wasn't ready for it to end! I look forward to the next book!
April 5, 2019
I enjoyed this book & liked the themes that were dealt with. Some of the secrets were devastating but good outcomes were worked through. I really enjoyed the procosis child Lorelai & Jonathan is a super guy. I also enjoyed how he & Kenzie worked out their problems. Wonderful story.
April 7, 2019
Finding love with Me Hercules.
An awesome book, could hardly put it down. I became so involved with the three of them i felt i was part of the family. Will definitely read another book.
An awesome book, could hardly put it down. I became so involved with the three of them i felt i was part of the family. Will definitely read another book.
April 14, 2019
Cute
For getting together so quickly the author had them work through things that came up and showed how little they knew each other. There were a couple of good plot twists and I fully enjoyed reading this book.
For getting together so quickly the author had them work through things that came up and showed how little they knew each other. There were a couple of good plot twists and I fully enjoyed reading this book.
May 14, 2019
And they lived happily ever after
This was a book filled a lifestyle you could only dream off written in a way that makes you believe it! You don’t want to put it down. Such a sweet love formed from basic circumstance. A must read!
This was a book filled a lifestyle you could only dream off written in a way that makes you believe it! You don’t want to put it down. Such a sweet love formed from basic circumstance. A must read!
May 30, 2019
The marriage of convenience trope combined with the billionaire trope in a nominally Christian story. The faith element wasn't strong, and I felt the emphasis on wealth and materialism was stronger than it should be in a Christian story.
June 15, 2019
I love romance novels, and had high hopes for this one but I had a really hard time with it. The suspension of disbelief was off the charts and the amount of crises which were miraculously fixed in a short amount of time made me want to roll my eyes.
July 3, 2019
Home is What You Make It
A small home town story, with a home town feel. I felt immersed in the story, with their ups and downs, and working through all things to become a real family, Mom, daughter, Dad, and dog. Very enjoyable!
A small home town story, with a home town feel. I felt immersed in the story, with their ups and downs, and working through all things to become a real family, Mom, daughter, Dad, and dog. Very enjoyable!
Read
July 27, 2020Although I read this book out of order, it was very good. The characters were real and the situations were timeless. I loved how love and faith were used to solve the many difficulties that arose. I will look forward to reading more of Moncado's books. Thank you.
January 30, 2024
I was really looking forward to Jonathon’s story and this did not disappoint. A few more ups and downs than expected, but that made it a fun read. Loved when Johnathon and Kenzie would turn to the Lord for answers.
June 11, 2017
I truly enjoyed reading Jonathon's story after watching his interaction with Montagnes. I also learned a ton about the yarn business, perhaps too much, but it keep the novel unique.
September 26, 2017
Oh mine! Oh mine!! Wow!!!
Great job Carol!!!
Seems as if I should just go on reading and reading ... Found it hard to put it down.
Just Fantastic!!!
Full of suspense :)
Great job Carol!!!
Seems as if I should just go on reading and reading ... Found it hard to put it down.
Just Fantastic!!!
Full of suspense :)
October 19, 2017
Sweet read
For the most part, I liked this book. Some of the details moved too fast to seem realistic...but who wants realistic, right? Nice way to spend some free time.
For the most part, I liked this book. Some of the details moved too fast to seem realistic...but who wants realistic, right? Nice way to spend some free time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews