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This series centers around seven brothers and one sister raised by Penelope and Jude Donahue in the idyllic Florida seaside town of Pelican Bay. A blended family of adopted and biological siblings, the Donahue clan always have each other’s backs as they face life’s challenges and search for love. A spin-off of the Cape Cod Donahue brothers, the Pelican Bay clan are their southern cousins.
Caleb Donahue is a chef who has recently achieved his life’s dream of opening his own bistro, The Blue Bayou. Adopted by the Donahue family of Pelican Bay, Caleb’s past is a bit murky. He’s stuffed down the memories of his biological mother and the circumstances leading to his adoption by the Donahue family. Addie Fontaine steps in to his life when he least expects it. Daughter of a wealthy businessman, Sebastian Fontaine, Addie is attempting to prove herself to her father by making inroads in the business world. When her father gives her his partnership in the Blue Bayou, Addie ends up working side by side with Caleb. Addie is determined to step up and live her life out loud, while Caleb is determined to make his bistro a success. When love comes calling, will Addie and Caleb be able to reach out for the love of a lifetime?
Caleb Donahue is a chef who has recently achieved his life’s dream of opening his own bistro, The Blue Bayou. Adopted by the Donahue family of Pelican Bay, Caleb’s past is a bit murky. He’s stuffed down the memories of his biological mother and the circumstances leading to his adoption by the Donahue family. Addie Fontaine steps in to his life when he least expects it. Daughter of a wealthy businessman, Sebastian Fontaine, Addie is attempting to prove herself to her father by making inroads in the business world. When her father gives her his partnership in the Blue Bayou, Addie ends up working side by side with Caleb. Addie is determined to step up and live her life out loud, while Caleb is determined to make his bistro a success. When love comes calling, will Addie and Caleb be able to reach out for the love of a lifetime?
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2017
273 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Belle Calhoune
95 books434 followersBelle Calhoune writes heartwarming, inspirational romance novels set in small, cozy towns. Married to her college sweetheart and living in southern Connecticut, she is the mother of two girls. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she is one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library allowed her to become an avid reader who aspired to be a romance writer. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, spending time in Cape Cod, traveling and enjoying time with friends and family.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 15, 2017
Adored: Seven Brides Seven Brothers Pelican Bay Book 2 is by Belle Calhoune. The only thing wrong with this series is the wait between books. It is way too long. I know it is hard for an author to keep up; but this is one time I wish she would. The series is cute and really well done.
Caleb has done a great job forgetting his past. He knows his mother gave him up after a fire that put him in the hospital. He was then sent to Pelican Bay with the Donahue family. As far as Caleb is concerned, this was the best possible thing that could have happened to him. The love and support the Donahues’ gave to their children- theirs and adopted, is nothing short of remarkable. Caleb has put his heart and soul into his restaurant after breaking up with his girlfriend. He found he loved her much more than she loved him. His restaurant is up and coming and is his dream. However, his dream may be bursting. Sebastian Fontaine had called in his loan. Since he couldn’t repay the entire amount, he now had a partner in the Blue Bayou. What would become of his beloved restaurant? What changes might Sebastian want to implement?
Addie Fontaine was in over her head. Since her twin sister died she had tried to please her Father and make him proud of her. However, Sebastian was totally immersed in his businesses and rarely saw Addie. She longed for the short time in her childhood when she truly had a “Daddy”. Now, she is not quite sure what he has in mind for her since he gave her ½ of the Blue Bayou to work with. At first, she was thrilled to be involved with a restaurant; but that thrill quickly changed when she realized Caleb thought she was coming in to take over his restaurant. Instead, she wants to simply make it better.
Will the two sides come together or will investors stop funding this program. Is Addie being sincere or just playing games to get his restaurant?
Caleb has done a great job forgetting his past. He knows his mother gave him up after a fire that put him in the hospital. He was then sent to Pelican Bay with the Donahue family. As far as Caleb is concerned, this was the best possible thing that could have happened to him. The love and support the Donahues’ gave to their children- theirs and adopted, is nothing short of remarkable. Caleb has put his heart and soul into his restaurant after breaking up with his girlfriend. He found he loved her much more than she loved him. His restaurant is up and coming and is his dream. However, his dream may be bursting. Sebastian Fontaine had called in his loan. Since he couldn’t repay the entire amount, he now had a partner in the Blue Bayou. What would become of his beloved restaurant? What changes might Sebastian want to implement?
Addie Fontaine was in over her head. Since her twin sister died she had tried to please her Father and make him proud of her. However, Sebastian was totally immersed in his businesses and rarely saw Addie. She longed for the short time in her childhood when she truly had a “Daddy”. Now, she is not quite sure what he has in mind for her since he gave her ½ of the Blue Bayou to work with. At first, she was thrilled to be involved with a restaurant; but that thrill quickly changed when she realized Caleb thought she was coming in to take over his restaurant. Instead, she wants to simply make it better.
Will the two sides come together or will investors stop funding this program. Is Addie being sincere or just playing games to get his restaurant?
August 13, 2017
BLOOD IS NOT ALWAYS THICKER THAN WATER
Caleb Donahue has struggled with abandonment issues for most of his life. He was taken into foster care and adopted after his mother left him alone overnight in their apartment and there was a fire that left him not only physically scarred, but emotionally as well. He didn't even have strong memories of the past, and he wanted it to stay that way. What kind of mother would willingly give him up like she did? If that was how she'd been, it was better he not remember her.
Addie is the only child left to a ruthless businessman from whom Caleb borrowed money for his restaurant, and now her father called in his debts but Caleb couldn't pay. Her father has made her half owner of the Blue Bayou, hoping to get her out of her shell and more into the business world. She was a bookish type, afraid to go out on a limb and leave her comfort zone. She spent most of her life living in her twin sister's shadow, but when she'd died, that left Addie with no one's shadow to hide behind, so she had to stand on her own two feet and she wasn't doing it fast enough for her father, so he dropped this bombshell. She assumed, when she walked in, that Caleb would be expecting her. Of course that's what her father had told her, but he couldn't have been more surprised.
Life is full of surprises, and this book has a lot of twists and turns for both Addie and Caleb. When Caleb thinks he's been betrayed, he's about to throw it all away to try to save the restaurant he built from the ground up. Addie has finally learned to stand on her own two feet, but at what cost? Will she have to live the rest of her life without the man she's grown to love, or can they ever get past the pain her father had caused?
I love this series and can't wait for the next one. Every book I've read by this author has had me hooked from page one.
Caleb Donahue has struggled with abandonment issues for most of his life. He was taken into foster care and adopted after his mother left him alone overnight in their apartment and there was a fire that left him not only physically scarred, but emotionally as well. He didn't even have strong memories of the past, and he wanted it to stay that way. What kind of mother would willingly give him up like she did? If that was how she'd been, it was better he not remember her.
Addie is the only child left to a ruthless businessman from whom Caleb borrowed money for his restaurant, and now her father called in his debts but Caleb couldn't pay. Her father has made her half owner of the Blue Bayou, hoping to get her out of her shell and more into the business world. She was a bookish type, afraid to go out on a limb and leave her comfort zone. She spent most of her life living in her twin sister's shadow, but when she'd died, that left Addie with no one's shadow to hide behind, so she had to stand on her own two feet and she wasn't doing it fast enough for her father, so he dropped this bombshell. She assumed, when she walked in, that Caleb would be expecting her. Of course that's what her father had told her, but he couldn't have been more surprised.
Life is full of surprises, and this book has a lot of twists and turns for both Addie and Caleb. When Caleb thinks he's been betrayed, he's about to throw it all away to try to save the restaurant he built from the ground up. Addie has finally learned to stand on her own two feet, but at what cost? Will she have to live the rest of her life without the man she's grown to love, or can they ever get past the pain her father had caused?
I love this series and can't wait for the next one. Every book I've read by this author has had me hooked from page one.
June 17, 2018
A good read with characters and plot a bit different.
Gabe's mother gave him up for adoption into a beautiful family, but he never got answers to issues about his childhood, so no closure.
Gabe's big dream was to own a first rate bistro, which he was successful in doing; however, he'd borrowed money from a wealthy and powerful businessman, Sebastian, who now threatened to ruin the bistro. Sebastian sends his daughter to do make the take over of property easier, but that backfires on him.
Two critiques: near the beginning of the story, it was very confusing trying to identify characters. Instead of using names, pronouns were used and I was not sure who was talking.
Secondly, Sebastain was a bit of a tyrant and his only interest was in making money. He treated people very unkindly because "it was business". Near the end of the story, his attitude changes and it seems out of character and too abrupt and not credible.
Gabe's mother gave him up for adoption into a beautiful family, but he never got answers to issues about his childhood, so no closure.
Gabe's big dream was to own a first rate bistro, which he was successful in doing; however, he'd borrowed money from a wealthy and powerful businessman, Sebastian, who now threatened to ruin the bistro. Sebastian sends his daughter to do make the take over of property easier, but that backfires on him.
Two critiques: near the beginning of the story, it was very confusing trying to identify characters. Instead of using names, pronouns were used and I was not sure who was talking.
Secondly, Sebastain was a bit of a tyrant and his only interest was in making money. He treated people very unkindly because "it was business". Near the end of the story, his attitude changes and it seems out of character and too abrupt and not credible.
October 28, 2018
Unfortunate
Either this author has written a series where each volume is heavily dependent on the previous one, or she is just confusing. At a quarter of the way through the book I am continually being amazed at information being presented in a casual way without having been introduced. Fir example, the pending divorce of two secondary characters is mentioned, but in the previous mention they sounded like a rock solid couple.
Additionally, the God talk is clumsy and stilted, as though it was a heavy-handed afterthought.
Either this author has written a series where each volume is heavily dependent on the previous one, or she is just confusing. At a quarter of the way through the book I am continually being amazed at information being presented in a casual way without having been introduced. Fir example, the pending divorce of two secondary characters is mentioned, but in the previous mention they sounded like a rock solid couple.
Additionally, the God talk is clumsy and stilted, as though it was a heavy-handed afterthought.
April 12, 2020
I think I might need a break from the series. They continue to be light, easy reads, but they are all starting to blend together a bit. I still prefer the original series to this spin off.
Caleb has put his blood, sweat, and tears into building his restaurant from the ground up. In the tough times, he took out a loan from a weathy benefactor, but this may have cost him the right to control the direction of his dreams. When the benefactor's daughter shows up and starts telling him how to run things, Caleb is sure his dream is over, but his future is about to take a different direction.
Caleb has put his blood, sweat, and tears into building his restaurant from the ground up. In the tough times, he took out a loan from a weathy benefactor, but this may have cost him the right to control the direction of his dreams. When the benefactor's daughter shows up and starts telling him how to run things, Caleb is sure his dream is over, but his future is about to take a different direction.
July 31, 2017
Gr8 gr8 book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love the series.....and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the diversity in the characters. That Caleb and Eddie (& Jason) are African Americans are wonderful and realistic!
I am looking forward to reading Heath's story (& he is of Hispanic descent.....gr8!)
This is a gr8 series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love the series.....and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the diversity in the characters. That Caleb and Eddie (& Jason) are African Americans are wonderful and realistic!
I am looking forward to reading Heath's story (& he is of Hispanic descent.....gr8!)
This is a gr8 series!
June 18, 2018
Beautiful
Caleb opened the restaurant of his dreams. He is one of right blended children. When his silent business partner calls in his half of the loan he is scare that things will change. Little do they know they will change for good. Addie has been handed an opportunity to use her skills, her father gave her his interest in Caleb's restaurant.
Caleb opened the restaurant of his dreams. He is one of right blended children. When his silent business partner calls in his half of the loan he is scare that things will change. Little do they know they will change for good. Addie has been handed an opportunity to use her skills, her father gave her his interest in Caleb's restaurant.
February 20, 2025
I think I just fell hard for this Donahue family. I didn’t intend to read the whole series, but reading Caleb and Addie’s story may have caused a piqued interest. Caleb has a buried past, and unfortunately it’s time to un hide the past and bring it front and center. Addie is a supportive friend that is willing to help navigate both his past and she’s hopeful for a future.
July 15, 2017
What an awesome book
This was amazing a breath of fresh air. Belle Calhoun has done it again. This was such an great read about past hurt and the future. She does an amazing job with making each character come to life.
This was amazing a breath of fresh air. Belle Calhoun has done it again. This was such an great read about past hurt and the future. She does an amazing job with making each character come to life.
June 12, 2018
Delightful summer read between chef and business partner. Deals with topics of single mother, foster care, adoption, making one's way in the world, and trust. A little predictable, but some unexpected twists in finding a birth parent and funding a business.
June 12, 2018
Fun, romantic read
I really enjoy reading a book with wholesome characters that have standards even with their imperfections. And I love a happy ending! If you're looking for some romance and fun without the angst, this book is for you.
I really enjoy reading a book with wholesome characters that have standards even with their imperfections. And I love a happy ending! If you're looking for some romance and fun without the angst, this book is for you.
June 13, 2018
Loved it
This was an interesting story. I enjoyed this series and this was well written. I hated to see it end. The by play between the characters kept me interested and ready to see what would happen next.
This was an interesting story. I enjoyed this series and this was well written. I hated to see it end. The by play between the characters kept me interested and ready to see what would happen next.
June 13, 2018
The family that gives and gives and then gives some more
Most are adopted. All nationalities. But they are all loved and cherished by their parents and siblings. A happy family endures trials and problems. But a loving family is there especially when things get hard
Most are adopted. All nationalities. But they are all loved and cherished by their parents and siblings. A happy family endures trials and problems. But a loving family is there especially when things get hard
June 16, 2018
I'm intrigued by these brothers most of whom are adopted. I'll be back for more. This was a good introduction to the series although I've missed book 1. Must find it. Hope their parents work out their issues.
June 17, 2018
Great Book
Great story with a different twist on the romance. Loved the way Christ was dominant in the story. I really enjoy books that have sequels, but if you read one book out of line you still like the book and don't feel lost because you haven't read the books before that one.
Great story with a different twist on the romance. Loved the way Christ was dominant in the story. I really enjoy books that have sequels, but if you read one book out of line you still like the book and don't feel lost because you haven't read the books before that one.
October 19, 2018
A blended family of adopted and biological siblings, the Donahue clan always have each other’s backs as they face life’s challenges and search for love. A spin-off of the Cape Cod Donahue brothers, the Pelican Bay clan are their southern cousins.
January 31, 2019
Another must-read from Ms. Calhoune
I have read several of Belle’s books and I’m never disappointed! This series has me engrossed just like I was with the original Seven Brides, Seven Brothers series.
I have read several of Belle’s books and I’m never disappointed! This series has me engrossed just like I was with the original Seven Brides, Seven Brothers series.
July 14, 2017
Adored by Belle Calhoune
Wonderful story. It brought interesting thoughts about handling grief. Would recommend it very highly. Can not wait for the next one.
Wonderful story. It brought interesting thoughts about handling grief. Would recommend it very highly. Can not wait for the next one.
July 25, 2017
Very good read
I love reading Caleb and Addie story. The story was great. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I love reading Caleb and Addie story. The story was great. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
August 22, 2017
A sweet story
Issues can get in the way of love. This book shows how relationships can grow in spite of them and even because of them.
Issues can get in the way of love. This book shows how relationships can grow in spite of them and even because of them.
June 14, 2018
Good start
Sweet clean romance with great characters based around a blended family of natural and adopted kids. Can't wait to read on.
Sweet clean romance with great characters based around a blended family of natural and adopted kids. Can't wait to read on.
June 22, 2018
Love conquers all
It was a clean love story,and to the point The ending could have been longer would have liked to know what happened after they got married
It was a clean love story,and to the point The ending could have been longer would have liked to know what happened after they got married
June 30, 2018
Finding Love at the Bistro
Being forced into a business partnership might not be the best way to find love but sometimes it's God's way. Excellent book!
Being forced into a business partnership might not be the best way to find love but sometimes it's God's way. Excellent book!
July 2, 2018
Well that was boring
I ended up glazing over the last few pages. Yawn... It was a clean Christian book, but oh so dull and cheesy.
I ended up glazing over the last few pages. Yawn... It was a clean Christian book, but oh so dull and cheesy.
August 5, 2018
Excellent book about dealing with abandonment issues and loss of a sibling. It was great to see how the characters helped each other to grow and develop.
August 26, 2018
Riveting
Awesome! A great Christian romance. Many different parts for the many different characters. Can’t wait to read her next book!
Awesome! A great Christian romance. Many different parts for the many different characters. Can’t wait to read her next book!
October 25, 2018
Better than the 1sr book in the series.
May 5, 2019
The Donahues
Sweet. Inspiring. A feel-good romance. Great characters with integrity and purpose. Beautiful setting. I would enjoy reading the entire series.
Sweet. Inspiring. A feel-good romance. Great characters with integrity and purpose. Beautiful setting. I would enjoy reading the entire series.
August 7, 2017
Another great read.
I love to be drawn in by the Donahue family. Every time I read one of their stories I feel as if I'm right there with each of the characters.
I love to be drawn in by the Donahue family. Every time I read one of their stories I feel as if I'm right there with each of the characters.
June 30, 2018
When reading a novel, you do not find one better than with a story-line set with a faithful human being willing to take a chance on another. Hope is something that has been missing from this world for quite sometime, so when reading a story based on the goodness founded on Christ Jesus- it's a wonderful thing!
I highly recommend this novel!
I highly recommend this novel!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews