Let's Begin Again

Pine Valley #7

by Heather B. Moore

Maurie's dreams are finally coming true, but when Grant Shelton shows up at her doorstep, she discovers that she's left love out of the equation.

USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore welcomes you to Pine Valley!

When Maurie Ledbetter moves back to her hometown to open her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant Shelton shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job. Seeing Grant again brings back Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood, and she doesn’t know if spending time around Grant is the best way to move on. But when she discovers Grant has gone through difficulties of his own, Maurie realizes that he might be the key to her own healing.

PINE VALLEY SERIES:
Worth the Risk
Where I Belong
Say You Love Me
Waiting for You
Finding Us
Until We Kissed
Let's Begin Again

ALISO CREEK SERIES:
Picture Perfect
Third Time’s the Charm
The Daisy Chain
Lost then Found
One Chance

FALLING SERIES:
Falling for Sydney
Falling for Maria
Falling for June
Falling for Lucy

TANGERINE STREET ROMANCE SERIES:
The Fortune Café
The Boardwalk Antiques Shop
The Mariposa Hotel
Delilah's Desserts

THE NEWPORT LADIES BOOK CLUB SERIES:
Athena
Ruby’s Secret
Tying the Knot

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:
Tide Pools
A Taste of Sun

HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
Love is Come
An Ocean Away
A Fortunate Exile
A Season in London
Mail Order Bride
Heart of the Ocean
Power of the Matchmaker
Twelve Months
The Duke's Brother

TIMELESS ROMANCE ANTHOLOGIES:
Winter Collection
Spring Vacation Collection
Summer Wedding Collection
California Dreamin’ Collection
Valentine’s Day Collection
And more…!

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Clean Romance, Family, Contemporary Romance, Book Club, Love Story

230 pages, ebook

Published January 29, 2019

About the author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.

Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.

Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com

Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.

Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Heather Moore has taken the novella "Every Occasion" from A Timeless Romance Anthology: Valentine's Day Collection and expanded it into a full novel. I think it's a great addition to the Pine Valley series, which I thought (like a few others) was set in Utah or upper New York, not in California. I guess it's because I don't associate snow skiing with California. But I digress ... on to my review.

Maurie Ledbetter is back in Pine Valley after 10 years. She's taking her online business--Every Occasion--from strictly online to a physical store, and she's moved back into the house she lived in before and has hired a construction company to fix it up. Mauri's completely surprised to find Grant Shelton is the contractor who's going to be working on her house. And so it begins.

This is a second-chance-at-love story although the two main characters never dated before. Mauri's mom "homeschooled" her and Grant was a kind young man who'd come over and cut the grass when he thought no one was home. They didn't know until now that they each had a crush on the other when they were teenagers.

Mauri had a really rough childhood, but rose above it to go to college and start her own business. Grant had a short marriage, and a bad divorce but is doing his best to help raise his son, Trent. Both characters have gone through things that could've made them hard and bitter but they each chose a different way to handle what life has thrown at them.

Their friendship turned to dating to something more felt completely believable as they kind of knew each other before. Grant's son, Trent, sounds adorable, and his ex-wife Joy sounds like a real witch who would do anything to make Grant's life miserable. I love Mauri's friend and employee, Taffy. She sounds fun and needs her own story. (hint, hint) I'm jealous of Mauri's baking skills and her creativity.

I remember reading this as part of the Valentine's Day collection but the author really expanded the story and added depth to the characters. I only wish we'd have a conclusion to the problem with Grant's ex-wife. One of the other reviews said this book felt like a Hallmark movie, and I'll go one step further and say I think it would make a great Hallmark movie.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book felt just like a Hallmark movie. It was sweet, gentle and endearing. The characters were both so likable. I loved that Maurie and Grant had a history- even if it was when they were both so much younger. Grant is the constant in this whole book- especially for Maurie. He was around, helping and being kind when she really needed that in her youth and he hasn't varied from those personality traits as an adult. I loved the feel of reuniting and the rekindling of old crushes and how those flames of attraction and friendship were gently fanned throughout the book. It was ever so sweet.

This book is part of the Pine Valley series but can stand alone. :)

Content: talk of abuse, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's such a pleasure to return to Pine Valley again to revisit old friends who feel like family and make new friends. Maurie returns to her hometown after leaving in shame years ago. Her mother did things to shame herself and Maurice left in embarrassment. She's now back and meets up with old friend Grant, there was never a romance when they were teens but with all the time they spend together now with him doing construction work on her house is there a possibility of it now?
When Maurie is able to let go of mental baggage that is weighing her down it is freeing to her.
I look forward to another visit to Pine Valley soon.
Published January 29th 2019 by Mirror Press
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 Stars) Thank you for welcoming me to Pine Valley with open arms, Ms. Moore! I love every minute I spend in this quaint, sweet town. I'm sure it's been mentioned before, but I always pictured this picturesque place to be found in the mountains of Idaho or Montana, but it's in California. Huh--who knew?! That changed things in my mind a little bit, but I still adored this sweet story of second chances.

Maurie and Grant knew each other when they were younger and Maurie had a very hard home life. Grant has been through a messy divorce and although they each have had trials in their lives, I loved seeing how they rose above them in good ways. Overcoming hardships isn't easy to do, especially in a classy and positive way. Taffy, Maurie's employee and friend, is a breath of fresh air and I'm hoping she gets her own story. Speaking of which, I love their jobs!

I adored how they each build upon what they had in the past. It's not awkward at all and the magnetic connection is almost immediate and real. Maurie and Grant have a true relationship and the way they embrace each other's difficulties, helping each other through them, is heartening, especially with Trent (Grant's young son) involved.

My only complaint is that I wanted some resolution with the ex-wife and wanted to know she was accepting of Grant's situation. Otherwise, this one is another winner in this set and I'm always hoping for more!

Content: very mild language; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner of a story from the Pine Valley series I so quickly fell in love with! The beginning of this story was familiar to me since the author had published it in a novella collection, but added so much more content to this book and really made the characters that I enjoyed in the short story come to life. It was gratifying to see where their story led and how they dealt with the challenges in their lives and relationship. I admired Maurie's resilience after a dysfunctional childhood and time in foster care, the way she stayed strong and learned from those who showed genuine love for her. Grant struggled more as an adult with his failed marriage and desire to keep his son in his life, and Maurie supports and encourages him as he puts his life back together. Their curiosity about each other as youth picks right back up as adults, and they had *fantastic* chemistry! I also loved Maurie's best friend/business partner with her quirky personality, and I have my fingers crossed that she gets a Pine Valley story of her own!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always nice when a cute novella gets an upgrade to full novel. "Let's Begin Again" took a short story from the timeless collection series and gave the characters more depth and more romance. While the story remained a light clean romance, and the conflict was rather minor, this book ended up being a nice easy book to enjoy when you feel down. It's not necessarily a NYT Bestselling hit, but it has all the key things needed for romance book in my mind, cute characters + clean believable romance + straight foward plot = nice afternoon read while the kids are sleeping.

*received the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

Any of you readers out there looking for a sweet Valentine's Day read, or just a sweet anytime read? Well, this would be a great one to start with. A sweet second chance story of the boy and girl next door. Maurie and Grant have known of each other their whole lives, living only a couple houses away from each other, and yet not really ever interacting.

Life circumstances for Maurie kept her withdrawn from most anyone whom she could befriend. But she's never forgotten Grant. He was always there, quietly and without looking for praise, helping in the shadows.

Maurie was placed into foster care and hasn't been back to Pine Valley since she was a teenager. When she returns and plans to open her own business and renovate the house she's inherited, never did she imagine that Grant would be the one to show up on her doorstep ready to work and help. *sigh*

Seriously loved these two! Life has happened and has taught them many lessons through their experiences. They have to decide how to take what they've learned and continue to move forward. Many sweet moments and moments of remembering the past, and letting go of the past.

If you've been following the Pine Valley series, you're gonna love this one. If you haven't, no worries, you can join right in and feel at home. If you've read the Timeless Romance Anthology: Valentine's Day Collection, then you have read this one. It was titled, "Every Occasion," Except the author took that story and expanded it. I read it as a part of that collection but have to say that I loved reading it again and having so much more to it. It was great!

Content: Clean. The characters kiss but nothing more.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of second chances, which are my favorite.

Maurie and Grant used to be neighbors when they were young, and now she's moved back into town to open a story for her gift business.
Maurie didn't have a good childhood and, at one point, Grant was instrumental in changing her life, unbeknownst to her. He hesitates telling her what he did and fears her reaction.
Grant is divorced and his ex-wife fights him on custody issues, making it hard for his relationship with his son.

I liked how Maurie and Grant progressed from friends to something more. As people who have suffered, they're both hesitant to commit, but they soon discover they're better together.

It's part of the Pine Valley series and can be read as a standalone.

I received a free copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

-‘Her childhood had been rough, and he probably didn’t even know the whole of it. Yet she was resilient.’-

This is an easy, laid-back, feel-good kind of story. The perfect read on a cold night next to a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. I liked it. It reads a bit like a Hallmark Channel movie. Very sweet. A clean, sweet romance.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maurie Ledbetter returns to her hometown to open a store. Although her memories from her home aren't the best, Maurie, who learned a lot in foster care and in subsequent years, is determined to make the best of everything. The house she inherited from her mother needs some remodeling, so she hires a construction company, only to find that the handyman they send is Grant Shelton, her adolescent crush. Grant, having gone through a messy marriage and divorce, hasn't been interested in dating, but when Maurie comes back to town, he's immediately interested in her...but he doesn't know how she'll react if he tells her that it's his fault she wound up in foster care.

This was originally in a novella collection and I enjoyed it then, but I liked it even better when there was more to the story in this expanded book. I love that it's a clean read and that it's really well-written. I think what enjoyed most about Maurie and Grant is that they had problems and baggage--and that was okay; they can still work together to have a good relationship and have good things in their lives. They just seem like real people with real struggles, and I love how relatable they are.

Although this is part of a series, all of the books are standalones and can be read in any order.

I read an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these Pine Valley Novels! Each and every one of them is full of romance and I love the little town of Pine Valley as well.

This one features Maurie. She has come back to Pine Valley to open her little shop. Something interesting about her was that she grew up in Pine Valley until she was removed from her mother’s care after a wild party. She’s come home to her mom’s old house and it needs some fixing up. I loved Maurie. She’s turned into a fabulous woman. And I would love to get together with her and swap some recipes. I love that she’s constantly baking something yummy to feed to Grant.

Then there’s Grant. I loved the way Grant was. He knew Maurie from before and remembered her very well. In fact, he has a secret about her that he hopes won’t mess up their new relationship. Grant is a gentleman and an excellent father. I did hate Gran’t ex, so much! How he ended up with her in the first place is a mystery to me!

I love that this series can be read in any order. But if you read one, you’ll want to read them all!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific story about rising above tough circumstances and building a strong foundation for a relationship. I like that Grant faces life's challenges head-on. He is compassionate, caring, and strong. Maurie has risen above a seemingly impossible childhood to become a strong, independent woman. Yet, she doesn't fear relationships. Together they tackle the demons from their past and learn to trust and strengthen one another. Some reviewers have looked for more closure on the subject of Grant's ex-wife. I was fine with the ending. I think the characters knew that life wouldn't be easy, but they are dedicated to making things work anyway. That is what life is about. This series is very down to earth and realistic. I like that about it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series from Heather B. Moore. This is Maurie and Grant's story. Maurie had a very rough childhood but has overcome it to become an independent, successful woman. Grant was part of Maurie's past in Pine Valley, the only good part of her past. When Maurie moves back to Pine Valley and needs a carpenter, the carpenter that shows up is Grant. Grant has issues of his own that he is trying to overcome. His ex-wife, Joy, does not live up to her name. The only good thing about his former marriage was Trent, his son. This is a heart warming story of overcoming obstacles and new beginnings. Grant and Maurie have great chemistry. This is a fun story to read.

[Lorieah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty much obsessed with this series. Where do these guys come from?! But unlike most books, where either the H or h has issues that causes them to act in a way that drives me crazy, I liked both Grant and Maurie from the start. Both dealt with their past in an honest way without using it as a crutch/excuse to be awful to others — and definitely came out stronger for it. As you can always expect with Heather's books, this is a clean, well-written romance. My only complaint is that I always wish these stories were longer!
I received a free copy, and this is my honest opinion.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a fan of this series and this story is such a good one. The chemistry and tension between the characters is amazing and I loved the storyline!

[Shash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Maurie is absolutely amazing! Her life growing up was beyond difficult, but she worked hard and became a strong, successful woman. She is so inspirational! Grant is dealing with difficulties in his own life. He is an incredible, loving dad. They are both kind, caring people that deserved to find happiness. I fell in love with both of them! Their connection from the past added so much to the story. And their present day chemistry was off the charts! I also loved Trent! He is adorable!!

I received a complimentary copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Loved all the many characters and that this couple was given a second chance. This is a really sweet, clean romance.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maurie didn't really see herself returning to Pine Valley, but she's inherited her mother's home, and found the perfect shop to set-up her store, Every Occasion. When Grant Shelton shows up as the contractor to help her with some remodeling projects, she feels her teenage crush roar back to life. Life in Pine Valley may be even better than she expected.

I read this book originally as a short story in the Timeless Romance Anthology: Valentine's Day Collection. I loved the story then, and loved it even more in its full length incarnation. Maurie and Grant have great chemistry, and it is always fun to see old crushes come together as adults. Maurie's friend Taffy kept me laughing with her matchmaking and her outspoken ways. This was a story that made me laugh and smile. I will happily make more trips into the charming town of Pine Valley.

Content: clean (some kissing, no language, no violence)

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Yana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ebook review copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a positive review

Book 7 in the Pine Valley series, Let’s Begin Again follows Pine Valley’s resident handyman Grant Shelton and the returning to town Maurie Ledbetter.

When Maurie and Grant were teenagers, they both held secret crushes towards each other, but unfortunately Maurie was taken away by child protective services before either of them had a chance to do something about it.
Now, after years away Maurie decided it was time to return to Pine Valley to try to build herself a new start at what was her hometown.
What she didn’t expect was to find the handyman she hired to be Grant.

I love reading about Pine Valley so much. Each story never fails to give me a warm and fuzzy feeling of returning to a beloved little town, filled with great people who deserve beautiful love stories.
Maurie and Grant’s story was very sweet and compelling. I am so glad they both got their second chance at love and happiness.

I wonder about whom the next one in the series is going to be about? :)
Definitely can’t wait to read it ^^

Lastly, I would like to thank Kathy from “Clean Wholesome Romance” for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maurie had a difficult childhood in Pine Valley, but there was a boy her age - Grant - who helped when he thought no one was watching (but unknown to him, she was watching). Being put in foster care in her youth ended up being the greatest blessing of her life. She was blessed with a foster mother who loved her and helped her succeed. Now she's back in Pine Valley renovating her childhood home and opening her new business.

When Grant shows up at her door to do the renovations, they are both surprised. Grant's life hasn't been as perfect as Maurie always pictured it being, and they realize they have a lot in common. But Grant is keeping a secret from Maurie that he's afraid could destroy their friendship and ruin their chances of ever being together.

Maurie and Grant were a likable couple, who definitely needed a nudge from Cupid (aka Taffy, Maurie's fun roommate). Grant's story with his ex-wife wasn't as developed as I would have liked, but overall this was a great feel-good story.

Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pine Valley is a place I wish I could live! Everyone that I've "met" during the Pine Valley series has been wonderful! In Let's Begin Again we meet Grant, and the whole Shelton family, and Maurie Ledbetter, a girl who left Pine Valley under heartbreaking circumstances, and is back years later, starting her own business, and trying her hardest to get over the past, and begin anew.

Moving into the house she grew up in brings back a lot of memories for Maurie, and when she decides to do a complete renovation she is shocked to find out that Grant Shelton, her high school crush, is the man who is doing the renovation. What happens next brings on a lot more change that Maurie could've ever imagined.

In many romances, there are storylines that are unrealistic, but you don't find that in Let's Begin Again. Every character feels like they're a real person, and you can see everything in their world. I love Heather's writing style, and I love how everything flows so flawlessly. The story itself is a wonderful premise and I especially fell in love with Trent, Grant's four-year-old son. Adorable!!

This was undeniably one of my favorite books in the Pine Valley series and I can't wait to see who will meet in Pine Valley next!

[Jade Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it might be helpful to share the definitions I use for my ratings. To start with, a 3 is a really good rating. It means the story fully met my expectations for an enjoyable romance read and that I’ll happily read it again. A rating above a 3 is beyond my expectations, and a 5 means it affected me on a deeper level. I rarely give anthologies a rating of 5 because they’re usually too short to get that reaction from me. A rating below a 3 means I will avoid reading it again. If it’s a 1, I will absolutely never read it again.

Originally published as a short story called “Every Occasion,” this longer version improves on what was a good start. Maurie Ledbetter was pleased that she achieved her goal of returning to her hometown which she had left years ago, when the state declared her mother unfit as a parent, and she had been sent to a foster home. Now she was going to be a shop owner and extend her successful on-line business. The handyman she calls to help with the work involved turns out to be Grant Shelton, the guy she crushed on way back then. When Grant sees Maurie, all the guilt he’s carried over the years about being the one who caused Maurie to lose her home and family is brought to the fore. After all, he made the call to the cops that started the changes. Can they look past their joint history to try and have a future together?

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all the books in the Pine Valley Series. Each book can stand alone but I love the slight overlap in characters from one book to another. I love the feel of the small town and their home town values. This book is well written and the characters are well developed. I love Maurie's determination and Grant's kindness and thoughtfulness.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading all the other Pine Valley books in this series. I liked Grant and Maurie. Joy ruined the book for me.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Begin Again is the seventh installment from Heather B Moore’s Pine Valley series. I have enjoyed this series and this one does not disappoint. I instantly felt a connection to Maurie. I could understand and relate with her. I loved her and Grant. They had great chemistry and so fun together.
I am giving Let’s Begin Again five plus stars and highly recommend it for readers who enjoy well written, clean and quick stories.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've enjoyed this series (which I have... a lot!), then you will enjoy this latest installment of adventures in Pine Valley. I really liked that Maurie and Grant helped each other find courage to overcome some pretty steep obstacles and that they were grounded enough to do so. It's a quick, fun read that I recommend for any day of the week.

I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming! Maurie has overcome an awful childhood to make something of herself. She has returned to her childhood home and her old friend. It just makes my heart feel good to see her succeed and rekindle old feelings. I thought the book was wonderful!

[Alisa Bagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Pine Valley book that I have read. I really enjoyed it. It was sweet romance who work through their past to get together. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting! I loved the main characters and enjoyed seeing their relationship progress. This is such a great series and I hope there are more! Highly recommend!