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The Women of Merryton #2
Taylor Lynne
Determined not to repeat the same mistakes as her mother, Taylor Cole left her husband with their toddler in tow fourteen years ago and vowed never to return to Merryton. Now she is finally ready to face her demons and put the past and her ex-husband behind her, but to do that she and her daughter must return to the place that haunts her memories. A place where she lost not only the love of her life, but her childhood hopes and dreams.
When they move back, Taylor can’t seem to remain apathetic toward her ex-husband or his nine-year-old daughter. She discovers that maybe all wasn’t as it seemed so many years ago. And maybe—just maybe—she and her ex-husband need each other more now than they ever have before. But can the exes put the past behind them and find a way to forgive each other? Or will they let past mistakes and misunderstandings keep them from future happiness?
Return to Merryton and join Taylor and Easton on their journey, and catch up with old friends you grew to love in Jessie Belle.
When they move back, Taylor can’t seem to remain apathetic toward her ex-husband or his nine-year-old daughter. She discovers that maybe all wasn’t as it seemed so many years ago. And maybe—just maybe—she and her ex-husband need each other more now than they ever have before. But can the exes put the past behind them and find a way to forgive each other? Or will they let past mistakes and misunderstandings keep them from future happiness?
Return to Merryton and join Taylor and Easton on their journey, and catch up with old friends you grew to love in Jessie Belle.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2016
194 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
64 books1,395 followersJennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 16, 2016
I didn't finish this one, stopped at 34%, as I'm not a fan of doormat heroines, especially when they extend their doormattedness to include their children, but assuming it's an UEA (unhappily ever after). Reasons why this insult to womanhood masquerading as a book didn't appeal to me:
1. Imagine this: You work 2 jobs putting your husband through med school, you set your dreams aside so his may come alive, plus you now have a baby, and take care of baby and home with absolutely no support of any kind from your husband, husband ignores you totally and comes home late almost daily and is cheating on you, you leave with your baby when you find out, he makes absolutely no effort to see you or his child for 14 years, yes 14 years, (apart from one weekend when daughter visits the father's family and is so abused by the new wife that she calls her Mom to pick her up and no apologies from the "father" so he is apparently ok with it). Wait, it gets worse.
2.The man has now married the ow and has a child with her. When his wife leaves him, he asks first wife to come back so he can have a relationship with his first child (whose existence he forgot about for years), and SHE AGREES! And impossible as it may seem, things actually get even worse! This excuse for a man asks the heroine to take care of his child (the one he had with the ow) and she is ok with it! During one conversation, she asks him why he never came to see his daughter and he says that his ex-wife wouldn't allow it. She swallows this without a word. Not one single remark about how it would have hurt their daughter, how can you call yourself a father when you put her last always? I defy any woman on this planet to stay quiet during this conversation.
I do not believe there is a mother in this world who would be ok with her child being relegated to last place (way behind his wife and new child).
This author and her publisher need to be on a banned list, they are an insult to womanhood and motherhood. Women who belittle themselves and allow their daughters to be treated like shit, ought to be locked up for good. With women like these inhabiting our planet, who needs Donald Trump? Heaven help America.
1. Imagine this: You work 2 jobs putting your husband through med school, you set your dreams aside so his may come alive, plus you now have a baby, and take care of baby and home with absolutely no support of any kind from your husband, husband ignores you totally and comes home late almost daily and is cheating on you, you leave with your baby when you find out, he makes absolutely no effort to see you or his child for 14 years, yes 14 years, (apart from one weekend when daughter visits the father's family and is so abused by the new wife that she calls her Mom to pick her up and no apologies from the "father" so he is apparently ok with it). Wait, it gets worse.
2.The man has now married the ow and has a child with her. When his wife leaves him, he asks first wife to come back so he can have a relationship with his first child (whose existence he forgot about for years), and SHE AGREES! And impossible as it may seem, things actually get even worse! This excuse for a man asks the heroine to take care of his child (the one he had with the ow) and she is ok with it! During one conversation, she asks him why he never came to see his daughter and he says that his ex-wife wouldn't allow it. She swallows this without a word. Not one single remark about how it would have hurt their daughter, how can you call yourself a father when you put her last always? I defy any woman on this planet to stay quiet during this conversation.
I do not believe there is a mother in this world who would be ok with her child being relegated to last place (way behind his wife and new child).
This author and her publisher need to be on a banned list, they are an insult to womanhood and motherhood. Women who belittle themselves and allow their daughters to be treated like shit, ought to be locked up for good. With women like these inhabiting our planet, who needs Donald Trump? Heaven help America.
August 12, 2016
I love second-chance stories. And yeah, divorce is painful, particularly when a child is involved. So I was interested to see what these two would do to overcome the hurt. Only then you find out what happened in the past and I lost all sympathy with everybody in the story (except the daughter, Ashley). Taylor divorced on assumptions and circumstances. Yeah, it looked bad, but not bad enough to tear your family to pieces without even talking about it! I don't care how incriminating it looks, you have the discussion! And that's on both of them because Easton then let the divorce happen without talking it out, either. So very much stupid broke my ability to stay with the story. I couldn't hear either of them talk about how hurt they are/were without shouting at them in my head. And not because they hurt each other. That happens. But Taylor tore her child from a man who was obviously a good father and denied her years and years of that relationship because she's a pro-class idiot. And he let that happen because he's competing in that league, himself.
April 24, 2016
I shouldn't have done it. I saw the 4 and 5 star reviews and it seemed like JP redeemed the hero.
Unfortunately in this one, I couldn't get past the heroine.
Not only was she weak, she allowed herself to be manipulated by EVERYONE, especially her daughter, Ashley. I felt like slapping her and demand to know who the parent was!
I also didn't understand Ashley's easy acceptance of her father back into her life. In the beginning of the book, the author makes out like Easton has pretty much cut off all ties with his daughter except for a few calls here and there. Then later in the story, Easton and Ashley apparently talked on the phone often. Confusing.
As for cheating...I guess it depends on your stance. For me, cheating isn't just a physical thing. If you are encouraging and maintaining an emotional connection with someone other than your partner, to me that's cheating. So yes, during the last year of their marriage, Easton cut himself off emotionally from Taylor and formed a bond with Kathryn. When a misunderstanding happens and Taylor takes off, she convinced herself she did the right thing because Easton didn't come after her and pretty much married Kathryn (and gave her everything he never gave Taylor i.e. Big lavish wedding, beautiful wedding rings, etc) as soon as his divorce came through. To be fair, she never communicated to him how she was feeling (like she had to do EVERYTHING as well as working two jobs to out him through Med school without any support or thanks from him). But he took for her granted and allowed Kathryn into his life. I think if Taylor had been a strong woman and had some decent sort of relationship during their 14 year separation, I could have gotten on board with their reconciliation. But she wasn't. So I can't.
I will say the ONLY thing I liked about Taylor was how she was with Emmy, Easton's daughter (with Kathryn). I really liked how although she was reluctant, she never took out any of her hurt and confusion out on an innocent child. That was really sweet of her to do that.
On a side note, I guess the author decided maybe she should try to make up for Blake's behaviour in the first book and have Maddie call Jessie 'Mom'. Oh and then adopt as well. I guess that's supposed to make up for his behaviour previously. Still don't like him though.
Overall, I don't think I will continue with this series. I have enjoyed other books of hers but this series is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. The heroines are spineless doormats and not people I could ever find myself liking. The heroes aren't that much better.
The end.
Unfortunately in this one, I couldn't get past the heroine.
Not only was she weak, she allowed herself to be manipulated by EVERYONE, especially her daughter, Ashley. I felt like slapping her and demand to know who the parent was!
I also didn't understand Ashley's easy acceptance of her father back into her life. In the beginning of the book, the author makes out like Easton has pretty much cut off all ties with his daughter except for a few calls here and there. Then later in the story, Easton and Ashley apparently talked on the phone often. Confusing.
As for cheating...I guess it depends on your stance. For me, cheating isn't just a physical thing. If you are encouraging and maintaining an emotional connection with someone other than your partner, to me that's cheating. So yes, during the last year of their marriage, Easton cut himself off emotionally from Taylor and formed a bond with Kathryn. When a misunderstanding happens and Taylor takes off, she convinced herself she did the right thing because Easton didn't come after her and pretty much married Kathryn (and gave her everything he never gave Taylor i.e. Big lavish wedding, beautiful wedding rings, etc) as soon as his divorce came through. To be fair, she never communicated to him how she was feeling (like she had to do EVERYTHING as well as working two jobs to out him through Med school without any support or thanks from him). But he took for her granted and allowed Kathryn into his life. I think if Taylor had been a strong woman and had some decent sort of relationship during their 14 year separation, I could have gotten on board with their reconciliation. But she wasn't. So I can't.
I will say the ONLY thing I liked about Taylor was how she was with Emmy, Easton's daughter (with Kathryn). I really liked how although she was reluctant, she never took out any of her hurt and confusion out on an innocent child. That was really sweet of her to do that.
On a side note, I guess the author decided maybe she should try to make up for Blake's behaviour in the first book and have Maddie call Jessie 'Mom'. Oh and then adopt as well. I guess that's supposed to make up for his behaviour previously. Still don't like him though.
Overall, I don't think I will continue with this series. I have enjoyed other books of hers but this series is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. The heroines are spineless doormats and not people I could ever find myself liking. The heroes aren't that much better.
The end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
avoid
August 22, 2022Self note avoid
Rachel K has spoilers.
Cheater gets a 2nd chance with his doormat.
- the h works 2 jobs to put the H through med school. Then the H emotionally cheats on the h for a year. Coming home late every night, ignoring her and his daughter, not helping the h at all! The wife/h leaves him with his daughter when she finds out about the cheating.
- the H promptly marries the ow (some reviewers are raging that H didn’t cheat , then why did he marry the ow?😂). He then ignores his daughter with the h, and has another kid with the ow.
-14 years later, the ow leaves the H for om, so now he regrets not going after the h and wants her and his first daughter back in his life. And this book is about them getting back together.
- when the h asked him why he ignored his first daughter, he said ow wouldn’t allow him to see her lol.🤬
Then he wanted the h to take care of his 2nd daughter with the ow and the h was totally fine with that. Omg.
And people are calling this story beautiful.😂😂😂😂😂
Christian story. Says it all.
- clean romance
Rachel K has spoilers.
Cheater gets a 2nd chance with his doormat.
- the h works 2 jobs to put the H through med school. Then the H emotionally cheats on the h for a year. Coming home late every night, ignoring her and his daughter, not helping the h at all! The wife/h leaves him with his daughter when she finds out about the cheating.
- the H promptly marries the ow (some reviewers are raging that H didn’t cheat , then why did he marry the ow?😂). He then ignores his daughter with the h, and has another kid with the ow.
-14 years later, the ow leaves the H for om, so now he regrets not going after the h and wants her and his first daughter back in his life. And this book is about them getting back together.
- when the h asked him why he ignored his first daughter, he said ow wouldn’t allow him to see her lol.🤬
Then he wanted the h to take care of his 2nd daughter with the ow and the h was totally fine with that. Omg.
And people are calling this story beautiful.😂😂😂😂😂
Christian story. Says it all.
- clean romance
August 5, 2020
I’m in the minority with this one.
The characters are extremes... either super nice, or super evil—there’s no in between. Nice heroine, nice kids, nice hero, nice friends... evil ex, evil ex’s friend, evil father.
My biggest problem with this book... him. He’s weak.
Emotional cheating while still married—he allowed himself to be manipulated by the OW for years, eventually marrying and having a child with her. Basically, he abandoned his daughter for this woman and then wants a relationship with her after divorce number 2.
He wants wife #1 back. He regrets not following her 14 years ago when she left. 14 years, not 1 or 2, or even 5. He was with wife #2 until she ran off with an OM.
If he truly loved wife #1, why would he stay with the evil OW so long. He obviously didn’t do it to protect his younger daughter, the poor kid’s a mess, and he wants wife #1 to mother the child since wife #2 is an evil bitch that only used having a baby to keep her husband.
I’m sure the nice couple will have a nice HEA, but I’m left wondering if wife #2 hadn’t left, would he have stayed with her...
The characters are extremes... either super nice, or super evil—there’s no in between. Nice heroine, nice kids, nice hero, nice friends... evil ex, evil ex’s friend, evil father.
My biggest problem with this book... him. He’s weak.
Emotional cheating while still married—he allowed himself to be manipulated by the OW for years, eventually marrying and having a child with her. Basically, he abandoned his daughter for this woman and then wants a relationship with her after divorce number 2.
He wants wife #1 back. He regrets not following her 14 years ago when she left. 14 years, not 1 or 2, or even 5. He was with wife #2 until she ran off with an OM.
If he truly loved wife #1, why would he stay with the evil OW so long. He obviously didn’t do it to protect his younger daughter, the poor kid’s a mess, and he wants wife #1 to mother the child since wife #2 is an evil bitch that only used having a baby to keep her husband.
I’m sure the nice couple will have a nice HEA, but I’m left wondering if wife #2 hadn’t left, would he have stayed with her...
February 4, 2025
I've read this so many times, lol. No cheating, not even emo cheating. Lots of stupidity, though. Plenty of stupid to go around here when you think about it, but it's an angst hit.
I really liked this, but it need Eastons POV. He kinda came across as weak without him telling his side, eventually that evens out toward the end but it took a while for that to happen , IMHO.
I really liked this, but it need Eastons POV. He kinda came across as weak without him telling his side, eventually that evens out toward the end but it took a while for that to happen , IMHO.
July 26, 2019
5+ Amazingly Beautiful Second Chance Stars!
Taylor Lynne ran away from the small town of Merryton, CO 14 years ago and swore she would never return. When her ex-husband Easton wants to build a relationship with their daughter Ashley and have her get to know her sister, Emmy, Taylor decides this is just what she needs to finally get over Easton. Little did she know that fate had something else in store for her.
Easton knows he made a huge mistake by letting Taylor go all those years ago without a fight. Now that she is back in Merryton, he will do his best to right his wrongs. He definitely has a fight on his hands but it's totally worth it if the prize is having Taylor and Ashley back in his life.
Ashley was such a strong, amazing girl! Even though she had been hurt by her father's lack of contact, she was willing to move back to Merryton and give him a second chance, give themselves a chance to get to know the each other and build a strong father/daughter relationship.
And little Emmy won my heart from the very beginning. Even though she is only 9 years old, the adorable little girl is broken.. haunted by her mother. Taylor tried her best to stay away from Emmy, but she too fell in love with the little girl. She showered her with love and affection and the little girl blossomed! Oh how my heart melted with all their interactions!
This book was absolutely AMAZING! I LOVED it! The message of love, forgiveness, growth, family, friendship, fresh starts, new beginnings, second chances... it was all prominent throughout the book. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I stayed up way too late and woke up way too early just to finish it. I had to see how Taylor, Easton, Ashley and Emmy would become a family... I had to see them get their HEA! And I was definitely NOT disappointed! Have I told you that this book is absolutely AMAZING?!
If you guys have not read anything by Jennifer Peel yet then you are seriously missing out! She has a way of capturing you and not letting you go until the journey has been completed. I have devoured and loved every single one of her books! She is truly talented! I can't wait for her next book to be released!
And of course I could not forget my casting! These two are pretty perfect in my opinion.. ;) Hehe.
** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
Taylor Lynne ran away from the small town of Merryton, CO 14 years ago and swore she would never return. When her ex-husband Easton wants to build a relationship with their daughter Ashley and have her get to know her sister, Emmy, Taylor decides this is just what she needs to finally get over Easton. Little did she know that fate had something else in store for her.
Easton knows he made a huge mistake by letting Taylor go all those years ago without a fight. Now that she is back in Merryton, he will do his best to right his wrongs. He definitely has a fight on his hands but it's totally worth it if the prize is having Taylor and Ashley back in his life.
Ashley was such a strong, amazing girl! Even though she had been hurt by her father's lack of contact, she was willing to move back to Merryton and give him a second chance, give themselves a chance to get to know the each other and build a strong father/daughter relationship.
And little Emmy won my heart from the very beginning. Even though she is only 9 years old, the adorable little girl is broken.. haunted by her mother. Taylor tried her best to stay away from Emmy, but she too fell in love with the little girl. She showered her with love and affection and the little girl blossomed! Oh how my heart melted with all their interactions!
This book was absolutely AMAZING! I LOVED it! The message of love, forgiveness, growth, family, friendship, fresh starts, new beginnings, second chances... it was all prominent throughout the book. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I stayed up way too late and woke up way too early just to finish it. I had to see how Taylor, Easton, Ashley and Emmy would become a family... I had to see them get their HEA! And I was definitely NOT disappointed! Have I told you that this book is absolutely AMAZING?!
If you guys have not read anything by Jennifer Peel yet then you are seriously missing out! She has a way of capturing you and not letting you go until the journey has been completed. I have devoured and loved every single one of her books! She is truly talented! I can't wait for her next book to be released!
And of course I could not forget my casting! These two are pretty perfect in my opinion.. ;) Hehe.
** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
April 13, 2020
Make sure you have plenty of antacid
Disclaimer: If you are in any way religious I strongly advise you to skip this review. Strongly. You won't like what you read, and quite frankly I don't want to hear about it.
~~~~~~~~~~
Anyway...
If I'd known I was going to be subject to a load of preachy, out-of-touch nonsense I'd have run for the hills and far from this book. As a recovering Catholic, I abhor organised religion. '
Why? The sheep mentality and inability of the followers to think for themselves. The adherence to a book of stories and outdated teachings that has been translated so many times over centuries it's unreliable at best. The stunning hypocrisy from people who are supposed to be 'better' because of their beliefs. The latter is the worst. Hypocrites are loathsome.
I know hard-core, career sinners who are less judgemental and more forgiving - and all-around better humans - than Taylor, the heroine. Bloody hell, what a cow! I couldn't stand her! She was so up her own arse and so full of hate and self-righteousness it's a wonder it didn't ooze from her pores and form a cloud of martyrdom around her. Ugh 🤮.
I cannot abide people like Taylor, passive-aggressive arseholes who relish their perceived victimhood, who don't speak up for themselves or tell someone when they have a problem with them. No, they want that person to GUESS, or to already KNOW, and if they don't, well then they must not love them enough. Also, they MUST. COME. FIRST, and if they don't then they run away all butt-hurt and heaven help the other person if they don't chase after them!
Spare me, already.
Taylor was self-absorbed and cowardly, and minus a backbone. She allowed everyone to manipulate her into situations she wanted no part of and then whinged about it in her internal dialogue. This effectively killed any hope of me respecting her. She was bitter, resentful, and disagreeable in addition to being allergic to communicating. Seriously, what was there to like about her? And this was a church-going person. Sorry, but I expect people to walk the walk they are talking. Clearly that concept is foreign to this writer.
On top of all that, this book was just so boring and parts were just irritating. Is it supposed to be cute or charming that nobody seemed to have anything better to do than gossip? Christ, the H couldn't fart without the whole town knowing. People were way too interested in this couple's business and telling the h what she really wanted and it bugged.
This couple could have avoided everything they went through if they'd talked every once in a while, and the whole break-up and divorce was too implausible because I can't imagine anyone just peacing out on their marriage without getting some answers first and knowing the facts.
Weak premise, weaker MC's and a whole lotta church.
No thanks.
Disclaimer: If you are in any way religious I strongly advise you to skip this review. Strongly. You won't like what you read, and quite frankly I don't want to hear about it.
~~~~~~~~~~
Anyway...
If I'd known I was going to be subject to a load of preachy, out-of-touch nonsense I'd have run for the hills and far from this book. As a recovering Catholic, I abhor organised religion. '
Why? The sheep mentality and inability of the followers to think for themselves. The adherence to a book of stories and outdated teachings that has been translated so many times over centuries it's unreliable at best. The stunning hypocrisy from people who are supposed to be 'better' because of their beliefs. The latter is the worst. Hypocrites are loathsome.
I know hard-core, career sinners who are less judgemental and more forgiving - and all-around better humans - than Taylor, the heroine. Bloody hell, what a cow! I couldn't stand her! She was so up her own arse and so full of hate and self-righteousness it's a wonder it didn't ooze from her pores and form a cloud of martyrdom around her. Ugh 🤮.
I cannot abide people like Taylor, passive-aggressive arseholes who relish their perceived victimhood, who don't speak up for themselves or tell someone when they have a problem with them. No, they want that person to GUESS, or to already KNOW, and if they don't, well then they must not love them enough. Also, they MUST. COME. FIRST, and if they don't then they run away all butt-hurt and heaven help the other person if they don't chase after them!
Spare me, already.
Taylor was self-absorbed and cowardly, and minus a backbone. She allowed everyone to manipulate her into situations she wanted no part of and then whinged about it in her internal dialogue. This effectively killed any hope of me respecting her. She was bitter, resentful, and disagreeable in addition to being allergic to communicating. Seriously, what was there to like about her? And this was a church-going person. Sorry, but I expect people to walk the walk they are talking. Clearly that concept is foreign to this writer.
On top of all that, this book was just so boring and parts were just irritating. Is it supposed to be cute or charming that nobody seemed to have anything better to do than gossip? Christ, the H couldn't fart without the whole town knowing. People were way too interested in this couple's business and telling the h what she really wanted and it bugged.
This couple could have avoided everything they went through if they'd talked every once in a while, and the whole break-up and divorce was too implausible because I can't imagine anyone just peacing out on their marriage without getting some answers first and knowing the facts.
Weak premise, weaker MC's and a whole lotta church.
No thanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2020
This is a good example of why Jennifer Peel is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I love that her stories are unique and often focus on married couples working on their relationships. It's a nice change from the typical romances I read where the main couple is meeting and falling in love for the first time.
In this book, Taylor and Easton had been married for about seven years before they divorced. The story picks up fourteen years after their divorce when their daughter requests to move back closer to her father so she can get to know him and his nine-year-old daughter better. Being the good mother Taylor is, she puts her own fears aside and agrees to the move. Hoping to see little of her ex, she is in for a surprise when Easton wont leave her alone!
A part of me thought Taylor was a bit rash in leaving and divorcing Easton, but on the other hand considering her upbringing and insecurities I could see why she did what she did. She did have valid concerns and Easton didn't do much to stop the divorce either. I'm a sucker for second-chance love stories and really enjoyed seeing Taylor and Easton get another shot at love. I also loved the relationship between the sisters and how everyone gets a HEA. Is that too spoilery?
Anyway, this was a fun read and one I'd easily recommend. Can't wait to read Rachel's story coming out in a couple weeks!
Content
Romance: Clean -kissing and very mild innuendo
Language: None - mild, maybe one curse word
Violence: None
Religious: Mild
Series: Book two in Women of Merryton, but can stand on its own.
Similar Books You May Enjoy...
In this book, Taylor and Easton had been married for about seven years before they divorced. The story picks up fourteen years after their divorce when their daughter requests to move back closer to her father so she can get to know him and his nine-year-old daughter better. Being the good mother Taylor is, she puts her own fears aside and agrees to the move. Hoping to see little of her ex, she is in for a surprise when Easton wont leave her alone!
A part of me thought Taylor was a bit rash in leaving and divorcing Easton, but on the other hand considering her upbringing and insecurities I could see why she did what she did. She did have valid concerns and Easton didn't do much to stop the divorce either. I'm a sucker for second-chance love stories and really enjoyed seeing Taylor and Easton get another shot at love. I also loved the relationship between the sisters and how everyone gets a HEA. Is that too spoilery?
Anyway, this was a fun read and one I'd easily recommend. Can't wait to read Rachel's story coming out in a couple weeks!
Content
Romance: Clean -kissing and very mild innuendo
Language: None - mild, maybe one curse word
Violence: None
Religious: Mild
Series: Book two in Women of Merryton, but can stand on its own.
Similar Books You May Enjoy...
May 3, 2017
I adore Jennifer Peel's books. Somehow she makes you feel like you know these characters and you feel for them as they go through the ups and downs of life. Taylor Lynne moved to Alabama when she and Easton divorced 14 years ago. His second wife was a witch (which is an understatement) and Easton didn't want he and Taylor's daughter, Ashley, exposed to her caustic personality so he never had Ashley visit him in Merryton. Taylor and Ashley move back to Merryton so Ashley can get to know her father during her last 2 years of high school, but Taylor plans to move back to Alabama once Ashley graduates.
Easton is now twice divorced (he and his second wife are already divorced in this story) and he has custody of their 7 year old daughter Emmy. Ashley seems to easily forgive her father and they quickly fall into a great father/daughter relationship. Meanwhile Taylor is determined not to care about Easton although she can't help falling in love with Emmy.
This is a great story that shows how important communication is in a relationship, and it's also a story about forgiveness and second chances. I love how the characters from Jessie Belle's story are in Taylor Lynne's story. We get caught up with Jessie & Blake, Rachel and Cheyenne are there too. Rachel is the next Merryton lady to get her story told.
Easton is now twice divorced (he and his second wife are already divorced in this story) and he has custody of their 7 year old daughter Emmy. Ashley seems to easily forgive her father and they quickly fall into a great father/daughter relationship. Meanwhile Taylor is determined not to care about Easton although she can't help falling in love with Emmy.
This is a great story that shows how important communication is in a relationship, and it's also a story about forgiveness and second chances. I love how the characters from Jessie Belle's story are in Taylor Lynne's story. We get caught up with Jessie & Blake, Rachel and Cheyenne are there too. Rachel is the next Merryton lady to get her story told.
February 8, 2022
Pretty low angst, second chance romance between a divorced couple of 14 years.
August 3, 2016
Satisfied my craving for angst. Although, I think Easton was weak for letting his marriage end the first time, he more than made up for it and spent most of the book proving that he was serious about a second chance. I liked that Taylor didn't give in easily although don't get me wrong, it wasn't entirely Easton's fault either. I love the kids and how they tried to get Taylor and Easton together.
Overall a great second chance romance.
Overall a great second chance romance.
April 17, 2018
Why in the world did I wait so long to read this book?! I have more than learned my lesson when it comes to a book by Jennifer Peel. She continues to amaze me with her talent for writing an incredible story.
This book started out after our two main characters, Taylor and Easton, have been divorced for fourteen years. Their journey was an emotional one. I’m still reeling from it- but in the most contented way.
I loved Taylor from the start. She is smart and confident and such a great mother. Easton is such a good man and father, yet reading about their past separation and divorce showed how easy it is to take marriage and family for granted. Watching them break down the barriers and slowly rebuild their relationship was a sweet joy.
There were many swoon-worthy moments that had me sighing, and other moments had me bursting into sporadic laughter. Jennifer Peel has an incredible talent for creating a story with real depth, sharp whit, lovable characters, life lessons learned, and of course the very best clean romances! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!
This book started out after our two main characters, Taylor and Easton, have been divorced for fourteen years. Their journey was an emotional one. I’m still reeling from it- but in the most contented way.
I loved Taylor from the start. She is smart and confident and such a great mother. Easton is such a good man and father, yet reading about their past separation and divorce showed how easy it is to take marriage and family for granted. Watching them break down the barriers and slowly rebuild their relationship was a sweet joy.
There were many swoon-worthy moments that had me sighing, and other moments had me bursting into sporadic laughter. Jennifer Peel has an incredible talent for creating a story with real depth, sharp whit, lovable characters, life lessons learned, and of course the very best clean romances! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!
March 19, 2021
If another woman keeps you from your wife and family... it's cheating! If you're telling said woman problems you should be discussing with your wife... it's cheating! If you aren't able to tell your wife about the emotional support you get from another woman... YOU KNOW IT'S CHEATING!!
This was nearly a DNF for me as I couldn't stand Easton. What a wet leaf he was, I can't believe the emotional upset he caused to both his children, because he couldn't stand up to his 2nd wife. I would love to label this as Men you hate, but if I'm honest I think it's more Men I hate. Having said that he did give his 2nd Ex wife a tongue lashing... apparently. Too little too late mate! Personally I would have liked to have seen Taylor run for this hills with Ashley and Emmy. Saving the children from such a weak person was the best hope for all concerned. Poor kids, fancy being stuck with him as a Dad! Well written book, but the author failed to convince me that the H wasn't spineless and self centred.
This was nearly a DNF for me as I couldn't stand Easton. What a wet leaf he was, I can't believe the emotional upset he caused to both his children, because he couldn't stand up to his 2nd wife. I would love to label this as Men you hate, but if I'm honest I think it's more Men I hate. Having said that he did give his 2nd Ex wife a tongue lashing... apparently. Too little too late mate! Personally I would have liked to have seen Taylor run for this hills with Ashley and Emmy. Saving the children from such a weak person was the best hope for all concerned. Poor kids, fancy being stuck with him as a Dad! Well written book, but the author failed to convince me that the H wasn't spineless and self centred.
Read
May 27, 2019 The review below was written for another book, but I realized that since ridiculous hypocrisy is the same, then I would not have to waste my time writing again.
I'm glad to see some enlightened people here !!! I know I have been very hard with some comments in books where there is cheating but I am so sick of it! I work with couples (who are also CHRISTIANS) and I live daily with issues about betrayal. The funny thing (being sarcastic here) is that when I do an exercise with the men who betrayed their wives and ask them to visualize their women doing the same things as they did, from the moment they met, they meet with their mistresses and returned to the house every time. I ask them to imagine their wives in each of these situations and then when I question: Would you be able to forgive your wife? Guess what they ALL answer? EVERY TIME, EEEEVERY TIIIIME THE ANSWER IS NOT! NOT! NOT! NOT! CHRISTIAN MEN! CHRISTIAN SHEPHERDS! So do not come to me to speak in God in the midst of such a shame. GOD HAS MANY IMPORTANT THINGS TO SOLVE THAN HAVING TO KEEP LOOKING AT MEN WHO CAN NOT KEEP THE DICK INSIDE THEIR PANTS!! This is hypocrisy! These are justifications that only serve to reproduce paternalistic social standards and nothing better than using the name of God for this to continue happening !! And what makes me more outraged is to see this kind of absurd continue to leave the heads of women !!! I will continue to make an appeal! Use the gift of writing to enlighten people's minds, not to imprison them into outdated concepts where women must be docile and manipulative! Stop reproducing those pathetic patterns where women must be satisfied to be treated like GARBAGE! Collaborate for a world of equality and respect! THAT'S WHAT GOD WANTS FROM US!!
I'm glad to see some enlightened people here !!! I know I have been very hard with some comments in books where there is cheating but I am so sick of it! I work with couples (who are also CHRISTIANS) and I live daily with issues about betrayal. The funny thing (being sarcastic here) is that when I do an exercise with the men who betrayed their wives and ask them to visualize their women doing the same things as they did, from the moment they met, they meet with their mistresses and returned to the house every time. I ask them to imagine their wives in each of these situations and then when I question: Would you be able to forgive your wife? Guess what they ALL answer? EVERY TIME, EEEEVERY TIIIIME THE ANSWER IS NOT! NOT! NOT! NOT! CHRISTIAN MEN! CHRISTIAN SHEPHERDS! So do not come to me to speak in God in the midst of such a shame. GOD HAS MANY IMPORTANT THINGS TO SOLVE THAN HAVING TO KEEP LOOKING AT MEN WHO CAN NOT KEEP THE DICK INSIDE THEIR PANTS!! This is hypocrisy! These are justifications that only serve to reproduce paternalistic social standards and nothing better than using the name of God for this to continue happening !! And what makes me more outraged is to see this kind of absurd continue to leave the heads of women !!! I will continue to make an appeal! Use the gift of writing to enlighten people's minds, not to imprison them into outdated concepts where women must be docile and manipulative! Stop reproducing those pathetic patterns where women must be satisfied to be treated like GARBAGE! Collaborate for a world of equality and respect! THAT'S WHAT GOD WANTS FROM US!!
April 21, 2016
I am a big fan of Jennifer Peel. She has a way of bringing every emotion in you to the surface over fictional characters! It's a testament to her skill as a writer. And of course, it's great for a heart wrenching read.
What I liked most about this book was the journey Taylor Lynne took regarding her faith and perception of herself. Not only that, but forgiveness was a vital subject in this story, something we all struggle with. Jessie Belle didn't really touch the element of Christian faith, so this was a welcome surprise.
As for the romance, Taylor Lynne had it in spades! I was hoping that Taylor and her ex-husband would have a story when I first read Jessie Belle, and Ms. Peel did not disappoint. The emotions Taylor went through were realistic and had me engaged in the story until the very last page.
This is a book that makes you cheer for the characters and wish and hope that each character will get their own story. The women of Merryton series is a must read!
*I received a free copy of this book but was not required to write a review.
What I liked most about this book was the journey Taylor Lynne took regarding her faith and perception of herself. Not only that, but forgiveness was a vital subject in this story, something we all struggle with. Jessie Belle didn't really touch the element of Christian faith, so this was a welcome surprise.
As for the romance, Taylor Lynne had it in spades! I was hoping that Taylor and her ex-husband would have a story when I first read Jessie Belle, and Ms. Peel did not disappoint. The emotions Taylor went through were realistic and had me engaged in the story until the very last page.
This is a book that makes you cheer for the characters and wish and hope that each character will get their own story. The women of Merryton series is a must read!
*I received a free copy of this book but was not required to write a review.
October 27, 2021
This was a sweet second chance romance. Fourteen years has done nothing to ease the hurt of this relationship ending. Mistakes from both sides made me angry at times but it was a great read. Loved the daughters
May 4, 2025
If I could rate it minus 10000000 stars, I would do it.
But.. what is wrong with these writers?
I mean, the one thing you expect from a romance writer is that they are able to understand how human mind works and how feelings and emotions works.
Here we have:
- zero explanations. Or better, explanations of a banality and inconsistency that it’s not even funny
- human reactions that are everything you will never ever find in real life. I mean, at least some resemblance with real life is to be expected or else write this book under the tag of science fiction / dystopian.
It doesn’t happen every day that I can read a book where I’m able to hate all the characters bar none and the plot too.
Everyone is awful bordering to horrible.
The male chauvinism is appalling.
The consideration and treatment of females is a joke.
There is no love here from everyone, everyone are just selfish and opportunist, they just care for their own things and don’t care about other peoples feelings. This is the plain truth. I’m appalled.
So, the heroine first. Hateful. Horrible. She married the hero, a young doctor in the making, agreed to become a parent and was happy with it, then, as soon as he started to work as young doctors do, that is 24/7, she not only panicked, but also started accusing him of cheating and then, without any proof or evidence, she left him stealing his daughter because, let’s be honest, she didn’t just left him but moved to another state and didn’t even bothered to give him explanation.
When the hero didn’t go after her she served him papers. Divorced him. She lived 14 years happy and alone with her daughter, then she went back because her daughter ( another piece of work) wanted to know her father better. She is a passive aggressive kind of woman, selfish and always blaming others. I admit they were not going too well but I think that, since the hero was a good father and a good doctor, that things should have improved if only she had been more understanding of her husband job. He’s a doctor! Of course his job comes first, at least the first years, I have known doctors all my life and their partners say that they have to live with the knowledge that their job is not and never will be like any other job. But the heroine expected him to act like a bank employee who works 9 to 5. And other woman? Just because she smelled some perfume on him that was not his, she assumed he had an affair, and even when he denied over and over she never stopped blaming him. Oh, ow was smart and cunning, but she would have never succeeded in having an affair with the hero because weak he might be but he just needed a wife and a daughter at home after a hard days work. The heroine basically gave ow free reign when she dumped the hero without a backward glance. Then 14 years later she decided she could take him back but imo she was the kind of woman who would have been happy by herself, without a steady man in her life. We’re not all the same, and it’s no shame if a woman is happier without a man in her life, the heroine was just this kind of woman but the author made her look like she was just waiting for the hero to come back to her. Wrong move, and very inconsistent with the kind of woman who was described in the first part. She was happy with her daughter. She would have dated men without having to get married again forcibly and she would have had her career. Why make her like the usual woman who’s not happy if she doesn’t have a husband when actually she was happy for 14 years more than she ever was with the hero? And no, I don’t think she loved him when they first got married, she was young and infatuated but not greatly in love.
- the hero. I would prefer to die alone with a dozen of cats and a couple of kids with no man around instead of being with a man like the hero. Weak, selfish, stupid and coward. He married ow as soon as is wife was out of the picture and stayed unhappily married with her even though ow was hated by everyone him included, just because. Showing that of course he cared more about her than he ever did care both about the heroine and his own daughter, that he ignored for 14 years, because he couldn’t go after the heroine when she left him with their daughter, but surely he chose his second wife over not just the heroine that he didn’t care a fig about, but over his own daughter, since ow didn’t want him to have nothing to do with the daughter, he stayed 14 years without seeing her. wtf is wrong with people. Them as soon as ow dumps him and their little daughter to be with a personal trainer, he asks the heroine, that he snubbed and ignored for almost two decades, to help him with the kid he had with his second wife. Just fuck off and die of a painful death, coward and shameless excuse of a man. The heroine is second choice, second best second everything. He treated her well only after being dumped and only after his second wife turned out to be the female version of satan. Of course had ow been just decent, we would have never had this second chance because the hero didn’t love the heroine at all, he just loved what she could provide, that is, good meals, doormat to sky level, and a mother for all the kids even those he had with ow. But really? Is there someone who like this kind of reading?
- the daughter. Bingo. I don’t remember of a book where I hated the kids too. The teenager who never saw his father. Was mistreated by his second wife and never got to see her father once because he was with his second family, suddenly can’t wait to live with him and pushes her mother who was her only caregiver, to get back with him again and when the heroine tries to stay out of their interaction the daughter makes excuses for the father. Because he’s trying. Really? After 14 years of ignoring her? Here is where the author shows zero insight in human feelings and emotions. Because if she only had known not twenty but ONE child who has been ignored by their father for years, never saw him when it mattered, not at school, not at sports, not at birthday parties, well this author should know the resentment, the anger, the coldness and the many other negative feelings and emotions that this poor child has inside them. It’s impossible, unrealistic and offensive to all those neglected children to picture a teenage girl who has been always neglected and overlooked by her father in favor of his second family like a happy, giggling girl that doesn’t bear an ounce of grudge to her father for what she didn’t have. Please, next time, make some simple google search before throwing out such inconsistencies.
- the people of the hero’s town. They were all awful pimps trying to groom the heroine and persuading her she had to take back the hero because alas, how unhappy he’d been. Just hoping they all go extinct as soon as possible. You don’t downplay what he did. He married ow that was after him long before he was divorced and was one of the causes of his divorce. I hated them all. The heroine had no chance to say no.
- the only one I could save was the kid from hero’s second marriage, a nine year old girl born because her mother wanted to keep her status of doctors wife, and never loved. It was really not her fault.
- a mention of dishonor to the heroine grandparents that when she dumped the hero didn’t talk either to her or to him and didn’t try to make them see reasons. They were older and more experienced, this is what family should be, but apparently the hero’s family tried to warn him against ow but he didn’t listen to anybody and married her anyway.
- zero explanation about why he married ow. He admitted ow was quite clever but why not say she was also a hot babe? Because she was. And apparently he didn’t need a lot of pushing when he divorced his first wife, and he stayed with her for 14 years, even having a kid when he didn’t love her or so he says, but I don’t care. This hero might be one of those people I wouldn’t look a second time even if they looked like a hot version of the hemsworth brothers. He’s got the backbone of a jellyfish melting on the shore. What I see is that he treated his first wife like shit and the second wife like she was his true love. Ow had it all, the heroine had nothing, not even respect.
I don’t care how you put it, no one love nobody here, I just saw selfish manipulations and a lot of careless behaviors from everyone, just disappointed and sad. I didn’t want them together, the only one right ending would have been if the heroine stayed by herself and went back to where she had lived without the hero, their daughter kept hating or at least not having anything to do with the father because this is what happens in similar situations and it’s wrong to downplay the consequences that parental neglect have on children even as adults.
But.. what is wrong with these writers?
I mean, the one thing you expect from a romance writer is that they are able to understand how human mind works and how feelings and emotions works.
Here we have:
- zero explanations. Or better, explanations of a banality and inconsistency that it’s not even funny
- human reactions that are everything you will never ever find in real life. I mean, at least some resemblance with real life is to be expected or else write this book under the tag of science fiction / dystopian.
It doesn’t happen every day that I can read a book where I’m able to hate all the characters bar none and the plot too.
Everyone is awful bordering to horrible.
The male chauvinism is appalling.
The consideration and treatment of females is a joke.
There is no love here from everyone, everyone are just selfish and opportunist, they just care for their own things and don’t care about other peoples feelings. This is the plain truth. I’m appalled.
So, the heroine first. Hateful. Horrible. She married the hero, a young doctor in the making, agreed to become a parent and was happy with it, then, as soon as he started to work as young doctors do, that is 24/7, she not only panicked, but also started accusing him of cheating and then, without any proof or evidence, she left him stealing his daughter because, let’s be honest, she didn’t just left him but moved to another state and didn’t even bothered to give him explanation.
When the hero didn’t go after her she served him papers. Divorced him. She lived 14 years happy and alone with her daughter, then she went back because her daughter ( another piece of work) wanted to know her father better. She is a passive aggressive kind of woman, selfish and always blaming others. I admit they were not going too well but I think that, since the hero was a good father and a good doctor, that things should have improved if only she had been more understanding of her husband job. He’s a doctor! Of course his job comes first, at least the first years, I have known doctors all my life and their partners say that they have to live with the knowledge that their job is not and never will be like any other job. But the heroine expected him to act like a bank employee who works 9 to 5. And other woman? Just because she smelled some perfume on him that was not his, she assumed he had an affair, and even when he denied over and over she never stopped blaming him. Oh, ow was smart and cunning, but she would have never succeeded in having an affair with the hero because weak he might be but he just needed a wife and a daughter at home after a hard days work. The heroine basically gave ow free reign when she dumped the hero without a backward glance. Then 14 years later she decided she could take him back but imo she was the kind of woman who would have been happy by herself, without a steady man in her life. We’re not all the same, and it’s no shame if a woman is happier without a man in her life, the heroine was just this kind of woman but the author made her look like she was just waiting for the hero to come back to her. Wrong move, and very inconsistent with the kind of woman who was described in the first part. She was happy with her daughter. She would have dated men without having to get married again forcibly and she would have had her career. Why make her like the usual woman who’s not happy if she doesn’t have a husband when actually she was happy for 14 years more than she ever was with the hero? And no, I don’t think she loved him when they first got married, she was young and infatuated but not greatly in love.
- the hero. I would prefer to die alone with a dozen of cats and a couple of kids with no man around instead of being with a man like the hero. Weak, selfish, stupid and coward. He married ow as soon as is wife was out of the picture and stayed unhappily married with her even though ow was hated by everyone him included, just because. Showing that of course he cared more about her than he ever did care both about the heroine and his own daughter, that he ignored for 14 years, because he couldn’t go after the heroine when she left him with their daughter, but surely he chose his second wife over not just the heroine that he didn’t care a fig about, but over his own daughter, since ow didn’t want him to have nothing to do with the daughter, he stayed 14 years without seeing her. wtf is wrong with people. Them as soon as ow dumps him and their little daughter to be with a personal trainer, he asks the heroine, that he snubbed and ignored for almost two decades, to help him with the kid he had with his second wife. Just fuck off and die of a painful death, coward and shameless excuse of a man. The heroine is second choice, second best second everything. He treated her well only after being dumped and only after his second wife turned out to be the female version of satan. Of course had ow been just decent, we would have never had this second chance because the hero didn’t love the heroine at all, he just loved what she could provide, that is, good meals, doormat to sky level, and a mother for all the kids even those he had with ow. But really? Is there someone who like this kind of reading?
- the daughter. Bingo. I don’t remember of a book where I hated the kids too. The teenager who never saw his father. Was mistreated by his second wife and never got to see her father once because he was with his second family, suddenly can’t wait to live with him and pushes her mother who was her only caregiver, to get back with him again and when the heroine tries to stay out of their interaction the daughter makes excuses for the father. Because he’s trying. Really? After 14 years of ignoring her? Here is where the author shows zero insight in human feelings and emotions. Because if she only had known not twenty but ONE child who has been ignored by their father for years, never saw him when it mattered, not at school, not at sports, not at birthday parties, well this author should know the resentment, the anger, the coldness and the many other negative feelings and emotions that this poor child has inside them. It’s impossible, unrealistic and offensive to all those neglected children to picture a teenage girl who has been always neglected and overlooked by her father in favor of his second family like a happy, giggling girl that doesn’t bear an ounce of grudge to her father for what she didn’t have. Please, next time, make some simple google search before throwing out such inconsistencies.
- the people of the hero’s town. They were all awful pimps trying to groom the heroine and persuading her she had to take back the hero because alas, how unhappy he’d been. Just hoping they all go extinct as soon as possible. You don’t downplay what he did. He married ow that was after him long before he was divorced and was one of the causes of his divorce. I hated them all. The heroine had no chance to say no.
- the only one I could save was the kid from hero’s second marriage, a nine year old girl born because her mother wanted to keep her status of doctors wife, and never loved. It was really not her fault.
- a mention of dishonor to the heroine grandparents that when she dumped the hero didn’t talk either to her or to him and didn’t try to make them see reasons. They were older and more experienced, this is what family should be, but apparently the hero’s family tried to warn him against ow but he didn’t listen to anybody and married her anyway.
- zero explanation about why he married ow. He admitted ow was quite clever but why not say she was also a hot babe? Because she was. And apparently he didn’t need a lot of pushing when he divorced his first wife, and he stayed with her for 14 years, even having a kid when he didn’t love her or so he says, but I don’t care. This hero might be one of those people I wouldn’t look a second time even if they looked like a hot version of the hemsworth brothers. He’s got the backbone of a jellyfish melting on the shore. What I see is that he treated his first wife like shit and the second wife like she was his true love. Ow had it all, the heroine had nothing, not even respect.
I don’t care how you put it, no one love nobody here, I just saw selfish manipulations and a lot of careless behaviors from everyone, just disappointed and sad. I didn’t want them together, the only one right ending would have been if the heroine stayed by herself and went back to where she had lived without the hero, their daughter kept hating or at least not having anything to do with the father because this is what happens in similar situations and it’s wrong to downplay the consequences that parental neglect have on children even as adults.
April 22, 2016
If you have never read a book by Jennifer Peel, you are missing out on something fantastic. I'm serious. Jennifer has a way of writing that just pulls you right in as a reader. Every single book. How does she do that? What a gift. Seriously.
This book brought me right into the lives of Taylor and Easton. We first see Easton in the first book in this series. He is a broken and unhappy man. Knowing of him indirectly in the other book (Jessie Belle) really helped me feel for Easton in this book- especially since the whole book is told from Taylor's point of view.
I felt like I was living right in this story with the characters. The emotions were real and tangible. I understood them and I was just bursting for wanting things to work out. My tummy had butterflies and my heart pounded. I felt sad and I felt happy but no matter which emotion I was feeling, I love how the underlying emotion was always hope.
I really can't say enough good about the way Jennifer Peel writes. It resonates with me as a reader and I am always over the moon excited when I get to read a book that she has written. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!! It's going to be good!
Content: Clean
My biggest, loudest, most heartfelt thanks to the author for providing me a copy of this book for review. :)
This book brought me right into the lives of Taylor and Easton. We first see Easton in the first book in this series. He is a broken and unhappy man. Knowing of him indirectly in the other book (Jessie Belle) really helped me feel for Easton in this book- especially since the whole book is told from Taylor's point of view.
I felt like I was living right in this story with the characters. The emotions were real and tangible. I understood them and I was just bursting for wanting things to work out. My tummy had butterflies and my heart pounded. I felt sad and I felt happy but no matter which emotion I was feeling, I love how the underlying emotion was always hope.
I really can't say enough good about the way Jennifer Peel writes. It resonates with me as a reader and I am always over the moon excited when I get to read a book that she has written. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!! It's going to be good!
Content: Clean
My biggest, loudest, most heartfelt thanks to the author for providing me a copy of this book for review. :)
May 6, 2016
Peel has done it again. She wows me with her characters with each new story she releases. Taylor Lynne is a stand-alone book in the Women of Merryton series. Her ex-husband, Easton, popped up a few times in Jessie Belle’s story (the first in this series), and I really liked him. When Taylor moves back to Merryton because her daughter wants to get to know her father (Easton), she has a rough time. Yet, she loves her daughter and wants her to have a father-daughter relationship with Easton; she’s always wondered why he never came after her 14 years ago and turned his back on them. But Merryton holds all the demons of her past…her ex-husband who she still is in love with, her abusive father she despises, and a town prone to gossip about both. This was a very moving story. The author made me connect with Taylor so completely that I felt her anguish, her heartbreak, her flickering hope, her doubts, her love. Very well done! A touching, realistic story about second chances and forgiveness.
June 30, 2016
Romance, clean, mild Christian elements.
This was more of a 3.5 for me.
There were some interesting twists, it is definitely J.P.'s voice, the southern sass is definitely there. When they had their moments and she saw him for who he was in his good parts, it was a lovely read. Sometimes, I think I don't enjoy the sass, and the defensiveness because it is too close to my years growing up as a child of divorce, so more of a personal preference for me as a reader that this wasn't the best read for me. Still some interesting twists and turns. The HEA for the girls and the H and h, were a nice read in the end, and glad they were able to find some resolution to their past, and healing and hope for their future that was really what drew them together in the first place.
This was more of a 3.5 for me.
There were some interesting twists, it is definitely J.P.'s voice, the southern sass is definitely there. When they had their moments and she saw him for who he was in his good parts, it was a lovely read. Sometimes, I think I don't enjoy the sass, and the defensiveness because it is too close to my years growing up as a child of divorce, so more of a personal preference for me as a reader that this wasn't the best read for me. Still some interesting twists and turns. The HEA for the girls and the H and h, were a nice read in the end, and glad they were able to find some resolution to their past, and healing and hope for their future that was really what drew them together in the first place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2016
4+ Stars
This book sucked me in and had me staying up way too late last night to finish it! I enjoyed seeing this story unfold and catching up with characters from Book 1. I will say, especially early on , I really would have liked to have read this story from both Taylor AND Easton's point of view. The story is told strictly from Taylor's perspective, which ends up being fine. I just wanted to get a peek into his thoughts.
Taylor Lynne had some good drama, sweet romance and some food for thought faith wise too! Overall, a really enjoyable read. Can't wait for Book 3!
Romance - clean
Violence - none
Language - I can think of one instance with mild language.
* Not sure if this would be categorized as a Christian novel but it did have faith based elements in it.
This book sucked me in and had me staying up way too late last night to finish it! I enjoyed seeing this story unfold and catching up with characters from Book 1. I will say, especially early on , I really would have liked to have read this story from both Taylor AND Easton's point of view. The story is told strictly from Taylor's perspective, which ends up being fine. I just wanted to get a peek into his thoughts.
Taylor Lynne had some good drama, sweet romance and some food for thought faith wise too! Overall, a really enjoyable read. Can't wait for Book 3!
Romance - clean
Violence - none
Language - I can think of one instance with mild language.
* Not sure if this would be categorized as a Christian novel but it did have faith based elements in it.
February 26, 2017
Loved it! I've quickly become a fan of Jennifer Peel's writing style. This is the best romance I've read about a divorced couple. I especially loved reading it after Jessie Belle so I already knew and loved many of the secondary characters and had a glimpse of Easton's life before Taylor moved back to town. I think it helped me to think about the situation from his perspective as well as Taylor's as they reunited.
May 9, 2016
I definitely don't like the Women of Merryton series as much as I love Jennifer Peel's other books. However, I still love reading them, even if I get a little miffed at the characters.
This one gave me a heart-warming little chuckle because there were 3 instances where I said to myself, "Yup, I've used that with the YW before". Frogs in hot water story, holocaust survivor forgiveness story, and cake cooked in orange peel while camping. Check, check and check.
This one gave me a heart-warming little chuckle because there were 3 instances where I said to myself, "Yup, I've used that with the YW before". Frogs in hot water story, holocaust survivor forgiveness story, and cake cooked in orange peel while camping. Check, check and check.
May 8, 2016
Another satisfying story.
I really enjoy this author. I love the idea of a little older couple falling back in love. I love the different aspects of children and careers. The chemistry is yummy!
I really enjoy this author. I love the idea of a little older couple falling back in love. I love the different aspects of children and careers. The chemistry is yummy!
October 31, 2017
This would haves been a delightful read if the heroine wasn’t such a doormat! She gives into the most ridiculous requests from her ex-husband knowing she shouldn’t time and time again. Good heavens it was infuriating!
February 13, 2022
Re-read 2/13/22
So i liked this one slightly more then Jessie Belle. Im still undecided if Easton is worse, better or in the same category as the hero in the last book. I will say I believed Easton loved Taylor but man he was such a weak, weak, weak man
So i liked this one slightly more then Jessie Belle. Im still undecided if Easton is worse, better or in the same category as the hero in the last book. I will say I believed Easton loved Taylor but man he was such a weak, weak, weak man
February 28, 2025
Exes to lovers. Taylor is so relatable, her worries and hopes are just like anyone else's. A story that you feel to your core.
May 4, 2025
I read this story on a road trip. It wasn't too angsty (despite the content of the story), though it definitely had some feels. It felt a bit like a story written to become a Lifetime movie. The heroine was unbelievably good. Too good to be realistic. And the Hero was an over the top, ridiculous beta.
I still didn't buy that this Doctor Hero was as innocent as he repeatedly stated he was. He spends all of his time (supposedly at work) with his slutty nurse, while completely avoiding anything to do with his wife and child. He barely comes home, and when he does finally come home, he's reeking of the slutty nurse's perfume. The nights he makes it home, he refuses to sleep in bed with his wife, opting to sleep on the couch instead. He willingly lets his wife leave this loveless marriage. He THEN proceeds to immediately marry the slutty nurse. After remarrying slutty nurse, this Beta Hero refuses to have anything to do with his daughter (aside from child support payments) for the next 14 years to appease his psychotic new nurse wife. He maintains his innocence through the story that he never cheated on his first wife, but I absolutely 100% do NOT believe him. His excuse for EVERYTHING he did was totally lame, and it's pretty crazy how both the first ex wife and the daughter from his past, forgave him so easily for his total abandonment of them for all of those years. When the beta Hero easily talks his ex wife into moving back to their town again (you know, so he could have TWO babysitters for his new daughter), he strong arms this heroine against her will; into seeing her dying, abusive, alcoholic, asshole father who she hates. And then he lets it out of the bag, that he's done everything in his power to financially and emotionally support the heroine's loser of a father all of these years (DESPITE knowing what an abusive piece of shit the dad was to his ex wife and her mother).
This heroine had zero spine and she bent over backwards for everyone in her life. Her loving treatment of every person she encountered was akin to Disney princess behavior.
The story wasn't angsty at all either. Despite the lack of angst, I had to know what happened to these characters, and I was invested until the end. Spoiler Alert: The beta Hero worms his way back into his first ex wife's heart, and she takes him back fairly easily. I expected some angsty goodness in this story that never happened, and I really expected the evil slutty nurse to reappear and cause some major havoc with all of their lives. THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN EITHER. She did make a minute appearance, that had zero impact at all in any of their lives. This was a total missed opportunity that could have really perked this story up and given it some much needed excitement.
Also, I think it was a great move on this author's part to change that original cover of her book. The Hero on that old cover looks even more douchy than the actual beta Hero was in the story.
October 19, 2016
Taylor Lynne is book 2 in The Women of Merryton series. I had read the first book but I think I enjoyed this one better. I enjoyed re-visitng all the women of Merryton especially Jessie Belle. It was great to get caught up with what was happening in their lives. And that Cheyenne is a hoot. She kept me laughing. I hope Cheyenne finds love and gets her own story.
Taylor and Easton had once been married and had a daughter together. Taylor had left Merryton because she thought he was having an affair with his nurse. He loves her but does not fight the divorce and makes a mistake in marrying the woman he was having an emotional affair with later divorcing the second one years later but not before producing a child in the second marriage. Taylor moves back to town to that her daughter can get to know her father better. The second wife was a horrible person and stood in the way of Easton having a relationship with his daughter or even members of his family.
I loved the relationship between the two half-sisters. It was so natural and loving. Taylor's daughter was so sweet and mature. The younger daughter had emotional baggage having been damaged by biological mother who did not really love her. I love how Taylor loved Eaton's other child and treated her with kindness and love even though the child was the offspring of the woman who broke up her marriage.
I loved it that Easton realized the errors of his ways in not treating his wife the way he should have when they were first married. I love it that he pursued her but I also loved it that she did not give in easily.
Themes in this book were forgiveness. Taylor had to forgive her abusive father, her ex-husband Easton and finally herself. This was not easy for her to do. Forgiveness is not easy but it is healing.
Taylor and Easton had once been married and had a daughter together. Taylor had left Merryton because she thought he was having an affair with his nurse. He loves her but does not fight the divorce and makes a mistake in marrying the woman he was having an emotional affair with later divorcing the second one years later but not before producing a child in the second marriage. Taylor moves back to town to that her daughter can get to know her father better. The second wife was a horrible person and stood in the way of Easton having a relationship with his daughter or even members of his family.
I loved the relationship between the two half-sisters. It was so natural and loving. Taylor's daughter was so sweet and mature. The younger daughter had emotional baggage having been damaged by biological mother who did not really love her. I love how Taylor loved Eaton's other child and treated her with kindness and love even though the child was the offspring of the woman who broke up her marriage.
I loved it that Easton realized the errors of his ways in not treating his wife the way he should have when they were first married. I love it that he pursued her but I also loved it that she did not give in easily.
Themes in this book were forgiveness. Taylor had to forgive her abusive father, her ex-husband Easton and finally herself. This was not easy for her to do. Forgiveness is not easy but it is healing.
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