Ben Fowler, an Army mechanic on tour in Afghanistan, loved listening to his squad member read letters from his sister.
Alicia Newton’s letters to her twin brother kept them as close as ever. When tragedy strikes, she relies on his friend, Ben, to fill the void.
As Ben and Alicia help each other with shared grief, they grow closer. But as Ben’s job is still dangerous, Alicia wonders if she can risk her heart again.
Can two broken hearts find healing in each other?
A standalone, no cliffhanger, and an HEA. For language that some may consider crude and for scenes of a sexual nature, mature (18+) readers only.
As an Award Winning and International Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. I joke that I "cut my romance teeth" on the old historical romance books. I’ve written as a hobby for over 30 years. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma's Home was created.
My first novel, Emma's Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love's Series. From there I have continued with the romantic suspense Alvarez Security Series and now the Saints Protection & Investigation Series.
My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with. I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I recently retired and now can spend more time devoted to my writing.
I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters. When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!
Wow such a beautiful friends to lovers story. I'm feeling all kinds of butterflies after this one. I cried, laughed and simply felt everything I love to feel. My heart broke like I was in the room with Alicia's family when they got the news about James. Really brought back my fears of when my son was deployed. Such bravery and sacrifice not only by our military but their families as well. Ben and Alicia really portrayed exactly what I love about romance.. falling for the person inside, that's love.. deep down true love.
Bonded through their shared grief, Ben and Alicia begin to share memories and love for a common person. The letters soon become more as they heal.
It's no secret I love stories like this, ones that start with letters that turn into more. I think I like them so much because it's like they're falling in love with the person and not just looks. This one started out with a melancholic feel. Not like the second book where it was more hopeless despair and downtrodden. But just the sadness of losing someone you love. I cried big fat tears in the beginning. Ben and Alicia turn to each other to heal and remember happier times. Through the letters they heal from the sadness and loss and gain a new love.
I definitely liked this one more than the second one but not as much as the first. I still felt there was an overlying cloud of sadness, understandably so. But I was hoping for more happier times together. They don't get together until the last few pages then everything is wrapped up quickly. The first book is still my favorite...may have something to do with the kids too since I love kids in romance.
So this is my favorite of the series. This felt like a full story even though it's a novella. The characters felt fully developed and the romance felt genuine. And the ending was much more satisfying than the 2nd book. I really loved the H and h both and could feel they were meant for each other. Before Alicia's brother died, he had told them both he wanted them to meet. He knew they'd be good for each other.
Ben Fowler is currently listening along with his unit to his best friend James' sister Alicia latest letter. Her letters can be quite funny and a touch of home as well as her care packages. Ben really enjoys seeing the relationship between the twin siblings. Being someone who doesn't have family he enjoys the friendship and how welcoming James is in sharing his family with him thru the letters from home. He and James are a few months away from getting out of the military and plans made for Ben to visit with the family but tragedy strikes.
Alicia Newton is James twin sister. She is a emergency room nurse and there are often lots of crazy things going on at the hospital. She enjoys her work but she is starting feel like she needs a change. Her love life is also not what she wishes it could be. She looks forward to her brothers letters and when they can see each other again as they are so close but unfortunately life is turned upside down when her and her parents have to deal with the news that James is gone.
Ben and Alicia begin going thru the grief of their shared lost and Ben reaches out to Alicia after the death to convey his sympathy and to tell her that he will miss James as well her letters he shared with their unit. Alicia is at first hesitant to read another condolence letter but is surprised by the letter she gets from Ben as well as the knowledge that James read her letters to the guys. Writing back and asking to hear more about James they begin to share their memories as well as get to know each other better as well. And both begin to wonder about more than the friendship that has developed.
I really, really loved this. It was a short story but felt complete. It was sweet, touching, and romantic. I enjoyed their letters as well as seeing their friendship then more develop. It was low angst and just really fit what I needed and a nice surprise of a well done romance.
* I volunteer to review this book with my honest opinion* Bond of love by Maryann Jordan From this series this story made me cry, I loved this one. Without giving too much away let me tell you about it. Alicia writes letters to her twin brother and since her life of being a nurse is crazy enough to bring entertainment to her brother and his squad. When she and her family are notified that her twin brother passed away she is filled with grief and mourns for her brother. Ben is also having a hard time grieving for his best friend when he decides to write a letter to Alicia sending his condolences they start to form a friendship. They might have lost a brother but they also gained found love and that is what her brother would have wanted.
Bond of Love is about Ben and Alicia, two people that know about each other without knowing each other. When Alicia's brother James is killed in Afghanistan, she doesn't know how to handle it. As a twin, she feels as though she's lost half of herself. Meanwhile, his best friend Ben is still overseas and trying to do his job while handling his grief.
They eventually find they can lean on each other.
Through letters and packages, they get to know each other and realize James wanted this all along.
So this was hard to read as it's about significant loss. It doesn't sugarcoat the grief and pain families feel when they lose a loved one, particularly a child or sibling. It was about sharing your pain with someone else and finding support in common ground. And I liked how their relationship built - it felt far more authentic and realistic in comparison to the other stories.
Bond of Love is the third novella in the Letters from Home series. I've loved them all but this one might be my favorite. While serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan, Ben really looks forward to hearing about his friend and fellow mechanic's letters and care packages from his sister Alicia, since he has no family of his own. After tragedy strikes, Ben reaches out to Alicia and they form a bond through letters.
"I picked up her picture and stared at it again, memorizing each feature, now that her words were in my head—and if I was honest, her words were implanted in my heart."
I really enjoyed reading this series of sweet novellas that showcase the power of simple letters and the importance of supporting our men and women in the military.
Bond of Love is the third and final novella in the Letters From Home book . Each is a stand alone, but you would do a disservice to yourself, if you don’t read all of them. The theme of the stories is that the letters from the USA to the troops in the war zone of Afghanistan, are lifesavers and moral boosters to these men and women who dedicate their lives to keep us safe. Ben’s and Alicia’s story is no different. The loss of a person dear to them, unites them and in the end brings them happiness. A true reminder that we need to respect, assist, both overseas and upon their return, all these individuals. If nothing else , when we see one in uniform walking by us, take a moment and thank them for their service. The only downfall of the book, was that I would not be reading anymore stories. Looking forward to reading more books by this talented author. I was gifted the book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
I adore this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I devoured this book in one sitting and didn’t put it down once. My heart broke whilst reading this story. I will even admit that I cried a little. My heart hurt for Alicia and her family. From the way the story started, I never expected what happened to James to happen. I was rooting for Alicia and Ben to get their happily ever after. They both truly deserved to find love. Alicia was an amazing person. She could have cut Ben and his squad but she continued to send care packages. Not only that but she was an ER nurse. Her life revolved around helping people. I couldn’t think of a more deserving person/character to find love. My heart melted and I swooned at Alicia’s reaction to meeting Ben in person. I seriously hope for more books in this series. I NEED more books like this! The storyline for this book is easy to follow and an enjoyable read.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review, so here it is, Alicia's twin brother is an army mechanic in Afghanistan, she sends care packages and funny letters that he shares with his bunk mates, Ben being his best friend and bunkmate. The story follows both Alicia at home and Ben in Afghanistan, through the sorrow (get a very large box of tissues !) on both sides, and how they both overcome it to carry on with their lives with a huge gap that was James. This is yet another story from Maryann, that takes you through lows, highs and you will cry and laugh as she always writes imaginable feelings and you will feel like you are seeing the story unfold in front of you. I had a love hate relationship with Maryann in this book, well all 3 books, but I am so glad I have had the chance to read them, even though I sobbed sad tears ( I'm not a pretty crier lol) and the happy tears while grinning like an idiot ! Well written stories yet again Maryann and I do love you really! Cannot wait for the next release.
Bonding in letters over their mutual loss but never having met
To lose you twin is tragic but to lose him when he is half way around the world fighting in a war, I can't even imagine. Ben is James' best friend and has never met his family. Alicia is James' twin and writes to him often of all her dating woes, which he in turn reads to his squad. When James is killed in action both Ben and Alicia are lost until Ben writes to her expressing his sympathy and tells her a little about who James was to him. As they continue writing letters to each other and Alicia sends care packages to the squad they start to overcome their grief and feelings start to develop. Will the feelings be real once he gets back to the States? Do they want to pursue a relationship or just remain friends?
Ben Fowler is a mechanic in the Army. Ben has no family so when his best friend, James shares letters from his sister, he appreciates it. James' sister Alicia is an E.R. nurse who shares her stories and dating disasters in her letters. When tragedy strikes, Ben reaches out to Alicia to extend his condolences. Soon the two start up a friendship through the letters that just might turn into more as their share stories of James and their grief.
Ms. Jordan's writing can bring tears to your eyes but also bring smiles to your face. I am sorry that I didn't read this series sooner. This series is heartfelt and sweet. The heroes and heroines fall in love before they ever meet in person. It's a refreshing theme and the characters and their stories will stay with me for a long time to come.
I loved this !!!!!!! This was a very sweet and sad military romance.
This is a short novella about a young woman named Alicia Newton. In the beginning of this book she learns that her brother who was serving in Afghanistan was killed. She was writing letters to her brother. He would read them out loud to his buddies who were serving alongside him. One of his buddies named Ben Fowler starts writing letters to Alicia about his memories of her brother. They instantly form a bond through letters and packages she sends him and the others in Afghanistan. Ben and Alicia start to have feelings for each other as they get to know one another.
I wanted this book to be longer and with more letters. I wish it hadn’t been so short. I enjoyed reading this story from start to finish.
This is the third book in the series of stories about letters. This book takes a little more serious note. I thought this was a really moving story. It deals with coping with grief and it is very touching both for the squad and the family. The relationship develops slowly, its not insta love though there is a bond both share that grows and this seems natural. It also has some funny moments when Alicia has been writing to her brother and he shares some of her antics with his squad. Sadly this seems to be the last book in this series but Maryann Jordan has written lots of books so there are plenty more available and some new ones coming.
This was too short! Everything was spaced out perfectly though. I didn't feel like I was missing anything I just wanted more. I was crying right away. I was sucked in. I loved how their relationship naturally progressed without any drama or nonsense getting in their way. For once a romance book didn't have conflict and people messing up or misunderstandings. It was more true to life. Not every relationship has to have problems where someone has to beg for forgiveness. That gets old quick. I really enjoyed this. It was refreshing. Finally a 5 star book of 2017.
I absolutely loved this story. Since it was the third one of the series I had read, you would have thought that the story line would be repeating and that I would be skimming the story instead of reading it. That couldn't be further from the truth. Each of the three stories are unique and I loved each and every one of them.
I loved the fact that two grieving people, who were miles apart, were able to help support each other just warmed my heart. As the story went on, you could feel their connection grow. It warmed my heart to see them come together and get their HEA.
This is the final book in this series and I have lived every single one of these books. This book has brought tears to my eyes and has made my heart swell with feelings. Ben and Alicia are brought together by the loss of her brother James. Ben and James were in the Army together. They were best friends since boot camp. Alicia and James are twins with that special twin bond. When James gets killed, Ben reaches out to Alicia with his condolences and his loss of James.
Amazing story. This novella is a heartfelt and touching story. It will have you feeling all sorts of emotions from laughter to tears back to laughter. I was hooked from the beginning. Alicia and Ben bond over the tragedy that brings them together. As each one grieves for their loss the connection they share help each other heal. It's a must read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this novella. I'm a big fan of Maryann Jordon's books and this was no exception. I love her writing style and these 3 stories were so sweet and written very well. This one was my favorite out of the 3. Ben was stationed with Alicia's twin brother and from the letters James share, Ben already felt like he knew her. They spark up a friendship and begin corresponding. I like them together and enjoyed their letters. You will definitely need some tissues with this one!!
Alicia is writing and sending packages to her brother who is deployed. He shares the snacks and letters with them. Ben is one of his good friends. Things happen and Ben and Alicia get closer to each other through the letters and packages. They both have a lot of ups and downs throughout this story. Tissues are needed through most of the story. They are so wonderful together and love their story.
This is the third book in the Letters From Home series. It wasn't my absolute favorite of the three but it's still an awesome book! This is the one of the three that gets you right in heart!
Ben and Alicia are perfect for each other. But the getting together part is filled with heartbreak and tears. It's a beautiful story from an outstanding author! Do not miss this series!
I really loved this book. The way it started out with the brother reading his letters from his sister to his friends/buddies in the war zone. It was really bad that he did not make it back home. But I was excited to to find that his sister and his best friend really connected and continued to talk until it was time for his deployment to be finished. It was sad but very nice the way it ended. Maryann's books alway leave me wanting more and can't wait for the next book.
I received an 'Advanced Author’s Copy' in exchange for my honest review. Ben Fowler and Alicia Newton’s story I knew would be a rough one to get through. Grief can be a tricky thing and the time that passes after is always hard. You'll cry but in the best way because in the end it is worth it. It shows you that making connections to people and working together can help you through anything.
5 stars I purchased a copy of the the novella Bond of Love (Letters From Home Series Book 3) by Maryann Jordan and this review was given freely. Poignant and sweet but with a steamy end. A love after loss romance. Combat mechanic Ben falls for his squad member Ben's twin sister and ER nurse Alicia through letters but becomes closer after Ben is killed. Be prepared with a tissue or two.
What a wonderful story. Being a twin, I understand the twin bond. Ben and Alicia were brought together in grief of death of a loved one. Understanding their loss was very similar,they were able to grow closer and work through the grief. Two beautiful people’s lives intertwined and they fell in love because of a wonderful brother and friend. A moving story.
Don’t attempt to read this without a large box of tissues beside you. I loved this story of how Alicia and Ben recovered from the death of Alicia’s twin brother and Ben’s best friend James by uniting in their grief and discovering love. This has been a beautifully written series that I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Wow did Maryann tackle heavy things in this military pen pal romance....and still manage to spin the tale of a happily every after for the main characters.
I've really enjoyed each of the books in this series, she finds a way to tell a new story with different scenarios and issues, but keeps the military pen pal theme strong in them all.