A Perfect Miracle

Jacobs Landing #1

by Katrina Alexander

Jacobs Landing is a town in Maine that nourishes romance and persuades even the most jaded that love is possible. A Perfect Miracle is the first book in a series of romance novels set in this seaside town. It tells of the promise of love not once, but twice in a lifetime, and the healing power only a pet can bring.



A second chance at love is the last thing on Gabrielle Levesque's mind when she finds a stray dog on her porch. But an appointment at the local veterinarian's office brings her face-to-face with her high school crush and the possibility of happiness after grief.



Dr. Andrew Leland feels an instant connection with Gabrielle Levesque, the girl he never forgot. But how does a guy get close to a grieving widow, especially while juggling single-parenthood? Can Andrew persuade Gabrielle to open her heart again? He will need a perfect miracle to convince Gabrielle they belong together.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

418 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2019

About the author

Katrina Alexander is a Contemporary Romance author who finds writing inspiration from her extended family, the natural beauty of her surroundings, and sometimes a quirky name she comes across at the grocery store.

Katrina lives in Michigan where she enjoys all four seasons, because there is no off-season for a good book.

Reviews

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of contemporary romance will enjoy "A Perfect Miracle" from debut author Katrina Alexander. This first book in her "Jacobs Landing Series" features second chance romance, an adorable child, lovable dogs, and a quaint, small-town Maine setting. Two years after losing her husband in a tragic accident, young widow Gabrielle Levesque is coping as best she can without him. Jean-Luc, an internationally successful entrepreneur, had left her a very wealthy woman, but he had left her before they could start their own family. Coming home one evening, she finds a stray dog waiting for her on her porch. She and the dog, whom she names "Rocky", take an immediate liking to each other, and she decides to keep him. A trip to the vet's office brings Gabrielle face-to-face with Andrew Leland, her high school crush, who is now the town's veterinarian. Andrew, who had been a couple of years ahead of her in school, had never forgotten Gabrielle. He had admired the beautiful girl from afar--never able to get close due to her overprotective big brother, Thomas. Now, time had passed and life had brought them both full circle--back to a fresh start in Jacobs Landing. Andrew is raising young Jack, the child of friends of his who unexpectedly passed away. Andrew is eager to start a relationship with Gabrielle, and the fact that Jack likes her very much makes the idea even more appealing. Gabrielle still finds Andrew most attractive, and while she enjoys being in his company and spending time with Jack, she has many emotional hurdles to overcome. The frustration that Andrew feels over Gabrielle's hesitancy to fully commit drives a wedge between them, and they must each compromise in order to save their relationship that has grown so far and shows signs of coming to full bloom. When Fate plays its hand, and once again hearts and lives are forever changed, a leap of faith and a touch of mysticism may be what it takes to leave the past behind and bring the present into the future. I look forward to upcoming books in the "Jacobs Landing Series".

Book Copy Gratis Author

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect romantic read! Gabrielle Lavesque is a widow struggling with moving on. She moves back to her home town of Jacobs Landing, Maine. She finds a stray dog on her doorstep and her life changes when she takes Rocky to the vet, Dr. Andrew Leland, a former schoolmate. This book is full of secrets, romance and intrigue. The perfect summer read!

[Erin Meendering · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a perfect book to read cozy on the couch on a cold winter’s night. I fell in love with the characters right away, especially Drew’s little boy. I also enjoyed the progression of Gabrielle and Drew’s romance. It made me want to keep reading to find out what happened next. I highly recommend this book. It is a fun, lighthearted romance novel, and I cannot wait to read the next book in the Jacobs Landing series!

[Bonnie Meiste · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! Very likable characters...good humor, romance and more than a few great twists. What more could you ask for? Can't wait for the rest of the series!

[Wendy Vriesman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic love story set in a small town. I connected with the characters right away, the adorable little boy, cute dogs and the turmoil that Gabrielle faced internally with a new love. Great storyline with the right amount of spice.

[Jennifer Shook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I am not typically a romance reader, but this was a great book to curl up with over Christmas break. Gabrielle and Drew’s whirlwind relationship was full of passion and romance. Who wouldn’t swoon over the way Drew loved Gabrielle and his connection with his son? I am excited to read more about the residents of Jacob’s Landing! Perhaps more about Thomas’s lost love??

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

To quote my mother in law, "This is the best book I have ever read." can't wait for the next one

[Jordan Douglass · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wasn't sure i was going to like this book. It seemed cheesy. But I found myself into it. I smiled and teared up on parts.

[Got Twins-Need Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with this contemporary romance book. From the characters to the setting - it all sucked me in to a wonderful lighthearted read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series for sure.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Miracle is a wonderfully written, fun to read romance novel! Right away I fell in love with the town and the people of Jacobs Landing. As I read the book, I found myself hoping the author’s next book would focus on Thomas, and then Eden, and then Hailey, and so on, while still not being able to put the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen to Gabrielle and Drew.
I can’t wait to read Katrina Alexander’s next novel!

[Lindsey Eick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and I loved it from start to finish!! So grateful for this book at the right time!!

[MelAnnD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this lighthearted romance. I fell in love with the characters right away, especially Jack, Drew’s little boy. I really like that it isn’t a rushed insta-love like a lot of books are. Gabrielle and Drew’s romance progressed slowly at a natural pace. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Jacobs Landing series.

[Amber Kiep · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely not a normal book I would have picked up, but I'm glad I got the chance to read it. It contains a cute love story, and is a quick, easy read. Although it wasn't too hard to figure out what was going to happen, I didn't want to put the book down, and fell in love with Katrina's characters.

[Catherine MacAdam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this novel and especially enjoyed the characters and their challenges and celebrations as they lived day to day in a charming community that felt very real. This would be a great book for anyone who enjoys romantic fiction and I recommend it as a great summer read.

[Shawty]

This book saved my life uwu rawr xd. i had cancer but this book ate it and saved me from the cancer cells owo. thankyou mommie for bookie wookie. also why wasn’t there any french in book?!! i want french not english?!! smh this part made me very VERY sad:((

[Teena · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, for a couple of reasons. First, I am currently reading books set in the Northeastern part of the US and I thought this might add to my enjoyment of the genre, which is why I signed up for this particular Giveaway. Second, when I won this book in the Giveaway, the author was kind enough to send a personal note and sign the inside of the book - very nice touches!

However, I am a very discriminate reader and this book does not make the cut as something that I would recommend to others unless they are really into reading mindless romance novels with trite and unrealistic circumstances. To my understanding, those people exist, but I am not one of them.

Some reasons why I did not like this book:

1. Overused phrases. Honestly, if I ever have to read "flashed a smile at" whichever character again in a very long time, I will be extremely displeased. Ms. Alexander used this phrase so many times, repetitively, and there are so many other creative ways to say "smiled." For example: A grin lit up her face. A smile illuminated his countenance as well as his eyes. Happiness emanated from him as he smiled. She lit up with joy and shared a smile. A smile bounced up from her heart and landed on her face when she saw him. (Yeah, that one is silly, but I am just illustrating a point.)

2. How credible is it really that there are two independently wealthy multimillionaires who are not jerks living in the same small town, who just happen to be single and fall in love? How credible is it that they went to high school together and both go out into the world to make millions and then come back, single, to their shared, very small, hometown? I mean, I guess it is better than the "poor girl rescued by rich prince" trope. It just feels incredibly naive and wishful; not believable at all.

3. I understand that a character named Andrew may use the nickname, "Drew." If an author introduces it for casual use in dialogue by the characters, that's fine. However, to toggle back and forth constantly between the two names, sometimes in the same sentence, feels very unnatural and wrong. As I was contemplating this, I thought to myself that the author must not have a very attentive editor, at which point I came to the realization that this book could very well be self-published, and spoiler alert: it is. I get it. Andrew is Drew, Drew is Andrew, and you got tired of writing "Andrew" so many times. The constant switching between the two lends to confusion, however, and it became very distracting.

4. Maybe some romance readers enjoy a male protagonist who says he will be patient, but then pushes a woman into relationship choices. Maybe some readers enjoy that same character acting overly masculine and jealous, in a barely-restrained caveman sort of way. Personally, I know that some of his tantrums and attention grabs, and especially the parts in which he puts his hands on her in anger, are abusive situations. I don't think that domestic violence or partner abuse should be made into a cute love story. Even at their wedding, these issues are present. People! Do not marry someone who is mentally or physically abusive, okay? It's not cute, and it will not get better after marriage. It generally becomes worse with time.

Seeing that this book is the first in a potential series, I'm guessing that Thomas and Eden are going to be the protagonists in Jacobs Landing #2. (Sorry if I am ruining a surprise, it just feels obvious and set up at the end.) If I read that book, it will be because I want to see if there is any improvement. Some people may see my review here and think that I am being mean and cold-hearted. That's not true. I am a genuine reader, letting my disappointment show, and taking my valuable time to point out what ruined this book for me. If the author reads this, she may feel disappointed or she may blow me off as a bitter woman, but I hope that is not the case. I hope she looks at this as important feedback and uses my criticism as a way to improve. Also, I am not actually against self-publishing, but if you are going to pursue that route, please get your novels into the hands of someone, not family or friends, who will honestly give you some editing advice first.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the most part it was a light and sweet story with lovable characters… except for the male lead. Actually both men in this leading lady’s life were kind of A holes. I was shocked by the leading man, I feel she could have written this in a way that didn’t make him seem out of character in a few douchey spots. Don’t think that was the authors intent but he definitely came through that way.

Overall very cute and wholesome.

[Tonya Fahrni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect Christmas vacation reading choice. Characters are very likable. Great plot twists and good action.