Beginnings

Crawley Creek #0.5

by Lori King

Abraham and Seraphina Crawley have loved each other since they were fifteen years old. Abe has never doubted the strength of their bond, and together they’ve planted roots and built a successful ranch. But when Seraphina receives disturbing news that will impact the rest of their lives, she finds herself unable to tell the man she loves. Their decade-long marriage has been blighted by their lack of children, and now secrets could tear this couple apart. Follow their journey from heartbroken to houseful, and experience how Crawley Creek Ranch became a refuge for those who needed a place to plant roots. Second chances and new beginnings are a way of life at Crawley Creek. Everyone is welcome.

*Note from the author: This is a short prequel to the Crawley Creek Series. It can be read as a standalone, but you will enjoy it more if you read the other books in the series as well.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Short Stories, Westerns, Contemporary, Adult, Novella

66 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2015

About the author

Best-selling author, Lori King, is also a full-time wife and mother of three boys. Although she rarely has time to just enjoy feminine pursuits; at heart she is a hopeless romantic. She spends her days dreaming up Alpha men, and her nights telling their stories. An admitted TV and book junkie, she can be found relaxing with a steamy story, or binging in an entire season of some show online. She gives her parents all the credit for her unique sense of humor and acceptance of all forms of love. There are no two loves alike, but you can love more than one with your whole heart.
With the motto: Live, Laugh, and Love like today is your only chance, she will continue to write as long as you continue to read. Thank you for taking the time to indulge in a good Happily Ever After with her. Find out more about her current projects at http://lorikingbooks.com, or look her up on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoriKingBooks or Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoriKingBooks.

Reviews

[Delta]

Free 07-30-15 (Short story prequel)

http://www.amazon.com/Beginnings-Craw...

[Kathy]

This a prequel in the Crawley Creek series it can be read before or after the first book in the series. This is the story of how Abraham and Seraphina Crawley came to foster children on their ranch in North Dakota. About how badly they wanted children even if they weren’t their children by blood. They have been trying to have children and you will read about that struggle in this book. I loved reading about these two people who touched so many children’s lives. Who fostered so many children. Some just passing through and some who stayed. I was glad to read about the people who raised the 4 men who you read about in the Crawley Creek series.

[Sydney M Neblett]

Sharing the burden

As an introduction to Crawley Creek, this book was perfect. The author took us through the emotional wringer with Sera as she discovered some hard truths about herself. I love that Abe managed to heal her heart before he even knew what was really wrong. This couple personifies what we strive for in life. The book may be short, but it’s emotionally tense and sets the tone for the rest of the series. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Maureen Ames]

Such a sad story that changed so many lives for the better.
Abe and Sera's story is sad that it breaks your heart. But like the saying goes, "Behind every grey cloud is a silver lining." I can say this story made me cry out of sorrow for Sera and joy for all that Abe and Sera overcame as a couple to help so many lost souls to find their way.

[Cynthia]

Wonderful

This was a beautiful beginning of this series. Sera & Ave met as freshman in high school and have been together since. They married after college and bought their ranch. Sera wants to be a mom but nature doesn't agree. What happens next changes children's lives.

[Kerry H]

Lovely

What a lovely introduction to Crawley Creek and where it all begain. A quick but well written read. The characters and the ranch itself were well defined and intriguing, prompting you to read further.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG]

Included in my free copy of Forget Me Knot. I really loved this short story about Abe and Sara's decision to start a foster family. Starting a family is a struggle for many in real life, some of whom are too selfish to see the merit in this act of pure love. Great backstory.

[ChattyChik21]

Such a sweet story

Makes me eager to read about their brood. The story seems adorably sweet, though in could do without the “back in my day” schtick and there is a bit of country bias that i am sick to death of

[Barbara R. Cady]

A quick peek!

Just a quick peek to give background on the series. Nice insight and almost heartbreaking at the same time. I've already read book one and this looks to be a good series.

[Rhonda]

This was the beginning of how Crawley Creek came to be. My heart broke for Seraphina as she struggled with how to tell Abraham a devastating reality that would change their lives. It's a short read but very emotional! These two were a perfect match for each other!

[Annette Holland]

Such a sweet story. I was very intrigued by the characters and definitely want to read more. This series is going on my TBR.

[Jeanine]

The beginning of the whole series. What a great couple who raised some really great ranchers, and left a great legacy

[Kelly Jean]

Sweet and endearing quick read. Definitely makes me want to know what happens, so I will be starting book 1 today!

[Gina Robertson]

I love the short story

How Craeley Creek began is a short sweet love story and I absolutely loved finding out how it all began

[Lashonta]

Prequel

This book gives you the back history of how the brothers became brothers meaning we get to know about Abe and his the woman who they all loved

[Pam]

4.5 stars

[Thom Swennes]

Seraphina (Sera) Crawley wasn’t expecting the shocking news their family doctor, Martin Warburg imparted on her that fateful morning in Montford. “You have a hostile uterus,” he said. “The chances of you conceiving are remote and if you do, the fetus won’t survive the first trimester.” She and her husband Abe have always wanted children and now, at thirty, it feels like her life is over. Sera and Abe Crawley live a short way from Montford at the Crawley Creek Ranch.
The ranch was their dream, but having a large loving family was also a part of that dream. Feelings of guilt wash over Sera. When Abe had proposed to her, he had asked if she would be his wife and the mother of their children. Now, she realized, that would never be. She feared how this news would affect Abe. Would he be mad? Would he blame her? Would this change the life they have and influence their future? Would this news shatter all of their dreams?

This is a strongly emotional story that combines ill fortune and bad timing into an inspirational and heartwarming tale of unconditional love. It also combines Christian beliefs with the erotic excitement experienced between a couple deeply in love. If I were to voice one negative comment, it would be that the story is far too short, leaving a myriad of questions left unanswered.

[Jannicek]

This is a very short story and prequel to the Crawley Creek series by author Lori King. I really enjoyed this story and the journey it took me on. This was the first book i've read from Lori King and in just 58 pages found a new author to stalk.

Abraham and Seraphina are high school sweethearts and have grown their farm together as well as their relationship. Seraphina is loving, selfless, and has a heart of gold; a heart she so desperately wants to share. She is devastated by news that makes it hard for her for her to share with her husband. She knows this news will could rock their relationship to it’s core. If you've read the series prior to this then you know how amazing this couple truly is and makes you wish more people acted this way. Take the journey with the rest of the people who love this series I promise you won’t be disappointed, I know I wasn’t when I read the rest of the series. I give this short story 4 diamonds for a great all around series.

For more reviews check out our website www.exquisitereviews.com

[Jennifer beck]

GREAT BOOK !!!
Love Abe and Sera so much. I cried when she heard the news but LOVED the way it worked out!! Can't wait to read the rest !!!

[Roxie's Reviews]

"Second Chances new Beginnings"
This story is sweet and touching. The story line is amazing. The characters are charming!. Seraphina aka Sera Gets word from her Doctor that she has what they call a hostile uterus in other words she is Barren. Her and her Husband Abe had been trying to get her pregnant for the last ten years. Now she has to tell him she can never give him children they have always wanted. Oh the first part of this story will bring tears to your eyes. Abe and Sera have been in love sense Sera was only fifteen. But they waited till they finished college to marry. Then for five years they skimped and saved to purchase a ranch they named the Crawley Creek Ranch. After Sera finds out she is Barren he has to go out of town. Sera was still having trouble breaking the news to him. Now the ranch foreman informs her their cattle are sick and dieing. How much more can Sera take?. This is such a heart warming and sweet story you will love!. This is a must must read book!

[Exquisite Reviews]

This is a very short story and prequel to the Crawley Creek series by author Lori King. I really enjoyed this story and the journey it took me on. This was the first book i've read from Lori King and in just 58 pages found a new author to stalk.

Abraham and Seraphina are high school sweethearts and have grown their farm together as well as their relationship. Seraphina is loving, selfless, and has a heart of gold; a heart she so desperately wants to share. She is devastated by news that makes it hard for her to share with her husband. She knows this news will rock their relationship to it’s core. If you’ve read the series prior to this then you know how amazing this couple truly is and makes you wish more people acted this way. Take the journey with the rest of the people who love this series. I promise you won’t be disappointed, I know I wasn’t when I read the rest of the series. I give this short story 4 diamonds for a great all around series.Amazon.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian)]

This is a short but sweet novella that tells a snippet of Abe and Sera's story. Sera has just found out that she is barren and unable to give Abe the children they have both dreamed about. With problems on the ranch and her husband about to leave on a business trip, the timing does not seem right to break the news. However, Abe has been with Sera since High School and so knows that something is wrong. Will these two be able to share the secret that lies between them?

This is exceptionally well told and will tug at the heart-strings. It is the first book in the Crawley Creek series that I have read and I am completely looking forward to reading more. The love that flowed off the pages was almost tangible, especially considering the circumstances. I look forward to reading more.

* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

[Kate Mclaughlin]

Warning, you will need tissues! I have read this series out of order, but am thoroughly enjoying learning about this close knit family. I don’t normally like prequels but this is an exception. Abe and Sera’s story, learning about their struggles, and character lays the groundwork for the other characters and adds depth to the series.
From the get go I want to fight in Sera’s corner, that she gets the family she most wishes for, having read other books, I know how the story plays out, but it speaks to the quality of Lori’s writing that I am still engaged with the emotional roller-coaster of the Crawley’s history.
This story is in a collection which I won as part of a competition. I would highly recommend the whole Crawley Creek series and can’t wait to continue the series and see how the characters, and continuing plots grow.

[Eva Millien]

Beginnings (Crawley Creek #.5) Lori King Abe has never doubted the strength of their bond and Seraphina has never doubted their love for each other but their decade long marriage is threatened by a secret when she finds herself unable to tell Abe some disturbing news.
 
This quick emotionally gripping story welcomes readers to the Crawley Creek Ranch and gives them insight in to how it became a refuge for those who needed to plant roots. The love is definitely the stuff of happily ever afters and full of passion and these strong compelling characters will definitely stir up emotions so be prepared.
 
I was completely captivated by the story and I can’t wait for my next visit to the Crawley Creek Ranch.

[Debra Johnson]

Prch Amz March 25, 2020

[SiKReviews]

This is the love story of Abe and Sera Crawley. We find out how they met, when they fell in love, and how they came to own Crawley Creek Ranch. But most of all, we find out how and why they began taking in foster children and children in need. These two individuals have the biggest hearts of gold that I can ever remember reading of. No wonder Vin, Hawke, Romeo and Drannon came home. Abe and Sera were the only parents they have ever really known, their passing was bone deep to them.

You will cry during the book. Maybe not ugly cry but definite tears will be shed. The love Abe and Sera shared will move you.

[Denise H.]

Great short story telling of the love of Abe and Sera. Wow, what an emotion packed beginning to the series !! Love it !! Sera finds out she can't have kids, but is unsure about how to break the news to her husband, Abe. Meanwhile Abe has agreed to care for a child the pastor asked him to help. A broken down car, and other factors keep them from having the conversations they want to, and the doorbell rings. The child is there. Deeply thought filled characters you'll love right away, an interesting story, and true romance will capture your heart.
Highly recommend. Looking forward to the series as it unfolds. ENJOY !!!

[Kim]

As the prequel to the Crawley Creek Series, Beginnings is short, but oh so sweet! It packs a punch in the few pages it contains, creating a bond between the characters and reader. I could not help but feel a strong sense of sorrow for poor Sera and her diagnosis of being unable to conceive. Her husband, Abe, showed how deeply he loves her with every action, every word, and every thought he had. The ending had me crying like a baby! What a way to introduce these characters! All I can say is well done, Ms. King! I am going to have to read the rest of the series if this tiny, short, novella is this darn good!

*copy was provided for review.

[Eva Millien]

Abe has never doubted the strength of their bond and Seraphina has never doubted their love for each other but their decade long marriage is threatened by a secret when she finds herself unable to tell Abe some disturbing news.

This quick emotionally gripping story welcomes readers to the Crawley Creek Ranch and gives them insight in to how it became a refuge for those who needed to plant roots. The love is definitely the stuff of happily ever afters and full of passion and these strong compelling characters will definitely stir up emotions so be prepared.

I was completely captivated by the story and I can’t wait for my next visit to the Crawley Creek Ranch.

[Leah Keys]

This book is the prequel to the Crawley Creek series and gives the back story of Abraham and Sera (Seraphina) Crawley and how they decided to turn their ranch into a home for children who needed it. Sera and Abraham’s love story is what we all dream of having. While they struggle with their desire to have children, they come to realize that having each other is far more important. While this book doesn’t give details of the childhood of the men of Crawley Creek, readers can get great insight into how they were likely raised by showing us the type of people Abraham and Sera were. It is a definite must read!