Embracing Her Heart

The Bradens & Montgomerys, Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls #1

by Melissa Foster

Embracing Her Heart is a USA Today Bestseller

Welcome to Oak Falls, Virginia, home to horse farms, midnight rodeos, bookstores, coffee shops, and quaint restaurants where you’re greeted like family and treated like treasured guests. Buckle up for a wild ride. Like any Southern girls worth their salt, the sweet-talking, sharp-tongued Montgomery sisters can take men to their knees with one seductive glance or a single sugarcoated sentence.

A second chance at their first love…
Leaving New York City and returning to her hometown to teach a screenplay writing class seems like just the break Grace Montgomery needs. Until her sisters wake her at four thirty in the morning to watch the hottest guys in town train wild horses and she realizes that escaping her sisters’ drama-filled lives was a lot easier from hundreds of miles away. To make matters worse, she spots the one man she never wanted to see again—ruggedly handsome Reed Cross.

Reed was one of Michigan’s leading historical preservation experts, but on the heels of catching his girlfriend in bed with his business partner, his uncle suffers a heart attack. Reed cuts all ties and returns home to Oak Falls to run his uncle’s business. A chance encounter with Grace, his first love, brings back memories he’s spent years trying to escape.

Grace is bound and determined not to fall under Reed’s spell again—and Reed wants more than another taste of the woman he’s never forgotten. When a midnight party brings them together, passion ignites and old wounds are opened. Grace sets down the ground rules for the next three weeks. No touching, no kissing, and if she has it her way, no breathing, because every breath he takes steals her ability to think. But Reed has other ideas…

~
The Bradens & Montgomerys are part of Melissa's Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. All Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone and may also be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right into this fun, sexy romance.

THE BRADENS & MONTGOMERYS (Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls). Order of future books is subject to change
Embracing Her Heart
Anything For Love
Trails of Love
Wild Crazy Hearts
Making You Mine
Searching for Love
Hot for Love
Sweet Sexy Heart
Our Wicked Hearts
Claiming Her Heart
Rocked by Love

**Please note that future books in the original Montgomery series are crossing over to the Bradens at Pleasant Hill, and for this reason I have combined the series into THE BRADENS & MONTGOMERYS (Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls).

~

Love in Bloom features alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy contemporary romance and women's fiction. Characters from each sub-series appear in future books. All Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone without any unresolved issues or cliffhangers.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Second Chance Romance

324 pages, ebook

First published April 17, 2018

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com

Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.

Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge

Reviews

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embracing her Heart is a heartwarming story of a second chance for love and quite a story for the first in a new series. Grace Montgomery has returned to her hometown to teach a play writing class for her sister’s bookstore. She’s home for 3 weeks and feels it’s long enough to visit family and it gives her a break from her chaotic producing job. What she didn’t know is that her secret high school boyfriend is also back in town and is better looking than what she remembers.

Reed Cross returned to Oak Falls, VA to help out his uncle after his heart attack and is home for good. After he caught his fiancé cheating with his business partner, he cut his ties in Michigan and heads home and plans to start over and be close to family again. Seeing Grace after 10 long years is a sight for sore eyes and he plans to court her right this time and get her to fall in love with him again.

The two main characters were very likable and I loved how they talked and worked it out without all the drama you often see with misunderstandings and miscommunication. They worked on being in the NOW instead of looking towards the future too much because neither one of them knew what lies before them. I liked that their sexual chemistry was off the charts and each encounter was sexier than before. Grace and Reed never found that deep connection with another partner and it just showed them what was missing from their life and from their hearts.

Introducing a new book can be tedious for setting the stage of a small town and all its inhabitants, places and secondary characters. Unfortunately, there was too much information and I found that it hampered down the flow of the story. The book was half done before it solely concentrated on the main characters and their developing romance. Thankfully it flowed better and had me hooked to finish the story. There was more to this story than their romance, as both Reed and Grace had to do some soul searching to see what is right for them and their future together.

This was my first book by this author and I loved the way she brought two deserving characters together again to find their happy ever after. She plans to join 2 large families into one series, The Bradens & Montgomerys/Pleasant Hill-Oak Falls, and weave characters throughout the series. Embracing Her Heart can be read as a standalone and there is no cliffhanger to worry about.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second chance to get it right ... *happy sigh* This should have been a bit of an angsty read, but it wasn't. I think that's where it kinda failed for me. I'm not giving away the plot, but from the blurb alone, you should expect a bit of angst. Everything else about the story was on-point. Per usual, this was very well written, but it lacked the wow factor I'm so used to with this author.

The story was definitly sweet and full of heart. It's a perfect rainy afternoon read!

Copy provided for blog tour

[Annemiek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ried and Grace were high school sweet hearts even though they hid it from the outside world. After highschool Grace left to go to college and become a successful producer in New York City.

When Grace decide to visit her family back in the small town Oakfalls, where all her memories lay of love and lust. She sees Ried and knows that the love for him had never changed.

It was an okay audiobook narrated by man and woman. Not quit interested in any further of this series, but it was nice while cleaning the house

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

Once again I can say when I sit down with a Melissa Foster contemporary romance, I am never disappointed. I might debate if the plot was or was not my favorite, but I am ALWAYS in love with her characters!

EMBRACING HER HEART (The Bradens & Montgomerys, #1) by Melissa Foster is a second chance contemporary romance that had me swooning over the hero and empathizing with the heroine. This book is part of the Love In Bloom romance collection which can all be read as standalones.

Grace Montgomery has returned to her small hometown for a three week vacation from her hectic life as a writer/producer in NYC. Years before, she graduated high school and could not get out of town fast enough even though she was leaving her loving family and high school boy friend behind. She was off to chase her dream and leave her small town ways behind.

Reed Cross has always loved working with his hands and becomes a leading historical preservationist. He is back home after is uncle suffers a heart attack. He has always felt something was missing in his life and when he has a chance encounter with Grace and her sisters it brings make memories he has been trying to forget.

They only have three weeks. Do they still feel the same even with the years they spent apart? Reed is home to stay, but Grace has commitments and a life she fought to achieve in NYC. She is no longer that small town girl. Can they make it work?

Grace and Reed are characters that could walk off the pages, they are so realistic. I especially love that there are no misunderstandings that they do not talk out. This whole story is about communicating and respect. I felt like Grace, being the oldest in my large family, I could not wait to run away to college. When you come home, you realize what is really important and childhood issues are not necessarily how you deal with your siblings as adults. The romance pacing is realistic and the sex scenes are hot. I can highly recommend this book for a heartwarming and sexy second chance romance!

Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embracing Her Heart was the first book in the Braden’s and Montgomerys Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls series. But it was one of many in the long line of her Love in Bloom series and true to form, characters were present from multiple series.

Grace Montgomery and Reed Cross were secret high school sweethearts and first loves. They went to rival high schools, Reed was the star quarterback and Grace was a cheerleader. The rivalry between two local small town schools was fierce so they met in private. After graduation, Grace went to New York to pursue her dreams and left Reed behind. Fast forward a decade or so and the story began.

True to form, Foster depicted a sweet story with little conflict. It was thought provoking with emphasis on the push and pull between small town loves, bonding, family and big city dreams. Additionally, Foster courted us by letting us get to know all of the Montgomery’s in detail, including their hilarious antics and family loyalty.

All in all, it was a well written, well developed, entertaining and enjoyable second chance story. Next up is a trip to the Bradens for Beau Braden’s story in Anything for Love, then to a mix of the families with Graham Braden and Morgyn Montgomery in Trails of Love.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embracing Her Heart is a really fascinating story. I have been wanting to explore more of this author's work. This book was one of the freebies on her sale that she had a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed what we received with this story, it was so fun and it had some great family dynamics. Which is what Melissa Foster excels at. I did think that the first half was a bit slow at times and the romance story itself was too rushed. These two had some serious issues to resolve and it got resolved so quickly and just didn't have as much depth as I am used to with this author so while its a solid read and will really deliver, it still had some drawbacks to the story. However, I have heard the next books coming up in the series are really amazing, so I am eager to explore this series more although I might try it in audiobook to see if I enjoy it more as it does have some solid narration to enjoy! The romance itself is about a pairing where they have to reconcile with each other as its a second chance. I did enjoy seeing this couple come back together though.

I really had a fun time with this one and very intrigued to see what is delivered in the rest of the series.

[Lisa Filipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we say my kindle almost went on fire!?! Grace and Reed were SO stinkin hot! I simply adored this feel good second chance romance, and the start of a fantastic new series from Foster. The Montgomery family is a hoot and I cannot wait to see them all fall in love! EMBRACING HER HEART is what real romances are made of, I shed a few tears, I laughed out loud and I was left with a smile on my face. And the setting, a fun, small town to fall in love with! A definite must read for lovers of romance!

I alternated between audio and ebook and I have to say, Andy and Sebastian NAILED IT!! So good, so hot, so satisfying!

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

EMBRACING HER HEART is a new series for Melissa Foster. If you’ve read The Bradens and Montgomerys then you will probably know the tone for this series. Honestly, I don’t know why there are so many new series when really this book could be added to the others and it would still work. Sometimes I think it just makes things unnecessarily confusing because other than having new characters and a new setting, the books all have the same feel. Nevertheless, you can read this book as a standalone and be perfectly fine.

This particular book kind of has a love/hate relationship between the hero and heroine. Previously together, Reed and Grace have allowed some time to occur between their breakup. But once Reed appears back into Grace’s life, she doesn’t react to him the way he expects. There’s quite a bit of bickering between the two and I wasn’t a huge fan of that. It was a little over the top in some places and made me roll my eyes a lot. I guess I just didn’t believe it when the in the sentence before Reed is practically imagining Grace underneath him. So any words he said after just seemed unbelievable to me.

Since I didn’t really like the interactions between the hero and heroine, that kind of hindered how much I enjoyed this book. However, I do still think Foster writes well. I especially enjoy the way she is able to weave all the scenes together. The book flows like water, making the book very easy to devour. So I’m hoping I’ll enjoy the next book more than this one.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest here, I didn't really love Grace in the beginning and it took some time for me to warm up to her. I was not happy with her especially since she kept mentioning that Reece had betrayed her after she broke up with him, without explaining what he did. She was also a snob. She looked down on her town and the people living in it. That changes over time and I slowly began to like her. That's one of the reasons the book managed to keep the 5 star rating. Reece was a good man and I understand his reasons for "betraying" Grace. I liked him and his persistence. I want a man like him.

The secondary characters were a lot of fun and I want to see more of them in the next books. I am not just talking about the Montgomery sisters, but also for the ladies at the writing club. They were one of the best parts of the story and they kept it light. As far as second chances books go, this one was good and I more than tolerated it. It's one of the good books by this author. I was released one week after Embraced at seaside and this one is a lot better. You should read it.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good second chance romance. I loved how towards the beginning they worked through their hurt from years ago. It was mature and refreshing since usually in second chance books either one or both harbor ill feelings and don’t want to talk it out in an adult manor.



Grace Montgomery is taking a long over-do vacation back in her hometown so she can spend time with her family. But even while on vacation her demanding producer job keeps her busy with constant interruption because of problems.

Reed Cross is also back home in Oak Falls, VA because his Uncle had a heart attack. His Uncle & Aunt raised him so when they needed him to return he gladly moved home. After a bad ending to his last serious relationship he is starting over in his personal life & business.

Now 10 years later Grace is back home and now is his chance to do things right. This couple was charming and had sizzling chemistry and I really was very entertained by this storyline. There was nothing overly exciting about it other than it was simply well written.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embracing Her Heart is the first book in a brand new series by Melissa Foster. Although this is a new series, the heroine appeared in Brett (Bad Boys After Dark) Mention was also made of characters from the author’s other series. As a big fan of the second chance trope, I was glad for the opportunity to read and review this new release.

The hero and heroine have a romantic history. They were high school sweethearts, and the biggest drawback to their relationship at the time was it had to be kept a secret. This was due to them attending rivalling high schools. Circumstances led to them separating. Grace left for New York to pursue her dream of becoming a top-notch producer. Reed moved to Michigan where he became the leading historical preservationists. When his uncle had a heart attack, he left everything behind and returned home to assist in the family business. He never expected to come face to face with the only woman he ever loved.

Grace Montgomery returned to Oak Falls, but only for three weeks, to teach a screenwriting class. She never expected to bump into her first love; after all, he is supposed to be in Michigan. She is determined not to fall back in to the small town life and Reed Cross is a strong reminder of that life. Therefore, she did not intend to fall under his spell.

I enjoyed watching Reed and Grace rekindle the flames of their love. It was as if the years never separated them. During this time, they came to the realisation that although they were both successful, their lives were incomplete. The rekindling of their love affair would help to make was once incomplete, complete. The love scenes were intense and passionate but not too graphic. The flashbacks into their past helped me to see how much they loved.

Another thing I enjoyed about this book is the bond Grace shared with her family. The camaraderie between her and her siblings was delightful. They helped to remind her of the beauty of her hometown. This was reinforced when the community rallied together to help get a project off the ground. The bond of family and friendship featured strongly, which came as no surprise.

Reed is such an awesome person. The way he treated Grace both in the past and currently, showed that he was quite the gentleman. Despite this, he had issue from his past, which seem as if it would swallow him whole. I admired how he did not allow these issues to dominate his life. I believe he was a better person because of it.

I admired Grace independent streak and driving ambition. I was upset with how she treated Reed on her return to Oak Falls. However, as the plot developed my initial reaction changed, and I loved her whole persona. They were perfect for each other. They were each other voices of reason when it came to making the difficult choices.

Conclusion/Recommendation
I enjoyed meeting the Montgomery Clan and I am curious to read the stories of the other characters. Embracing Her Heart is a sweet and passionate second chance romance. If you enjoy stories set in a small featuring family dynamics and a passionate second chance romance, then this book is for you.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was… fine for me. The writing was fine, the story flowed, but nothing about it really held my attention or made me feel like I’ll be thinking about this book beyond finishing it. Embracing Her Heart follows Grace, the eldest of the Montgomery children, back in her hometown of Oak Falls, Virginia. Grace has spent the last few years making a name for herself as a producer in New York City, but now that she’s back home for a few weeks to teach a screenplay writing class, her world’s been turned upside down. Because she’s not the only person back in town. Reed Cross, her secret high school sweetheart, is also back. Reed always said that he’d never leave Oak Falls, which was the major reason he and Grace broke up after high school. She had big dreams, but he wanted to stay where he was. Until he didn’t. Reed didn’t plan on coming back to Oak Falls either, but sometimes when you catch your girlfriend in bed with your business partner and your uncle has a heart attack and needs help with his business, coming home just feels like the right choice. They’ve been apart for years, but now that they’re serendipitously back in each other’s lives, Grace and Reed can’t help but fall into their old relationship all over again.

I think the biggest issue I had with this book was that I didn’t like Grace. At all. I felt like she spent most of the book bemoaning all the reasons she didn’t like New York City and her job there, but then also completely ripping apart all the things that made her hometown quaint and a good escape from the struggles of the city. Grace seemed to absolutely despise everything about Oak Falls, from the small town gossip to the clothes even to her family at times. She was so utterly dismissive of her sisters, chalking them up to just their stereotypes and what they were like when they were younger and then being shocked when they were more than that. And after a while, I started to find that grating.

And while Reed was fine, he also didn’t really suck me in and make me root for them as a couple. If anything, there were certain instances before they were back together where I found him too pushy and forceful when it came to inserting himself into Grace’s temporary life back home. And because they got together so early in the book and I wasn’t particularly invested in their relationship, I felt like there wasn’t enough tension or conflict, so most of the middle of the novel dragged on, describing moments in their relationship but not really winning me over about their love. I felt like most of the conflict stemmed from Grace not permanently being in Oak Falls (which seemed to have an easy fix) and that once upon a time, their relationship was secret, so Grace had all this guilt over lying (also an easy fix and ultimately something that felt like a non-issue). Once there was more drama, like Reed’s long absent father showing back up, I felt like the plot got a tiny bit more interesting, but overall, the book was fine, but it lacked any sort of “wow” factor for me.

[Corinna | Corinnas World of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meine Meinung

In „Von der Liebe umarmt (Die Bradens & Montgomerys, Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls 1)“ geht es um, die Geschichte von Grace, die erst mal genug von der Großstadt New York hat und für einen Schreibworkshop in ihre Heimatstadt zurück kommt. Dort trifft sie wieder auf Reed, der kein unbedeutender war aus ihrer Vergangenheit. Grace legt Regeln fest für die 3 Wochen in denen sie sich begegnen und ahnt nicht was das Schicksal vor hat ....

Grace ist Theaterautorin und Produzentin und lebt in New York. Sie hat nie ihre große Liebe Reed vergessen, als dieser sie ermutigt hat ihre Träume nicht aufzugeben. Nun ist sie für einen Schreibworkshop für Theater zurück in ihrer Heimstadt und trifft prompt auf Reed ...

Reed war einer der führenden Experten für Denkmalpflege bis er von seinem ehemaligen Freund und Mitinhaber hintergangen wurde. Er hat nun für die Firma seines Onkels übernommen.

Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig und wird im Wechsel aus der Perspektive von Reed und Grace erzählt. Der Leser kann sie so beide näher kennen lernen und ihre Gedanken und und Gefühle erfahren während der Handlung. Die Nebenfiguren wie Graces Familie sind ebenso authentisch und gestalten die Geschichte mit. Die Kulisse von Oak Falls fand ich sehr schön und man könnte fast ein wenig an Stars Hollow aus Gilmoren Girls denken.

Die Spannung und Handlung haben mich mit jeder Seite mehr in die Geschichte von Grace und Reed gezogen. Als Teenager waren beiden in einander verliebt, aber als ihre Zukunftspläne sich veränderten ging sie nach New York und auch Reed änderte etwas. Nun ist sie wieder in Oak Falls und trifft auf Reed wieder in die Stadt gezogen ist und die Firma seines Onkels übernommen hat. Als beide zum ersten Mal aufeinandertreffen will Grace erst mal Abstand zu ihm, aber als alles dann doch auf eine Aussprache läuft, spürt man wie sehr,‚die Gefühle noch da sind.

Das Cover sieht so romantisch aus und lädt einfach in die Geschichte ein.

Fazit

Von der Liebe umarmt ist eine besondere Liebesgeschichte in einer bezaubernden Kulisse. Ich will mehr davon !!

[Ingeborg Geib · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Fosters Schreibstil zieht einen sofort in ihren Bann und ihre protagonisten sind so überaus sympathisch .Man fühlt sich sofort wohl und angekommen in Oak Falls in Virginia .

Grace kehrt für 3 Wochen aus New York zu ihrer Familie zurück,den Alltagstress hinter sich lassen und einfach nur die Zeit mit der Familie zu verbringen ist ihr Ziel. Eine Schreibwerkstatt in der Buchhandlung ihrer Schwester Amber leiten um mehr Kunden an zu locken ist eine Sache ,die sie erledigen will.Doch dann trifft sie ihre große Liebe Reed wieder und erliegt erneut seinem Charm.

sofort ist da wiede rdie ungemein große Anziehungskraft und beide erkennen ,das all die vergangene Zeit es nicht geschafft hat ihre Liebe zu zerstören und je mehr Zeit sie mit einander verbringen um so klarer wird es Grace ,das Reed zu verlassen um in New York Karriere zu machen der größte Fehler ihres Lebens war. Doch wie soll sie den Spagat zwischen New York und Oak Falls schaffen ?

Melissa Foster nimmt uns mit ihren Büchern mit in eine Welt der Gefühle ,die jeder gerne selber erleben möchte.Bei ihren Storys ahnt man zwar gleich das es ein Happy End geben muss ,doch sie lesen sich leicht und entführen und bezaubern uns sofort.Viel Gefühl , heiße Typen und kribbelnde Sexszenen erschaffen ein Setting in das man gerne abtaucht und das einen neugierig macht auf weitere Werke aus ihrer Feder

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern meets small town with huge personality. You can take the girl out of the city, but can you take the city out of the girl? Grace is no one's country girl. Fireworks are what she needs, not country living. So why is she rethinking her stance on cowboys? Reed is a walking heartache. Been there, done that and have the bruises to prove it, are the words swimming in her head. Will she listen to her head or follow her heart? Embracing Her Heart brings a colorful canvas of heat, heart and humor to an already picturesque landscape.

Audiobook Review: Embracing Her Heart (The Bradens & Montgomerys [Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls], #1) by Melissa Foster (Author), Andi Arndt (Narrator), Sebastian York (Narrator)

Watch your step or you could lose your heart. Foster laid the groundwork for an instant hit.
Reed and Grace are the perfect blend of heartache and hope. Embracing Her Heart feels like a country song. With a melody that's hard to forget and a delivery that targets emotion, Foster, Arndt and York create harmony that will haunt long after the last note.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the second-chance-at-love trope so I knew I would enjoy this read because honestly there hasn't been a book that Melissa Foster has written that I didn't enjoy. This though, went past what I was expecting with the the second chance at your first love, you know the one that got away, the one you still pine for all those years later. Grace and Reed were meant to be together and their ten year separation was nothing more than a bump in the road.

You can see my full #review along with an #excerpt and #giveaway here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...

#secondchanceatfirstlove #dontmesswithamontgomery

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town, second chance romance, and sibling bonds form the basis for Embracing her Heart by Melissa Foster. Grace couldn't wait to leave her small town and that meant leaving Reed, who planned to stay. Their secret high school love ended after graduation when Grace left town. Now, Reed is back, taking over a family business, and Grace is home to do a favor for her sister. Obviously, sparks are still there; but, so are the reasons the relationship didn't work the first time.

Grace reminded me so much of all the people I know who grew up in a small town! All through high school they plan their escape from their hometown and can't wait to get away! She goes off, gets her dream job, yet she is finding the life she thought she wanted a bit...meh. Reed had a great life in Michigan...or so he thought. Now he is back home taking over his uncle's business. He always loved his hometown though, and is enjoying being back. Most of the tension comes from Grace. She is so resistant to moving back to her small, country town. Reed is determined and its hot! I loved that he didn't let the past pain make him too angry to try to win Grace back.

Overall, if you enjoy the second chance romance trope, small town romance, or big, crazy families you can't help but love, Embracing her Heart is a perfect pick! It was sweet and realistic with a hero that will have you swooning hard!

 

POV: 3rd
Tears: no
Trope: small town, second chance
Triggers: spoiler
Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series
Cliffhanger: no
HEA: yes

authors like Carly Phillips, Melanie Shawn, Kristen Proby, Katy Regnery...then you will probably like Embracing Her Heart!

 

Embracing Her Heart

See full review on The Book Disciple

[Veronica Bellaorev Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my very first Melissa Foster book. It’s also the first book of her Braden and Montgomery’s Series.

This beautiful story is one of first loves and second chances. Gracie Montgomery is back in Oak Falls; her childhood town for some much needed family time. What she wasn’t expecting was to see again her first and only love, Reed Cross. They parted ways and haven’t seen each other for 10 years.

Nobody new what they once had together of so they thought. There’s no many secrets you can actually keep in a small town. Once they spot each other it was like the time never passed and all feeling came flying back tenth time stronger. Now they aren’t kids anymore and don’t need to hide the love they are trying to denied but sure enough is present in every look.

Been back in Oak Falls made Gracie realize how much she actually love her family and all the people in the community. Her life as a theater producer and all her success hasn’t been as exciting and fulfilling as her home town. Reed is now a very successful historical preservation expert and a hunk of a man. A man ready to claim back his one true love.

The book is filled with fun family banter. Lots of cowboy boots, cut off and hey y’all !!! A small southern town romance where every one was in each other’s business kinda like mine actually. I think that’s why I love this book. A huge family, lots of siblings making havoc and been just that incorrigible. Plus there’s some sexy as sin cowboy neighbors call The Jeriko Brothers that I feel I must definitely meet.

I laugh with all the secondary characters and I swoon over Reed and his beautiful and passionate soul. Having Gracie back was a dream and all the beautiful things he get to do now for her made me want to melt at his feet. This was a beautiful, passionate love story. With a sure happily ever after. I’m definitely listening to more of this series. I wish there was more of Gracie and Reed story.

Book is narrated by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York which are my favorite pair narrators. They do a magnificent job bringing all the emotions to the story. I always get goosebumps listening to them and all the feel they brought to life. Let’s face it Sebastian has this sexy voice that make it so easy to fell in love with the leading male in the story. If you haven’t listen to this combo of narrators I guarantee you will absolutely love them.

Thanks to @melissafoster for my audiobook copy of this great listen.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


EMBRACING HER HEART is a new series for Melissa Foster. If you’ve read The Bradens and Montgomerys then you will probably know the tone for this series. Honestly, I don’t know why there are so many new series when really this book could be added to the others and it would still work. Sometimes I think it just makes things unnecessarily confusing because other than having new characters and a new setting, the books all have the same feel. Nevertheless, you can read this book as a standalone and be perfectly fine.

This particular book kind of has a love/hate relationship between the hero and heroine. Previously together, Reed and Grace have allowed some time to occur between their breakup. But once Reed appears back into Grace’s life, she doesn’t react to him the way he expects. There’s quite a bit of bickering between the two and I wasn’t a huge fan of that. It was a little over the top in some places and made me roll my eyes a lot. I guess I just didn’t believe it when the in the sentence before Reed is practically imagining Grace underneath him. So any words he said after just seemed unbelievable to me.

Since I didn’t really like the interactions between the hero and heroine, that kind of hindered how much I enjoyed this book. However, I do still think Foster writes well. I especially enjoy the way she is able to weave all the scenes together. The book flows like water, making the book very easy to devour. So I’m hoping I’ll enjoy the next book more than this one.

*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Annie❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunion. Home. Second Chance. Lasting Love. Family. Friends. Love.

Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
02-16-20

Andi and Sebastian started this one off just right. We get the love and connection to the characters through two different voices. The complexity of characters via pitch, emotion, inflection and simple changes allowed for a smoother more enjoyable read and connection with the story.

Reed needed to once again embrace the heart of the one person in the world that loved him unconditionally. Grace was back home for a short time. She was not eager to get involved in her sisters antics, but low and behold. She too was up for the peek at all the man candy up and over the hill.

Reed Cross held the world for Grace at one time. Now they both were back in the same place at the same time. What was once done in secret becomes a focal point. More eyes. More noses. We find more characters to fall in love with and more characters to anticipate their HEA.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sweet yet sexy and I loved this couple and all the extended family. Truly a great small town romance.

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Embracing Her Heart is my new favorite Melissa Foster book! I listened to this one on audiobook and loved the wonderful narration.
Grace Montgomery is at the top of her NYC theater career. She has mostly avoided returning to her hometown of Oak Falls, but is visiting her family there and helping out teaching a class.
Grace tries to steer clear of Reed Cross. Although bad feelings and misunderstandings cloud the memories of their past together, Reed is determined to rekindle the sparks he still feels for Grace.
I loved Embracing Her Heart. It is everything I love in a sweet, small town, second chance romance.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this captivating story!

I loved the crazy but concerned people in the town, as well as Gracie's hilarious sisters. They were so supportive, rather than judgmental, toward Grace and her life choices. She is a reminder that difficult decisions require sacrifice.

Who wants to live with regret, for the rest of your life, because you weren't brave enough to take the chance to make your dreams come true?

I loved Grace and Reed's journey!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y'all, why did I wait so damn long to read a Melissa Foster book? I loved the characters and the setting, the romance and the family relationships. Reed and Grace's second chance romance gave me all the feels.

[Coco.V]

🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple Books today (11/27/2020)!🎁

[books are love · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I loved the story overall but it did take me awhile to warm up to Grace. I felt she had no right to be self righteous and angry at Reed for leaving the small town they grew up in after she broke his heart and broke up with him. She was being irrational and trying to justify it even though she was the one that left him. Once she begins to settle in to the small town life and let her guard down you do find yourself really enjoying her character especially with the class she was teaching.
Reed was the one you just love to love. He was sweet, hard working, kind and honest. He doesn’t hold back his emotions or feelings. I love how he gave Grace the space she needed but also didn’t give up. He listened to her as well and was a great sounding board for her. Reed had gone through a lot in their time apart but his heart still wanted her and he didn’t ignore it this time. He let her feel safe and that they could work out anything even distance as long as they were together. Seeing him war with his emotions at the end over the revelation of his mom and dad was heartbreaking but I love how Grace helped him through it and he let go of his anger and forgave. He let someone in his life and was better for it.

These two had insane chemistry and it was fun watching Reed drive Grace nuts and her try to fight it off and also be a little snarky in her own way to protect herself. Her family is a hoot and her brother at the end was awesome. I so want a story on him soon. Overall the story was fun and sweet with sexy in between. I loved the intimacy of the talking and supporting that Grace and Reed did with one another. They listened to each other and was there for each other to talk things out and bounce things off one another. When needed they were there for the other. Most romantic moment was that movie and even though it didn’t end up how Reed wanted it really showed Grace what her town and the people really were about and had her really start to think about her life. The story just draws you in from the beginning with Reed and Grace and doesn’t let you to to the end for they just entertain and Reed has your heart swoon.

[Stephanie (Between the Coverz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance romance with a first love!

Embracing Her Heart is the first book in the The Bradens and Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls) series. This book drew me in from the very beginning. It is a story full of romance, humor, and definitely some steamy heat. A well-written story with a plot that moves at a steady pace with a fresh, new story line that is easy to read. It is captivating and kept my attention to the very end. This is a story that will make you smile and laugh. Definitely a book that gives you all sorts of emotions.

The characters are well developed and easy to like. This author knows how to create a story with enough romance and action to keep the reader entertained and interested. The characters in this series have become like my own friends and family. I can’t wait to read more in this series to see what happens with the rest of the characters. Melissa does a great job of intertwining the characters from each book into the rest of them. You get a new story with a little more of the future of the characters you have read about previously. I have said this before but Melissa never fails to keep her books interesting, entertaining and captivating. They always make me want to go find another book of hers to read. The stories just get better and better.

Embracing Her Heart is another book from a very gifted author that I had the pleasure to read. Melissa Foster is a very talented author that tells remarkable stories that captivate you and will have you not wanting to put the book down. I have not been disappointed yet! Definitely, an author that you will want to keep on your go-to list. If you enjoy reading a romance that is entertaining and full of humor, then you will thoroughly enjoy this book and series. This series will leave you wanting to read more!

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing I love more than getting lost in a Melissa Foster book after a long day of work and lost I went.

I love, love, love Oak Falls. If this is a real place, someone needs to point me in the right direction because I’m gone and I am never coming back. That place is Heaven on Earth and the romance – oo whee!

I loved Oak Falls and the people of Oak Falls when I read about Brett and Sophie. Spending more time there just made me love everyone all over again. What I wouldn’t give for that small town atmosphere where everyone is family!

It was nice to see Grace outside of her element and to really get a hold on her background with Reed and to meet her family.

Reed is… wow. A shining knight on a white horse. (Although I am not recalling him on a horse at all… just saying.) The poor boy has more demons that one man should have in a closet, but that doesn’t stop him from being an incredible man. And not just in a sense of loving Grace. The love he has for Ray and Ella and those in the community – for his community.

The romance was intense – as always with Melissa – but the other emotions from the book. The love of all people in the book – even Grace’s parents made my heart swoon. The community all coming together to be there for one another. The sadness I felt for Reed when it came to his family. It was certainly more than just a romance.

I do this all the time, but I think Embrace her Heart has to be moved towards the top of my Melissa favorites. (Not sure my biker boys can beat out Oak Falls, but it’s pretty darned close!)

This is a read not to pass up. It is a wonderful story, chalk full of emotions – happy and sad, full of love, and just enough heat.

[Jordan Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

Embracing Her Heart by Melissa Foster was a lovely heartfelt read with just the right amount of heat! This was my first time reading any of Foster’s books, but I have to say so far I am totally into these cowboys! The first book in The Bradens and Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill-Oak Falls) series follows the story of Grace Montgomery and Reed Cross, which was an easy story to find myself fully invested in. I love a good second chance romance!

Grace left her small town home in Oak Falls, Virginia to pursue her dreams in New York City and she’s now a successful independent producer for off Broadway. When she returns to her hometown to teach a screenplay writing class at her sister’s bookstore she never imagined she would run into Reed, her first love. Due to a stupid high school rivalry they kept their relationship a secret from all their friends, but their not high schoolers anymore and all those old feelings are rushing back.

I loved that Grace’s character was such a strong independent woman and I was completely smitten with Reed! They had such amazing chemistry on the pages and I loved reading about how their characters have grown over the years. Plus, all of Grace’s siblings were such a riot and I can’t wait to see what mischief they’re up to in future books. All in all, it was a perfect choice for those of us who love a good contemporary romance and some southern charm! 5 STARS for Embracing Her Heart by Melissa Foster.

[IrishdaisylovesRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

EEEEK It's here!!! And Holy smokes what a read :-) I was so excited for this new series from Melissa Foster and she did not disappoint! I love 2nd chance romance books there's just something about them that tugs on those heartstrings, Add in it being a small town romance and you have one heck of a read. Reed and Grace were together in their teenage years and now 10yrs later things are hotting up!! Coming back home for a visit from New York Grace bumps into Reed who is also back home to take are of his Uncle's business, Grace thought for sure she was over him, but one look and all those feelings come flying back to her. Can she get over her anger to forgive and move on? That's the question!! The same goes for Reed when he accidentally comes across Grace, his old feelings came back like a tsunami slamming into him.
The chemistry between these two characters is awesome and definitely can't be ignored it has plenty of heat, heartbreaking-love, family values and traditions and everything else we have come to expect from a Melissa Foster romance!!
Snuggle up with this New Series from this amazing Author and get lost in the Braden Montgomery World set in Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls it will feel lie you have gone on this mazing journey with Grace and Reed!! What are you waiting for?? #OneClickNow #NotToBeMissedRead