Welcome back to Aspen Cove, where seeing is believing …
Artist Sosie Grant has always loved what Aspen Cove had to offer. It was a place to let her muse run wild. But when a bout with Lyme disease leaves her unable to paint, she comes back to Aspen Cove to say goodbye to the only life she’s ever known. Abandoned by her agent in the small town, she is forced to rely on the kindness of strangers; specifically, Baxter Black the reluctant resident asked to take her in.
Construction worker Baxter Black isn’t good at caring for people. Nurturing role models were absent in his life since his own mother abandoned him and his twin at birth. With the town’s recent growth, business is booming, and taking care of Sosie Grant is the last thing he needs. But when he sees her struggling to get her life on track, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful woman with an artist’s eye and a heart of gold.
Is Baxter what Sosie needs, or will he be another disappointment along the way? Can Sosie nurture Baxter’s abandoned heart and prove that love is possible?
Kelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.
With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.
Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.
This book is so good and unique. I felt so bad for Sosie as she is an artist and has lost her eye sight. I can’t imagine how hard that would be. I would have a pity party for quite a while. I sure didn’t like her agent. There were times I wanted to punch her. I loved Baxter and how he stepped up to help Sosie even though he may not have wanted to at first. Sosie is so kind hearted and has helped her family so much, even though some may think they take advantage of her. It was interesting how Baxter helped Sosie think outside the box to try and paint. As always, I love this small town and how they take care of each other. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
Sosie and Baxter’s story is emotional and inspiring. It evokes just as many tears as it does laughter or broad grins. Both Sosie and Baxter are lonely, lost souls caught up in a life that has taught them very hard lessons. From a young age, both were the main support for their families, a role that has worn them both out and left emotional scars. They meet in a most inauspicious way, with her dumping his plate of food on him. When he turns around to chew her out, she explains she is blind and had simply lost her orientation and balance. He eavesdrops on her conversation with her dining companion and learns she is an artist unable to paint now that she blind, which leaves her unable to fulfil an outstanding contract. When her dining companion, her unhappy and rather demanding agent, leaves her stranded in Aspen Cove, the townspeople step up to help the young artist they consider one of their own due to her frequent visits to her studio in their small town. Unable to refuse when asked, and with nowhere else for her to stay, Baxter agrees to take Sosie to the apartment where he is currently staying while he renovates his small home. It doesn’t take long for them to form a mutual admiration for each other. He admires her strength and quiet determination as she tries to cope with her newly dark world, as well as her feisty attitude with him. She admires his quiet strength, his gentle care and the straightforward way he addresses her blindness. Soon they are spending days and nights together, where he shows her that she can still do many things that she thought were lost to her, and she shows him he is a good man who is capable of caring for others. They spar, they work together, they challenge each other, and they give in to their desire for each other. They begin to make a life together, but a few troublesome items pop up to cause trouble in their idyllic little world. Can they weather a change in circumstances for Sosie, or will they return to the past lonely lifestyles?
This story illustrates the old saying that sometimes we have to go through the darkest days in order to find the purest light. Sosie devoted her life to her art and to getting her family out of trouble, until she was the one who needed the help, but would not ask for it. Baxter supported his siblings all of his life, but gave no energy to any other relationship. They were both alone in a world of darkness, literally and figuratively, until they met and helped each other see the light and the love they could have with each other. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her life as she knows it is over. Feeling sorry for herself is not helping, but neither is her agent's attitude, especially when she abandons Sosie in a diner in the town where no-one is a stranger and everyone is potentially family to be embraced and nurtured. With unerring accuracy, Doc tasks Baxter with the job of providing Sosie with a bed to sleep in until she can find her feet again. Baxter has never had to care for anyone, let alone an artist who has lost her sight. Sosie realises that she has no choice but to accept the hospitality thrust upon her, and makes the best of the situation. With his special brand of common sense, Baxter sets Sosie in a new direction, one that ultimately opens the way to healing and a new appreciation of life. However, he is just as affected by Sosie as she shares her love for colour and spatial awareness. Sosie's condition tugged at my heartstrings, as I know people who lost their sight as adults, and am aware of the struggles they had to go through as a blind person in a seeing world. I applauded her ability to use her senses as an artist to bring light and colour into the lives of others. Her indomitable spirit speaks of inner resilience, even when she didn't think she would be able to function normally again. Despite his brashness and focus on getting the job done, one cannot help but love Baxter and the way in which he rose to the occasion. Certainly, he is a man one would like to have on their team. I enjoyed this well-written standalone romance and catching up with the people of Aspen Cove. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review. I received a copy of this book through Bookspout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Well-known artist Sosie has returned to Aspen Grove to clear out the remaining items left in her former art studio. After all, she’s become blind and knows her painting success is no longer available for her. But then, her agent strands her in the diner with no place to stay.
Baxter happens to be in the restaurant and hears the conversation between the two women. Then, she accidentally dumps his food on the floor. Then he is “volunteered” by Doc to give Sosie a place to stay. But, Baxter feels unable to help her. After all, he never had anyone help or care about him or his twin brother. Baxter comes to realize that he can help Sosie with some things, but Sosie needs to learn to help herself.
This is another home run hit for Kelly Collins. She makes the town of Aspen Grove and the wonderful caring residents a place where the readers don’t simply want to visit but wish to live there. We all want our HEA and Aspen Grove is the place to get it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
i always enjoy reading the latest book in the Aspen Cove series. Why? Because it a happy place with kind people and love always wins! Baxter and Sosie's story was no different. Baxter has moved to Aspen Cove since his sister Riley settled here and has been working construction and renovating his newly purchased home. Sosie has been mentioned before as a part time resident of Aspen Cove and local artist. No one has seen her in awhile and when she bumps into Baxter at his aunt's diner, he's intrigued. What no one knew was the reason for Sosie's absence is that she is now blind. She is angry, bitter and quite frankly scared about her future. After her agent abandons her in Aspen Cove, she and Baxter become unlikely roommates and that is where the fun really begins! This is a really sweet story with a bit of heat. It like the rest of the series is told from dual POV and will make your heart smile with joy.
Aspen Cove will feel exactly like a place of healing because the people living there truly care about others. Artist Sosie Grant has returned to Aspen Cove to close down her studio after Lyme disease leaves her unable to paint. She feels sorry for herself, abandoned by her agent, and needing help from strangers. Yet that is what gives her the strength to try to rise above it. When Baxter Black gets roped into taking Sosie in when she has nowhere to go, this will change both of their lives.
Baxter doesn’t think he is able to really take care of anybody. He and his twin had been abandoned at birth, so he wasn’t sure what Sosie would need from him. But he sees her struggle and it touches his heart. Whatever the inspiration was, he did all the right things for her. Is he the man Sosie needs in her life to start over? Will the two of them open up to love and find healing and a HEA?
Artist Sosie Grant whose studio is located in the Aspen Cove Guild Creative Center has returned to town to shut down her studio. After contracting Lyme Disease, she is no longer able to paint. After her agent abandons her in town, with nowhere to stay, she is at the end of her rope. Baxter Black, Riley’s twin, is living above the bakery while finishing the remodel of his home. When an encounter with Sosie and Doc has Sosie moving in to his spare room, Baxter begins to admire Sosie and the independence she shows as she tries to adjust to her new life. He doesn’t feel capable of taking care of anyone, but Sosie doesn’t want to be taken care of…she just wants someone to love her for who she is and not because of her art. Is that someone Baxter? A wonderfully emotional visit to Aspen Cove as they discover what is important in life, not the where, but with who. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
Sosie and Baxter are so right for each other. He keeps saying he's not nurturing but everything he says and does proves him wrong. He is just the kick in the butt that Sosie needed to really start living again after her life was turned upside down. Even though there were many obstacles to overcome, they persevered and got their HEA.
I love the town of Aspen Cove. Everybody is so willing to help one another--whether they have lived there for years or are a newcomer. It's the type of town where love and compassion are practiced on a daily basis. Some place I'd love to call home.
I urge you to read the entire Aspen Cove series if you enjoy well-written small-town romances with characters you will fall in love with.
I so enjoy books by this author. She has another amazing book here. How can you not feel for the heroine who can no longer do her art, for which she is famous, because disease has taken her sight? She was a child prodigy, but her relationships with her family are broken. She has no one. When the book opens, she is returning to her hometown to clear out her art studio. Her agent comes with her—and the older woman is pretty harsh with her!—and she soon abandons the younger woman in a diner. But this is Aspen Cove, where people take care of each other. The hero of the book is the one who has been volunteered to give her a place, and perhaps to take care of her a bit, while she gets back on her feet. The hero is a fascinating character. He comes across as a little rough, and he definitely doubts his abilities to take care of anyone because he didn't have a good role model in his parents. But he shows his true colors with the heroine. He's a decent, caring, and compassionate guy. The author did some interesting things, too, with the heroine, her new disability, and her art and means of expression, but I'll let you read about that yourself. This book is fantastic, as are the other ones I have read in this Aspen Cove series.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
In this audiobook we are back in Aspen Cove as the author gives us another touching romance in this already wonderful series. This time the story belongs to artist Sosie Grant , who lives in Denver but has a studio in town and long time resident Baxter Black. After getting Lyme disease, Sosie ends up blind. When her agent abandons her in Aspen Cove , it is the kind people of the town that help her. Though reluctantly, Baxter is one of those. Little did either realize that from that point on, their lives would change forever. Baxter teaches Sosie that she can do anything she wants and shows her that love is possible. While Sosie teaches him that he’s worthy of love . But what happens when thanks to Baxter, Sosie is able to fulfill a commitment and becomes even more successful, while Baxter might be left behind? At times heartbreaking, it was also heartwarming and thoughtful. Can’t wait for the next audiobook in the series. Lastly, the narrator once again did an excellent job delivering the various voices and the feelings of the characters.
I can't imagine losing my eyesight and having to find my way in the darkness. It must have been even harder for someone whose life was all about color as an artist, but despite being upset and fighting it Sosie is still able to put together visions in her mind. I loved the app on her phone that when she pointed it at something would tell her what color it was. It seemed like Sosie spent her life making sure her mother and brother were taken care of, but no was around to help her out when she needed them and was worried about finishing paintings or having to pay back an advance with money she no longer had. Baxter didn't want to take her in even if it was only temporary. He felt like he could barely care for himself never mind someone else. I was amazed at how she helped him put together colors for interior designs for his clients without being able to see what she was working with.
The Audible narrator added plenty of humor and emotion with his voice changes and inflections. I found myself laughing out loud and smiling at the sweet moments.
Love this couple/series – sweet story! This is about Sosie and Baxter. Another story in Aspen Cove. I have to say I couldn’t stand Theresa as she was ruthless but I guess tough love is always better than pity. Sosie is on her way back to Aspen to clean out her studio as she is an artist, but due to Lyme disease she is now blind. The funny thing is how Baxter and her meet as she accidently hits his plate knocking it off and mashed potatoes going everywhere. Baxter raises his voice at her when she finally yells out that she is blind. The story takes off because she and Theresa had another argument and Theresa abandons her there in the diner and heads back to Denver, leaving her stranded with no where to stay. You know DOC always has a solution, so he makes sure Baxter helps out…. The story takes off from there and even if she has BS meter, Baxter becomes protective of his house guest…
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy of this book to review and enjoyed returning to Aspen Cove in the latest Kelly Collins book One Hundred Glances.This is Sosie and Baxter’s story, Sosie has returned to Aspen Cove to collect some of her paintings after losing her sight and finds herself stranded there but soon finds the locals have helping those in need philosophy and finds herself staying in the spare room of the apartment above the bakery where Baxter is living. He feels he needs to help her cope with the new situation she has found herself and takes her to work with him where Sosie is able to envision colours and finishes for the homes he is renovating and as they help each other move forward from their past their relationship grows. If you enjoy well written characters living in a town where there is a real sense of community and people genuinely lookout for each other and romance this is the book for you. Think it could be my favourite in the One Hundred series.
Artist Sosie Grant has lost her vision due to Lyme disease. It was supposed to be temporary, but after six months she still has to come to terms with the fact that she will never paint again. Aspen Cove is where her studio was. She loves the little town and its people. Her agent leaves her behind after a fight. Now she has to do the one thing she never did, 'ask for help.'
Baxter Black eavesdrops on her conversation and when she is left behind, she sits in the diner for hours with no clue as to how to move on. It is Doc who informs him that he is the only person in town with an empty room for her until she gets her life together. Baxter doesn't take care of people, at all. But he doesn't seem to mind taking care of her. One day at a time, they start to 'see' each other as someone important.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sosie has the best sense of humour. Yes she had been dealt a serious blow with lyme disease and the unfortunate side effects that came with it but she kept picking herself back up and carrying on.
And then came Baxter, seriously he is what all woman want! Strong but gentle, caring and honest. He got along with Sosie from the get go and with their slow burn of chemistry, you could tell it was a matter of time before they couldn’t resist being together.
What surprised me was my opinion of Sosie's family and agent. With only a small group of people around her, it was easy to assume who was just using her for her fame and wealth. But as the story develops, you learn who really does care about her.
If you want a book that’s genuinely fun, sweet and romantic and with some laugh out loud moments then you will love this!
This was a great story about what is important in life. Sosie is an artist who has spent her whole life since a small child creating art without really having a life of her own. Through an illness she is left blind and although it looked at the start as if this might reverse the doctors now believe it may be permanent. She also has contractual commitments to deliver on, an agent only interested in the money she can make and a brother in rehab funded multiple times by her earnings. Baxter is not even able to keep a goldfish alive and is arm wrestled by the old Doc into having Sosie as a flatmate. The book then details Sosie's journey to a new life as her relationship with Baxter develops. A beautiful story and one of my favourite in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm completely in love with this series and each character that appears in each new book. When complications from Lyme disease leave Sosie Grant unable to paint, she returns to Aspen Cove to collect her belongings, but when she is abandoned by her agent, Doc quickly kicks in and finds a place for her to stay. The only place available for Sosie to stay is in Baxter Black's apartment, who at first is not very excited about the idea, as he thinks he will need to take care of Sosie. But he soon realizes that he was mistaken and the two manage to live in harmony, and Baxter still helps Sosie to find her way back to painting. I loved the story, the characters and everything they faced. I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series, now that several new characters have appeared and there may be material for countless more books, I hope. I highly recommend the reading.
Sosie had been a child prodigy artist, was still well-known and successful, until she became blind due to Lyme disease. Unable to cope with the situation. Her manager believes she needs to be forced to see reality and just leaves her in a restaurant in Aspen Cove, where her studio is located. Luckily for her, the people of Aspen Cove take care of their own and she soon finds herself as a house guest of Baxter, a young man, doing construction. With his help she finds that being blind is not the end of the world. A wonderful story of coming out of a deep depression, of small-town meddling in the best of ways and of courage to make the right decision. A well-written, well-balanced story, not becoming to depressing or too kitschy.. Entertaining and enjoyable. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kelly Collins you have done it again, Aspen Cove is a wonderful town where people are always ready to lend a hand. Sosie Grant is bought back to town by her agent to finish her paintings and pack up her studio. Sosie owes her agent some paintings for a show and needs them yesterday. Sosie hasn't been back to town for a while, Lyme disease has left her unable to paint, her agent abandons here there and in steps Baxter Black, well after he was persuaded to help. Baxter feels he is unable to help anyone at all, he "fails" them. They fall into some kind of understanding, will they find each other, help each other or run away from each other. This story has a few surprises up it's sleeve and is a wonderful addition to the Aspen Cove collection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love coming home to Aspen Cove. I love visiting with old friends, catching up. Sosie and Baxter's story is so special both artists her a painter and him with his finish work in construction. Sosie is stuck, blind from Lyme disease, her mother and brother bleeding her dry financially, under contract to have paintings done for a gallery show, and her hard-nosed manager abandoning her with tough love. Doc asks Baxter to let her stay in the apartment over the bakery that he is staying in knowing Baxter will take care of her and that he does. This a touching love story that will pull at your heartstrings. I loved that Sosie never gave up (with a little help from Baxter) and kept her sense of humor, loved her witty comebacks. Great book!!
Oh my geezies I just loved Sosie and Baxter, Sosie is at a major cross roads in her life and has to work out where to from here as her life is no longer as it once was and after her agent ditches her good ole Doc steps in and gruff Baxter gets a house mate he totally didn't want. We get to see them both grown and learn what they want in life as well as learn that life isn't always what you expect and you always need to adapt and embrace it. I admit there were times I got worried just like Baxter when Sosie would cook breakfast and loved the trick her and Baxter made when she went out on some house calls with him. I always say this but I think this might be my favorite so far in the series!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 14 of a truly great series. These books if you haven't read any are better if you start with book 1 and learn about Bea and the small town that's Aspen Cove. This latest book brings the " Pass it on " to the front again, by giving Sosie the help she needs when turns up with no clothes besides what she has on, and no where to stay. This activities the locals into action. So she has a place to stay, and soon a new wardrobe of clothing donated by the lady who owns the Bakery down stairs from the apartment she is now sharing with Baxter, who while doing up his own house is also working on others that are ready to be fitted out. This is another beautifully written book by Kelly and will leave you feeling good!
I had the chance to read the whole collection. I didn’t expect to be something too deep or profound, just fun read for the summer. And most of the books were enjoyable to read. Some were a disappointment. But overall, I spent some really good time reading them. My score as it follows: 1. One Hundred Reasons Sage/Cannon 1,5 * 2. One Hundred Heartbeats Katie/Bowie 2* 3. One Hundred Wishes Samantha/Dalton 2,5* 4. One Hundred Promises Lydia/Wes 2,5* 5. One Hundred Excuses Marina/Aiden 3,5* 6. One Hundred Christmas Kisses Charlotte/Trig 1* 7. One Hundred Lifetimes Poppy/Mark 1,5* 8. One Hundred Ways Riley/Luke 3* 9. One Hundred Goodbye Eden/ Thomas 4* 10. One Hundred Secrets Goldie/ Tilden 2* 11. One Hundred Regrets Abby/Cade 2* 12. One Hundred Choices Trinity/Wyatt 1* 13. One Hundred Decisions Natalie/Jake 2* 14. One Hundred Glances Sosie/Baxter 2*
Ms. Collins is a wonderful storyteller and I always love picking up one of her books. This is a really emotional read. Sosie is an artist who has lost her sight. Baxter is asked to take her in and help her out. Not having many nurturing roles models in the past, he struggles with the task. But Baxter is drawn to her and her kind heart. The both are struggling in their own way and they need each other. I thought this was a beautiful story and it was lovely to see the bond between Sosie and Baxter grow into something more. Ms. Collins has written a heartwarming story that is sure to pull at your heartstrings. I loved the book and I definitely recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kelly Collins has really managed to punch us right in the gut with this emotional book! Losing the ability to see had been devastating for Sosie, especially since she was such a talented artist, and having to adapt to a whole new way of life has proved difficult for her. Baxter should have been the last person anyone would believe possible to provide the support and care she needs so much since he had never really been exposed to much in the form of loving, caring relationships! How they learn to navigate the rocky start to what will become their salvation in each other makes for a very moving and thought-provoking book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A hard lesson to learn A beautiful story of overcoming hard times and having faith in others to help you along the way. Plus two people opening their hearts up to the possibility of love. Being stranded in the little town of Aspen Cove by her Agent at the lowest point in her life, artist Sosie Grant is there to pack up her studio and move on. Treated as one of Aspen Cove’s family, Sosie is taken under Doc’s wing and a place for her to stay is organised till she gets back on her feet. She ends up moving in to the spare room and sharing the unit above the bakery with Baxter Black. Baxter, put out at first teaches her that her life is no longer over and shows her she can do things other than painting. Another gorgeous story with believable characters that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Sosie is a talented artist. But she became sick and then lost her sight. Now she is back in Aspen cove to see if she has any painting in her studio she can use and then shut it down. Her agent Theresa promised to help her but left her in a diner. Baxter is fascinated by her and promise to help and let her sleep at his place. Sosie is struggling and she is having a hard time thinking about her future. Can Baxter be the man for her and can se find happiness agin? This book was fantastic. It was so emotional and I felt sorry for Sosie but Baxter is perfect for her. I read it with a smile on my face and I loved it
For an independent woman who lived in color and life, her entire life changes when she no longer has sight and she feels she is of no worth to anyone anymore, but the small town of Aspen Cove always takes care of it's own. This is a beautiful story about learning of yourself beyond what you can give to the world and finding love, being loved for who you are not what you can give them. I was deeply moved by this story and could not put it down. So much love of family in such a small town, I wish the place really existed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When fate deals you a donkey wearing a straw hat how do you find the faith to move forward faith an be a blind step into the unknown but will Artist Sosie Grant see beyond her blindness to find the power she always had within herself. Baxter Black has settled well into Aspen CoMe he has brought himself a house and is happily working to Construction many new homes in town. The last thing he needed was babysitting job but when Doc sets his mind to something the town just agrees. My heart is always full when I start a new an Aspen Co∨e book. Will love blossom or will their obstacles be too large to o∨er come.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder or so we have been told and for Sosie losing her sight means she can no longer be an artist so she goes to Aspen Cove to close her studio and retrieve her paintings but her agent leaves her stranded. Baxter has settled in town content with the construction business coming his way and certainly not looking to care for someone but when he eavesdrops on Sosie and Doc he doesn't have much of a choice. I don't know how is it possible but each book keeps bringing something new and fresh and totally swoon-worthy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.