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She longs for the man who’s been writing to her for fifteen years. He wishes he could tell her it’s him. Can they come to the truth before it’s too late?

Simon Ackerley arrives in Lisbon for his temporary job as a consultant, not expecting to find his secret penpal easily. After all, he doesn’t know what she looks like or what her real name is. But when a biking accident reveals that Simon’s prickly co-worker Isabel is the elusive Amélie, he has to win her trust before he can confess his true identity.

Isabel Antunes is content with her life as director of the English Academy in Lisbon, until the chairman hires a consultant without her knowledge. Despite Simon Ackerley’s repeated assurances to the contrary, Isabel believes he’s after her position, and she won’t hand it over without a fight. As if dealing with him at work isn’t enough, he shows up at her book club as well. Her only solace is writing to the penpal she knows simply as Elliot.

As they work together, Isabel realizes Simon is nothing like her first impression and a tentative friendship grows between them. But how can she explore the possibilities when her heart belongs to Elliot?

Always You is a sweet secret relationship romance and it can be read as a standalone.

*Part of this story was previously published as One Small Chance. It has been rewritten and expanded to include new content and a swoony epilogue.*


Falling For You Romance series:
Book 1— Always You
Book 2— Truly You (coming soon)
Book 3— Only You (coming soon)
A companion series to the Romano Family series.

Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2019

160 people are currently reading
243 people want to read

About the author

Lucinda Whitney

22 books1,298 followers
Lucinda Whitney was born and raised in Portugal, where she received a Master’s degree from the University of Minho in Braga, in Portuguese/English teaching.
She lives in northern Utah with her husband and four children. When she’s not reading and writing, she can be found with a pair of knitting needles, or tending her herb garden.

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5 stars
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59 (28%)
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33 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,679 reviews591 followers
April 20, 2019
I loved this sweet story with a "You've Got Mail" theme. The characters are well-fleshed out and the story and plot have a full arc. When I finished the last page I just had to sigh in satisfaction. The setting of Portugal played a huge part in making the story stand out. It was so fun to imagine the foreign location and accents and the vivid descriptions were subtle without taking over the narrative. I was able to connect with both Isabel and Simon and felt the emotions they were experiencing as they grew closer together in spite of the struggles they face.

I read and loved it when it was first published as One Small Chance, but now with the added scenes and interactions between Isabel and Simon I love it even more! A fun couple to watch fall in love as Simon charms his way past Isabel's walls of reservation. Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Mara.
1,507 reviews114 followers
April 12, 2019
This is a storyline I've never read about before--pen pals for 15 years finally meet. They've been using pseudonyms and one of them has figured out who the other really is, but the other person has no idea they're interacting with the individual they've written to half of their life.

When Simon (Elliot) meets Isabel (Amélie) at work for the first time he realizes it's the woman he ran over with his bike a few days earlier. It gets worse when Isabel finds out that Simon is her new assistant, that no one told her she was getting, and she thinks he's after her job. Then she runs into him at her weekly book club meeting. She can't seem to get away from him.

I thought this was a sweet story, and I really thought Isabel might figure out who Simon was as she and Elliot continued to email each other, since he started giving her clues about his new job and the people he worked with. Elliot was always nice to Isabel even when she was kind of rude to him, he understood the situation at work took her by surprise, and he really wanted to tell her what was going on, but couldn't.

I liked the descriptions of Elliot's clothes with his fun socks, and Isabel's cooking ability that she got from her grandmother. I was happy when Isabel decided to enter the cooking competition, and when Simon finally decided to tell her who he was. The ending was perfect--I was afraid Isabel might be upset that Elliot didn't spill the beans sooner. This story reminded me of when I was young and had pen pals from other countries--back when people used to write to each other.

When I originally read this story it was part of the LOVE STORY FROM PORTUGAL box set. The author has added scenes and a super sweet epilogue to the original story.

This is a sweet (completely clean) romance. (less)
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,958 reviews247 followers
September 24, 2022
I love this story so much! This was originally published under a different title(read my review here) which I had read a couple times and just adored it. Then when the author was rewriting to connect it in with some of her other characters, adding a little bit more to it and starting a new series, she asked if I'd like to read it. Um, yes! Definitely!

Even with the changes and added scenes, I adored it and savored every moment of rereading it. I included my previous review if you're interested in reading it. What I wrote in that previous review is still applicable except for the religious aspects that I mentioned in the content section. The author switched those aspects to Simon and Isabel going to a bookstore and book club. If you have read this book under its earlier title, the changes were very flawlessly done and I would recommend reading it again. If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, do yourself a favor and do it. Especially if you love the movie, "You've Got Mail."

I absolutely loved the letters and emails back and forth between these two. It's such a sweet friendship to love story that just pulls on the heartstrings. It's one of those stories that leaves me with such a big smile on my face while reading it and afterwards any time I think about it. I'm grinning now thinking about all the different scenes. *happy sigh*. I'm not really going to say much differently than I did in my previous review so if you want more of my thoughts then go read that review.

I can't help but think about the song "Ice Cream" from the musical, "She Loves Me." So cute. Go watch it if you're wondering what I'm talking about. And read the book! ;-)

The sweet romance was so well done and the epilogue was very swoony. It did such a great job portraying Simon and Isabel's love story.

Content: Clean. Sweet kisses and nothing further.

I received a review copy from the author but have also purchased my own personal copy.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,078 reviews302 followers
May 2, 2019
I read this story previously when it was titled One Small Chance and I loved it. It has now been expanded a bit with a bonus epilogue! These added scenes were fun and I loved reading this story all over again.

Simon and Isabel's first meeting was not a roaring success. He crashes into her while riding his bike. 😳 Things don't get much better from there- at least for a little while. Isabel is not impressed even though she is slightly attracted to Simon. Isabel has cold to start in book. As she begins to thaw I liked her more and more. Simon and Isabel learn how to work together and that leads to friendship. Simon is a champion in my eyes. He is so patient, gentle and kind to Isabel even when doesn't treat Simon the same way. That patience pays off in the end so yeah, champion.

I loved the setting which made me want to visit Portugal. It sounds just beautiful. The penpal aspect gave this story an established history between the characters even if Isabel didn't realize it until later in the story. The growing, expanding relationship between Simon and Isabel was satisfying and I really did love the ending. So sweet.

Lucinda Whitney's books are always a delight to read. Her firsthand knowledge of Portugal always shines though in her books, making me feel like I am there too. If you haven't had a chance to read any books by this author, you should! Start with this one. You won't be sorry.

Content: kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,501 reviews89 followers
April 23, 2019
Always You was like You've Got Mail set in Portugal. Isabel Antunnes and Simon Ackerly have been writing each other letters since they became pen pals through school in the 9th grade. They used pen names and don't share personal information, so the odds of finding each other should be pretty slim, right?

When Simon takes a new job in Lisbon, he hopes that somehow he'll find his "Amelie." What he doesn't expect is to crash his bike right into her, not know where to find her again, only to discover that they'll be working together at his new job.

Like in You've Got Mail, Simon knows exactly who he wants, but the relationship needs a little tweaking before he can tell Isabel who he truly is. She thinks that he is the enemy at work. That he is there being trained to be her replacement.

I loved the friends/enemies to lovers theme in this book. Isabel is a little prickly at first, but I love how Simon's kindness breaks down her barriers. I also loved their letters and emails back and forth. Sometimes we can share more of ourselves in our writing than we would dare to do outloud.

The romance was sweet, and believable, and once again Lucinda Whitney brought Portugal to life for me. I loved the gardens and the culture. I'm not sure I'm adventurous enough to love the food, but it was fun to immerse myself in a new culture for the day.

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

This is an overhaul of a previously published book by Lucinda Whitney called One Small Chance, there was new content and extended scenes, but if you have read all of her books previously, this will feel familiar to you!
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,570 reviews335 followers
May 10, 2019
Isabel is hardworking and doesn't want to give up her position without giving it her all, but Simon is new and seemingly out to take what's hers. Their first (and second, for that matter) encounters were hilarious and adorable, and a smile definitely came to my face.

I love the way Lucinda Whitney really takes a reader into the heart of Portugal. The setting and characters are what make this story complete, especially as a sweet romance buds.

I read this when it was previously published and absolutely adored it. How cute is it that these two are pen pals who haven't ever met and alter their names and information to keep themselves anonymous? I love how their friendship gradually morphs into more, as they get to know each other in a new and different way. Romance built on friendship is lasting and penetrates my heart. People can always portray themselves differently on paper (or through a computer), but their true inner selves always catch up to how they come across, merging the self on paper with the self in person. This one is darling, sweet, and swoony and the additions that were made are the icing on an already beautiful cake!

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews136 followers
Want to Read
June 25, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/25/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Shash.
473 reviews
April 15, 2019
I loved this book!! The storyline was unique and oh, so cute! Simon is a complete gentleman with all the traits a woman could want in a man. Isabel has her professional side and her personal side. I enjoyed seeing her relaxed and in her element at home and around Lisbon. I loved watching their relationship as Simon and Isabel develop, as their relationship as Elliot and Amélie continued. Just so fun! There were many sweet moments between them and the reveal scene was everything I could have hoped for. It's another great book by Lucinda Whitney!

I received a complimentary copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lucinda.
Author 22 books1,298 followers
April 1, 2019
I never expected to fall in love with Simon and Isabel again. But indeed I fell, and hard.

I've always loved this story and now it's more complete, with new content, extended scenes, and a swoony romantic epilogue that almost made me cry. I dare you to not love it every more than the first version, if you ever read that one. I know I do.

This is a trope that I love, a secret relationship where one of the characters knows the truth. but the other doesn't. Simon and Isabel have been writing to each other for years under their pen names. When circumstances put them in each other's paths, he needs to learn patience to wait for the right moment to tell her who he really is. Isabel learns to trust and slowly accepts his friendship.

I don't know what else to say without gushing, so I'll let them tell their own story.

description

Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
April 8, 2019
Always You - I knew I had read this book before and still I read it again. And again, I loved it! This is a rewritten and updated One Small Chance. Simon and Isabel are two wonderful characters. He finds her literally by accident and starts to woo her. They are pen pals still writing each other after fifteen years. A sweet romance full of patience and love and humor, with a touch of intrigue. Either version, this is an interesting, well written romantic story by a wonderful storyteller. There is a little bit of PC/Feminism that is out of character for this writer and that came across as silly. (UPDATE: the author's software actually replaced the wrong "girl" (a child) with "young woman" and not the intended "girl" (a grown woman), and the errors were not caught. There is no PC/Feminism, just find/replace mistakes.) I contacted the author to review her books. 5*

The original review: One Small Chance - I have loved every book that pertains to the group of characters from the Portugal Series and this novella isn't any different. A heartwarming, well written romance with a twist in the history and the present of the two main characters. The intriguing storyline keeps the reader immersed in the pages. The interesting characters are realistic and have mature thoughts, actions and dialog; no stupid formula here. A Small Chance is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours relaxing. Has an overview, which I appreciate knowing the storyline before hand. There's a two chapter preview included of The Secret Life of Daydreams, a couple of delicious looking recipes, as well as the usual stuff books contain. 5*
Profile Image for Sheila Lee.
1,026 reviews14 followers
April 23, 2019
Lucinda Whitney captures the readers in this book set in Lisbon. It is obvious that she is intimately acquainted with Portugal and shares her knowledge and love for this country in Always You.
Isabel is the director in a private school in Lisbon. Headed home one afternoon she steps in front of a bicyclist and is injured. Simon, the concerned cyclist, is shocked to find that Isabel has his most recent postcard and has been his penpal for the last 15 years. From the early days in their written exchanges, they agreed that no personal information is to be exchanges, including their real names. So while Simon knows Isabel is his penal, she is left in the dark. To further complicate things, Simon learns that he has been hired by the academy as Isabel's assistant.
This author weaves a wonderfully human tale of secrets, misunderstandings and a relationship based on friendship. Her fabulous characters and her knowledge of Lisbon take the readers on a sweet romantic journey with a satisfying HEA ending.
802 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2019
This was a beautiful story about a couple that have been penpals for 15 years; one from England, the other from Portugal. However, he decides to make the move to Portugal and meet his elusive penpal, Isabel. The story weaves through their first contact in a bicycle accident in which he realizes who she is! But she has absolutely no clue for reasons explained in this touching story of two people. A very clean, sweet story that pulls you into this wonderful narrative taking place in Portugal. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
Profile Image for Lcr.
914 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2019
Always You is a delightful, sweet, stand-alone book with a HEA. Being pen-pals is rather old fashioned these days but Elliot and Amelie have been writing to each other for fifteen years ... what happens next can only be Kismet. This is a lovely story with engaging characters set in a beautiful location. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Jill.
838 reviews43 followers
April 20, 2019
Talk about a serendipitous story! After 15 years as pen pals the decision to go to Lisbon to find her was a true leap of faith for Simon. Imagine his surprise when he finds so many little things connecting them together and making the way clear. This was just a fun and interesting book. Great read!
Profile Image for Natalya.
537 reviews19 followers
April 5, 2019
A wonderful story with great characters who are genuine and believable! My favorite quote:
“I can only change my thoughts and my actions, and the way I react to those. Whether I like the way other people act and respond or not, it’s not up to me to change them.”

There is so much to say about this beautiful story, but I want you to experience the joy of reading it yourself, and don’t want to spoil it for you!
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Teresa Bertolio.
638 reviews9 followers
April 5, 2019
I totally loved this book! I love the idea of pen pals. I remember having some when I was going to school. What a beautiful love story interspersed with suspense and intrigue. I highly recommend this book and author! Happy reading!

I was given a free copy if this book in exchange for an honest review.
3,758 reviews20 followers
April 29, 2019
I thought it was great that Isabel “Amalie” and Simon “Elliot” became pen pals through a school program and continued to write to each other fifteen years later. I enjoyed reading about all the recipes Isabel was making and wished I could try them and about Lisbon and all the wonderful places to visit. It made me want to plan a trip there. Simon only wanted a chance to be in the same city as his pen pal. He never thought that the job he accepted would involve investigating her. Isabel thought Simon was after her job, but his real reason for being there was so much worse and he couldn’t even tell her about it. I liked that they became friends as themselves before it was revealed that they had been pen pal friends. Isabel wasn’t happy with her job and she needed the push to go after what she really wanted in life. There was plenty of humor, romance, suspense, and food in this sweet secret pen pals best friends story.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
May 14, 2019
15 years was all it took. Too long yet not long enough. They had been pen pals promising no personal details in their correspondence just pen names. Simon is through waiting for them to agree to meet he is on a mission to find her. He had no idea how but he was determined even without knowing her real name. Little did he know that fate would step in and help. This author is new to me and has great style. Love her characters and the edge of mystery that clung to the story. This is a clean read which adds so much more to the story along with the recipes at the end of the story. The author did a great job keeping the element of surprise incorporated into the story and added some surprises as well. It's a beautiful story well written with emotions felt to the core. Loved it
4,671 reviews
April 15, 2019
Secret penpals for fifteen years and by kismet they meet without realizing who they are for each other well at least Isabel doesn't. Now Simon must find a way for her to trust him besides his penpal alter-ego.
It's a sweet clean romance with lots of patience, humor and love.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
24 reviews
July 22, 2019
A tantalising story. When teachers in two different countries assigned children to be pen pals nobody would have believed that two of them would continue to correspond for 15 years and never broke the rules. The rules were that no names or addresses would be exchanged, so they only knew each other by their pen names, even after all these years.
What comes next is anybody's guess. I loved this book.
2,413 reviews17 followers
April 11, 2019
This was such a sweet story! I loved the communications between these two and how their relationship grew. The story is romantic and heartwarming. This is a sweet, clean romance.
Profile Image for Huanne Woodward.
341 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2019
I loved this story. I can see it as a Hallmark movie! Makes me want to visit Lisbon to see all the wonderful areas that Isabel showed Simon.
4,672 reviews38 followers
April 27, 2019
I loved Always You, a clean romance where two people who have been pen pals for 15 years finally meet. Isabel and Simon were very well developed and believable. Lucinda Whitney makes Portugal come alive as a character in her stories. I could not put it down.
Profile Image for Julie.
273 reviews
July 17, 2019
Cuuuuuuuute ❤️ and a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Beth.
920 reviews17 followers
July 17, 2019
Light romance about penpals who finally meet and traverse bumps in the road before becoming a couple. It took place in Lisbon, Portugal, which I found interesting.
810 reviews5 followers
April 20, 2019
I like very much this book!
Good plot, witty conversations, and fun moments.
Wonderful characters that will kept reading until the end!
I highly recommend it to all that love sweet romance.
4,672 reviews38 followers
April 8, 2019
I loved Always You, a clean romance where two people who have been pen pals for 15 years finally meet. Isabel and Simon were very well developed and believable. Lucinda Whitney makes Portugal come alive as a character in her stories. I could not put it down.
314 reviews
April 15, 2019
Isabel and Simon meet in a biking accident and then find out they are coworkers. She is not happy about any of this.
Oh but this story takes delightful twists, throws lots of surprises and has an amazing ending.
1,633 reviews18 followers
April 22, 2019
"Always You" by Lucinda Whitney
A Sweet Clean Contemporary Romance that will have you turning the pages. Will Isabel open her heart and allow Simon the opportunity to show his love for her ?
Profile Image for Shauna.
1,455 reviews13 followers
April 24, 2019
This is a "You've Got Mail" kind of story and if you like that premise then you will love this story. However, the special angle is that they've been pen pals for 15 years. I think that is so sweet and I really wanted them to get a happily ever after. Simon is patient and kind with so much hope. Portugal plays a big part of the story and this author is known for describing it so that you want to visit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews