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Smoky Mountain Matches #11
The Engagement Charade
A Temporary Betrothal
Pregnant widow Ellie Jameson is hiding a her betrothal is a sham to keep her safe from her interfering in-laws. It’s simple friendship that prompts her reclusive boss to pose as her fiancé. But can Ellie keep her feelings for Alexander Copeland from developing into something more?
When he moved to Gatlinburg after losing his wife and child, Alexander had one stay out of other people’s lives. Easier said than done with the café owner’s eternally optimistic cook interrupting his enforced solitude. He only intended to protect Ellie, not propose to her. But with a little trust, and a helping of forgiveness, this temporary arrangement could be a recipe for lasting happiness…
Pregnant widow Ellie Jameson is hiding a her betrothal is a sham to keep her safe from her interfering in-laws. It’s simple friendship that prompts her reclusive boss to pose as her fiancé. But can Ellie keep her feelings for Alexander Copeland from developing into something more?
When he moved to Gatlinburg after losing his wife and child, Alexander had one stay out of other people’s lives. Easier said than done with the café owner’s eternally optimistic cook interrupting his enforced solitude. He only intended to protect Ellie, not propose to her. But with a little trust, and a helping of forgiveness, this temporary arrangement could be a recipe for lasting happiness…
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 4, 2017
34 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kirst
77 books253 followersKaren Kirst was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn't until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. The pursuit of her dream would take longer than she first anticipated...years, in fact. In the fall of 2010, she got the happy news that Harlequin Love Inspired Historical wanted to publish her manuscript-a true blessing from God. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom, and romance writer. She enjoys reading, hosting tea parties and spending time with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews
December 28, 2018
I really enjoyed The Engagement Charade. I didn't even read the blurb before starting this, so I was excited when I started it and saw that it was about the restaurant owner. After reading the previous book I became intrigued by his character and it was great to learn more about his life.
I loved the romance. It felt realistic and the way that he cared for her was amazing. I found the "fake" engagement okay. It wasn't my favorite part, but all in all I enjoyed the read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I loved the romance. It felt realistic and the way that he cared for her was amazing. I found the "fake" engagement okay. It wasn't my favorite part, but all in all I enjoyed the read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
January 7, 2018
The coming together of two people broken from a tragic end to their previous marriages would be a short description of this book.
Ellie is trying to create a good life for herself and her unborn child after her husband was killed in an accident. She has controlling in-laws that want to keep her submissive and doing their bidding. She needs escape from the past and the "chains" holding her back from moving on.
Alexander was broken when his wife and son were murdered in a fire. He has cut himself off from people and living life, until Ellie shows up and drags him into life. Trying to protect her they become "engaged."
This is a couple that as a reader you know need a "happily ever after" with each other. It's entertaining to see them come to the same realization. This book is sweet and tender, except for the in-laws part. I loved Ellie's enthusiasm and deep understanding on how to not blame God for the tragedies that have happened to her. She is a woman of deep faith and living life in the moment and to the fullest. I loved how she helped herself as she helped Alexander.
The book is well written and part of a series. It can be read as a stand alone. I also didn't find the religious parts to be preachy, but written with great faith and love for the characters. It does contain kissing and mild violence.
Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Ellie is trying to create a good life for herself and her unborn child after her husband was killed in an accident. She has controlling in-laws that want to keep her submissive and doing their bidding. She needs escape from the past and the "chains" holding her back from moving on.
Alexander was broken when his wife and son were murdered in a fire. He has cut himself off from people and living life, until Ellie shows up and drags him into life. Trying to protect her they become "engaged."
This is a couple that as a reader you know need a "happily ever after" with each other. It's entertaining to see them come to the same realization. This book is sweet and tender, except for the in-laws part. I loved Ellie's enthusiasm and deep understanding on how to not blame God for the tragedies that have happened to her. She is a woman of deep faith and living life in the moment and to the fullest. I loved how she helped herself as she helped Alexander.
The book is well written and part of a series. It can be read as a stand alone. I also didn't find the religious parts to be preachy, but written with great faith and love for the characters. It does contain kissing and mild violence.
Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 18, 2018
After reading Amber Belldene’s Not Another Rock Star, with its unique, true-to-life mix of messed-up faith characters and non, minister-heroine, earthy love scenes, the wonder of its ability to posit a faith-based romance with an atheist hero, a novel where sexuality, love, faith, romance, community, goodness and integrity don’t come within the strait-jacket of inspirational romance tropes … well, I really wanted to read an inspirational romance and consider my response to it. Karen Kirst’s The Engagement Charade fit the bill, especially because I’ve loved her books in the past and I’d be inclined to do so again. And, I did … mildly (it isn’t her best). However, it also solidified why the either-or, evangelical-Christianity-based romance narrative brings me out of reader-pleasure-zone to render me hyper-conscious of its flaws.
First, to set the scene: in late nineteenth-century fictional Gatlinburg Tennessee, our hero, Plum Café owner Alexander Copeland broods in his office, tormented by memories of a fire that killed his wife and son back home in Texas. Meanwhile, widowed, pregnant heroine Ellie Jameson cooks and runs his business.
Like Alexander, Ellie is not native to the town. She hails from Kentucky and arrived with her husband and in-laws only to lose Nolan, her husband, shortly thereafter. At present, she continues to live with her in-laws, sister- and brother-in-law and it is her husband’s family that brings about the “engagement charade”. Ellie’s husband’s family never accepted her, treat her badly and, when they find out she’s pregnant, plan on keeping her isolated and friendless while they dominate her child’s life. Ellie’s plight and pluck bring Alexander out of self-recrimination and isolation. Despite his deep mourning, Alexander is a good man and he can’t NOT help Ellie. After a few nasty run-ins with the Jamesons, Alexander, in a moment of protective obliviousness to his own pain, declares that they must leave Ellie be because she is his fiancée. The charade begins and allows Ellie and Alexander, under its “pretend” auspices, to grow closer.
My feeling about this inspirational romance is of stunted potential. Kirst is a solid writer who infuses her characters with some interesting complexity and then never sees it through to where it might lead. Ellie, for example, starts out mouthy and funny: she plagues Alexander until he emerges from his self-imposed office exile and begins to take part in town life and show concern for his employees. As Ellie’s Operation Alexander succeeds and their antagonistic banter diminishes, so does the light of their complex personalities. Because they are subject to the inspirational come-to-Jesus-and-church conventions, they are leached of what makes them interesting in the first place.
Alexander begins to admire Ellie’s virtues as he makes his spiritual and emotional way to joining with life and Ellie. Alexander, in turn, is a man tormented by guilt (over his wife’s and son’s deaths) and his healing from this is an admirable theme. But it never quite “goes anywhere”: in other words, Alexander feels guilty and his internal musings never take him beyond. His narrative presence only harps on his guilt: he doesn’t examine it, or reconsider it, or listen to anyone who advises him otherwise. It just becomes a great big unmoving narrative barrier without any development.
I am not of the opinion that narrative conventions, or tropes, are literary death-knells. Indeed, if I did then I wouldn’t be reading and writing about romance, would I? Nor would I be able to recognize, let’s say, the genius of a sonnet, whether by Shakespeare, or one of my favourites, Edna St. Vincent Millay. Nevertheless, I think that convention, trope, form, whatever strictures may be the framework for a writer’s expression, may serve as expansive, or limiting. In the case of so much inspirational romance, they are the latter. In the end, there were moments when I was moved by Ellie and Alexander, but too many where I was impatient with the novel’s inability to brave the narrative and character wilderness. Karen Kirst’s The Engagement Charade offers “tolerable comfort,” Mansfield Park.
Karen Kirst’s The Engagement Charade was published by Harlequin Books. It was released on July 4th, 2017, and may be found at your preferred vendor. Miss Bates received an e-ARC from Harlequin Books, via Netgalley.
First, to set the scene: in late nineteenth-century fictional Gatlinburg Tennessee, our hero, Plum Café owner Alexander Copeland broods in his office, tormented by memories of a fire that killed his wife and son back home in Texas. Meanwhile, widowed, pregnant heroine Ellie Jameson cooks and runs his business.
Like Alexander, Ellie is not native to the town. She hails from Kentucky and arrived with her husband and in-laws only to lose Nolan, her husband, shortly thereafter. At present, she continues to live with her in-laws, sister- and brother-in-law and it is her husband’s family that brings about the “engagement charade”. Ellie’s husband’s family never accepted her, treat her badly and, when they find out she’s pregnant, plan on keeping her isolated and friendless while they dominate her child’s life. Ellie’s plight and pluck bring Alexander out of self-recrimination and isolation. Despite his deep mourning, Alexander is a good man and he can’t NOT help Ellie. After a few nasty run-ins with the Jamesons, Alexander, in a moment of protective obliviousness to his own pain, declares that they must leave Ellie be because she is his fiancée. The charade begins and allows Ellie and Alexander, under its “pretend” auspices, to grow closer.
My feeling about this inspirational romance is of stunted potential. Kirst is a solid writer who infuses her characters with some interesting complexity and then never sees it through to where it might lead. Ellie, for example, starts out mouthy and funny: she plagues Alexander until he emerges from his self-imposed office exile and begins to take part in town life and show concern for his employees. As Ellie’s Operation Alexander succeeds and their antagonistic banter diminishes, so does the light of their complex personalities. Because they are subject to the inspirational come-to-Jesus-and-church conventions, they are leached of what makes them interesting in the first place.
Alexander begins to admire Ellie’s virtues as he makes his spiritual and emotional way to joining with life and Ellie. Alexander, in turn, is a man tormented by guilt (over his wife’s and son’s deaths) and his healing from this is an admirable theme. But it never quite “goes anywhere”: in other words, Alexander feels guilty and his internal musings never take him beyond. His narrative presence only harps on his guilt: he doesn’t examine it, or reconsider it, or listen to anyone who advises him otherwise. It just becomes a great big unmoving narrative barrier without any development.
I am not of the opinion that narrative conventions, or tropes, are literary death-knells. Indeed, if I did then I wouldn’t be reading and writing about romance, would I? Nor would I be able to recognize, let’s say, the genius of a sonnet, whether by Shakespeare, or one of my favourites, Edna St. Vincent Millay. Nevertheless, I think that convention, trope, form, whatever strictures may be the framework for a writer’s expression, may serve as expansive, or limiting. In the case of so much inspirational romance, they are the latter. In the end, there were moments when I was moved by Ellie and Alexander, but too many where I was impatient with the novel’s inability to brave the narrative and character wilderness. Karen Kirst’s The Engagement Charade offers “tolerable comfort,” Mansfield Park.
Karen Kirst’s The Engagement Charade was published by Harlequin Books. It was released on July 4th, 2017, and may be found at your preferred vendor. Miss Bates received an e-ARC from Harlequin Books, via Netgalley.
April 2, 2020
This was a fun story with Ellie drawing Alex out of his shell of grief and isolation, only for him to surprise her with his protective nature.They develop a wonderful friendship, but worry that their rapport would be ruined if romantic feelings develop. The other women working in the restaurant and some community members make a great secondary cast while Alex and Ellie find their way forward to a future together without the guilt of faking an engagement hanging over them. I enjoyed the setting and the character development, and of course the sweet romance!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
July 11, 2017
Smoky Mountain Matches is a series that I have enjoyed immensely. The readers have met the characters previously, and the forever so grouchy cafe owner Alexander Copeland has intrigued my mind in previous books. And he has a good reason for his behavior, no doubt about it.
Ellie Jameson, the talented cook the town hired to help Alexander while he was sick, has more in common with Alexander than she could have believed. They both have suffered losses in their lives, difficult circumstances and deep sorrow is no stranger to either of them. I liked the bond they had, the fragile friendship turning into a protection from harm and danger, looking after each other, and taking care of each other. The sweet tenderness that was tangible between them was adorable.
Alexander had lost his faith and hope for the better days and a brighter future with his wife and son. He would have rather sulked in his office to avoid people, but Ellie was determined to be his friend, to make that connection. Both Ellie and Alexander are stubborn yet kind and good hearted people, who only wanted the best for each other and the people around them.
The healing process Alexander had to go through to be able to move on, to live again, and to trust and love again is a remarkable thing that stands out in this story. The development of his faith in God with Ellie's guidance is a beautiful thing to witness, as well as his healing heart and opening mind.
There is a lot of going in the town, the threats from Ellie's former in-laws are frightening, the going on's at the cafe and with their friends, Alexander's relationship with his family, and Ellie's pregnancy all give a lot of juice and vigor to the tale that I read on one sitting. It is an interesting, intriguing, and alluring story that I didn't want to put down until I came to the very satisfying ending.
A delightful mix of life and love, with a hint of danger and threats to give it a bit spice, faith in God to give it meaning, and growth in characters as they heal, mend their fences with their past, and nourish their souls with love that is showered upon them as they open their hearts to the people around them. A lovely, encouraging story about forgiveness and healing, finding love and blessings in life when we least expect them.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Ellie Jameson, the talented cook the town hired to help Alexander while he was sick, has more in common with Alexander than she could have believed. They both have suffered losses in their lives, difficult circumstances and deep sorrow is no stranger to either of them. I liked the bond they had, the fragile friendship turning into a protection from harm and danger, looking after each other, and taking care of each other. The sweet tenderness that was tangible between them was adorable.
Alexander had lost his faith and hope for the better days and a brighter future with his wife and son. He would have rather sulked in his office to avoid people, but Ellie was determined to be his friend, to make that connection. Both Ellie and Alexander are stubborn yet kind and good hearted people, who only wanted the best for each other and the people around them.
The healing process Alexander had to go through to be able to move on, to live again, and to trust and love again is a remarkable thing that stands out in this story. The development of his faith in God with Ellie's guidance is a beautiful thing to witness, as well as his healing heart and opening mind.
There is a lot of going in the town, the threats from Ellie's former in-laws are frightening, the going on's at the cafe and with their friends, Alexander's relationship with his family, and Ellie's pregnancy all give a lot of juice and vigor to the tale that I read on one sitting. It is an interesting, intriguing, and alluring story that I didn't want to put down until I came to the very satisfying ending.
A delightful mix of life and love, with a hint of danger and threats to give it a bit spice, faith in God to give it meaning, and growth in characters as they heal, mend their fences with their past, and nourish their souls with love that is showered upon them as they open their hearts to the people around them. A lovely, encouraging story about forgiveness and healing, finding love and blessings in life when we least expect them.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
April 2, 2020
This historical story brought two lives together that had their previous marriage end with grief of losing their spouses. Alexander didn’t really take notice of what was happening at The Plum, his restaurant in Gatlinburg, TN, until beautiful Ellie Jameson was hired by concerned citizens. Their interactions were strained until Ellie was threatened by her in-laws when Alexander stepped in with his charade engagement. The unforeseen events gave way to unrest, fear and seeking God to intervene in misunderstandings and more.
This book is number 11 in the Smokey Mountains Matches but can be read as a standalone. I found this one at our library used library sale thus a review was not required.
This book is number 11 in the Smokey Mountains Matches but can be read as a standalone. I found this one at our library used library sale thus a review was not required.
July 20, 2017
This is book 11 in the Smoky Mountain Matches series, however I feel it is also a stand alone book. I have only read one or two previous books in this series and had no problem keeping up with this novel. I do feel there is some history of some of the characters I may have missed, but it would just have been fun to reconnect with them not something that is a must to understand this book.
I fell in love with Ellie Jameson, she has a fun personality even if her past is not full of happiness. Ellie must learn to stand on her own and face her fears to find true happiness.
Alexander Copeland, took a little longer for me to warm up to, but he can not resist the joy Ellie bestows on everyone, even if he is a bit grumpy and a recluse.
Alexander is willing to do just about anything to protect Ellie, even pretend to be her fiancé. Will he be able to protect Ellie and his heart too.
I enjoyed the friendship, love, romance and suspense found in this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I fell in love with Ellie Jameson, she has a fun personality even if her past is not full of happiness. Ellie must learn to stand on her own and face her fears to find true happiness.
Alexander Copeland, took a little longer for me to warm up to, but he can not resist the joy Ellie bestows on everyone, even if he is a bit grumpy and a recluse.
Alexander is willing to do just about anything to protect Ellie, even pretend to be her fiancé. Will he be able to protect Ellie and his heart too.
I enjoyed the friendship, love, romance and suspense found in this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
September 16, 2017
The Engagement Charade a Smoky Mountain Matches #11 by Karen Kirst. Alexander Copeland leaves his hometown ranch when his wife and son die in a fire he feels is his fault because the person was after Alexander not his family. He owns a restaurant in a new town. Ellie Jameson is hired as a cook. Her husband died in an accident building a cabin. His parents blame Ellie saying it was because she wanted a cabin it was her fault. Ellie finds out she is pregnant after her husband dies. She doesn't tell anyone. Ellie's in laws hate her. Ellie finally has enough money to move into town. When in laws find out about their sons baby they want the baby. Alexander is one to stay in his office until Ellie brings him out of his loneliness. Attraction between them. Alexander protects Ellie when they come near her. One day they do kidnap Ellie. Alexander and sheriff go after her. This is a Romance during the year 1887. It is a funny story. I liked it very much.
November 12, 2017
I reviewed this for RT Bookreviews Magazine: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
While this is part of the Smoky Mountain Matches series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Ellie is a faith-filled, resourceful and strong heroine. The story is wonderfully detailed, making scenes easy to envision. There is solid character development, a bit of mystery to add to the enjoyment, and the ending is satisfying.
Pregnant widow and cook Ellie Jameson just wants to be left alone to live her life. After a failed marriage, she vows to only marry for love. However, her plans change when her former in-laws threaten to take her unborn child away. They blame her for her husband’s death. Her boss is the reclusive Alexander Copeland. He is fighting his own demons and is not looking for a relationship. Could a fake engagement cause her in-laws to back down? Will it allow Alexander to keep Ellie safe? (LOVE INSPIRED, Jul., 224 pp., $5.99)
August 6, 2019
Book #11 of 12 from Karen Kirst's "Smoky Mountain Matches" was a bit of a difficult read for me.
I wish there was more of a backstory concerning the hero - Alexander. I mean, how does one go from Texas rancher to running a cafe in Tennessee? I know he experienced loss, but that whole career switch was a bit too much.
There were also a few conversations throughout this book that were rather out of touch with the times (ie - heroine discussing pregnancy losses with hero) and a secondary character (a groom at a church) discussing his divorce on his wedding day - in front of the congregation, no less, as part of his wedding speech. The "bad guy" part of the story was also rather weak and was resolved in a very anti - climatic resolution.
Urrghh. I know this review is a bit of a downer. I have enjoyed the series for the most part thus far and am eagerly awaiting Ben's story next. OMG - onto book #12!!!!
I wish there was more of a backstory concerning the hero - Alexander. I mean, how does one go from Texas rancher to running a cafe in Tennessee? I know he experienced loss, but that whole career switch was a bit too much.
There were also a few conversations throughout this book that were rather out of touch with the times (ie - heroine discussing pregnancy losses with hero) and a secondary character (a groom at a church) discussing his divorce on his wedding day - in front of the congregation, no less, as part of his wedding speech. The "bad guy" part of the story was also rather weak and was resolved in a very anti - climatic resolution.
Urrghh. I know this review is a bit of a downer. I have enjoyed the series for the most part thus far and am eagerly awaiting Ben's story next. OMG - onto book #12!!!!
June 19, 2017
I Just DIDN’T Want to Put This Book Down!!!
I really enjoyed this well-written historical romance! It is a story about struggles – struggles over loss & over grief; struggles learning to trust God with problems, for safety, and for the future; struggles forgiving and accepting God’s forgiveness; struggles to focus on God’s blessings. Quotes I especially liked are: “My problems seem mighty to me, but to You they’re easily managed.” And: “The gray skies make the beautiful colors stand out… Our lives are like that sometimes. In the midst of the gloomy days, we can more clearly count our blessings.” This is the first book I have read by this author, and I really can’t wait to read more! I won this on Goodreads, and wanted to leave my own honest review because it is such a good book!!!
I really enjoyed this well-written historical romance! It is a story about struggles – struggles over loss & over grief; struggles learning to trust God with problems, for safety, and for the future; struggles forgiving and accepting God’s forgiveness; struggles to focus on God’s blessings. Quotes I especially liked are: “My problems seem mighty to me, but to You they’re easily managed.” And: “The gray skies make the beautiful colors stand out… Our lives are like that sometimes. In the midst of the gloomy days, we can more clearly count our blessings.” This is the first book I have read by this author, and I really can’t wait to read more! I won this on Goodreads, and wanted to leave my own honest review because it is such a good book!!!
July 31, 2017
The engagement Charade is a heart touching story - wow - there is a poor pregnant girl whose in - laws are threatening her - can there be a more vulnerable state a woman to be in? How cruel - heartless people - then you have Sir Galahad (Mr. Grumpy to some) who comes to his friends' rescue and asks her to marry him - I mean even though not real - how more deeper can a (heart) friendship go to show they care and that whether they know it/want it to be or not it is a GODly move - Ellie is being used by GOD, in her state of condition, to help Alexander find his way home to JESUS. Will they truly get married? If they do will their hearts truly be made one? GOD knows......I received a complimentary copy of this book to read by the Publisher and NetGalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
August 3, 2017
Ellie, a recent widow, has found a job working at a diner. She hopes to be able to leave the awful conditions of her in-laws home and move into town. But her boss is a grumpy, reclusive man who might cause some complications when he finds out her secret. And pretending to be engaged is a lot harder than it looks.
This was a super sweet, if not a bit predictable, story. The two main characters went well together. I have read two of the books in the series, and recognized a couple of characters. But I definitely felt like this could be read as a stand alone and the reader not be lost. The little bit of drama and the large elements of faith were a plus to the plot and helped round out the story. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more by this author.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This was a super sweet, if not a bit predictable, story. The two main characters went well together. I have read two of the books in the series, and recognized a couple of characters. But I definitely felt like this could be read as a stand alone and the reader not be lost. The little bit of drama and the large elements of faith were a plus to the plot and helped round out the story. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more by this author.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
June 12, 2017
a copy was provided for free in exchange for an honest review
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I always like pretend relationships. Besides billionaires and rock stars books - these pretend books are also my go-to feel good books I always make a priority for.
This one didn't disappoint. I was reserved at first since it was set in the old period before our modern technology like cellphones and the like, but I learned later on that it adds more uniqueness to the book.
This book shows us what it was like in the times before, and where men were protective of their women and where chivalry wasn't dead.
This book was just too sweet, I highly recommend it.
This is about loss, moving forward, love, family, friendships and community.
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I always like pretend relationships. Besides billionaires and rock stars books - these pretend books are also my go-to feel good books I always make a priority for.
This one didn't disappoint. I was reserved at first since it was set in the old period before our modern technology like cellphones and the like, but I learned later on that it adds more uniqueness to the book.
This book shows us what it was like in the times before, and where men were protective of their women and where chivalry wasn't dead.
This book was just too sweet, I highly recommend it.
This is about loss, moving forward, love, family, friendships and community.
July 7, 2017
Give it to God
My favorite historical author, I love this series. Alexander has suffered a great loss, he just want to wallow in his grief. He has turned his back on God and his family. Ellie has suffered a loss as well but she never turned her back on God. She can see the pain in Alexander and she want to help but he keep pushing her away, but she refuse to give up. Just like God refuses to give up on us. This story has some adult bullies. Hopefully this series will continue a while longer. Would love to see Ben the deputy meet his match. He is a big flirt, would like for someone to turn the tables on him.
My favorite historical author, I love this series. Alexander has suffered a great loss, he just want to wallow in his grief. He has turned his back on God and his family. Ellie has suffered a loss as well but she never turned her back on God. She can see the pain in Alexander and she want to help but he keep pushing her away, but she refuse to give up. Just like God refuses to give up on us. This story has some adult bullies. Hopefully this series will continue a while longer. Would love to see Ben the deputy meet his match. He is a big flirt, would like for someone to turn the tables on him.
November 27, 2021
I was very intrigued when the new owner of the Plum Cafe made an appearance in Caroline and Duncan's story, and especially when the widow Ellie Jameson was hired as the new cook for the establishment. I was not surprised that Alex and Ellie's story would be told next.
I really enjoyed this story. I thought the way Ellie was portrayed, as having faith in God despite her circumstances, was quite well done. I also liked that her friendship inspired Alexander to become a better version of himself . . . to move into the healing that only God can provide.
I look forward to reading about Deputy Ben in the next installment in this series.
I really enjoyed this story. I thought the way Ellie was portrayed, as having faith in God despite her circumstances, was quite well done. I also liked that her friendship inspired Alexander to become a better version of himself . . . to move into the healing that only God can provide.
I look forward to reading about Deputy Ben in the next installment in this series.
November 9, 2025
Weirdly, I find myself enjoying the pregnant widow storyline in these western romances. I think it has something to do with this deep seated dream to see people overcome biological and social forces to just unconditionally love others (and also everyone having a happy ending). I also tend to love the tortured MMC thing, but this one was taking it really far. I mean he was TRULY tortured by the death of his son, and it was really sad to see. But their love was tender, I enjoyed the moments he was protective of her, and I like that they both had their happy ending.
May 26, 2017
I have enjoyed this series, and was excited to get to know the owner of Plum Cafe. Tragedy from the past for both Ellie Jameson and Alexander Copeland have a huge impact on what happens in the here and now and the future. This book had a few twists that I wasn't expecting, but just made the story that much more interesting. Looking forward to the last story of the series.
January 1, 2026
Sweet story
The ending becomes for the couple becomes clear early on, but the how & when details keep the story moving forward. The h is blamed for her husband's death by his family while the H has shutdown in his grief over his wife & son dying in a fire. Other characters move the story forward & add important details.
The ending becomes for the couple becomes clear early on, but the how & when details keep the story moving forward. The h is blamed for her husband's death by his family while the H has shutdown in his grief over his wife & son dying in a fire. Other characters move the story forward & add important details.
March 6, 2018
Not my cup of tea
An easy read and perfect for someone who enjoys old time romance heavily garnished with religion. Not a lot of suspense. All together not my cup of tea, but if you're a fan of the genre you may enjoy it.
An easy read and perfect for someone who enjoys old time romance heavily garnished with religion. Not a lot of suspense. All together not my cup of tea, but if you're a fan of the genre you may enjoy it.
December 12, 2018
Love this series.
September 29, 2017
One of my RARE five-stars....
Karen Kirst did a great job of this one - kept me reading!
Karen Kirst did a great job of this one - kept me reading!
May 2, 2018
Great Read!
Read
August 2, 2021Very enjoyable read
December 8, 2022
Second Chances
Ellie and Alexander Copeland were friends, and he was her boss. Both had many memories from the past to forget and forgive. Would they let God help them?
Ellie and Alexander Copeland were friends, and he was her boss. Both had many memories from the past to forget and forgive. Would they let God help them?
June 24, 2025
⭐️3.5 stars
a classic fake engagement story that brought me back to my roots and how much i enjoy these stories! and fun to see it set in places i now know!
a classic fake engagement story that brought me back to my roots and how much i enjoy these stories! and fun to see it set in places i now know!
Read
July 27, 2017"While this is part of the Smoky Mountain Matches series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Ellie is a faith-filled, resourceful and strong heroine. The story is wonderfully detailed, making scenes easy to envision. There is solid character development, a bit of mystery to add to the enjoyment, and the ending is satisfying" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Smoky Mountain Matches
Miniseries: Smoky Mountain Matches
November 26, 2017
Loved this story, which was shocking to me because Alexander was a grieving widower and I do tend to stay away from books with a hero/heroine that were widowed and happily married. So why get a book that has the grieving widower part on the back of the book - easy I love this series and this author.
With the way this book was written that part didn't bother me as much. Thankfully there wasn't thought after thought after thought on his former wife and how much he loved her. Yes, he thought and mentioned it, but it was just the right amount and not overkill.
With the way this book was written that part didn't bother me as much. Thankfully there wasn't thought after thought after thought on his former wife and how much he loved her. Yes, he thought and mentioned it, but it was just the right amount and not overkill.
July 12, 2017
This is a sweet book for those in love with historical romance. Both the hero and heroine are likeable and the villains are hateful and annoying. However, the plot is a little thin and therefore the story feels a bit like it is dragging on... I would have liked to have seen more drama so that the ending was more rewarding.
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